[Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
HI all, I got hi rez picks from Radio Mart. I looked them over good. Here's my opinion. 1. A EXTRA nice looking radio, looks little used with original gray case. 2. It does have the split rear panel, and the sn is 515x...can't confirm the last digit. 3. TR7A face plate, that looks original. 4. No idea of the proper boards, since no inside picture. 5. No TX marked jack on rear panel. Nor does the spare RCA jack have the black insulating washer found on most TR7A's.. My reference was 12129 that I previously owned, and others I've seen. There is a TR7A on ebay at present priced at $950 to start. So for lack of more information on boards included and the lack of the coverted TX jack, this is no doubt a converted TR7. At the end of production, Drake may have dumped some TR7 parts in Europe which included some TR7A front panels. This may account for the Holland ham's recollection of upgraded TR7's to TR7A's. In any event an upgraded TR7 to a TR7A was done by Drake, but never with a A front panel. This has been confirmed over and over again. What a supplier did in Europe, we have no idea. One thing is clear. If the serial number is not over 11000 or so, its not a real or authentic TR7A. It it were mine, I'd find a parts radio and correct the front panel !! Simply a very nice TR7. 73's David Wd9cmd___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
If the definition of a genuine TR7A is one that was produced in Miamisburg I believe that the following 4 criteria apply with item 4 being TOTALLY critical: 1. Front Panel perspex strip reads TR7A. 2. Serial number above about 11000 (mine is 11365) 3.The spare RCA connector on the back is now used and labelled TX in bold black print. 4. THIS IS THE CRITICAL ONE! There is a screened lead from the RCA connector mentioned and it goes to the board right beside the 4 pin microphone plug. This lead is inextricably woven into the wiring harness that goes from back to front of the radio.When you look at it you will realise that this could only have been done at the factory. I believe this is a conclusive test. John. GI3KDR. -Original Message- From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net]on Behalf Of David Chris Drake Sent: 22 January 2009 16:25 To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay HI all, I got hi rez picks from Radio Mart. I looked them over good. Here's my opinion. 1. A EXTRA nice looking radio, looks little used with original gray case. 2. It does have the split rear panel, and the sn is 515x...can't confirm the last digit. 3. TR7A face plate, that looks original. 4. No idea of the proper boards, since no inside picture. 5. No TX marked jack on rear panel. Nor does the spare RCA jack have the black insulating washer found on most TR7A's.. My reference was 12129 that I previously owned, and others I've seen. There is a TR7A on ebay at present priced at $950 to start. So for lack of more information on boards included and the lack of the coverted TX jack, this is no doubt a converted TR7. At the end of production, Drake may have dumped some TR7 parts in Europe which included some TR7A front panels. This may account for the Holland ham's recollection of upgraded TR7's to TR7A's. In any event an upgraded TR7 to a TR7A was done by Drake, but never with a A front panel. This has been confirmed over and over again. What a supplier did in Europe, we have no idea. One thing is clear. If the serial number is not over 11000 or so, its not a real or authentic TR7A. It it were mine, I'd find a parts radio and correct the front panel !! Simply a very nice TR7. 73's David Wd9cmd ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
Yes John, Just got an email from radio mart confirming no connection to this plug. He said it does have the aux 7 and am filter ( or a resistor across the terminals). Not sure about the cw filter. Its just a very nice TR7. He really should retract the listing. Regards, David Wd9cmd - Original Message - From: John Stringer To: David Chris Drake ; drakelist@zerobeat.net Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 4:10 PM Subject: RE: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay If the definition of a genuine TR7A is one that was produced in Miamisburg I believe that the following 4 criteria apply with item 4 being TOTALLY critical: 1. Front Panel perspex strip reads TR7A. 2. Serial number above about 11000 (mine is 11365) 3.The spare RCA connector on the back is now used and labelled TX in bold black print. 4. THIS IS THE CRITICAL ONE! There is a screened lead from the RCA connector mentioned and it goes to the board right beside the 4 pin microphone plug. This lead is inextricably woven into the wiring harness that goes from back to front of the radio.When you look at it you will realise that this could only have been done at the factory. I believe this is a conclusive test. John. GI3KDR. -Original Message- From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net]on Behalf Of David Chris Drake Sent: 22 January 2009 16:25 To: drakelist@zerobeat.net Subject: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay HI all, I got hi rez picks from Radio Mart. I looked them over good. Here's my opinion. 