27-12-2011, 10:40 PM
Just a quickie from me following on from Lawrence's comment about the various types of comms. receivers that are typically available on the S/H market.
IMHO and experience, generally speaking, the USA made kit, especially Collins gear, is a good as it is theoretically possible to produce - and that is reflected in the price. Outside of that bracket, for general coverage, a RA-17 - provided it is in good order - takes a lot of beating. However, if it's the Amateur Bands only that are of interest, I'll go for Eddystone products. The EA12 is the classic choice of course, but the 830/7 is a good choice too. Unfortunately, each of these change hands for very large amounts of money. OTOH, the 888 and its later derivative, the 888A, are very good performers - and usually go for a good deal less cash than the two aforementioned. In my shack, in regular use, is an early RA-17 and an 888A; I've owned both for many years. In particular, the Eddy. has required absolutely minimal maintenance during that time; the Racal . . . just a bit more. And this is in a draughty, unheated shack, too!
P.S. Current project is the overhaul of an AR88D . . . with a sad-looking CR.100 watching this, enviously!
Al.
IMHO and experience, generally speaking, the USA made kit, especially Collins gear, is a good as it is theoretically possible to produce - and that is reflected in the price. Outside of that bracket, for general coverage, a RA-17 - provided it is in good order - takes a lot of beating. However, if it's the Amateur Bands only that are of interest, I'll go for Eddystone products. The EA12 is the classic choice of course, but the 830/7 is a good choice too. Unfortunately, each of these change hands for very large amounts of money. OTOH, the 888 and its later derivative, the 888A, are very good performers - and usually go for a good deal less cash than the two aforementioned. In my shack, in regular use, is an early RA-17 and an 888A; I've owned both for many years. In particular, the Eddy. has required absolutely minimal maintenance during that time; the Racal . . . just a bit more. And this is in a draughty, unheated shack, too!
P.S. Current project is the overhaul of an AR88D . . . with a sad-looking CR.100 watching this, enviously!
Al.
