Detroit47
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« on: February 11, 2014, 01:09:32 AM » |
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I just finished up going through my NC303. My experience with a National NC303 is somewhat limited. I've had this 303 for about 20 years and it has been a shelf queen all that time. I am happy to say that after going over it with a fine tooth comb has been worth it. After replacing a boat load of caps and resistors. I aligned it and what a nice receiver. The AM audio is nice, but I have to say that that radio has a real smooth SSB receive. I'm sure there are other 303 owners out there that have an opinion on that. The way that it sounds makes want to put a product detector in my R390A. I am going pair the 303 with my Viking 11 for a classic station.
John N8QPC
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W3GMS
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« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2014, 07:27:58 AM » |
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John,
I have had a NC-303 since 1969 and its one of my favorite receivers. Currently it need a going over since the L.O. just drops out. I can't complain since I have never done anything to this receiver. To me it works well on all bands on all modes. I find it very stable and good audio. I did put an tap off the 1st audio stage and for awhile I was using an external audio amp to power some monitor speakers to make the audio that much better. Its a dream to use on CW as well. I favor it over my 75A4.
Joe, W3GMS
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Simplicity is the Elegance of Design---W3GMS
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nq5t
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« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2014, 11:50:07 AM » |
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i've also had a 303 for a long time, and it's one of my favorite receivers. The only gripe I've had with mine is that the Q-multipler won't hold an alignment, and I periodically have to re-tweak it to get it working again. Probably something amiss that is fixable, but haven't found the Round To-it to dig into the issue yet. Love the tuning mechanism in the thing ... and the radio just looks right  |
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KB5MD
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« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2014, 01:50:16 PM » |
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303'S are nice. I really like mine.
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N2DTS
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« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2014, 04:22:31 PM » |
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I had a 300 and a 303 so long ago, the only thing I remember about them is the huge slide rule dial and the dumb rounded corners, looks silly rack mounted.
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W7TFO
WTF-OVER in 7 land Dennis
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« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2014, 06:20:04 PM » |
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Here I thought you were talking about an Enfield rifle.
I do like that .303.
73DG
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Just pacing the Farady cage...
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VE3AJM
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« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2014, 07:37:07 PM » |
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I had a 300 and a 303 so long ago, the only thing I remember about them is the huge slide rule dial and the dumb rounded corners, looks silly rack mounted.
Its an all around very good receiver in my opinion. A bit generous S meter which can be dealt with. Very stable, nice audio and good selectivity. If you can get one for a reasonable price, all the better. Al VE3AJM |
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N2DTS
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« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2014, 07:48:45 PM » |
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Back in the 80's, lots of people used the 300/303.
I think it was the best you could use besides the r390 radios.
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W7TFO
WTF-OVER in 7 land Dennis
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IN A TRIODE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOUR SCREEN
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« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2014, 08:28:22 PM » |
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My restored National 300 went to K7BDD for the holidays back in '10.
The only national I have now is an FB7.
73DG
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Just pacing the Farady cage...
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Todd, KA1KAQ
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« Reply #9 on: February 12, 2014, 12:01:47 PM » |
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I like the 303 better than the 300. It looks a bit less like a dishwasher. The weighted tuning knob is certainly one of the best.
Everyone I've know who had one loved the performance. It's my understanding that the 303 was the SSB-ized update of the 300?
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known as The Voice of Vermont in a previous life
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W3GMS
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« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2014, 12:29:11 PM » |
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I like the 303 better than the 300. It looks a bit less like a dishwasher. The weighted tuning knob is certainly one of the best.
Everyone I've know who had one loved the performance. It's my understanding that the 303 was the SSB-ized update of the 300?
Todd, I have both and my favorite is the 303. Not that the 300 is a bad receiver, but I prefer the 303. It works great on all modes. As with all of these receivers, its best to use a sweep generator when aligning the IF's. Joe, GMS |
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MikeKE0ZUinkcmo
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« Reply #11 on: February 14, 2014, 01:19:03 AM » |
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I've had a 300 for several years and really like it. I've been looking for a decent 303 but so far no luck. I remember as a kid looking at them in the window of Allied radio over on Century Blvd in L.A., and wishing I had one. There was a reason they called them dream receivers.
Had an Enfield of the sort Dennis mentioned, years ago, and liked that as well.
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