Hallicrafters SX-117

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The Hallicrafters SX-117 was a radio communications receiver manufactured by the Hallicrafters company in the 1960s.

Radio technology of using radio waves to carry information

Radio is the technology of signalling or communicating using radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves of frequency between 30 hertz (Hz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz). They are generated by an electronic device called a transmitter connected to an antenna which radiates the waves, and received by a radio receiver connected to another antenna. Radio is very widely used in modern technology, in radio communication, radar, radio navigation, remote control, remote sensing and other applications. In radio communication, used in radio and television broadcasting, cell phones, two-way radios, wireless networking and satellite communication among numerous other uses, radio waves are used to carry information across space from a transmitter to a receiver, by modulating the radio signal in the transmitter. In radar, used to locate and track objects like aircraft, ships, spacecraft and missiles, a beam of radio waves emitted by a radar transmitter reflects off the target object, and the reflected waves reveal the object's location. In radio navigation systems such as GPS and VOR, a mobile receiver receives radio signals from navigational radio beacons whose position is known, and by precisely measuring the arrival time of the radio waves the receiver can calculate its position on Earth. In wireless remote control devices like drones, garage door openers, and keyless entry systems, radio signals transmitted from a controller device control the actions of a remote device.

Communications receiver

A communications receiver is a type of radio receiver used as a component of a radio communication link. This is in contrast to a broadcast receiver which is used to receive radio broadcasts. A communication receiver receives parts of the radio spectrum not used for broadcasting, that includes amateur, military, aircraft, marine, and other bands. They are often used with a radio transmitter as part of a two way radio link for shortwave radio or amateur radio communication, although they are also used for shortwave listening.

Hallicrafters

The Hallicrafters Company manufactured, marketed, and sold radio equipment, and to a lesser extent televisions and phonographs, beginning in 1932. The company was based in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Contents

Description

The SX-117 was a triple conversion intermediate frequency receiver designed to cover the 10 meter to 80 meter amateur radio bands with an additional band switch setting for WWV on 10 MHz. The first and third conversion oscillators were crystal-controlled. The second was variable from 6 to 6.5 MHz. Introduced in 1962 at a price of $379.95, it had a product detector for SSB, a notch filter, and selectable bandwidth of 0.5, 2.5, and 5 kHz. In addition to the ham bands, general coverage was possible for most frequencies in 500 kHz segments from 85 kHz to 30 MHz with appropriate crystals. For frequencies below 3 MHz, the HA-10 LF/MF converter was an optional accessory costing $24.95. The receiver featured 13 vacuum tubes plus solid state rectifiers and a noise limiter. [1]

Intermediate frequency frequency to which a carrier wave is shifted as an intermediate step in transmission or reception

In communications and electronic engineering, an intermediate frequency (IF) is a frequency to which a carrier wave is shifted as an intermediate step in transmission or reception. The intermediate frequency is created by mixing the carrier signal with a local oscillator signal in a process called heterodyning, resulting in a signal at the difference or beat frequency. Intermediate frequencies are used in superheterodyne radio receivers, in which an incoming signal is shifted to an IF for amplification before final detection is done.

Amateur radio use of designated radio frequency spectra for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, describes the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication. The term "amateur" is used to specify "a duly authorised person interested in radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest;" and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety, or professional two-way radio services.

WWV (radio station) Shortwave radio station broadcasting time signals

WWV is a shortwave radio station, located near Fort Collins, Colorado. It is best known for its continuous time signal broadcasts begun in 1945, and is also used to establish official United States government frequency standards, with transmitters operating on 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz. WWV is operated by U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the oversight of its Time and Frequency Division, which is part of NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Specifications

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See also

Vintage amateur radio

Vintage amateur radio is a subset of amateur radio activity and is considered a form of nostalgia or hobby much like antique car collecting, where enthusiasts collect, restore, preserve, build, and operate amateur radio equipment from bygone years, most notably those using vacuum tube technology.

Related Research Articles

Superheterodyne receiver radio receiver; uses frequency mixing to convert a received signal to a fixed intermediate frequency which can be more conveniently processed than the original carrier frequency;virtually all modern radio receivers use the superheterodyne principle

A superheterodyne receiver, often shortened to superhet, is a type of radio receiver that uses frequency mixing to convert a received signal to a fixed intermediate frequency (IF) which can be more conveniently processed than the original carrier frequency. It was invented by US engineer Edwin Armstrong in 1918 during World War I. Virtually all modern radio receivers use the superheterodyne principle.

Shortwave radio radio frequencies in the range of 1.6-30 megahertz (ITU region 1) or 1.7-30 megahertz (ITU region 2)

Shortwave radio is radio transmission using shortwave radio frequencies. There is no official definition of the band, but the range always includes all of the high frequency band (HF), and generally extends from 1.7–30 MHz (176.3–10.0 m); from the high end of the medium frequency band (MF) just above the mediumwave AM broadcast band, to the end of the HF band.

Citizens band radio system for short-distance radio communications between individuals

Citizens band radio is, in many countries, a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals typically on a selection of 40 channels within the 27 MHz band. Citizens band is distinct from other personal radio service allocations such as FRS, GMRS, MURS, UHF CB and the Amateur Radio Service. In many countries, CB operation does not require a license, and it may be used for business or personal communications. Like many other two-way radio services, citizens band channels are shared by many users. Only one station may transmit at a time; other stations must listen and wait for the shared channel to be available. It is customary for stations waiting to use a shared channel to broadcast the single word "Break" followed by the channel number, during a lull in the conversation. This informs people using the channel that others are waiting.

