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Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

My National NC-183 (not 183D) has flywheels on main tuning and
bandspread tuning shafts.

73,

Maynard
W6PAP


On 4/28/25 15:40, don Root wrote:
Since a ?day ?ago [this is a late reply] we deviated to
non-Hallicrafters also, my old heathkit AR-3 had ?some kind of viscous
damping tuning for each of the main and BS caps.

It is hard to believe how a slight torque will allow the Cap to turn
very slowly. Just don’t lean down on the knob.

It can’t be a simple planetary gear reduction; perhaps it is a Jackson
ball drive? which seems to be classed as one form of vernier drive. But
I always wondered what is in there ????? .. I missed my education
somewhere!

*From:*[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of *Richard Knoppow
via groups.io
*Sent:* Sunday, April 27, 2025 7:55 PM
*To:* [email protected]
*Subject:* Re: [HallicraftersRadios] The First and Last Hallicrafters
with Flywheel tuning?

There ete all sorts of variations of dial drives. For instance rhe
Hammarlund SP 600 JX uses a gear reduction driven by a friction drive on
the dial, it also has a flywheel. While it has both a main dial and band
spread dial they are driven together. It is an extremely smooth drive.
In comparison, thr RCA AR 88 also has two dials which are driven
together via gears but the main shaft is gear coupled to the dial
mechanism, no friction drive. It also has a flywheel.? This is also a
very smooth drive although the SP 600 is smoother.


--
don??? va3drl
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

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Since a ?day ?ago [this is a late reply] we deviated to non-Hallicrafters also, my old heathkit AR-3 had ?some kind of viscous damping tuning for each of the main and BS caps.

It is hard to believe how a slight torque will allow the Cap to turn very slowly. Just don’t lean down on the knob.

It can’t be a simple planetary gear reduction; perhaps it is a Jackson ball drive? which seems to be classed as one form of vernier drive. But I always wondered what is in there ????? .. I missed my education somewhere! ?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richard Knoppow via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2025 7:55 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

?

There ete all sorts of variations of dial drives. For instance rhe Hammarlund SP 600 JX uses a gear reduction driven by a friction drive on the dial, it also has a flywheel. While it has both a main dial and band spread dial they are driven together. It is an extremely smooth drive.? In comparison, thr RCA AR 88 also has two dials which are driven together via gears but the main shaft is gear coupled to the dial mechanism, no friction drive. It also has a flywheel.? This is also a very smooth drive although the SP 600 is smoother.?

?

?


--
don??? va3drl
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

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Why does every one forget the SX 32 lol.

73 tony WA4JQS

On 4/28/2025 11:51 AM, Bill (Group Owner) via groups.io wrote:
So I decided to ask Gemini AI assistant the question about flywheel tuning in Hallicrafters receivers, how many had it.? The interesting answer is below.

While it's challenging to provide an exact count of all Hallicrafters shortwave receivers that featured flywheel tuning without access to a comprehensive historical database of every model and its specifications, we can identify several prominent examples known for this feature.

Based on available information, here are some Hallicrafters shortwave receivers that incorporated flywheel tuning for smoother operation:

?

?? Hallicrafters SX-28 "Super Skyrider": This is a well-known receiver and its tuning mechanism is described in detail, explicitly mentioning the use of heavy flywheels for both main tuning and bandspread. The design allowed for rapid spinning of the dial across the bands using the momentum of the flywheels.

?

??? Hallicrafters SX-28A "Super Skyrider": As a successor to the SX-28, it's highly likely that the SX-28A also retained the flywheel tuning system, as it was a highly regarded feature of the original.

?

??? Hallicrafters SX-88: This top-of-the-line receiver from Hallicrafters also featured gear-driven tuning knobs weighted with heavy flywheels, contributing to its smooth tuning feel.

?

1. Hallicrafters SX-88 and SX-99 - DXing.com

?

Source icon

??

? Hallicrafters SX-96: This model is described as having "smooth flywheel tuning," indicating its inclusion of this feature for ease of operation.

It's important to note that flywheel tuning was often a characteristic of higher-end communications receivers as it provided a more refined and user-friendly tuning experience compared to direct drive mechanisms. Therefore, it's plausible that other models in Hallicrafters' lineup, particularly those marketed as "Super Skyrider" or high-performance communications receivers, also included flywheel tuning.

