OK, so I've been wanting to build a BITX-20 for a long time. Then Steve "Snort Rosin" Smith sent me a nice 9 MHz filter, and I started to think about using it to build a BITX 75/20. But I don't really like 75 meters too much... And I have this Heathkit HW-101. I like it very much, but these rigs do not age well: Too much heat, too many cheap components, tubes on PC boards... yuck. I got tired of fixing it. I've occasionally fantasized about scrapping most of the HW-101 circuitry and turning this rig into a 100 watt linear amplifier. But I didn't have the heart to do this. Then, on the way to work yesterday it hit me: Why not take the beautiful bi-directional circuitry of Farhan's BITX design and use that to solid state most of the HW-101? Obviously I'd retain the finals and maybe the driver, and the CW and SSB filters. The VFO could be transistorized. Maybe I'd retain the tube AF amp. I'd like to add 17 meter capability. Pete Juliano took an HW-101 and added a digital dial (that's his rig in the picture).
What do you guys think? Am I nuts? Or would this be a worthwhile project?
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Crazy idea! Sell the HW101 to a collector and use the proceeds to buy a nice case and 50w solid state amp kit for a BitX.
ReplyDeleteYes : sell it on to a collector and build the G6LBQ Multiband.
ReplyDelete....... HEATHKIT? TAKE IT APART!
ReplyDeleteHow rare are they these days? If not very then why not? Otherwise... don't break the collector's hearts!
ReplyDeleteOne sold on Ebay (July 16) for US$ 63.00 - supposedly in working condition. Now, how rare is that? Grab your iron and MELT SOLDER! Bruce - KK0S
ReplyDeleteHey Bill, I have always been a fan of using an old radio or whatever cabinet for a different purpose. It works for me. "short brag"...read my article in QST Nov 2011 page 76 and you will see what I mean...73 KA9OOI in the cornfields of Indiana
ReplyDeleteBill, don't over think this, just do it!
ReplyDeleteKF7JAF