Heath HW-9 vs. HW-8

[RobCap]

Jim-

I'm sure others on the list will each have their unique views on the HW-9.
Here are my thoughts.

The HW-9 is much more radio than the HW-8.  The HW-9 is a superhet, vs. a D.C.
receiver in the HW-9.  The HW-9 has a RIT, and covers eight bands vs. four
bands.  And the HW-9 puts out twice the power, north of 5 watts, vs. 2-3 for
the HW-8.

I really don't think the HW-9 is much rarer than the HW-8.  Both rigs were
built for seven years, and Heath blew out a lot of equipment at the end.  But
the HW-9 has the perception of being more rare, because they are snapped up so
quickly.  HW-8's will sit all day for sale on the Internet and at Hamfests,
but the HW-9's go immediately.

I think that's because the HW-9 is both a "classic" radio, and because it's a
rig that gets serious air time from the QRP'ers.  While the HW-8, by virtue of
limited band coverage and the D.C. receiver, is still a classic, it gets much
less air time.

In this regard, the HW-9 is much like the QRP classics that are still highly
in demand, and go quickly, like the Argo 509 and 515 and the Argossy.

I don't think Chuck panned the HW-9, but the rig has a few problems that
there's no getting around.  The receiver is much less sensitive than the new
superhets (Oak Hills OHR-400, Sierra), and the dial slips, which is very
annoying.  But mine sees plenty of air time, and it's in the shack right
between the HW-8 and the Argo 509.

73,

Rob, W3DX

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