It's been a busy-as-heck non-Amateur Radio day, so I was happy to get to the shack for some quality time with my 1936 McElroy Mac Key and Icom 746PRO. I checked in with the Kentucky Emergency Net at 7:30, followed by the KYN at 8 p.m. and the KSN at 10.
It's taken some time to get the Mac Key dialed in to suit me. Due to the speed differences in the nets, I slow the key down for the KSN, and the Mac handles well either way. Adjusting the return spring on the keying lever is rather bass ackwards on the Mac; the return spring pulls the lever to the stop, rather than being pushed back to the stop a la a Vibroplex. And finding the “right” adjustment of the return spring took a little time. The spring is probably due for replacement, but it still provided enough tension, though it looks rather stretched out.
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I've been keeping an eye on eBay prices, and used gear seems to be on an “up” cycle. A Heathkit HR-1680 solid state ham band receiver sold today for $255. Perhaps its worth that to a collector, but not to an Average Joe who wants to run one for fun.
For whatever reason, Heathkit HG-10 VFOs are selling for a small fortune. I suspect its because if you add an outboard supply (or get the voltages from the transmitter), the VFO will provide signal for lots of different classic transmitters.
The one I was watching sold today for $135, and another one sold before that for more than $150. I was interested in snagging one for my Heathkit DX-40 and DX-60, but not at those prices. I missed one that worked but the exterior looked a little rough that sold for about $60.
Among other big ticket items was a Johnson Viking Adventurer CW transmitter that sold for $228; a 1920s-era Vibroplex Blue Racer in as-found condition for $275; and a Hallicrafters PS-150 (power supply for a HT-44 or SR-150/160) sold for $152.
I still need to get some listings ready for eBay, I need to add to my hamfest fund.
73 es cul … de KY4Z … dit dit ….