|
Hi all, ? I’m getting ready to restore a SX-110 and am looking for information on the history of the receiver.? This will be another restoration article for ER magazine.? I’m curious about the background of the radio – such as the purpose of the design and how it fit into the Hallicrafters business model.? Would appreciate any/all feedback.? Thanks! ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? ? ? ?
|
Steve,
I'd like to read your article!
I did have one back in the day, it was used when we got it.
I am pretty sure it is just an SX-99 with a new modern style cabinet.. well with a slide rule
dial too which is pretty similar to the SX-101 and its modern style version the SX-111.
Now the SX-99 was a cheapened, electrically different version of the better SX-96/SX-100,
but using their same styling.
The S-85 is an SX-99 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
The S-108 is an SX-110 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
Just a marketing thing...
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 10/11/2022 10:24 PM KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
Hi all,
?
I’m getting ready to restore a SX-110 and am looking for information on the history of the receiver.? This will be another restoration article for ER magazine.? I’m curious about the background of the radio – such as the purpose of the design and how it fit into the Hallicrafters business model.? Would appreciate any/all feedback.? Thanks!
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
?
?
|
There was a change in industrial design standards during the late 1950s. The solid massive designs of the Post war era gave way to lighter designs that symbolized the Jet Age. This change occurred in every industrial design, cars, planes, radio, production machinery. The SX-110 and the S-108 are beautiful examples of this change in Art Style. Light, fast and sleek. The electronics were undergoing a similar upgrade at this time.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 11, 2022, at 21:35, wb6ogd <garywinblad@...> wrote:
?
Steve,
I'd like to read your article!
I did have one back in the day, it was used when we got it.
I am pretty sure it is just an SX-99 with a new modern style cabinet.. well with a slide rule
dial too which is pretty similar to the SX-101 and its modern style version the SX-111.
Now the SX-99 was a cheapened, electrically different version of the better SX-96/SX-100,
but using their same styling.
The S-85 is an SX-99 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
The S-108 is an SX-110 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
Just a marketing thing...
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 10/11/2022 10:24 PM KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
Hi all,
?
I’m getting ready to restore a SX-110 and am looking for information on the history of the receiver.? This will be another restoration article for ER magazine.? I’m curious about the background of the radio – such as the purpose of the design and how it fit into the Hallicrafters business model.? Would appreciate any/all feedback.? Thanks!
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
?
?
|
Yes Ken!
The 1955 SX-99 styling is like a 1955 Chevy, rounded, heavy.
The 1959 SX-110 is like a 1959 Chevy, light and sharp and trim.
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 10/11/2022 10:46 PM Ken Stinson <kenst@...> wrote:
There was a change in industrial design standards during the late 1950s. The solid massive designs of the Post war era gave way to lighter designs that symbolized the Jet Age. This change occurred in every industrial design, cars, planes, radio, production machinery. The SX-110 and the S-108 are beautiful examples of this change in Art Style.
Light, fast and sleek. The electronics were undergoing a similar upgrade at this time.
73’蝉
On Oct 11, 2022, at 21:35, wb6ogd <garywinblad@...> wrote:
Steve,
I'd like to read your article!
I did have one back in the day, it was used when we got it.
I am pretty sure it is just an SX-99 with a new modern style cabinet.. well with a slide rule
dial too which is pretty similar to the SX-101 and its modern style version the SX-111.
Now the SX-99 was a cheapened, electrically different version of the better SX-96/SX-100,
but using their same styling.
The S-85 is an SX-99 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
The S-108 is an SX-110 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
Just a marketing thing...
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 10/11/2022 10:24 PM KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
Hi all,
?
I’m getting ready to restore a SX-110 and am looking for information on the history of the receiver.? This will be another restoration article for ER magazine.? I’m curious about the background of the radio – such as the purpose of the design and how it fit into the Hallicrafters business model.? Would appreciate any/all feedback.? Thanks!
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
?
?
|
When was the SX-115 introduced? Halli sure took a step backwards from "light, fast, and sleek" with that, didn't they??
It was an odd exception in product packaging from the emerging S-Line and early R-4 series.
I seem to recall Halli even advertised the SX-115 as " massive in the modern manner".
