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 	Index:		* Why boatanchors?
			* What is a "Boatanchor"?
			* Where can I find one?
			* What type of boatanchor should I get?
			* Boatanchor Safety
			* Boatanchor restoration.
			* Where to get parts? ("are tubes hard to find")
			* Where can I find more information?
			* Where and how do hams operate boatanchor transmitters?
			* Typical boatanchors and prices.
			* Epilog
			

	
	
	Why boatanchors?
	----------------

	Some may question the desire for 80 pound receivers and
	100 pound transmitters, both with filaments sitting there
	getting hot and wasting power in this day of microprocessor
	based, mega-memoried miniaturized transceivers!  Although
	modern radios are extremely good at what they are designed 
	to do, they are about as interesting to operate as a
	toaster oven. They have no soul.

	Additionally, many find a zen-like feeling in taking an
	old, misused ratty old radio and carefully restoring it
	back to health.  Like cars of the era, boatanchor radios
	were made to be worked on, modified, and tinkered with.
	Many think of it as Real Radio in this era where fixing
	a transceiver is accomplished by boxing it up to send to
	the manufacturer for a custom VLSI chip replacement.
	Indeed, a warm soldering iron is almost a requirement
	for operating a vintage station.

	Others claim that boatanchors SOUND better than their
	silicon descendents, and this is generlly true.  The
	audio from a Hammarlund or National receiver, or a 
	Johnson transmitter can sound much better than the
	300mW audio coming out of the 2" speaker in the
	typical transceiver. 

	Watching the flicker of 807 modulators in a Viking I
	as you speak into a D104 mic, is certainly more stirring
	on a winter night than considering hole and electron
	flow.

	If truth be known, much, if not all of the above although
	true, are merely justification for the insatible hunt
	for more and more of these old boxes, simply because they
	are just too NEAT to have and operate!




	What is a boatanchor radio?	
	--------------------------

	Although there are different interpretations of this
	term, generally any radio that is "hollow state" or
	tube-type is considered a boatanchor.  Units produced
	from WWII until the mid 60's are probably the most
	popular examples of the genre.  The origin of the 
	term "boatanchor" becomes self-evident after carrying
	a DX100 (a classic anchor) to your car and noticing
	how much longer your arms have become.

	Boatanchors may be transmitters or receivers... and
	no 'anchor station is complete without an assortment
	of like-aged station accessories like microphones, 
	Transmit/Receive relays, vintage SWR bridges and
	so on.  All of these items are valid subject matter
	for the boatanchor mailing list.



	
	Where can I find a boatanchor radio?
	------------------------------------

	The best way to find a boatanchor is to let other hams in
	your area know you are interested in them.  Often times
	I have been given a boatanchor, because the former owner
	has relegated it to the garage or basement.  This is also
	the cheapest method.  When attending a hamfest, ask some
	of the sellers if they have any for sale. Often times 
	sellers won't bring such stuff, as it is HEAVY and is
	perceived as not being sellable.  Look under the tables,
	and in the back of the sellers displays for them! While
	you are under the tables rummage thru the boxes of parts
	found under there for parts that will come in handy restoring
	your new-old treasure. Tubes, high voltage caps, vintage
	microphones and connectors may be found lurking here!

	If you are in a hurry (and have money) ads in Electric
	Radio magazine (see bibliography), the Ham Trader Yellow Sheets,
	or your local packet BBS are good places to look. Expect to
	pay more through these outlets.  Also expect to become an
	expert in UPS shipping rules. Boatanchors are heavy, and
	often the cost of shipping one can exceed the cost of the
	entire unit.  



	
	What type of Boatanchor should I get?
	------------------------------------

	This is a question that has as many answers as there are 
	individuals.  Generally, as a "starter" boatanchor, 50's
	vintage gear is probably the best way to go.  Radios in
	this era are quite desirable, but often times won't require
	extensive surgery to get repaired and on the air. 
	A radio from a well-known manufacturer is also a good 
	choice... for receivers, look for Collins, Hammarlund,
	Hallicrafters, and National are all good radios.  In the
	transmitter space, Collins,  E.F. Johnson, and Heathkit (with
	certain reservations) will do well.  

