Hallicrafters S-86 receiver

This is my 'new' receiver. It's a Hallicrafters S-86, which is the AC/DC version of the S-85. You can see me measuring if there's voltage on the metal case. It still has some of the original caps, i'll be replacing them sooner or later. Maybe i'll add a safety transformer too.
After replacing the electrolytics in the power supply, it works just fine. I used slightly smaller values than original, because i didn't have any larger ones. Because of that, it hums a bit. I'll add some more capacitance when i'm replacing the wax caps still in place.
It misses quite a few knobs...

This receiver is very sensitive, the audio is quite good (much better than in the video- the photo camera doesn't have a good built in mike) and the selectivity is good enough. It doesn't have any fancy filters apart from a simple tone adjustment switch (the thing i turn with the green pliers)
It isn't very stable directly after switching on, and don't make it vibrate... it'll jump quite a few 100's of hz as you can hear, when i tap it with my finger.)

i absolutely love it! it's got way more charm than my Yaesu FRG-7, and SSB reception is much better intelligable. The 'pitch control' thingie lets you adjust the pitch of CW signals, or choose between USB and LSB signals.
I still have to get used to tuning in with this receiver.

Local time: 16.00. Location: Zaandam, The Netherlands. Antenna is 15m longwire.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• hallicrafters
• s-85
• s-86
• radio
• cw
• morse
• ssb
• usb
• lsb
• communications
• receiver
• tube
• valve

[mfbfreak]

I have recently checked every single resistor in this receiver. I found 2 carbon composite resistors that had a value that didn't meet specifications. After replacing these, drift was significantly reduced!

[oatstao]

I'm very happy to see others having fun with this unit. I found one today in mint condition. :D there's some people who put a magic eye in there..I might make that mod as I have one laying around from an old tape player.

[mfbfreak]

@oatstao

If it's an S-85: Make sure the power transformer can handle the extra filament current.

The S-86 doesn't have a power transformer. The filament ballast would have to be modified. Furthermore, you'd have to make sure every modification you make is completely safe. The chassis should be isolated from the circuitary or the circuit ground by isolation capacitors. If you don't do it right, you could end up with the same problem i have: voltage on the metal cabinet!

[forhead8088]

You have a very nice collection.

[mfbfreak]

Thanks!

[Destry7]

Nice Work! Amazing isn't it, the way these old tube radio's perform? There's a lot to be said in favor of the rudimentary filtering too.

I think you'd be well advised to run the old girl with an isolation transformer, though.

You'd then be able to hook-up a Q-multiplier to knock-out heterodynes, or give the selectivity a boost when you need it. Also, you could add a string of Zeners to stabilize B+ to the converter stage and BFO, which would cut down the drift considerably.

The SX-99 is

[mfbfreak]

I think i'll add some 'safety' wall outlets at a few points in my radio room, which are connected to a isolation transformer . The transformer i have also steps down the 230v mains voltage to 115v. The built in autotransformer can then be removed.

[oatstao]

@mfbfreak p.s. it's a S-85 if I make a video, I'll make a video response. peace

[oatstao]

@mfbfreak yes, very good words of the wise. Thanks for the reminders. :D I was reading other posts, it may have been yours which was cause of concern about the Voltage on the cabinet. There are a few ways to fix this problem, I'll take my time with it . I may not even mod it at all. I have yet to even plug it in, and check the values. My first SW! When I was looking at this at the store, I saw on the ground a Dynakit stereo 70.Took both home for $29.98 (no tax as it was a thrift store)!!

[Destry7]

...the version of this radio with an S-meter & crystal filter & all of this series are essentially S-40/41s with calibrated Ham band-spread. The SX-110 is a later version in a different cabinet & cosmetic arrangement. Same tubes & essentially the same radio as the original 1944

S-20R, which is still a favorite of veteran SWLs.