Dan
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On Oct 11, 2022, at 10:46 PM, Ken Stinson <Kenst@...> wrote:
? There was a change in industrial design standards during the late 1950s. The solid massive designs of the Post war era gave way to lighter designs that symbolized the Jet Age. This change occurred in every industrial design, cars, planes, radio, production machinery. The SX-110 and the S-108 are beautiful examples of this change in Art Style. Light, fast and sleek. The electronics were undergoing a similar upgrade at this time. 73’蝉 On Oct 11, 2022, at 21:35, wb6ogd <garywinblad@...> wrote:
?
Steve,
I'd like to read your article!
I did have one back in the day, it was used when we got it.
I am pretty sure it is just an SX-99 with a new modern style cabinet.. well with a slide rule
dial too which is pretty similar to the SX-101 and its modern style version the SX-111.
Now the SX-99 was a cheapened, electrically different version of the better SX-96/SX-100,
but using their same styling.
The S-85 is an SX-99 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
The S-108 is an SX-110 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
Just a marketing thing...
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 10/11/2022 10:24 PM KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
Hi all,
?
I’m getting ready to restore a SX-110 and am looking for information on the history of the receiver.? This will be another restoration article for ER magazine.? I’m curious about the background of the radio – such as the purpose of the design and how it fit into the Hallicrafters business model.? Would appreciate any/all feedback.? Thanks!
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
?
?
|
That is a great observation. The company, Hallicrafters, recognized the change in design standards and all the new young Hams coming into the market in 1959, hence the S-107, S-108, SX-110. The older generation of Hams were caught by surprise with the changes, so Hallicrafters offered the old dogs a bone, the SX-115 in 1961. This radio had superior electronics and performance. It was considered a Premium Radio. It had a smaller Cool looking cabinet which satisfied the new Hams and the old timers. The SX-115 was produced from 1961 to 1964. The design changes continued apace. This is a perfect example of a flexible company which listened to its customers. Hallicrafters was a wonderful company! I still use my S-108 and SX-115 every day 63 years later. They are wonderful radios to use!
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Show quoted text
On Oct 12, 2022, at 06:50, Dan <pitfit@...> wrote:
? When was the SX-115 introduced? Halli sure took a step backwards from "light, fast, and sleek" with that, didn't they??
It was an odd exception in product packaging from the emerging S-Line and early R-4 series.
I seem to recall Halli even advertised the SX-115 as " massive in the modern manner".
Dan WB4GRA On Oct 11, 2022, at 10:46 PM, Ken Stinson <Kenst@...> wrote:
? There was a change in industrial design standards during the late 1950s. The solid massive designs of the Post war era gave way to lighter designs that symbolized the Jet Age. This change occurred in every industrial design, cars, planes, radio, production machinery. The SX-110 and the S-108 are beautiful examples of this change in Art Style. Light, fast and sleek. The electronics were undergoing a similar upgrade at this time. 73’蝉 On Oct 11, 2022, at 21:35, wb6ogd <garywinblad@...> wrote:
?
Steve,
I'd like to read your article!
I did have one back in the day, it was used when we got it.
I am pretty sure it is just an SX-99 with a new modern style cabinet.. well with a slide rule
dial too which is pretty similar to the SX-101 and its modern style version the SX-111.
Now the SX-99 was a cheapened, electrically different version of the better SX-96/SX-100,
but using their same styling.
The S-85 is an SX-99 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
The S-108 is an SX-110 without the S meter and XTAL filter.
Just a marketing thing...
73,
Gary
WB6OGD
On 10/11/2022 10:24 PM KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
Hi all,
?
I’m getting ready to restore a SX-110 and am looking for information on the history of the receiver.? This will be another restoration article for ER magazine.? I’m curious about the background of the radio – such as the purpose of the design and how it fit into the Hallicrafters business model.? Would appreciate any/all feedback.? Thanks!
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
?
?
?
|
I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:? Mark 1AThat is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? Regards, bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
Bob, ? Assume you mean the SX-100 Mark 1A.? The manual and the schematic specifically for the SX-100 Mark 1A are on BAMA, but I’ve attached them for your convenience.? Are these incorrect? ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.?
Jeep K3HVG
On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote:
I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:? Mark 1A
That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary.
I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy.
Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity.
All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage.
All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance
All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new,
The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.??
The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.?
The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials.
The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed.
Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share?
Regards,
bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
You forgot to mention the big horizontally oriented S-meter in the SX-99, which I consider superior to the narrow, difficult to read vertical S-meter of the SX-110.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 12, 2022, at 6:41 PM, D. Platt <jeepp@...> wrote:
?
I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.?