	Transmitters with plate modulated AM are the more desirable
	units.  Prices will generally reflect this.  
	
	Good "starter" transmitters include, but are not limited to:

	Johnson: Ranger I or II/Viking I or II/ Valiant/500
	Collins: Any 32V series.
	Heath: Apache, DX100A or B
	(my AM bias is showing!)

	"starter" receivers include:

	 National 183/183D, HRO60 and MANY others
	 Hallicrafters: Many SX series.
	 Hammarlund: HQ129, HQ150/160/170/180, Super Pro series, many others.
	 Collins: any 75A series.

	By "starter" radio, I do not mean to indicate the cheapest! Most
	of these radios would also be on the "best" list.  I selected
	these as they _are_ some of the best, and when one is starting
	anything, it is good to get the BEST stuff available, rather
	than getting junk and getting discouraged with it. There will
	be enough to learn (or remember!) without having to compensate
	for marginal equipment (was that 'Peak the plate and dip the
	grid, or the other way around??')!  Any radio from this list
	will do the job for some time, and make operating a pleasure.



	 
	Boatanchor Safety
	-----------------

	This is a genuine concern! Boatanchor have Real Voltage 
	present in them! Lethal voltages.  You will find that
	capacitors really DO store charge! None of this wimpy
	12 volt stuff!
	
	Get back in the habit of discharging any capacitors that
	are lurking under the hood. Keep one hand in your pocket
	when working on a hot radio. Be REAL careful and THINK THINK
	THINK before twiddling with a boatanchor that must be
	powered up and worked on. 

	It is SO easy to get used to working on solid state equipment
	and not worrying about Real Voltages... don't do this!

	Also, many older radios are not fused... receivers are good
	examples of these.  I generally replace the line cord 
	(they usually need it anyway) and either put an in-line
	fuseholder, or some of the Heath-type fused plugs in the
	radio. Better still, replace the 2-wire plugs with a more
	modern 3 wire plug.  Barring that, ensure that you strap
	every cabinet with healthy sized cable, to a common
	station ground.  This will prevent _you_ from becoming the
	cable between two pieces of gear at different cabinet potentials.

	Fires are nice to have burning on winter evenings
	but not when they are on top of your operating desk. 

	Speaking of operating desks, you will become good at carpentry
	if you spend much time as a boatanchor operator.  You will
	quickly discover that the table you used to operate your
	tranceiver is way too small, and waaayyyy too wimpy to support
	a growing boatanchor station!




	Boatanchor Restoration
	----------------------

	This subject could easily fill many pages.  Below are just some
	common topics.  The Mailing List is a good place to ask
	about other issues. Remember the radio that stares at you from 
	your bench is old. There are not many around.  Take that into
	consideration as you proceed through the process. If you
	erase the dial marking on your receiver by cleaning it
	with Windex, you likely will not find another at Radio Shack.
	Take your time and enjoy.  The journey to a working boatanchor,
	like life, is the _point_ not a process. You will say less
	nasty words if you take your time.

	[does someone have Jim lockwoods memo about bathing radios?]
	[ I'll add my $.02 about NOT bathing radios! 	 	   ]

	Some general restoration tips:
	
	* Power up old radios gently. Plugging it into the wall and	
	  turning it on is not gentle! Bringing it up slowly to operating
	  voltage with a Variac so that electrolytics can "form"
	  is gentle.

	* Check fuses before powerup.  Many 'anchors will have the 
	  wrong value fuse in it. Checking the fuse before purchase
	  is a good thing to do too. If it's open, you at least know	
	  what you are getting into.

	* Don't trust that the tubes that are in the sockets are the
	  correct tubes. Check them against the schematic. If you
	  don't have a manual (and even if you do) note which socket
	  the tube came from so that you can replace them correctly.

