Receiver Recommendations - Rack mount

[N1ESE]

I really like my NC-183 but would like something that can fit in my rack cabinet.  Any suggestions for something that will fit a standard 19" rack?
 
Thanks
 
- JT

[WA1GFZ]

Cubic R3030, Racal RA6790, RA6793, RA6830 dual, Harris RF590, WJ8716/8718 all take about 5 1/2 inches of rack space

[k7yoo]

I have an extra WJ 8718 as well as an R390A. Both work FB.
Which era do you want??
Skip

[WQ9E]

Also, the Super Pro's (SP-210, 400, 600) were designed for standard 19" rack and take about the same vertical height as your National.  Actually, many radios will rack mount as many of the classic Hallicrafters have a standard 19" panel.

Rodger WQ9E

[w3jn]

Any or all of the above.  Also any of the Collins A line (as well as the 51J-x/R-388) fits in a 19" rack as well.  Sometimes you can get them for less than an arm and a leg (ie, roughly what they're actually worth as receivers) because they're missing the cabinet.

[N1ESE]

I have an extra WJ 8718 as well as an R390A. Both work FB.
Which era do you want??

Man, either one of those would be nice.. sent you a PM.
 
Thanks
 
- JT

[Ed-VA3ES]

A buddy of mine, Carl, VA3CGM, has a couple of RCA CR-91's, (later AR88 variants with S-meter). He also has a Racal RA 17.   All rack mountable.  Email, or PM me for contact info.

[Carl WA1KPD]

I have a very nice Hallicrafters  SX-28 that has been restored and looks great if you are interested

[KB2WIG]

Carl,

Is that a repaint or a car wax finish?....   my '28 is dull looking & i'm toying with the car wax idea... 

klc

[N1ESE]

Yeah, that SX-28 is real nice.    Thanks for all the offers guys, I've PM'd several of you for pricing.
 
- JT

[Carl WA1KPD]

Carl,

Is that a repaint or a car wax finish?....   my '28 is dull looking & i'm toying with the car wax idea... 

klc

Complete repaint.

I had a local artist redo all of the lettering since my fine motor skills stink.

It looks great

[W1ATR]

This is the ONLY worthwhile way to rack mount a 390a.
http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=250



If you like the 183, then an nc-300 or nc-303 will go into a 19" rack also.

[N1ESE]

This is the ONLY worthwhile way to rack mount a 390a.
http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=250

That's a pretty nice rack she's got.
 
- JT

[WBear2GCR]

Btw,

Assuming the chassis fits inside the rails, the use of a "rack shelf" is completely legal for mounting a receiver or other gear that does not have the requisite rack ears into a rack! 

              _-_-bear

[N1ESE]

Assuming the chassis fits inside the rails, the use of a "rack shelf" is completely legal for mounting a receiver or other gear that does not have the requisite rack ears into a rack! 

I agree, if it could be done I wouldn't have started this thread.   
 
The NC-183 is 20" wide.   

- JT

[AF9J]

Bummer!  The NC-183 is a nice sounding receiver.

Ellen - AF9J

[W1GFH]

The NC-183 is 20" wide.

Can't you saw the rails on the rack to gain an extra 1/2" on each side?

[N1ESE]

Can't you saw the rails on the rack to gain an extra 1/2" on each side?

Negative.  I would still come up short by an inch.  A 19" rack is 19" wide without the rails and roughly 18" in between the rails.
 
- JT

[Carl WA1KPD]

Carl,

Is that a repaint or a car wax finish?....   my '28 is dull looking & i'm toying with the car wax idea... 

klc

Also to give you an interestng perspective, in the pic it is next to the HT-9. Now that is a boatanchor!

[W9RAN]

Hi JT,
I'll echo Rodgers thoughts about the SP-series Hammarlunds, especially the SP-210 series (BC-779) which are fairly commonly available at decent prices.  I just re-did the panel on one I picked up along with the very husky power supply for $75.  You're talking a 17 tube dual-conversion receiver with push-pull audio and selectivity that is continuously variable from 3 to 16 khz that will sound fantastic on AM.  And when you go to mount it in your rack, consider making a shelf for it rather than suspending from the panel.  The modern style racks make this easier, and I've used metal angle and plywood struts with good success.  Much safer and easier to mount and remove if needed.

73, Bob W9RAN

[The Slab Bacon]

Hi JT,
I'll echo Rodgers thoughts about the SP-series Hammarlunds, especially the SP-210 series (BC-779) which are fairly commonly available at decent prices.  I just re-did the panel on one I picked up along with the very husky power supply for $75.  You're talking a 17 tube dual-conversion receiver with push-pull audio and selectivity that is continuously variable from 3 to 16 khz that will sound fantastic on AM.  And when you go to mount it in your rack, consider making a shelf for it rather than suspending from the panel.  The modern style racks make this easier, and I've used metal angle and plywood struts with good success.  Much safer and easier to mount and remove if needed.

73, Bob W9RAN

Bob, I hate to bust your bubble, but.......................... SP-210 / BC-779 / BC-1004 is not dual conversion. They are a single conversion receiver. I have one, and have recapped several others. They are, however one hell of a good receiver, especially for their time.

                                                                                        The Slab Bacon

[N1ESE]

I'll echo Rodgers thoughts about the SP-series Hammarlunds, especially the SP-210 series (BC-779) which are fairly commonly available at decent prices. And when you go to mount it in your rack, consider making a shelf for it rather than suspending from the panel. 

As they say on SSB, "QSL on all that".  My rack has wide angle supports for heavy items.  I'm using 2 of them for my Class-E deck and PWM/Power Supply.  I'll still have two available.
 
I've been getting amount of help via private messages too.  The general consensus is holding out for a Super-Pro or R390A that I can pick up at a decent price.
 
Thanks to all.
 
- JT

[WA1GFZ]

Hold out for a 390. Today's world of push and shove you need real performance.
Later get an old RX for the Sunday drive.