Jeep K3HVG
On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote:
I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:? Mark 1A
That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary.
I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy.
Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity.
All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage.
All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance
All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new,
The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.??
The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.?
The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials.
The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed.
Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share?
Regards,
bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
Oh yes.... that is one of the keynotes!!! Tnx.
Jeep K3hvg
On 10/12/2022 7:17 PM Robert Needleman via groups.io <k3ac@...> wrote:
You forgot to mention the big horizontally oriented S-meter in the SX-99, which I consider superior to the narrow, difficult to read vertical S-meter of the SX-110.
Bob K3AC
On Oct 12, 2022, at 6:41 PM, D. Platt <jeepp@...> wrote:
I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.?
Jeep K3HVG
On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote:
I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:? Mark 1A
That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary.
I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy.
Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity.
All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage.
All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance
All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new,
The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.??
The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.?
The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials.
The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed.
Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share?
Regards,
bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote: I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
Nope- they started making the S-108 in 1959 (big year for me- I started 1st grade)!
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On Oct 12, 2022, at 8:13 PM, KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
? Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.? On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote: I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
Bob, ? Thanks!? Looked that one up.? So -- it’s interesting that in between the SX-99 and SX-110, Hallicrafters produced the S-108, which appears to be the S-110 without the crystal filter and S-meter.? Both appear to have been somewhat midrange in performance.? I’m trying to discern what Hallicrafters was doing and why, but it may be impossible to figure out – kind of like why Sony would have produced a stereo system in 1972 that included an auxiliary input, and another one that didn’t a couple of years later. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Nope- they started making the S-108 in 1959 (big year for me- I started 1st grade)!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 12, 2022, at 8:13 PM, KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
? Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.? On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote: I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
Steve,
?
Yes, the late 50's and early-mid 60's was what I would consider the 'golden age' of communications receiver manufacturing. The transistor had been invented in the mid-50's and was quickly being developed for use in consumer electronics, including SW and communications electronics. Just like in the automobile industry where you had the "Big 3" manufacturers (GM/Ford/Chrysler) competing with each other, coming out with new models every year or so, so you had the "Big 3" US receiver manufacturers competing for customers - Hallicrafters/ Hammarlund/ National. They tried to appeal to a wide group of consumers - casual SW listeners, experienced SWL's and hams. So you had the entry level SW radios like the S-120, then the more sophisticated comm receivers like the S-108, SX-110, SX-122, and the ham band only receivers designed exclusively for hams (SX-117, SX-115). It must have been a bee hive of activity at the old Hallicrafters factory in Chicago, with rows of ladies assembling and hard wiring/soldering all the various receiver models they were turning out. Things evidently starting going down hill in the late 60s - early 70's when the Asian manufacturers started competing, selling all solid-state receivers that were smaller, lighter, drift-free and often cheaper. Eventually all the US receiver manufacturers couldn't compete and went out of business in the 70's. A sad end to a long line of wonderful US-made communications receivers that were so well designed and? made and easily restored after 50 plus years that we still have many of them being used and enjoyed today.?
?
Bob K3AC
In a message dated 10/12/2022 10:45:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes:
?
Bob,
?
Thanks!? Looked that one up.? So -- it’s interesting that in between the SX-99 and SX-110, Hallicrafters produced the S-108, which appears to be the S-110 without the crystal filter and S-meter.? Both appear to have been somewhat midrange in performance.? I’m trying to discern what Hallicrafters was doing and why, but it may be impossible to figure out – kind of like why Sony would have produced a stereo system in 1972 that included an auxiliary input, and another one that didn’t a couple of years later.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
Nope- they started making the S-108 in 1959 (big year for me- I started 1st grade)!
Bob K3AC
On Oct 12, 2022, at 8:13 PM, KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
?
Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years.
?
73 – Steve, KW4H
?
I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.?
On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote:
I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A
That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary.
I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy.
Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity.
All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage.
All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance
All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new,
The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.??
The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.?
The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials.
The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed.
Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share?
bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
|
The S-40 begat the S-85 which begat the S-108. Add an S-meter and crystal filter, and the S-85 became the SX-99 while the S-108 became the SX-110...
Bill Halligan was a master marketer. He refreshed and revised the outward appearance of his receivers every few years without major upgrades in internal circuitry, much as automobile manufacturers used to do with new models.