	* Don't clean tubes with water. The marking on the glass
	  will likely come off with one good swipe of a water dampened
	  cloth.

	* Assume many electrolytic and paper caps are bad. Check them.
	
	* Check high resistance, and high wattage resistors for
	  correct value.

	* Nifty tools to have are flux brushes, for cleaning nooks
	  and crannys.  Windex is nice for cleaning chassis. 
	  Qtips are good to have too.

	* NEVER clean dial markers or drums. If you do, assume that
	  they will wipe away never to be seen again. You WILL say
	  bad words if this happens! 	

	* WD40 or Scotts Liquid Gold (my favorite) applied to a clean
	  wrinkle finish will do a great job of restoring the lustre.
	  Works well for knobs too!

	* Never use WD40 or Scotts Liquid Gold on anything until you
	  have tried it on a non-visable part of the cabinet to make
	  sure it won't dissolve anything.






	 Where do I get parts? (or "aren't tubes hard to find?") 
	 -------------------------------------------------------

	You _will_ need parts to keep or get a boatanchor on the
	air. Remember that even 50's vintage radios are 40 years
	old.

	Fortunately, hams are notorious packrats and parts suprisingly
	abound, for old gear, particularly at hamfests (and in the
	boxes under the table as mentioned earlier). Word of mouth
	once again will work wonders at getting tubes, high voltage
	caps, and the like shoved in your direction. Beware that this
	is an addiction, and boatanchor radios, parts, and periodicals
	will soon overrun all available space. Trust me.

	If you are in a hurry, or need to get a radio working
	before your hoard of tubes and parts gets established 
	the list below, taken originally from the ARRL server
	may be of help.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reprinted from June 1992 QST Lab Notes Copyright 1992 American
  Radio Relay League, Inc. All rights reserved.

  Thank you for requesting the following information from the ARRL
  Information mail server. ARRL HQ is glad to provide this
  information free of charge as a service to League members and
  affiliated clubs.

  For your convenience, you may reproduce this information,
  electronically or on paper, and distribute it to anyone who needs
  it, provided that you reproduce it in its entirety and do so free
  of charge. Please note that you must reproduce the information as
  it appears in the original, including the League's copyright
  notice.

  If you have any questions concerning the reproduction or
  distribution of this material, please contact Mark Wilson,
 American Radio Relay League, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111
 (mwilson@arrl.org).
 
 This ARRL Technical Information Service handout has been derived 
 from the June 1992 QST "Lab Notes" column. Information has been 
 added to keep it current. You should also periodically check the 
 ham-classified section of ham and electronic publications.
 
 How To Locate Manuals and Documentation 
 
 "Excellent rig. Needs a little work." How many times have you 
 passed up a good deal because you were certain you'd never find 
 the service information? How often have you sent your rig to the 
 factory for a bug that you could have fixed if you had the 
 documentation? Mike Gruber, WA1SVF, one of our ARRL Laboratory 
 Engineers, has searched high and low to find sources for service 
 manuals and other useful information. In this month's column he 
 gives you his results.--WB8IMY 
 
 Q: Why do I need documentation for my radio equipment? 
 
 A: Unless you're an electronics genius, proper documentation is 
 often essential to the repair or restoration of any radio 
 equipment. Even a simple schematic can save hours of time that 
 would be wasted otherwise. 
 
 Q: Okay, but is documentation readily available--even for my 
 antique receiver? 
 
 A: Believe it or not, there is a good chance that documentation 
 still exists for almost any radio you're likely to encounter. Your 
 success in finding it, however, depends on knowing what type of 
 documentation might be available for your particular piece of 
 equipment. 
 
 Q: What types of documentation should I be looking for? Where can 
 I find them? 
 
 A: Let's save the names and addresses for later and begin by 
 taking a look at the different types of equipment documentation 
 available. There are several: 
 
 Owner's Manuals: An owner's manual is supplied with the unit at 
 the time of purchase. It's intended primarily as an instruction 
 manual for the owner. It may not contain a schematic and service 
 data is usually minimal. Although it's better than nothing, an 
 owner's manual leaves quite a bit to be desired should a repair or 
 alignment be required. 
 
