Any shortwave enthusiasts here?

[Navy Chief]

I am thinking about buying a shortwave receiver to take with me, when we move to Costa Rica next Summer. Would appreciate advice on which way to go: old or new receiver? Brand?

As a kid, I had an old WW2 Hallicrafter. Wish I still had it. Heavy as all heck, but great radio. There are plenty of radios available nowadays: tube and digital. But which is best?

Also, am considering going for a Ham license. I understand the regulations have lessened....as morse code knowledge for the exam is no longer required? Thanks, NC

[Terry]

When it comes to radios of any type this is where to start looking. http://www.ccrane.com/

[Ickie]

I have 1 of these with book too, is this what you mean.
ZENITH twelve band Trans Oceanic RADIO - model R7000

http://www.ebay.com/itm/transistor-ZENITH-twelve-band-Trans-Oceanic-RADIO-model-R7000-/261228947501?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd275682d#ht_104wt_949

[Navy Chief]

I have 1 of these with book too, is this what you mean.
ZENITH twelve band Trans Oceanic RADIO - model R7000

http://www.ebay.com/itm/transistor-ZENITH-twelve-band-Trans-Oceanic-RADIO-model-R7000-/261228947501?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd275682d#ht_104wt_949

Have always admired the Trans Oceanic. Will search for a site that has one for sale. I don't like playing the bidding game...... Thanks! NC

[Ickie]

I bought my radio in Panama 1973 from the PX

[Navy Chief]

I bought my radio in Panama 1973 from the PX


Yep, and they're a LOT more expensive now, like most quality items..... NC

[srgalahad]

All the help you need ( and more) about licenses, equipment and support

http://www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training

[hawkeye52]

Chief, I have my grandfather's Hallicrafters S-40A. And it still works!

- H52

[Navy Chief]

Chief, I have my grandfather's Hallicrafters S-40A. And it still works!

- H52

So envious!

[misson]

I was for 20 years a amateur radioman, my last licence was CX2AAA (in my country starts with CX or CW, in U.S. starts with N#... and ends with W#...), but I do not radio any more, because there is not much more interest, to day internet cover all social activities. I am 37 years old and I miss the CW era (Morse) which allowed me to make contacts with other stations in opossite site in the world.

So U first need to know "wich the requirements are for" is not the same if u want close contact (2 or 3 miles) I recomend VHF Band FM modulation . Very close contact UHF and long ranges for make contact with other countries HF but in upsideband or lowsideband modulation.

If u need a amateur radio licence in mostly cases (specialy in Latin America) u have start a process not so easy. but if u want family contact u may pay for local VHF frecuency (comertial use).

[Blackbird686]

Chief, I have my grandfather's Hallicrafters S-40A. And it still works!

- H52

I have a Panasonic RF-4900 Shortwave. I used to have a Hallicrafters Shortwave set too but I cannot remember what model. Hallicrafters were considered a very good product when I got mine years ago... and still are, if you can find one. Hang on to yours, Chief.

I remember back in the good ol' days of amateur radio, in order to get a "Technician Class License" you had to pass a code test, as well as know basic electronic principles and rules for amateur radio operation. These days you no longer need the code bit, and the license is a lot easier to obtain.

BB686:USA-flag:

[Navy Chief]

I have a Panasonic RF-4900 Shortwave. I used to have a Hallicrafters Shortwave set too but I cannot remember what model. Hallicrafters were considered a very good product when I got mine years ago... and still are, if you can find one. Hang on to yours, Chief.

I remember back in the good ol' days of amateur radio, in order to get a "Technician Class License" you had to pass a code test, as well as know basic electronic principles and rules for amateur radio operation. These days you no longer need the code bit, and the license is a lot easier to obtain.

BB686:USA-flag:

Well, I no longer have a shortwave radio. I WISH I still had that Hallicrafter. I like the Zenith Transoceanic, and will probably get one. The WW2 Hallicrafter is a anchor, and most likely would not survive shipping to CR. NC

[robert41]

Used to be big into radio listening. Had many older tube sets and newer digital ones. Digital sets have many features, programmable, hook into a computer and such. But one thing to know, the antenna is the key. The greatest radio in the world is useless without being able to receive a signal. Radio is not as popular today as it was with the internet, smart phones, satellites.

[Ickie]

well my radio is gone, lol
a friend of mine who is a ham radio operater who has a whole room of radios came by yesterday and seen my radio which i just pulled out of the closet. he offered me $250 and without blinking an eye I said sold, hehehe.

I have an atenna tuner and once in the past I took my transalantic 7000 and with a piece of wire tied to a tree and to the tuner and was listening to africa and other places in the world.

