Decision time

[WA2ROC]

I have a choice of getting one of two receivers to be traded for my SX-111:

Hammarlund HQ-170A

or

Hammarlund HQ-140A

Both have been re-capped, re-tubed and both work up to specs.

The '111 will be mated to an HT-37.

(Maybe I should keep the '111?)

The HQ's will be used in my Studio B station, using my Lafayette KT-390 90 watt transmitter, on 75 and 40 AM only.

I am leaning towards the 170, even though they are a bit drifty.  But it is triple conversion, ham band only, has 160 meters and a good friend (now SK) used to have one back in the day.


OK, my hard hat and flak jacket are in place.  Let 'em fly!!

[WQ9E]

Dick,

The SX-111 is the matching receiver for the HT-37 and is a decent receiver, basically a slightly cost reduced version of the SX-101.  Later SX-111 models have a product detector.

Between the HQ-140A and HQ-170A from a performance viewpoint the 170A is the clear winner.  It is a great battle conditions receiver.  Wide bandwidth audio is not as broad as a lot of other vintage receivers but conditions (at least here in the midwest) rarely allow for broad receive audio. 

[kg8lb]

 The HQ 170 has the "Vernier Tuning" which is a good QRM fighting tool. If not an "A" model it likely does not have the topside trap door and is no more stable than the HQ-140 . The HQ 170 probably matches the HT 37 vintage more closely as well.

  The HQ-140 however still has a good Xtal filter and is a general coverage receiver with a good bandspread dial.

  The HQ-170 usually fetches a bit more $$.

  I would probably just hang on to the SX111 as already hinted in the other posting.
You may even want to hold out for an SX100 ! Quite a nice receiver in the later MK2(x) variants .

[WA2ROC]

The HQ-170 is actually an "AC" model, with working TelChron clock.

I'll negotiate the trade with the guy who wants the SX-111 this afternoon.

From previous conversations with him, it'll be an even swap.

[The Slab Bacon]

Tough choice, do you want a Cadillac or a Lincoln??

As said before the 170 is one of the best battle conditions receivers ever bult, and it was designed for SSB as well. But it's squeaky tight IF bandwidth leaves something to be desired when condx are good and signals are big, and you want to fill the room with good audio.

The 140 has nice audio. Mine is quite hot, all the way up to 10m. But, it leaves a something to be desired under battle condx.

You are chosing between 2 receivers that are basically 180 degrees apart. Exact opposites in performance.

Again, As I said in my "Receiver Road Test" article a few years ago------YOU and only you must decide which charactoristics are more important to you.  

[KM1H]

For 75 and 40 triple conversion buys you nothing but more noise and distortion. If you want quality audio on AM no HQ model will have it unless those stages are modified. The SP-400 was the last good sounding Hammarlund.

OTOH the HQ-120 to 150 all do OK in the audio and selectivity department due to the 3 IF's. Not a battle condition radio but very useable.

Personally Id go with a NC-300, 75A2/3, NC-183D, HRO50-1, SX-101/101A if you want real good AM under 90% of conditions without breaking the bank.

Carl

[iw5ci]

I don't have the 170, but a nice 180ac.
It's a very good ssb receiver but too narrow for Hifi am where a 6khz filter is mandatory.
But as you use the 111 maybe you will like it anyway because the 170 is a better receiver.
If you want good am without compromise, better to look for an ex militari rec.

[WA2ROC]

Looks like the 170 won't be available for the trade.  The 140 has an S meter problem, easily correctable, and that's the one I'll trade for.

He has a BC-348 that has been fully solid stated (tubes replaced with MOSFETS)  but thay sounds like a can of worms to me.

He is also throwing in a "speaker".  Actually a Collins 312B-4 station control speaker with watt meter, phone patch, etc.  (no auxiliary VFO.  RATS!!!)  That certainly sweetens this deal!

[kg8lb]

 The 140 is a very easy receiver to work on. Should be fine.
 BTW , many military receivers leave a lot to be desired for amateur use.
 Eham has some reviews worth reading .