 Manufacturer's Service Manuals: Service manuals are usually sold 
 by the manufacturer. They contain vital repair, service and 
 alignment data. Most manufacturers supply service manuals for 
 their products, although some may not provide manuals for obsolete 
 equipment. If you're working with old equipment, it's possible 
 that the manufacturer may have gone out of business. Keep this in 
 mind the next time you purchase a new rig. Obtaining a service 
 manual will take a little extra effort, but you'll be making a 
 worthwhile investment in the future of your equipment. 
 
 Third-Party Service Documentation: This type of documentation is 
 is published by companies other than the manufacturer. It's 
 available in several varieties from basic schematics to complete 
 service manuals. While modern Amateur Radio gear is usually 
 excluded, third-party documentation offers a wealth of information 
 on antique receivers and modern consumer electronics. 
 
 Q: Wait a minute. You mean that there are companies that publish 
 and sell service data for another company's products? 
 
 A: Certainly! Some of the most noteworthy publishers--past and 
 present--include: 
 
 Howard W. Sams  Company Photofacts: Sams started publishing 
 Photofacts in 1946 with only 12 employees. Today Photofacts are 
 accepted as the standard for accuracy. Complete chassis 
 photographs are included and each component is clearly labeled. 
 
 Alignment procedures and normal voltage readings are always 
 provided. The extensive Photofacts library does not include modern 
 amateur equipment, but you'll find service data for some of the 
 classic shortwave receivers made by companies such as Hammarlund 
 and Hallicrafters. 
 
 Photofacts are sold in numbered folders and volumes. To obtain the 
 correct Photofact, you must find the reference number for your 
 particular piece of equipment in the Photofact Index. 
 
 There is an interesting sidenote to the Photofacts story. Sams 
 creates Photofacts from actual product samples. Instead of using 
 the manufacturer's schematics, the circuits are analyzed and 
 traced by Sams technicians! 
 
 John F. Rider Perpetual Troubleshooters Manuals: "Rider's," as 
 this series is commonly known, was first published in 1930 and 
 covered radios back to 1926. The first numbered volume, however, 
 appeared in 1933. New volumes were published at a rate of about 
 one per year until the last one, volume 23, appeared in 1953. 
 (Rider's for TVs, however, went from 1948 to 1957, volumes 1 
 through 18.) 
 
 Rider's is indexed by a system that is very similar to the 
 Photofacts. Several index volumes were published, such as volumes 
 1 to 7, 1 to 10, 1 to 15, 16 to 22 and 23 only. Unlike Photofacts, 
 however, Rider used service data provided by the manufacturers. 
 
 RCA Victor Service Data Books, commonly called "Redbooks." These 
 cover RCA receivers manufactured from 1923 to 1950. The first 
 volume covered receivers from 1923 to 1928. A new volume was 
 published each year until 1950. 
 
 Supreme Manuals: Compiled by M. N. Beitman, these first appeared 
 about 1930 and covered radios made as early as 1926. One volume 
 per year was published until the company went out of business in 
 the 1950s. These generally contain only schematics; Riders and 
 Photofacts are far more complete. 
 
 Hugo Gernsback's Official Radio Service Manuals: Six volumes were 
 published from 1929 to 1936. 
 
 Mallory Radio Service Encyclopedia: First published in the early 
 '30s, the Mallory Encyclopedias contained a very complete listing 
 of radios by manufacturer and model number. In addition, an exact 
 tube complement was given for each product. This information can 
 be very useful if you are seeking service data for an old radio 
 with an unknown model number. 
 
 Q: Speaking of tubes, what about vacuum tube data? Is that kind of 
 information still available? 
 
