[Boatanchors] Collins kwm-2/-2A

[Glen Zook]

For SSB, the KWM-2- series work fine.  But, do NOT even think of using one on CW!  The KWM-2- series, as well as the Collins 32S-1 and 32S-2 transmitters, use sidetone CW generation which generally produces 3-signals and sometimes even 5-signals!

The 32S-3 and 32S-3A transmitters use true CW generation and there are no problems with multiple signals.

As far as reliability, all of the Collins S-Line and KWM-2- series are VERY reliable!  I have several pieces of Collins equipment and a number of other "hollow state" equipment.  I have had virtually no problems with the Collins equipment.  I have had my 32S-3 transmitter for over 40-years (acquired it in 1973) and, last week, was the very first failure that I have had in it.  One of the 6146A/8298 final amplifier tubes finally "gave up the ghost".  I had to put in a new pair!

In general, my Collins equipment has been more reliable than any other of my tube-type equipment.

http://k9sth.com/uploads/Equipment_at_K9STH-9_January_2013.pdf

 
Glen, K9STH


Website:  http://k9sth.com


On Saturday, July 5, 2014 2:07 PM, Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
 



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Jackson" <bob145 at suddenlink.net>
To: "porch.boat" <boatanchors at theporch.com>; "puck.boat" 
<boatanchors at puck.nether.net>; "qth.boat" 
<boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2014 11:25 AM
Subject: [Boatanchors] Collins kwm-2/-2A


> I've never owned/used a Collins rig so before I replace my 
> now defunct rice box, I need to know how do these rigs 
> stack up against contemporary DSP rigs? No rants or raves, 
> pls, just point-for-point comps. I'm a 50/50 CW/SSB kind 
> of ham.
>
> Tnx es 73 to all,
>
> Bob  AG5X

     I think a web search will find a great deal about both 
the Collins and some contemporary rigs such as Drake.  I 
don't think any of them is ideal for CW although they can be 
satisfactory. If you want a good tube or hybrid CW rig I 
suggest you look at the Drake B line separates. The 
shortcoming is the lack of a really steep filter although 
the IF filter is satisfactory for most purposes. Modern rigs 
have a lot of features but actual performance may be no 
better than equipment from fifty years ago plus the old 
stuff is supportable.
     I hear a lot of bad sounding SSB signals on the air due 
to the settings on the DSP in modern rigs. No one seems able 
to just leave it alone.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com 

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