?

The more basic or entry-level models, such as the Hallicrafters S-38 and S-120, are generally not noted for having flywheel tuning. Reviews of the S-120 specifically mention the lack of a flywheel and the effort required to tune across the bands. The service bulletin for the S-38 details the dial cord stringing without any mention of a flywheel.

?

To get a more precise number, a detailed examination of the specifications and features of each Hallicrafters shortwave receiver model produced would be necessary. However, the SX-28, SX-28A, SX-88, and SX-96 are confirmed examples of Hallicrafters receivers that utilized flywheel tuning.

K2WH

--
Anthony W.DePrato WA4JQS CQ DX HALL OF FAME #39 DXCC HONOR ROLL CW PHONE RTTY CALLS HELD VP8SSI VP8BZL V31SS 3Y0PI ZS8JQS WA4JQS/KC4 WA4JQS/ZS1

Virus-free.
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

The S-20R was first built in 1939 I believe, so it is close.? Interesting history on these radios.

John WD5ENU

On Mon, Apr 28, 2025 at 09:12 Gary Schulz via <mail=[email protected]> wrote:
I restored an SX-10 some years ago (pictured on top) and it does not have flywheel tuning.? The SX-11 on the bottom of the picture does have flywheel tuning so I am thinking it is actually the first- circa 1937
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

So I decided to ask Gemini AI assistant the question about flywheel tuning in Hallicrafters receivers, how many had it.? The interesting answer is below.

While it's challenging to provide an exact count of all Hallicrafters shortwave receivers that featured flywheel tuning without access to a comprehensive historical database of every model and its specifications, we can identify several prominent examples known for this feature.

Based on available information, here are some Hallicrafters shortwave receivers that incorporated flywheel tuning for smoother operation:

?

?? Hallicrafters SX-28 "Super Skyrider": This is a well-known receiver and its tuning mechanism is described in detail, explicitly mentioning the use of heavy flywheels for both main tuning and bandspread. The design allowed for rapid spinning of the dial across the bands using the momentum of the flywheels.

?

??? Hallicrafters SX-28A "Super Skyrider": As a successor to the SX-28, it's highly likely that the SX-28A also retained the flywheel tuning system, as it was a highly regarded feature of the original.

?

??? Hallicrafters SX-88: This top-of-the-line receiver from Hallicrafters also featured gear-driven tuning knobs weighted with heavy flywheels, contributing to its smooth tuning feel.

?

1. Hallicrafters SX-88 and SX-99 - DXing.com

?

Source icon

www.dxing.com

??

? Hallicrafters SX-96: This model is described as having "smooth flywheel tuning," indicating its inclusion of this feature for ease of operation.

It's important to note that flywheel tuning was often a characteristic of higher-end communications receivers as it provided a more refined and user-friendly tuning experience compared to direct drive mechanisms. Therefore, it's plausible that other models in Hallicrafters' lineup, particularly those marketed as "Super Skyrider" or high-performance communications receivers, also included flywheel tuning.

?

The more basic or entry-level models, such as the Hallicrafters S-38 and S-120, are generally not noted for having flywheel tuning. Reviews of the S-120 specifically mention the lack of a flywheel and the effort required to tune across the bands. The service bulletin for the S-38 details the dial cord stringing without any mention of a flywheel.

?

To get a more precise number, a detailed examination of the specifications and features of each Hallicrafters shortwave receiver model produced would be necessary. However, the SX-28, SX-28A, SX-88, and SX-96 are confirmed examples of Hallicrafters receivers that utilized flywheel tuning.

K2WH
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

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No problem Gary.? That's what makes these queries interesting.? The Hallicrafters books can't possibly answer it all and just a little investigative work goes a long way.? It's also nice seeing people craftsmanship work on these fine old radios.