 A: It sure is! Data for Eimac tubes, frequently found in amateur 
 amplifiers and other high-power RF applications, is currently 
 available from the manufacturer. Transmitting tube data can also 
 be found in the ARRL Handbook; look for it in Chapter 35 if you 
 have a recent edition. Data books for other tube types, such as 
 receiving tubes, have been published by several companies. Most of 
 these data books are no longer in print. Copies, reprints and even 
 old originals can still be obtained if you know where to look. Two 
 of the most popular data books for tubes are: 
 
 RCA Tube Manuals: These are probably the most common tube manuals 
 -- especially for receiving tubes. Separate manuals were also  
 published for transmitting, special purpose and industrial tubes. 
 These manuals first appeared in the 1930s and were frequently 
 updated. 
 
 General Electric Essential Characteristics Tube                       
 Data Books: These are similar to the RCA Manuals.   
 
 Tube substitution guides have also been published by Sams and John 
 F. Rider. 
 
 Q: Now that I know what I'm looking for, where can I find the 
 documentation? 
 
 A: If you prefer the manufacturer's service manual, start by 
 contacting the manufacturer directly. If the manufacturer is out 
 of business, or no longer supplies the manual you need, you have 
 other options. For example, try obtaining a copy from a manual-
 supply company. 
 
 If you're working with military gear, manual-supply companies are 
 also good sources. And, some military equipment manuals can still 
 be obtained from the government. (More about that later.) 
 
 If you think a Photofact or Rider might be available based on the 
 age and type of equipment involved, check with your local library. 
 Many city and university libraries have them and will let you make 
 photocopies provided that no copyright laws are violated. 
 
 If your local library can't help you, try one of the "schematic 
 services" that cater to antique radio buffs. Their prices are 
 generally quite reasonable. Don't forget to check the hamfest flea 
 markets and yard sales. Service information can turn up in the 
 most unusual places! 
 
 For a difficult case, you might try a classified ad in QST. A 
 classified ad in a publication that specializes in the type of 
 equipment involved (such as Electric Radio Magazine\1/ or Antique 
 Radio Classified\2/ for surplus or antique rigs) may be very 
 effective. 
 
 ADDRESSES
 
 Q: Come to think of it, I have several radios that could be put to 
 good use--if they were working! How about those addresses you 
 promised? 
 
 A: Here they are. Good luck with your projects! 
 
     Alinco Electronics, Inc 
     438 Amapola Ave 
     Suite 130 
     Torrance, CA 90501 
     tel 310-618-8616 
     Supplies Alinco manuals only. 
 
 ---
 
     Amateur Wholesale Electronics 
     PO Box 224 
     1040 Industrial Dr 
     Watkinsville, GA 30677 
     tel 404-769-8706 (technical service and orders) 
     Manuals and replacement parts for Azden Radios. 
 
 ---
 
     Antique Audio 
     41560 Schoolcraft 
     Plymouth, MI 48170 
 
 Older factory manuals for RCA, Zenith (including Transoceanics) 
 and several others. Riders volumes 1 through 22, Sams Photofacts 1 
 through 600, Beitman's volumes 1 through 10 and Sams Transistor 
 Service Manuals volumes 1 through 90. The price is $5 per 
 schematic up to 8 pages. Fifty cents for each additional page. 
 Written inquiries for schematics preferred. 
 
 ---
     Antique Electronic Supply 
     6221 South Maple Ave 
     Tempe, AZ 85283 
     tel 602-820-5411 
 
 Antique Electronic Supply supplies pre-1960 service manuals for 
 many electronic products, including communications receivers. The 
 cost is $4.50 each. A catalog of antique radio parts and books is 
 also available. They offer reprints of some older service manuals, 
 tube manuals, a tube substitution guidebook and even a ballast 
 tube manual.  [LOTS of tubes!! /john]
 
 ---
     Ardco Electronics 
     PO Box 95 
     Berwyn, IL 60402 
 
 Manuals for 95% of the Hallicrafters product line. The company was 
 founded by Anthony Dambrauskas, the Hallicrafters service manager, 
 when Hallicrafters went out of business in 1978. Today, the 
 business is being carried on by his son Robert. Manuals range in 
 price from $7 to $20. 
 