1. A EXTRA nice looking radio, looks little used with original gray case. 2. It does have the split rear panel, and the sn is 515x...can't confirm the last digit. 3. TR7A face plate, that looks original. 4. No idea of the proper boards, since no inside picture. 5. No TX marked jack on rear panel. Nor does the spare RCA jack have the black insulating washer found on most TR7A's.. My reference was 12129 that I previously owned, and others I've seen. There is a TR7A on ebay at present priced at $950 to start. So for lack of more information on boards included and the lack of the coverted TX jack, this is no doubt a converted TR7. At the end of production, Drake may have dumped some TR7 parts in Europe which included some TR7A front panels. This may account for the Holland ham's recollection of upgraded TR7's to TR7A's. In any event an upgraded TR7 to a TR7A was done by Drake, but never with a A front panel. This has been confirmed over and over again. What a supplier did in Europe, we have no idea. One thing is clear. If the serial number is not over 11000 or so, its not a real or authentic TR7A. It it were mine, I'd find a parts radio and correct the front panel !! Simply a very nice TR7. 73's David Wd9cmd___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
The Drake production change from the TR7 to the TR7A happened somewhere between serial numbers 11,500 and 11,800. The A version was just a upgrade of the then produced TR7 with a couple of additions and external differences. Those external differences being the front panel top section with model number and the rear panel spare jack wiring labeling. We know Drake did perform factory TR7 to TR7A upgrades, however, that did not include the front panel top section indicating the A model.Drake stop short of replacing that panel so to not confuse the upgrade for a factory production version. Anyone with specific knowledge of the upgrade changes could perform the same upgrade changes outside of the factory. That same upgrade could be performed on the earlier low serial number models as well. However the earlier model probably did not have the later circuit board changes that the higher serial number radios had. Those TR7's with the stick paint case were some of the earlier radios produced usually found under serial number 6000. Those TR7's with the BLACK textured finish case has a replacement case. The black was never an original production case, the original case was the dark gray texture.The black case came later and after Drake ceased producing the 7 line equipment. Drake did a run of black case because of a large demand for parts replacement cases for the sticky paint case. At that time Drake still produced the R8 receiver and the TR270 UHF/VHF radio which used the black case material, thus the reason for using black since it was a stocked material. When Drake ceased producing ham radio equipment they started selling off all their parts to everyone who wanted them. One of those parts was the TR7A front panel top strip which indicated TR-7ADrake had a few hundred of those which sold quickly. So now for the first time this made parts available that could make a TR7 upgrade look like a true TR7A production model. We all have seen a few of these upgrades on eBay which looks like a A production model. Prior to liquidating their parts, all parts which identified a radio by model such as a front panel were sold on an exchange basis only. This was Drake's way of security and to reduce the possibility of model misrepresentation.The process of ordering a new front panel for instance, was you sent Drake your old panel to them, in turn Drake would sell you a new front panel only for the exact model of the radio on the exchange. So the TR7 , or the TR7A production model, or the upgrade version, may be easy or difficult to tell the difference, all depends on the radio. In most cases the serial number is the best indicator since the transition between models was around the middle half of the 11,000 serial number range. If the serial number on the rear panel is missing or appears altered, Drake also printed the radio serial number on the chassis front panel behind the aluminum sub-panel. The Drake production change from the TR7 to the A version only included the following five changes. 1. A noise blanker ( http://www.dproducts.be/DRAKE_MUSEUM/nb-7_noise_blanker.htm NB-7) has been installed. 2. A 500Hz filter (SL-500) has been installed in selectivity position A 3. Selectivity B has been adapted to provide a bandwidth of 9kHz for AM reception. A resistor across the input and output terminals. 4. A surge protection device has been added to the receive antenna input to provide additional protection from static discharges from lightning. 