HF Signal Generator and Colins Shortwave receiver - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: froglemort
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 02:06:12 pm
content: Hi Folks,My father who has passed away a few years ago now was a ship to shore radio operator for OTC - going back in time hereWhen the station he worked out of shutdown due to the advent of satellite communications, he purchased some the HF equipment.I have held this equipment out of sentiment but its a space hog and of no actual use to me.Looking for advice on a good home for the following, help appreciated:Metrix 931H Signal Generator (image is an actual image of the generator)Colins Shortwave receiver, I think its the 51S but need to confirm, image is not of the actual unit but it looks like it.They come with Books and spares, the equipment was operational before it went into storage.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 02:17:30 pm
content: The Collins is a desirable boat anchor collectable and usable receiver. There's one from Serbia on Ebay for $1100. People would buy it but you'd have to ship it carefully and it's heavy.The old sig gen ... I dunno perhaps the TEA members here might want it. It's just a big heavy thing that's been surpassed many times over in terms of capability. But the collectors are out there ...

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2023, 11:03:37 pm
content: Try this group: It is the Collins Collector Association, I dont know how may are in OZ though.https://groups.io/g/cca/messages

author: flano
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2023, 09:03:10 am
content: Where are you located? I'm in Brisbane. Maybe your local Amateur Radio Club could assist?Mike VK4MWL

author: froglemort
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 08, 2023, 09:17:09 am
content: Thanks for the replies xrunner, Wallace and Flano.I am in Perth.I will give the the group Wallace provided and as suggested by flano, the WA Amateur Radio Club a try as well.Quick google search led tohttps://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk6/Thanks again for the info.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2023, 04:41:36 am
content: I'd love to have some old tech from that era, it reminds me of old sci-fi movies. Or maybe just that era, but I bet those knobs were fun to turn. I need to use my old 1980's scopes again too remember some "old" knobs.

author: FAXFIXR
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 04:35:20 am
content: The Collins 51S-1 is still a very sought after receiver. I recently bought another pile of old Collins gear and there were 2 of them in the stack. I sold one immediately to a friend and restored the other. I'm in California so too far to ship, but I know a local friend is looking for one. Good luck with it!!

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 07:48:23 am
content: that is probobly a pleasure to work on if you take your timedo they have any evil parts that are difficult to service?

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2023, 12:23:29 am
content: They are pretty easy to work on and do not have goofy parts that break. Some unique parts but usually no problem with them. Mostly they do not need much repair at all, just adjustments usually. Since they were expensive many have been well taken care of also.They are considered the top of the line of Ham tube equipment. The smaller receivers were only bettered in performance by the big military ones at much more money and weight.I think the hype is deserved but a little much. The Drakes were as good in my opinion.