 ---
     Brock Publications 
     PO Box 5004 
     Oceanside, CA 92052 
 
 Manuals for for all amateur equipment sold by Swan Electronics. 
 Also stocks manuals for Cubic Communications, Astro and Siltronix 
 products. Brock Publications is a home business owned by Grace 
 Brock who retired from Swan Electronics/ Cubic Communications in 
 1990. 
 
 ___
     Cardwell Condenser Corporation
     80 East Montauk Highway
     Lindenhurst, NY  11757
     tel 516-957-7200
     FAX 516-957-7203
 
 Manuals for Hammarlund equipment. In addition, they also have a
 limited supply of components for Hammarlund receivers and transmitters.
 They also manufacture roller inductors and variable capacitors.
 
 ---
     Center For Legislative Archives 
     National Archives 
     Washington, DC 20408 
     tel 202-501-5350 
 
 (Record Group 287) US Army Technical Manuals for radio equipment 
 manufactured from 1940 to 1979. Photocopies can be obtained at a 
 cost of 25 cents per page and a $6 minimum order. A "Reproduction 
 Service Order" must first be completed by the National Archives to 
 determine the cost of the specific manual you desire. The manual 
 on this form must be identified by its proper Army Technical 
 Manual number. If this number is not known, contact your nearest 
 US Government Depository Library for assistance. (These are 
 usually the main public libraries in large and medium-sized 
 cities.) A booklet entitled Indexes and Lists to Army Technical 
 and Administrative Publications 1940-1979; The National Archives 
 Microfilm Publications Pamphlet Describing M1641, also available 
 from the Archives, describes this procedure. 
 ___
     Dean K Kidd, W7TYR
     27270 SW Ladd Hill Rd
     Sherwood, OR  97140
     tel 503-625-7363
 
 Manuals and data for older Tektronix test equipment.
       
 ---
     Eico Electronics Instrument Co, Inc 
     363 Merrick Rd 
     Lynbrook, NY 11563 
     tel 516-599-5744 
 
 Eico manuals for the last 25 years. Calls are accepted on Monday, 
 Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM Eastern time. 
 
 ---
     Fair Radio Sales Co, Inc 
     1016 East Eureka 
     PO Box 1105 
     Lima, OH 45802 
     tel 419-223-2196 
 
 Manuals for surplus equipment. Also some Tektronix manuals and 
 vacuum tube data. Catalog available. 
 
 ---
     Hi-Manuals 
     PO Box 802 
     Council Bluffs, IA 51502 
 
 Extensive collection of manuals from the mid-30s to the 70s. 
 Amateur Radio equipment is included. You must order from a current 
 catalog and "dropped list." The cost is $3 for both. Many Heathkit 
 manuals in stock. They also supply vacuum tube data from the RCA 
 Receiving and Air Cooled Transmitting Tube manuals and the Rider 
 #35 Tube Substitution Guide. The cost is $5 per tube plus a 
 business-size SASE. Your check will be returned if the tube data 
 is not available. Hi-Manuals cannot accommodate technical 
 correspondence, quote requests or telephone calls.  
 
 ---
     Howard W. Sams  Co 
     2647 Waterfront Parkway East Dr 
     Indianapolis, IN 46214-2041 
     tel 800-428-7267 
     tel 800-428-5331
 
 You can order Sams Photofacts through your local distributor 
 (saves postage and handling costs), by mail or by phone. Sams 
 covers most consumer electronic items manufactured since 1945. A 
 photocopy service for manufacturer's manuals and Rider's data is 
 also available. 
 
 ---
     ICOM America, Inc 
     2380 116th Ave NE 
     PO Box C-90029 
     Bellevue, WA 98009-9029 
     tel 206-454-7619 
 
 Manuals and parts for ICOM products. Call for prices. Most service 
 manuals cost around $25 for base and mobile units; $20 for hand-
 held units.     
 