73
Don N9OO

On 4/28/25 8:41 AM, Gary Schulz wrote:

Never mind! ?My first picture is an SX-15 so the first I have with a flywheel is the SX-11. ?Probably the first with a flywheel is the SX-10...
?
I have too many silver dial radios so keeping track of the model number can be challenging!
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

Never mind! ?My first picture is an SX-15 so the first I have with a flywheel is the SX-11. ?Probably the first with a flywheel is the SX-10...
?
I have too many silver dial radios so keeping track of the model number can be challenging!
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 
Edited

I have both an SX-10 and an SX-11 and the SX-10 does not have flywheel tuning (at least mine doesn't). ?I restored the SX-10 (pictured on top) some years back. ?The SX-11 just below it in the picture does have flywheel tuning so I am thinking it is the very first. ?It is circa 1937...
?
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

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Oh excellent Jim.? There the freewheel 'be' on the Radiomuseum underchassis view.? Great going!? The new winner at 1936 the SX-10.?

Now we have the first, the 1936 SX-10 and the last, the 1969 SX-146.? Any dissenters out there?

73
Don N9OO





On 4/27/25 11:59 PM, Jim Whartenby via groups.io wrote:

The SX-10 is most likely the first hallicrafters with flywheel drive.? Radiomuseum has several photos of the insides showing the mechanism.? The SX-10 dial is the first to have an engraved dial of some 300+ degrees.? Looking at the SX-9 photos at the RM, it appears to have a direct drive so the 180 degree dial makes perfect sense.? I assume that the sets made before hallicrafters began production with the S-9 are also 180 degree dials?

The SX-10 set the standard for later production models.? The rumor is that only 200 were made but I think that there must have been more made then that.? Is this early trendsetter in anyone else's collection?
Jim
Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.? Murphy
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

The SX-10 is most likely the first hallicrafters with flywheel drive.? Radiomuseum has several photos of the insides showing the mechanism.? The SX-10 dial is the first to have an engraved dial of some 300+ degrees.? Looking at the SX-9 photos at the RM, it appears to have a direct drive so the 180 degree dial makes perfect sense.? I assume that the sets made before hallicrafters began production with the S-9 are also 180 degree dials?

The SX-10 set the standard for later production models.? The rumor is that only 200 were made but I think that there must have been more made then that.? Is this early trendsetter in anyone else's collection?
Jim
Logic: Method used to arrive at the wrong conclusion, with confidence.? Murphy


On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 02:46:48 PM CDT, Bill (Group Owner) via groups.io <k2wh@...> wrote:


My SX-17 has direct tuning via a fly wheel.
?

K2WH
Hallicrafter HT-37 and S-76 Need new homes and TLC

 

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I just posted the following 2 ads on QTH and thought that ops on this server could be the Better solution:

?

?

SEE ATTACHED PIX:

?

A S-76 RECEIVER on top at 46lbs with the right most large microvolt/S-meter glass removed

and the mechanicals of the meter/indicator shot. Cosmetically pretty beat; bottom front case rust, but no internal penetration.

Was capable of 538khz thru 34 mhz in its day. will need work!
No abuse, dampness, smoking, pets. JUST old
$50.00 BO and S/H FEDEX ground or PICKUP via NU2W at QRZ or ARRL
SEE ALL OTHER NU2W ADS----NO PAYPAL!


The bottom rig is the HT-37 XMITER at 80 lbs and was capable of 100 watts cw/ssb and 25 am on 10,14,20,40,80...

Ok/nice cosmetics.... clean and very repairable. All dial tuning/bedspread controls work smoothly as well as other pots, swts, toggles
No abuse, dampness, smoking, pets. JUST old
$135.00 BO and S/H FEDEX ground or PICKUP via NU2W at QRZ or ARRL
SEE ALL OTHER NU2W ADS----NO PAYPAL!

?

ALL offers considered and replied to.?? TU and 73

?

?

STAY SAFE AND STAY WELL!

?

Respectfully,

Thomas K. Lanieri, NU2W

NJ DOH Licensed EMT;?

PHTLS, AMLS, PHPEC

Millenium EMS

ARC N.E. BioMedical Services

ARC N.E. Disaster Cycle Services

?

IMG_1264.JPG

Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 
Edited

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Thanks Bill.? Well that gets us to the current oldest honor of 1937.

73 - Don N9OO

On 4/27/25 2:46 PM, Bill (Group Owner) via groups.io wrote:

My SX-17 has direct tuning via a fly wheel.
?