[aircav1970]

This thread has brought back some fond memories of the late 1950's-early 1960's when my Dad was involved in the Ham hobby. He built a "radio shack" in one corner of our garage and my grandfather helped him put up a 60 Ft' mast for an antenna. Dad was a radioman on the Bremerton back in the early 1950's so it was no surprise that he used a Collins MBF Transciever that he had converted to a 10 meter along with another matching Collins done up at 6 meters. I can remember sitting out there in the garage on those summer nights when my Dad was home listening to guys in Europe or all the way across the country and he would have me write down the other guys contact information so we could exchange what were called "CQ" cards. Dad had a corkboard panel hung on the wall behind his radio gear that had many CQ cards tacked up on it to show off all the distant contacts we had. One of the few good memories I have of those times in my life....

[Navy Chief]

I just bought a 1953 Hallicrafter, Model 38C from an antique radio dealer on the net. It will arrive this Friday! Now need to figure out an indoor antenna for now.... NC

[Ickie]

234 or (468f =feet) divided by the freq will give you the length in meters/metric, you need to make an antenna, than you can either make a 1/2 or 1/4 or 1/8 or 1/16 ect wave antenna to the proper length to receive.

go here and they will do the math
http://www.csgnetwork.com/antennagenericfreqlencalc.html

[Ickie]

I have one of these and had it for 30 years, you can take a piece of wire or coat hanger, lol and talk on it
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MFJ-949E-Antenna-Tuner-300-watt-1-8-30-MHz-/300912403136?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Tuners&hash=item460fc6e2c0#ht_1797wt_1186

here are other tuners
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=antenna+tuner&_osacat=1500&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=antenna+tuner&_sacat=1500

[Ickie]

this is what is inside of tuners
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18uH-ROLLER-INDUCTOR-FOR-80-10-METER-AMPLIFIER-OR-ANTENNA-TUNER-/230986781931?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c7e294eb#ht_3187wt_1186

[Navy Chief]

Am new to all of this! Many thanks for the advice:). NC

[Ickie]

here is one like mine but cheeprt 1-30 mhz
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MFJ-949E-Antenna-Tuner-/251288441213?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Tuners&hash=item3a81f5517d#ht_42wt_1186

[Ickie]

your radio RECEIVES 540kHz to32 MHz AM OR CW
the tuner above is excelent for it
front:
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MFJ-949E-Antenna-Tuner-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/23EAAOxyMxpRtnJe/$(KGrHqV,!lEFGo6GEG7nBRtnJe7BTg~~60_57.JPG
back:
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MFJ-949E-Antenna-Tuner-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/E9gAAOxyu4dRtnI0/$T2eC16V,!)sE9swmZvu5BRtnI0Wwcw~~60_57.JPG

[Navy Chief]

your radio RECEIVES 540kHz to32 MHz AM OR CW
the tuner above is excelent for it
front:
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MFJ-949E-Antenna-Tuner-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/23EAAOxyMxpRtnJe/$(KGrHqV,!lEFGo6GEG7nBRtnJe7BTg~~60_57.JPG
back:
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MFJ-949E-Antenna-Tuner-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/E9gAAOxyu4dRtnI0/$T2eC16V,!)sE9swmZvu5BRtnI0Wwcw~~60_57.JPG


Ickie, I have set my max bid at $86. How high should I bid? Shipping is about $17. NC

UPDATE: the bid is up to $92, I think. Just need to know what you think it is worth.....NC

[myles]

For info, Chief,

The UK new price for the 949E is around £180 sterling. That would probably be the same in US Dollars on your side of the pond. I would suggest that, if that is the case, then the absolute maximum you would want to bid would be $150 and then only is it in mint unused condition!

Perhaps Ickie or some other amateurs over there can confirm that?

BTW, as mentioned earlier, the ARRL is an excellent resource, whether you decide to go for the licence or not.

Best,
Myles
GI0VTS

[Ickie]

I would not pay over $100
here is more of them in a row
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=MFJ+949E&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[Roger]

I had an AR88 and an Frg7. Let them both go...wish I hadn't.

[robert41]

I just bought a 1953 Hallicrafter, Model 38C from an antique radio dealer on the net. It will arrive this Friday! Now need to figure out an indoor antenna for now.... NC

Interesting radio NC. I believe it is a ac/dc power setup. If so, never plug this directly into the wall. Use an isolation tranformer.

[Navy Chief]

Interesting radio NC. I believe it is a ac/dc power setup. If so, never plug this directly into the wall. Use an isolation tranformer.

Thanks for the tip!

[Navy Chief]

Interesting radio NC. I believe it is a ac/dc power setup. If so, never plug this directly into the wall. Use an isolation tranformer.