5. The unused phono style tip-jack on the rear panel has been labeled TX, and now provides an alternate audio input to the transmitter for sources other than microphone. This jack is connected in parallel with pin 1 on the front panel microphone jack.See below the pictures showing the connector labeling on the TR-7A rear panel. So determining the differences varies and can be a challenge all depends on the radio, the options installed and the ability of the person doing the upgrade. If you want more detailed information on the TR7 to A version differences, take a look at an article I wrote a few years ago on this subject. Here is the link http://www.wb4hfn.com/DRAKE/DrakeArticles/TR7_Comparison_Ar ticle/TR7_Idenity-01.htm http://www.wb4hfn.com/DRAKE/DrakeArticles/TR7_Comparison_Art icle/TR7_Idenity-01.htm 73, Ron / WB4HFN ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
Hi Guys You have too remember Radio-Mart is out to screw anyone he can ... So asking him to retract a statement for a add he placed will never happen. You would have better luck seeing GOD David Chris Drake wrote: Yes John, Just got an email from radio mart confirming no connection to this plug. He said it does have the aux 7 and am filter ( or a resistor across the terminals). Not sure about the cw filter. Its just a very nice TR7. He really should retract the listing. Regards, David Wd9cmd - Original Message - *From:* John Stringer mailto:johnastrin...@btinternet.com *To:* David Chris Drake mailto:dra...@psci.net ; drakelist@zerobeat.net mailto:drakelist@zerobeat.net *Sent:* Thursday, January 22, 2009 4:10 PM *Subject:* RE: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay If the definition of a genuine TR7A is one that was produced in Miamisburg I believe that the following 4 criteria apply with item 4 being TOTALLY critical: 1. Front Panel perspex strip reads TR7A. 2. Serial number above about 11000 (mine is 11365) 3.The spare RCA connector on the back is now used and labelled TX in bold black print. 4. THIS IS THE CRITICAL ONE! There is a screened lead from the RCA connector mentioned and it goes to the board right beside the 4 pin microphone plug. This lead is inextricably woven into the wiring harness that goes from back to front of the radio.When you look at it you will realise that this could only have been done at the factory. I believe this is a conclusive test. John. GI3KDR. -Original Message- *From:* drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net]*on Behalf Of *David Chris Drake *Sent:* 22 January 2009 16:25 *To:* drakelist@zerobeat.net *Subject:* [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay HI all, I got hi rez picks from Radio Mart. I looked them over good. Here's my opinion. 1. A EXTRA nice looking radio, looks little used with original gray case. 2. It does have the split rear panel, and the sn is 515x...can't confirm the last digit. 3. TR7A face plate, that looks original. 4. No idea of the proper boards, since no inside picture. 5. No TX marked jack on rear panel. Nor does the spare RCA jack have the black insulating washer found on most TR7A's.. My reference was 12129 that I previously owned, and others I've seen. There is a TR7A on ebay at present priced at $950 to start. So for lack of more information on boards included and the lack of the coverted TX jack, this is no doubt a converted TR7. At the end of production, Drake may have dumped some TR7 parts in Europe which included some TR7A front panels. This may account for the Holland ham's recollection of upgraded TR7's to TR7A's. In any event an upgraded TR7 to a TR7A was done by Drake, but never with a A front panel. This has been confirmed over and over again. What a supplier did in Europe, we have no idea. One thing is clear. If the serial number is not over 11000 or so, its not a real or authentic TR7A. It it were mine, I'd find a parts radio and correct the front panel !! Simply a very nice TR7. 73's David Wd9cmd ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.12/1910 - Release Date: 1/22/2009 6:28 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.12/1910 - Release Date: 1/22/2009 6:28 PM ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
In the early eighties a friend of mine purchased a TR7A as soon as they became available. When he passed away 5 years ago it was offered to me by his estate, and I bought it. The serial no. is 11,299. I have a second TR7A and the serial No. is 11,558. Both radios have the TX stamped over the rca connector on the back that is connected to the mic input on the tx exciter board. In the very late TR7As, somewhere over serial no. 12,000, Drake added a black washer under the TX rca connector on the back. 73s, Joe, KC9LAD. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
Hello, An important question is being overlooked, the most important question regarding any item Radio-Mart is selling: Does this TR-7 even work? (Or work right?). 73, Bruce WA8TNC ted wrote: Hi Guys You have to remember Radio-Mart is out to screw anyone he can ... So asking him to retract a statement for a add he placed will never happen. You would have better luck seeing GOD. ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay
