SB 104A

[Kechkaylo Dave (ATLINKS)]

Dale:

I've worked on more SB-104s (at Heath) that most people on this list. I can truthfully say that the SB-104A is a nice radio and works well, providing:

1). Locate one that has been well built and not abused (that you can be aware of). The key words here are: well built. There are so many solder connections in the SB-104(A), that if it's of rather poor construction, one or more pesky solder connections will cause you trouble.

2). Locate an original SB-104A, NOT an SB-104 that has been modified to an "A" version using the #830-24 update mod kit. Many people really butcher the boards of their SB-104 when adding these modifications (lifted foils, incomplete soldering, burnt and open shield braids, and so on), and in many cases, the unit remains a bit touchy because of this. The real reason in locating an SB-104A over that of an SB-104 is mainly due to receiver sensitivity problems; corrected in the "A" version.

If you find a nice unit, you will like it; they're still not too expensive. The industrial engineering of the SB-104, even after all these years, still looks great in the shack. If well built and not abused, it will last a long time.

I've used my SB-104 since 1978.....it still works great. The only thing I've ever done is to replace one of the Jackson Bros. ball bearing drives on the VFO.

David Kechkaylo, W8QIZ



-----Original Message-----
From: Dale Jones [mailto:aa7xx at SIPNSEARCH.COM]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 1:56 AM
To: HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Subject: SB 104A


Thanks to all that responded to my SB 104A question.    Dale AA7XX

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