I have a Monster brand electronic surge protector that "cleans" the power, and ensures constant level voltage (or it shuts off). Would that type of device work as a isolation transformer? NC

[n4gix]

I just bought a 1953 Hallicrafter, Model 38C from an antique radio dealer on the net. It will arrive this Friday! Now need to figure out an indoor antenna for now.... NC

Check out this collection!
http://www.antiqueradiomuseum.org/hallicraftersradios.htm

[Navy Chief]

I'd suggest a visit to my best friend's website and possibly contacting Jim to get advice. Jim is a retired corporate pilot who holds every FAA cert possible to hold... ;)

He's also an avid ham operator (W9CTO) with one of the largest private museums of radio equipment in existence:

http://www.antiqueradiomuseum.org/hallicraftersradios.htm

Thanks! NC

[n4gix]

I have a Monster brand electronic surge protector that "cleans" the power, and ensures constant level voltage (or it shuts off). Would that type of device work as a isolation transformer? NC

No, most definitely not.

Safety Note: Like all "AC/DC" type radios, the S-38 presents the danger of electric shock if you touch its chassis while plugged in. To minimize the risk, you should always operate the radio from an isolation transformer rather than plugging it directly into the wall. Isolation transformers are available from Antique Electronic Supply (http://www.tubesandmore.com/) and many other sources.
Reference: http://antiqueradio.org/halli08.htm

[Navy Chief]

No, most definitely not.

Reference: http://antiqueradio.org/halli08.htm

Would this work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dale-Fluke-IT400-Medical-Grade-Isolation-Transformer-110V-NEW-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-/161010666194

[Ickie]

NC, I found in my radio shed a nice antenna, about 40" with a coil around base going up to tip, it would make a great antenna with a tuner with your old radio. You can have it but you either need to pick it up in st pete or pay shipping.
if you make the trip to my loocal, I will show you some real radio gear.
Like my 2990 base and my 2970 mobile, and some really great antennas and ideals and how to use your new gear.
Bring your radio and I will make you the jumper you will need.

[Navy Chief]

NC, I found in my radio shed a nice antenna, about 40" with a coil around base going up to tip, it would make a great antenna with a tuner with your old radio. You can have it but you either need to pick it up in st pete or pay shipping.
if you make the trip to my loocal, I will show you some real radio gear.
Like my 2990 base and my 2970 mobile, and some really great antennas and ideals and how to use your new gear.
Bring your radio and I will make you the jumper you will need.

I may take you up on the offer. When I get back home this Thursday, I'll figure out when a good time for road trip, and check with you:). NC

[robert41]

Would this work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dale-Fluke-IT400-Medical-Grade-Isolation-Transformer-110V-NEW-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-/161010666194


Hello NC. You probable will want to consult with the radio dealer that you got the Hallicrafter from. He will be able to tell you exactly what you will want.
Reason for the isolation transfomer is to seperate physical contact to the main power lines.
The ones I used to have were fair sized and heavy.

[Navy Chief]

Hello NC. You probable will want to consult with the radio dealer that you got the Hallicrafter from. He will be able to tell you exactly what you will want.
Reason for the isolation transfomer is to seperate physical contact to the main power lines.
The ones I used to have were fair sized and heavy.

The dealer just emailed me. He says he changed out the original plug with a polarized one, and unless I am operating the radio around water, then a transformer wouldn't be needed?

I have a stong suspicion many of you will disagree! NC

[n4gix]

Would this work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dale-Fluke-IT400-Medical-Grade-Isolation-Transformer-110V-NEW-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-/161010666194

That unit is rated at 3.5 amps output. What is the current draw of the receiver? The reason why it is so highly recommended to use an isolation transformer is because this antique recevier is "transformerless," meaning that the tube filaments are in series, and a ballast resistor is used to equalize the voltage. Further voltages (plate and grid bias) are derived directly from the rectifier circuit.

In essence, while it MAY be safe to operate without the isolation transformer, since the case is metal, and attached to the chassis, it is possible that the case could become "hot" and we don't want to learn that lesson the hard way!

EDIT: having read that a polarized plug has been installed, it should be safe to use without an isolation transformer, provided you only ever plug it into a polarized outlet! You can tell if an outlet is polarized by noticing that one of the 'slots' is slightly wider than the other, and most of 'em also have a third 'hole' for the proper grounding.

The "narrower" blade on the plug is "hot" and the "wider" blade is neutral. I have no idea how up to standards houses in Costa Rica are, but if in doubt ask an electrican to check for you (or use any of the really cheap testers available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc.).

[robert41]

Exactly what Bill has said. A polarized plug means nothing if the wall receptical is wired wrong. I have found this a bunch of times. Someone replaces a receptical and gets the wires wrong. I would always use an isolation transformer with these older ac/dc units.

[KellyB]

You can get cheap testers for ac polarity from Home Depot or Lowes, or probably any hardware store.
Plug it in, and if the correct combo of lights shows, you're good to go.
Simple and accurate.

[Navy Chief]

You can get cheap testers for ac polarity from Home Depot or Lowes, or probably any hardware store.
Plug it in, and if the correct combo of lights shows, you're good to go.
Simple and accurate.

The radio arrived and does not have a polarized plug. I know about the inexpensive testers at
Home Depot. Definitely cheaper than a transformer! NC