All, after re-reading what I wrote earlier I realized an error in the serial number transition. For the TR7 to TR7A, the change over range is between 10500 and 10800, NOT the 11500 to 11800 a I stated earlier. That change should make a lot of guy feel happier about their TR7A. hi hi Ron / WB4HFN _ From: Ron Baker [mailto:wb4...@comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 6:26 PM To: 'drakelist@zerobeat.net' Subject: RE: [Drakelist] TR7A on Ebay The Drake production change from the TR7 to the TR7A happened somewhere between serial numbers 11,500 and 11,800. The A version was just a upgrade of the then produced TR7 with a couple of additions and external differences. Those external differences being the front panel top section with model number and the rear panel spare jack wiring labeling. We know Drake did perform factory TR7 to TR7A upgrades, however, that did not include the front panel top section indicating the A model.Drake stop short of replacing that panel so to not confuse the upgrade for a factory production version. Anyone with specific knowledge of the upgrade changes could perform the same upgrade changes outside of the factory. That same upgrade could be performed on the earlier low serial number models as well. However the earlier model probably did not have the later circuit board changes that the higher serial number radios had. Those TR7's with the stick paint case were some of the earlier radios produced usually found under serial number 6000. Those TR7's with the BLACK textured finish case has a replacement case. The black was never an original production case, the original case was the dark gray texture.The black case came later and after Drake ceased producing the 7 line equipment. Drake did a run of black case because of a large demand for parts replacement cases for the sticky paint case. At that time Drake still produced the R8 receiver and the TR270 UHF/VHF radio which used the black case material, thus the reason for using black since it was a stocked material. When Drake ceased producing ham radio equipment they started selling off all their parts to everyone who wanted them. One of those parts was the TR7A front panel top strip which indicated TR-7ADrake had a few hundred of those which sold quickly. So now for the first time this made parts available that could make a TR7 upgrade look like a true TR7A production model. We all have seen a few of these upgrades on eBay which looks like a A production model. Prior to liquidating their parts, all parts which identified a radio by model such as a front panel were sold on an exchange basis only. This was Drake's way of security and to reduce the possibility of model misrepresentation.The process of ordering a new front panel for instance, was you sent Drake your old panel to them, in turn Drake would sell you a new front panel only for the exact model of the radio on the exchange. So the TR7 , or the TR7A production model, or the upgrade version, may be easy or difficult to tell the difference, all depends on the radio. In most cases the serial number is the best indicator since the transition between models was around the middle half of the 11,000 serial number range. If the serial number on the rear panel is missing or appears altered, Drake also printed the radio serial number on the chassis front panel behind the aluminum sub-panel. The Drake production change from the TR7 to the A version only included the following five changes. 1. A noise blanker ( http://www.dproducts.be/DRAKE_MUSEUM/nb-7_noise_blanker.htm NB-7) has been installed. 2. A 500Hz filter (SL-500) has been installed in selectivity position A 3. Selectivity B has been adapted to provide a bandwidth of 9kHz for AM reception. A resistor across the input and output terminals. 4. A surge protection device has been added to the receive antenna input to provide additional protection from static discharges from lightning. 5. The unused phono style tip-jack on the rear panel has been labeled TX, and now provides an alternate audio input to the transmitter for sources other than microphone. This jack is connected in parallel with pin 1 on the front panel microphone jack.See below the pictures showing the connector labeling on the TR-7A rear panel. So determining the differences varies and can be a challenge all depends on the radio, the options installed and the ability of the person doing the upgrade. If you want more detailed information on the TR7 to A version differences, take a look at an article I wrote a few years ago on this subject. Here is the link http://www.wb4hfn.com/DRAKE/DrakeArticles/TR7_Comparison_Ar ticle/TR7_Idenity-01.htm http://www.wb4hfn.com/DRAKE/DrakeArticles/TR7_Comparison_Art icle/TR7_Idenity-01.htm 73, Ron / WB4HFN ___ Drakelist