K2WH
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 
Edited

开云体育

There ete all sorts of variations of dial drives. For instance rhe Hammarlund SP 600 JX uses a gear reduction driven by a friction drive on the dial, it also has a flywheel. While it has both a main dial and band spread dial they are driven together. It is an extremely smooth drive.? In comparison, thr RCA AR 88 also has two dials which are driven together via gears but the main shaft is gear coupled to the dial mechanism, no friction drive. It also has a flywheel.? This is also a very smooth drive although the SP 600 is smoother.?





-------- Original message --------
From: "Bill (Group Owner) via groups.io" <k2wh@...>
Date: 4/27/25 12:46 PM (GMT-08:00)
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

My SX-17 has direct tuning via a fly wheel.
?

K2WH
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

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Kevin w9cf contact me at? cateswa at msn.com.


Walt Cates, WD0GOF
?
A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.

From:[email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Kevin W9CF via groups.io <w9cfw9cf@...>
Sent:?Sunday, April 27, 2025 4:52 PM
To:[email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject:?Re: [HallicraftersRadios] The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?
?
My SX-146 has been on a shelf in a box in the garage for the last 10 years or more. My memory is that it has a bit of sustained movement, but doesn't go end to end, or anything like that. It does give it a decent feel. I should probably get that HT-46, SX-146, vox unit, etc. out of storage and find them a better home. That SX-146 has all three filters and calibrator, but the previous original owner pried off the Hallicrafters tuning knob and substituted a bigger national knob, so it looks a bit odd...
?
73 Kevin w9cf
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 

My SX-146 has been on a shelf in a box in the garage for the last 10 years or more. My memory is that it has a bit of sustained movement, but doesn't go end to end, or anything like that. It does give it a decent feel. I should probably get that HT-46, SX-146, vox unit, etc. out of storage and find them a better home. That SX-146 has all three filters and calibrator, but the previous original owner pried off the Hallicrafters tuning knob and substituted a bigger national knob, so it looks a bit odd...
?
73 Kevin w9cf
Re: Mores code

 

Yes, my wife and I celebrated it every year. Birthday of Samuel Morse and also her birthday.
Morse Code Day is celebrated annually on April 27th, the birthday of Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Morse code. It commemorates the pioneering communication method and the invention of the electric telegraph, which first used Morse code.
???????
Even Morris the cat celebrated it.
?
Where have you guys been!
?
Pete, wa2cwa
Re: The First and Last Hallicrafters with Flywheel tuning?

 
Edited

My SX-17 has direct tuning and a fly wheel.
?

K2WH
Re: Mores code

 

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Mr Morse will be turning in his grave !

So what is “Morse code” ?:? ??“Morse code 1.0” ,? “Morse code 1.1” ,? “Morse code 1.2”??

The earliest? code that resembles ??“Morse code”?? was Vail’s code of 1844…

From

see my attached copy of rt side for better detail

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joe Connor via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2025 1:15 PM
To: HALLI IO GROUP; BOATANCHOR QTH
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] Mores code

?

But did Samuel Morse really invent this code? Inquiring minds wonder.

?

? ? ? ? Joe Connor

?

On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 01:11:13 PM EDT, waltcates via groups.io <cateswa@...> wrote:

?

?

Did you know this is officially, Mores Code day?

?

?

Walt Cates, WD0GOF

?

A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.

?


--
don??? va3drl

vail stuff smithsonian right side.png

Re: Mores code

 

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-.? ---? ..? -..? ..? -..? -.? -? -.-? -.? ---? .--? -? ....? .-? -

-? ....? .- ? -.? -.-? ...?? -...? ..? .-..? .-..

(Even after 55 years of non-use !)

Tom Latimer, ex-CTR(2) USNR


On 4/27/2025 13:15, Joe Connor via groups.io wrote:

But did Samuel Morse really invent this code? Inquiring minds wonder.

? ? ? ? Joe Connor

On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 01:11:13 PM EDT, waltcates via groups.io <cateswa@...> wrote:


Did you know this is officially, Mores Code day?


Walt Cates, WD0GOF
?
A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.



Re: Mores code

 

But did Samuel Morse really invent this code? Inquiring minds wonder.

? ? ? ? Joe Connor

On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 01:11:13 PM EDT, waltcates via groups.io <cateswa@...> wrote:


Did you know this is officially, Mores Code day?


Walt Cates, WD0GOF
?
A majority of acceptance is not proof of correctness.


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