Mike K0MYW
On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 10:44:05 PM CDT, Robert Needleman via groups.io <k3ac@...> wrote:
Steve,
? Yes, the late 50's and early-mid 60's was what I would consider the 'golden age' of communications receiver manufacturing. The transistor had been invented in the mid-50's and was quickly being developed for use in consumer electronics, including SW and communications electronics. Just like in the automobile industry where you had the "Big 3" manufacturers (GM/Ford/Chrysler) competing with each other, coming out with new models every year or so, so you had the "Big 3" US receiver manufacturers competing for customers - Hallicrafters/ Hammarlund/ National. They tried to appeal to a wide group of consumers - casual SW listeners, experienced SWL's and hams. So you had the entry level SW radios like the S-120, then the more sophisticated comm receivers like the S-108, SX-110, SX-122, and the ham band only receivers designed exclusively for hams (SX-117, SX-115). It must have been a bee hive of activity at the old Hallicrafters factory in Chicago, with rows of ladies assembling and hard wiring/soldering all the various receiver models they were turning out. Things evidently starting going down hill in the late 60s - early 70's when the Asian manufacturers started competing, selling all solid-state receivers that were smaller, lighter, drift-free and often cheaper. Eventually all the US receiver manufacturers couldn't compete and went out of business in the 70's. A sad end to a long line of wonderful US-made communications receivers that were so well designed and? made and easily restored after 50 plus years that we still have many of them being used and enjoyed today.? ? Bob K3AC In a message dated 10/12/2022 10:45:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes: ?
Bob, ? Thanks!? Looked that one up.? So -- it’s interesting that in between the SX-99 and SX-110, Hallicrafters produced the S-108, which appears to be the S-110 without the crystal filter and S-meter.? Both appear to have been somewhat midrange in performance.? I’m trying to discern what Hallicrafters was doing and why, but it may be impossible to figure out – kind of like why Sony would have produced a stereo system in 1972 that included an auxiliary input, and another one that didn’t a couple of years later. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Nope- they started making the S-108 in 1959 (big year for me- I started 1st grade)! Bob K3AC
On Oct 12, 2022, at 8:13 PM, KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
? Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.? On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote: I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
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The first of the series was the S 20R.? The S 40 was nearly identical electrically but restyled.? Probably the largest change of electronic design was the S 40B.? From the time of the S 20R, about 1938,? there were more expensive models with an S meter, crystal filter, separate speaker, calibrated band spread and other features.? Hallicrafters always? offered good value for money but seldom world class performance.? ?They tried to offer something in each price range. Just about all of the ham manufacturers tried to offer something new when sets became available again after ww-2 but few sets really were new.? For instance the HRO 50 was really much the same as earlier HROs but on a single chassis.? The Collins 75A1 was really the ground breaker but Hallicrafters got on the bandwagon pretty quickly with reasonably priced double-conversion receivers . ?The decade after the war was one of extreme competition especially with the entry of new companies in the market.? A look at the advertising of the period is enlightening.
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-------- Original message -------- From: Michael OBrien <k0myw@...> Date: 10/12/22 8:59 PM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 History
The S-40 begat the S-85 which begat the S-108. Add an S-meter and crystal filter, and the S-85 became the SX-99 while the S-108 became the SX-110...
Bill Halligan was a master marketer. He refreshed and revised the outward appearance of his receivers every few years without major upgrades in internal circuitry, much as automobile manufacturers used to do with new models.