 ---
     Kenwood (East Coast)                             
     East Coast Transistor Parts, Inc 
     2 Marlborough Rd 
     W Hempstead, NY 11552 
     tel 800-637-0388 (orders only) 
 
     Kenwood (West Coast) 
     Pacific Coast Parts Distributors, Inc 
     15024 Staff Ct 
     Gardena, CA 90248 
     tel 800-421-5080 (Outside CA) 
         800-262-1312 (CA only) 
 
     Kenwood product manuals only 
 
 ---
     Japan Radio Company 
 
 Service manuals are available from JRC dealers. The three 
 companies likely to have JRC manuals in stock are: 
 
     Electronic Equipment Bank 
     323 Mill Street NE 
     Vienna, VA 22180 
     tel 800-368-3270 
 
     Gilfer Shortwave 
     52 Park Ave 
     Park Ridge, NJ 07656 
     tel 800-445-3371 
 
     Universal Shortwave 
     6830 Americana Parkway 
     Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 
     tel 800-431-3939 
 
 ---
     Jim Farago 
     4017 42 Ave South 
     Minneapolis, MN 55406-3528 
 
 A complete set of Riders, Volumes 1 through 23, covering radios 
 from 1924 to 1954. The cost is $3 per copy plus SASE. The customer 
 must provide the unit name, brand name and model number.  
 
 ---
     Land Air Communications 
     95-15 108th Street 
     Richmond Hill, NY 11419 
     tel 718-847-3090 
 
 Authorized dealer for Kenwood, ICOM and Yaesu manuals. Also 
 carries Collins, Johnson, Hallicrafters, National and other 
 manuals. Can provide schematics on most equipment dating back to 
 1945. 
 
 ---
     Musty Manuals 
     HamHeaven Communication Corp 
     645 Wheeling Rd 
     Wheeling, IL 60090 
     tel 708-634-6467 
 
 An extensive collection of owners manuals, service and maintenance 
 manuals, catalogs, magazines and other technical facts on all 
 types of early and late model radio equipment--including ham gear. 
 Manuals come with updates or articles, product reviews and other 
 tidbits of information. Catalog available. 
 
 ---
     MECCA 
     1132 Conway Dr 
     Newark, OH 43055 
     tel 614-522-4944 
 
 Used manuals for test equipment, amateur equipment and early 
 receivers. Prices range from $5 to $35. Send an SASE with your 
 request for price and availability.  
 
 ---
     Olde Tyme Radio Company 
     Suite 317 
     2445 Lyttonsville Road 
     Silver Spring, MD 20910 
     tel 301-585-8776 
     Some RCA Tube Manuals and Riders for sale. Catalog available. 
 
 ---
     Puett Electronics 
     PO Box 28572 
     Dallas, TX 75228 
     tel 214-321-0927 or 214-327-8721 
 
 Schematic diagrams "for nearly any radio receiver." Cost is $5 
 with manufacturer and model number; $15 plus drawing and 
 description if the manufacturer or model number is unknown.  
 Reproduction manuals, Rider's indexes, RCA Vacuum Tube Manuals, 
 and many other service/instruction manuals for classic radios and 
 related equipment are available. Some amateur equipment manuals 
 including Collins. Test equipment manuals include Hewlett Packard, 
 Tektronix, Hickock and others. Also supplies recordings of old 
 radio shows as well as tubes and other antique radio components. 
 Catalog available.  
 
  ---
     Radio/TV/Ham Schematics 
     Alton H. Bowman 
     4172 East Ave, RD 2 
     Canandaigua, NY 14424 
 
 A large collection of manuals and schematics for Amateur Radio 
 equipment and other electronic products from 1920 to 1970--many 
 unusual. Welcomes requests for odd-ball material with and without 
 model numbers or labels. Prices are $5 for schematics and $7.50 to 
 $10 for manuals. An SASE is appreciated. Alton emphasizes that 
 this service is his hobby and not a business. 
 
