SB-104a

[Chuck W4MIL]

Folks,

To those who have never owned an SB104a be forewarned that, while its a real
cutie in the looks department it does have its limitations.  CW operation is
based on a Heath prescribed "duty cycle" and heat is the enemy.  Output will
drop like dead flies if the minimums are exceeded.  And the output
transistors are: A) Harder to locate in NOS quads and are very expensive
otherwise.  B) the Low power mode uses the driver as the output.  This
transistor is also a bit pricey.......

If the 104a does not meet its match with a very low SWR then one can expect
troubles.  The use of plug-in IC's opens the door for intermittent display
problems not only in the transceiver but in the station clock console as
well.  Some parts are very hard to locate and can be expensive as well.

This is not intended to "knock" the unit.  Had one myself and still think its
one of the nicer rigs around for general use.  However, I'll take my Collins
S-Line anyday, anywhere over the 104a.  I would only suggest that anyone
contemplating the 104a be prepared to work on it and not subject it to
conditions other transceivers take in stride.  As for CW-----------forget
it!!!!!!

73
Chuck

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