S meter

An S meter is an indicator often provided on communications receivers, such as amateur radio receivers or shortwave broadcast receivers. The scale markings are derived from a system of reporting signal strength from S1 to S9 as part of the R-S-T system. The term S unit can be used to refer to the amount of signal strength required to move an S meter indication from one marking to the next.

The R. L. Drake Company is a manufacturer of electronic communications equipment located in Springboro, Ohio. It is also known for its line of equipment for amateur radio and shortwave listening, built in the 1950s through the 1980s. The company operates as a separate entity owned by Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc.

Amateur radio repeater

An amateur radio repeater is an electronic device that receives a weak or low-level amateur radio signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power, so that the signal can cover longer distances without degradation. Many repeaters are located on hilltops or on tall buildings as the higher location increases their coverage area, sometimes referred to as the radio horizon, or "footprint". Amateur radio repeaters are similar in concept to those used by public safety entities, businesses, government, military, and more. Amateur radio repeaters may even use commercially packaged repeater systems that have been adjusted to operate within amateur radio frequency bands, but more often amateur repeaters are assembled from receivers, transmitters, controllers, power supplies, antennas, and other components, from various sources.

Yaesu FT-101

Yaesu FT-101 is a model line of modular amateur radio transceivers, built by the Yaesu Corporation in Japan during the 1970s and 1980s. FT-101 is a set that combines a solid state transmitter, receiver and a tube final amplifier. Its solid state features offer high-performance, low-current characteristics and its tube amplifier provides an almost mismatch-resistant transmitter and tuner stage. FT-101’s were made with plug-in circuit boards that could be sent to the dealer or factory for replacement or repair. Until then, modular design was unprecedented in the amateur community. This also explains the fact why so many FT-101's are still in use today. The rig was sold worldwide as Yaesu FT-101 and in Europe as Yaesu FT-101 and as Sommerkamp FT-277. Because of its reliability it earned its nickname "the workhorse".

Hammarlund Super Pro

The Hammarlund Super Pro was an American-made radio communications receiver.

RX meter

An RX meter is used to measure the separate resistive and reactive components of reactive parallel Z network.

SCR-299

The SCR-299 was a U.S. Signal Corps mobile military communications unit used during World War II.

Hallicrafters SX-28

The Hallicrafters SX-28 "Super Skyrider" was an American shortwave communications receiver produced between 1940 and 1946 that saw wide use by amateur radio, government and military services.

Yaesu FT-450

The Yaesu FT-450 is an entry level amateur radio transceiver made by Yaesu. It transmits on eleven amateur bands, from 160 meters through 6 meters. It also has a receive frequency coverage of 30 kHz to 56 MHz. The FT-450 features an IF-DSP, which is uncommon for its price range.

Yaesu FT-7(B)

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The Yaesu FT-ONE is an all-mode solid state general coverage HF amateur radio (HAM) transceiver. The use of FM required an optional FM board be installed. The unit was designed for fixed, portable or mobile operation, although the size and weight (17 kg) would make it more suitable for fixed use. The FT-ONE was built by the Japanese Yaesu-Musen Corporation from 1982 to 1986. At its release, the FT-ONE was launched as the successor to the FT-902 and as the new Yaesu top of the line transceiver. The FT-ONE was not only Yaesu’s first fully synthesized, computer-controlled amateur band transceiver but it was also the first transceiver with a general coverage receiver. . The FT-ONE was sold on the U.S., Asian and European markets. At $2800 at its 1982 release this was an expensive top of the line transceiver.

Yaesu FT-817

The Yaesu FT-817 is one of the smallest MF/HF/VHF/UHF multimode general-coverage amateur radio transceivers. The set is built by the Japanese Vertex Standard Corporation and is sold under the Yaesu brand. With internal battery pack, on board keyer, its all mode/all band capability and flexible antenna, the set is particularly well suited for portable use. The FT-817 is based on the same main circuit board as Yaesu's FT-857 and FT-897, so it is a compromise transceiver and incorporates its features to its low price.

The Yaesu FT-77 is a transceiver to be used in the 3,5 – 29,9 MHz shortwaveradio amateur segment. This means the coverage of the 80-40-30-20-15-17-12 and 10 meter HF bands.

Kenwood TS-820S

The Kenwood TS-820S is a model of amateur radio transceiver produced primarily by the Kenwood Corporation from the late 1970s into the 1980s; some were produced by Trio Electronics before Kenwood's 1986 name change). The transceiver's predecessor was the TS-520, which began production a year earlier. The TS-820S was the second of three hybrid models produced by Kenwood during the 1970s and 1980s, and was noted for its quality. Its functionality and new hybrid technology made it one of the most popular transceivers marketed to amateurs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The TS-820S has a built-in power supply, so it can be plugged directly into a 120 V wall outlet.

The Yaesu FT-818 is one of the smallest MF/HF/VHF/UHF multimode general-coverage amateur radio transceivers. The set is built by the Japanese Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd. With internal battery pack, on board keyer, its all mode/all band capability and flexible antenna, the set is particularly well suited for portable use.

Yaesu FT-857

The Yaesu FT-857 is one of the smallest MF/HF/VHF/UHF multimode general-coverage amateur radio transceivers. The set is built by the Japanese Vertex Standard Corporation and is sold under the Yaesu brand. The FT-857 is developed on the FT-897 and MARK-V FT-1000MP transceivers.

References

  1. http://www.dxing.com/rx/sx115.htm DXing.com Hallicrafters SX-117
  2. http://www.dxing.com/rx/sx115.htm DXing.com Hallicrafters SX-117