[Boatanchors] Best Boatanchor 160-10m Receivers for SSB?

Mon Jun 6 09:16:20 EDT 2011

I vote for the 2B also. I had one for about 20 years back in the 60's
through the 80's, and it was a really good performer for SSB and CW, and
very reliable. I picked one up a while back that needed some work, but
now it looks good and works very well. I don't have the 2BQ or
calibrator though (and also didn't have either of them back in the old
days). I don't think they are absolutely necessary, but nice to have for
sure. The calibration is pretty good across most of the bands on my 2B,
except on 20 meters, it's a little off from the rest of the bands. I
just have to slide the dial scale to the right a little if I want it
right on.

I also have an NC-300, with AVC mods for better SSB reception. It's ok
for SSB, but not as good as the 2B, and not nearly as stable on the
higher bands.

I had an SB-301 with the CW filter a few years ago (paired with an
SB-401). It was a very good performer, but I don't think it was quite as
reliable as the 2B. Very stable and sensitive though.

73,
Al, WA2AS

-----Original Message-----
From: boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net
[mailto:boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net] On Behalf Of Fuqua, Bill L
Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 11:38 PM
To: Alan Gutfrucht; doc at kd4e.com; 'BoatAnchors'
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Best Boatanchor 160-10m Receivers for SSB?

I used a SX101A ( no 160 meters) which had a product detector, non of
the others had one, and a SB301 with my 20A years ago. But had a lot of
respect for the Drake 2B.
73
Bill wa4lav

________________________________________
From: boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net
[boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net] On Behalf Of Alan Gutfrucht
[agutfruc at chicagogsb.edu]
Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 11:34 PM
To: doc at kd4e.com; 'BoatAnchors'
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Best Boatanchor 160-10m Receivers for SSB?

Dave,

The stock NC-183D did not even come close to the SSB capabilities of the
2B.
It was a great general coverage receiver of its day and it is dated back
a bit from the 2B. Mine has had the product detector mod (from electric
radio) done to it along with some other sensitivity mods (also from
electric radio) and it is a good performer. Each serves its own purpose.

The NC-183D is just a neat looking radio that performs very adequately
on the ham bands as modified and also serves as a general coverage
receiver. It is also noted for its great audio. I use it quite often for
listening on the ham bands. But for stability, overall ham performance
and general ham SSB listening the 2B is the winner.

Alan, WB2FZC

-----Original Message-----
From: boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net
[mailto:boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net] On Behalf Of doc at kd4e.com
Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 10:00 PM
To: 'BoatAnchors'
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Best Boatanchor 160-10m Receivers for SSB?

Thanks!  Very good info!  We will have to compare notes.

Is the NC-183D as good of a SSB receiver as the Drake 2B, or even close?

Perhaps someone has a 2B and is looking for a Pierson KE-93 w/PS(s)?

> What a coincidence. I am currently refurbishing a CE 20-A and VFO. I 
> also have the MM2 scope and a refurbished 600L linear. I was thinking 
> of
pairing
> the 2B with it but I also have a mint refurbished NC-183D which has 
> had a product detector modification and that would be more from the 
> 20-A's time period.
>
> As far as the 2BQ and calibrator.... I have both. The 2BQ is not a 
> "must have" but it looks real neat sitting next to the 2B. If you do a

> lot of CW work it then becomes more of a "must have." The calibrator 
> is more of a "must have" in my operating experience.
>
> When you go to look for your 2B, just keep looking until you find one 
> with the calibrator installed. They are ridiculously expensive when 
> bought on ebay separately. One just went for over $100 dollars a while
back.
>
> Regards, Alan, WB2FZC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net
> [mailto:boatanchors-bounces at puck.nether.net] On Behalf Of doc at kd4e.com
> Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 9:37 PM
> To: BoatAnchors
> Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Best Boatanchor 160-10m Receivers for SSB?
>
> Are the 2BQ Multiplier and calibrator must-haves?
>
> Does it cover 160m or would a receive-converter be required?
>
> BTW: It will be paired with a CE 20-A and converted BC-458 VFO.
>
>   >  donroden at hiwaay.net wrote:
>> Drake 2B hands down
>> W4DNR
>>
>>
>>> Within the following parameters which would you list as the best 
>>> Boatanchor receiver for SSB?
>>>
>>> 1.  Medium-to-compact (less than 14" w, 10" h, 12" d).
>>>
>>> 2.  All-tube.
>>>
>>> 3.  Preferably double-conversion.
>>>
>>> 4.  Good selectivity.
>>>
>>> 5.  160-10m coverage (Ham bands only OK).
>>>
>>> 6.  Under $200. in good cosmetic and operating condition.
>>>
>>> I have a Pierson KE-93 w/AC&  DC power supplies but even
>>>      with a preselector I am not sure it can be coaxed
>>>      into being a 'good" SSB receiver.
>>>
>>> WDYT?
>

--

Thanks! & 73, KD4E
David Colburn http://kd4e.com
Have an http://ultrafidian.com day
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