Mike K0MYW
On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 10:44:05 PM CDT, Robert Needleman via groups.io <k3ac@...> wrote:
Steve,
? Yes, the late 50's and early-mid 60's was what I would consider the 'golden age' of communications receiver manufacturing. The transistor had been invented in the mid-50's and was quickly being developed for use in consumer electronics, including SW and communications electronics. Just like in the automobile industry where you had the "Big 3" manufacturers (GM/Ford/Chrysler) competing with each other, coming out with new models every year or so, so you had the "Big 3" US receiver manufacturers competing for customers - Hallicrafters/ Hammarlund/ National. They tried to appeal to a wide group of consumers - casual SW listeners, experienced SWL's and hams. So you had the entry level SW radios like the S-120, then the more sophisticated comm receivers like the S-108, SX-110, SX-122, and the ham band only receivers designed exclusively for hams (SX-117, SX-115). It must have been a bee hive of activity at the old Hallicrafters factory in Chicago, with rows of ladies assembling and hard wiring/soldering all the various receiver models they were turning out. Things evidently starting going down hill in the late 60s - early 70's when the Asian manufacturers started competing, selling all solid-state receivers that were smaller, lighter, drift-free and often cheaper. Eventually all the US receiver manufacturers couldn't compete and went out of business in the 70's. A sad end to a long line of wonderful US-made communications receivers that were so well designed and? made and easily restored after 50 plus years that we still have many of them being used and enjoyed today.? ? Bob K3AC In a message dated 10/12/2022 10:45:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes: ? Bob, ? Thanks!? Looked that one up.? So -- it’s interesting that in between the SX-99 and SX-110, Hallicrafters produced the S-108, which appears to be the S-110 without the crystal filter and S-meter.? Both appear to have been somewhat midrange in performance.? I’m trying to discern what Hallicrafters was doing and why, but it may be impossible to figure out – kind of like why Sony would have produced a stereo system in 1972 that included an auxiliary input, and another one that didn’t a couple of years later. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Nope- they started making the S-108 in 1959 (big year for me- I started 1st grade)! Bob K3AC
On Oct 12, 2022, at 8:13 PM, KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
? Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.? On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote: I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
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The first of the series was the S 20R.? The S 40 was nearly identical electrically but restyled.? Probably the largest change of electronic design was the S 40B.? From the time of the S 20R, about 1938,? there were more expensive models with an S meter, crystal filter, separate speaker, calibrated band spread and other features.? Hallicrafters always? offered good value for money but seldom world class performance.? ?They tried to offer something in each price range. Just about all of the ham manufacturers tried to offer something new when sets became available again after ww-2 but few sets really were new.? For instance the HRO 50 was really much the same as earlier HROs but on a single chassis.? The Collins 75A1 was really the ground breaker but Hallicrafters got on the bandwagon pretty quickly with reasonably priced double-conversion receivers . ?The decade after the war was one of extreme competition especially with the entry of new companies in the market.? A look at the advertising of the period is enlightening.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message -------- From: Michael OBrien <k0myw@...> Date: 10/12/22 8:59 PM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 History
The S-40 begat the S-85 which begat the S-108. Add an S-meter and crystal filter, and the S-85 became the SX-99 while the S-108 became the SX-110...
Bill Halligan was a master marketer. He refreshed and revised the outward appearance of his receivers every few years without major upgrades in internal circuitry, much as automobile manufacturers used to do with new models.
Mike K0MYW
On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 10:44:05 PM CDT, Robert Needleman via groups.io <k3ac@...> wrote:
Steve,
? Yes, the late 50's and early-mid 60's was what I would consider the 'golden age' of communications receiver manufacturing. The transistor had been invented in the mid-50's and was quickly being developed for use in consumer electronics, including SW and communications electronics. Just like in the automobile industry where you had the "Big 3" manufacturers (GM/Ford/Chrysler) competing with each other, coming out with new models every year or so, so you had the "Big 3" US receiver manufacturers competing for customers - Hallicrafters/ Hammarlund/ National. They tried to appeal to a wide group of consumers - casual SW listeners, experienced SWL's and hams. So you had the entry level SW radios like the S-120, then the more sophisticated comm receivers like the S-108, SX-110, SX-122, and the ham band only receivers designed exclusively for hams (SX-117, SX-115). It must have been a bee hive of activity at the old Hallicrafters factory in Chicago, with rows of ladies assembling and hard wiring/soldering all the various receiver models they were turning out. Things evidently starting going down hill in the late 60s - early 70's when the Asian manufacturers started competing, selling all solid-state receivers that were smaller, lighter, drift-free and often cheaper. Eventually all the US receiver manufacturers couldn't compete and went out of business in the 70's. A sad end to a long line of wonderful US-made communications receivers that were so well designed and? made and easily restored after 50 plus years that we still have many of them being used and enjoyed today.? ? Bob K3AC In a message dated 10/12/2022 10:45:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, reedsteve@... writes: ? Bob, ? Thanks!? Looked that one up.? So -- it’s interesting that in between the SX-99 and SX-110, Hallicrafters produced the S-108, which appears to be the S-110 without the crystal filter and S-meter.? Both appear to have been somewhat midrange in performance.? I’m trying to discern what Hallicrafters was doing and why, but it may be impossible to figure out – kind of like why Sony would have produced a stereo system in 1972 that included an auxiliary input, and another one that didn’t a couple of years later. