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Any shortwave enthusiasts here?

For info, Chief,

The UK new price for the 949E is around £180 sterling. That would probably be the same in US Dollars on your side of the pond. I would suggest that, if that is the case, then the absolute maximum you would want to bid would be $150 and then only is it in mint unused condition!

Perhaps Ickie or some other amateurs over there can confirm that?

BTW, as mentioned earlier, the ARRL is an excellent resource, whether you decide to go for the licence or not.

Best,
Myles
GI0VTS
 
Navy Chief said:
I just bought a 1953 Hallicrafter, Model 38C from an antique radio dealer on the net. It will arrive this Friday! Now need to figure out an indoor antenna for now.... NC
Click to expand...

Interesting radio NC. I believe it is a ac/dc power setup. If so, never plug this directly into the wall. Use an isolation tranformer.
 
robert41 said:
Interesting radio NC. I believe it is a ac/dc power setup. If so, never plug this directly into the wall. Use an isolation tranformer.
Click to expand...

I have a Monster brand electronic surge protector that "cleans" the power, and ensures constant level voltage (or it shuts off). Would that type of device work as a isolation transformer? NC
 
Navy Chief said:
I have a Monster brand electronic surge protector that "cleans" the power, and ensures constant level voltage (or it shuts off). Would that type of device work as a isolation transformer? NC
Click to expand...

No, most definitely not.
Safety Note: Like all "AC/DC" type radios, the S-38 presents the danger of electric shock if you touch its chassis while plugged in. To minimize the risk, you should always operate the radio from an isolation transformer rather than plugging it directly into the wall. Isolation transformers are available from Antique Electronic Supply and many other sources.
Click to expand...
Reference: http://antiqueradio.org/halli08.htm
 
NC, I found in my radio shed a nice antenna, about 40" with a coil around base going up to tip, it would make a great antenna with a tuner with your old radio. You can have it but you either need to pick it up in st pete or pay shipping.
if you make the trip to my loocal, I will show you some real radio gear.
Like my 2990 base and my 2970 mobile, and some really great antennas and ideals and how to use your new gear.
Bring your radio and I will make you the jumper you will need.
 
Ickie said:
NC, I found in my radio shed a nice antenna, about 40" with a coil around base going up to tip, it would make a great antenna with a tuner with your old radio. You can have it but you either need to pick it up in st pete or pay shipping.
if you make the trip to my loocal, I will show you some real radio gear.
Like my 2990 base and my 2970 mobile, and some really great antennas and ideals and how to use your new gear.
Bring your radio and I will make you the jumper you will need.
Click to expand...

I may take you up on the offer. When I get back home this Thursday, I'll figure out when a good time for road trip, and check with you:). NC
 
robert41 said:
Hello NC. You probable will want to consult with the radio dealer that you got the Hallicrafter from. He will be able to tell you exactly what you will want.
Reason for the isolation transfomer is to seperate physical contact to the main power lines.
The ones I used to have were fair sized and heavy.
Click to expand...

The dealer just emailed me. He says he changed out the original plug with a polarized one, and unless I am operating the radio around water, then a transformer wouldn't be needed?

I have a stong suspicion many of you will disagree! NC
 
Navy Chief said:
Would this work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dale-Fluke-...former-110V-NEW-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-/161010666194
Click to expand...

That unit is rated at 3.5 amps output. What is the current draw of the receiver? The reason why it is so highly recommended to use an isolation transformer is because this antique recevier is "transformerless," meaning that the tube filaments are in series, and a ballast resistor is used to equalize the voltage. Further voltages (plate and grid bias) are derived directly from the rectifier circuit.

In essence, while it MAY be safe to operate without the isolation transformer, since the case is metal, and attached to the chassis, it is possible that the case could become "hot" and we don't want to learn that lesson the hard way!

EDIT: having read that a polarized plug has been installed, it should be safe to use without an isolation transformer, provided you only ever plug it into a polarized outlet! You can tell if an outlet is polarized by noticing that one of the 'slots' is slightly wider than the other, and most of 'em also have a third 'hole' for the proper grounding.

The "narrower" blade on the plug is "hot" and the "wider" blade is neutral. I have no idea how up to standards houses in Costa Rica are, but if in doubt ask an electrican to check for you (or use any of the really cheap testers available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.).
 
Exactly what Bill has said. A polarized plug means nothing if the wall receptical is wired wrong. I have found this a bunch of times. Someone replaces a receptical and gets the wires wrong. I would always use an isolation transformer with these older ac/dc units.
 
You can get cheap testers for ac polarity from Home Depot or Lowes, or probably any hardware store.
Plug it in, and if the correct combo of lights shows, you're good to go.
Simple and accurate.
 
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