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Author Topic: Unusual BECKMAN 51J-4!!  (Read 3708 times)
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WBear2GCR
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« on: March 12, 2019, 06:47:30 PM »


This is a very unusual 51J-4!
Apparently made for or re-badged by Beckman, it sports a light grey front panel!
The listing says it was restored by Miltronix... so it's super clean to look at, would have
liked to have seen a "before" picture too.

It is up on epay, but I thought it was of general interest to all.
(link is for reference only) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Collins-51J-4-Serviced-and-Excellent-Condition-One-of-a-Kind-by-Beckman-LABS/254154810874?hash=item3b2ccea5fa:g:AM8AAOSwzkRcgX1D

Picture submitted for your approval! Cheesy


* BECKMAN 51J-4.jpg (273.06 KB, 1600x1200 - viewed 342 times.)
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w8khk
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« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2019, 06:58:31 PM »

The 51J4 I have was acquired via AF MARS, and it has the same Beckman logo.  I am not sure how rare that one is.  I assume Beckman was licensed by Collins manufacturing under contract to provide the receiver to the military.
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Rick / W8KHK  ex WB2HKX, WB4GNR
"Both politicians and diapers need to be changed often and for the same reason.”   Ronald Reagan

My smart?phone voicetext screws up homophones, but they are crystal clear from my 75 meter plate-modulated AM transmitter
WBear2GCR
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« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2019, 07:22:59 PM »



I'm no expert or collector, but I've not seen a pic of that before, iirc!

Is yours grey too? Got pix?
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_-_- bear WB2GCR                   http://www.bearlabs.com
w8khk
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« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2019, 07:53:30 PM »

Not very good photos, and the mic is probably hiding what you want to see.

this was taken during the rally in feb.

I will try to remember to post a close-up soon.

Yes, the panel is gray, original paint.


* 20190202_214022.jpg (2738.83 KB, 3264x2448 - viewed 314 times.)

* 51j4.JPG (87.34 KB, 892x553 - viewed 322 times.)
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Rick / W8KHK  ex WB2HKX, WB4GNR
"Both politicians and diapers need to be changed often and for the same reason.”   Ronald Reagan

My smart?phone voicetext screws up homophones, but they are crystal clear from my 75 meter plate-modulated AM transmitter
WBear2GCR
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Brrrr- it's cold in the shack! Fire up the BIG RIG


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« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2019, 08:20:26 PM »


Wow... who knew?

So the next question is there any sign of Collins inside?
The PTO label? The cans? Etc...
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w8khk
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« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2019, 08:29:09 PM »

I will look and get back to you with more photos....
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Rick / W8KHK  ex WB2HKX, WB4GNR
"Both politicians and diapers need to be changed often and for the same reason.”   Ronald Reagan

My smart?phone voicetext screws up homophones, but they are crystal clear from my 75 meter plate-modulated AM transmitter
K4NYW
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« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2019, 08:55:57 PM »

Made as usual by Collins. I don't believe any one else made 51J-3 or 51J-4.
Beckman merely placed an order with Collins for some with a custom front panel.

You may also see light gray front panel 51J-4 which were Collins test/lab units.

How about a blue 51J-3?
http://www.navy-radio.com/rcvrs/r388/r645-gpq3-13.jpg
R-645/GPQ-3 - Collins made for a Raytheon USAF contract.

R-388, 51J-3, 51J-4 production info
http://www.navy-radio.com/rcvrs/r388.htm

cheers,
Nick K4NYW
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Fred k2dx
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« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2019, 01:34:07 PM »

My 51-J4 is gray too. The story came with it also that the gray faced J4s were made for Collins labs use in house.    SN 7676, on the Collins tag.
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