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? Nope- they started making the S-108 in 1959 (big year for me- I started 1st grade)! Bob K3AC
On Oct 12, 2022, at 8:13 PM, KW4H via groups.io <reedsteve@...> wrote:
? Fascinating how the SX-110 and the SX-99 are basically the same radio in a different cabinet.? According to Osterman, the SX-99 was manufactured from 1955 – 1958.? The SX-110 was 1960 – 1963.? So there was a break of about two years, and then Hallicrafters revived the SX-99 in a different cabinet and look.? It appears that Hallicrafters didn’t manufacture a single conversion superhet for those two years. ? 73 – Steve, KW4H ? I still have my SX-99 from my early general-class days in 1959-60. The SX-110 is the same radio in a cheap cabinet (arguably easier to re-finish).? Circular or slide-rule is the Ford vs. Chevy argument... ? Both, however, are entirely usable on the bands and maintenance and/or re-cap, when required, is easy and straight-forward.? I also like the dual-conversion SX-111.? On 10/12/2022 6:01 PM RJ Mattson <wn2ami@...> wrote: I have a SX-110?which I acquired?used from Harrison Radio, NYC in the early 1960's. The top of the chassis is stamped:?Mark 1A That is all I could afford back then with a paper route salary. I just refurbished/aligned my old novice buddy. Amazingly, it is hot with 20uv range sensitivity. All the bumblebee caps were either shorted or high leakage. All the carbon resistors were found to be within 11% tolerance All the?tubes are Hallicrafters brand and test new, The original dial cords worked a month, frayed and now need to be replaced.?? The free SX-110 manuals found at many online sites differ from my Mark 1A.? The RF alignment was difficult because the alignment locations did not match the available manual pictorials. The Mark 1A has the same tube lineup but some circuit values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual to share? bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
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Negative Steve kw4h. I have the SX-110,?Mark1A? ?Not SX-101 The SX-110 Mark1A manual is not available?on BAMA
The Mark 1A?is stamped on the chassis, it?has the same tube lineup,? but some circuits, values and locations have?changed. Anyone have a SX-100 Mark 1A manual source or copy to share? Be well, bob...w2ami x wn2ami 1962
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Bob? ,,,and group I am caching up on my inbasket and had a look-only at previous comments I had no intention of sticking my nose ?into these ?interesting ?comments on “the SX-110 History” ?including ?ford vs. chevy, but then I ran into? ?“transistor had been invented in the mid-50's”… That is news to me. I doubt that Bardeen, Bratain, and Shockley would have agreed on that. Bardeen, and Bratain demonstrated transistor action on Christmas eve 1947? seems to be well documented, and official invention patents ?etc were not far after. ?By 1953 Raytheon was releasing the ck721 and 722 for a few bucks to experimenters …like me. And in 1954 the regency TR-1 was available. ? Sorry ?for intruding on this point, as it is not really “on? topic”, but ?this additional? comment ?regarding when the transistor was invented does not seem to be supported, by available resources, or my old books. ?? Don VA3DRL ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Robert Needleman via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 11:44 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HallicraftersRadios] SX-110 History? Yes, the late 50's and early-mid 60's was what I would consider the 'golden age' of communications receiver manufacturing. The transistor had been invented in the mid-50's and was quickly being developed for use in consumer electronics, including SW and communications electronics. Just like in the automobile industry where you had the "Big 3" manufacturers (GM/Ford/Chrysler) competing with each other, coming out with new models every year or so, so you had the "Big 3" US receiver manufacturers competing for customers - Hallicrafters/ Hammarlund/ National. They tried to appeal to a wide group of consumers - casual SW listeners, experienced SWL's and hams. So you had the entry level SW radios like the S-120, then the more sophisticated comm receivers like the S-108, SX-110, SX-122, and the ham band only receivers designed exclusively for hams (SX-117, SX-115). It must have been a bee hive of activity at the old Hallicrafters factory in Chicago, with rows of ladies assembling and hard wiring/soldering all the various receiver models they were turning out. Things evidently starting going down hill in the late 60s - early 70's when the Asian manufacturers started competing, selling all solid-state receivers that were smaller, lighter, drift-free and often cheaper. Eventually all the US receiver manufacturers couldn't compete and went out of business in the 70's. A sad end to a long line of wonderful US-made communications receivers that were so well designed and? made and easily restored after 50 plus years that we still have many of them being used and enjoyed today.?
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RJ Mattson
don Root