 ---
     R. L. Drake Company 
     230 Industrial Drive 
     Franklin, OH 45005 
     tel 513-746-6990 
     Drake product manuals only. 
 
 ---
     Robot Research Inc 
     5636 Ruffin Rd 
     San Diego, CA 92123 
     tel 619-279-9430
     Robot manuals only. 
 
 ---
     Slep Electronics Co 
     PO Box 100 
     Otto, NC 28763-0100 
     tel 704-524-7519 
 
 Operation and service manuals; schematic service for old and new 
 amateur radios, commercial and military surplus test equipment, 
 commercial and surplus military radios, antique radios and 
 equipment manuals. Catalog not available due to large stock. Send 
 an SASE for price and availability. Include make and model of each 
 unit. 
 
 ---
     Sony Publications 
     PO Box 20407 
     Kansas City, MO 64195 
     tel 816-891-7550, extension 33 (Customer Service) 
      Manuals for Sony shortwave receivers and other products. 
 
 ---
     Steinmetz Electronics 
     7519 Maplewood Ave 
     Hammond, IN 46324 
     tel 219-931-9316 
 
 Schematic copies from a complete set of Rider's and Beitman books, 
 some older manufacturer's manuals (consumer radios only) and Sams 
 Photofacts. The cost is $3 for the first schematic copy, $2.50 for 
 the second and $1.50 for each additional copy. Include an extra 
 dollar for research if the model number is unknown (SASE 
 preferred). Also carries vacuum tubes and other parts. Catalog 
 available.      
 
  ---
     Surplus Sales of Nebraska 
     1502 Jones St 
     Omaha, NE 68102 
     tel 402-346-4750 
 
 Stocks a complete line of manuals for Collins amateur equipment 
 and partial collection of commercial equipment. Call or send an 
 SASE for price and availability. Collins parts are also available. 
 
 ---
     Ten-Tec, Inc 
     PO Box 8010 
     Sevierville, TN 37864 
     tel 800-833-7373 
 
 Manuals for Ten-Tec products only. Most older manuals are 
 available and they will make photocopies. Call or write for 
 specifics. 
 
 ---
     US Army Military History Institute 
     Carlisle Barracks, PA 17013-5008 
     tel 717-245-3611 
 
 Technical manuals for military radio radio equipment. If possible, 
 include the manual number with your request. If this is unknown, 
 include a complete description of the equipment including the 
 model name, model numbers and the time period in which the 
 equipment was in use, if known. Once a specific manual is 
 identified, it may be obtained in one of two ways. If the 
 Institute possess three or me copies, one may be borrowed through 
 interlibrary loan procedures. This process must be initiated at 
 the your local library. Alternately, photocopies can be purchased. 
 The minimum cost is $6 for up to ten pages. Each additional page 
 is 25 cents. Each patron is allowed up to 300 pages per calendar 
 year. Selected bibliographies of Institute holdings are available 
 through interlibrary loan.      
 
 ---
     Varian Associates, Inc 
     301 Industrial Way 
     San Carlos, CA 94070-2682 
     tel 800-432-4422 
 
 EIMAC tube data for tubes from 1-kW to 1.5-kW plate dissipation 
 including all glass-envelope tubes. 200-watt, 800-watt and larger 
 tubes are manufactured in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can use the 
 telephone number shown above to access either plant for data on 
 any EIMAC tube. 
 
 ---
     VISTA Technology Inc 
     3041 Rising Springs Ct 
     Bellbrook OH 45305 
     tel 513-426-6700 
 
 Newly published manuals for selected models of Rockwell/Collins 
 Amateur Radio equipment. Authorized by Rockwell International. 
 
  ---
     Western Nebraska Electronics 
     HC-84, Box 1 
     Potter, NE 69156 
     tel 308-879-4552 
 
 A complete collection of Collins manuals. The cost is $12.50 for a 
 reprint copy, or $35 for a printed copy. Also carries a large 
 supply of Collins parts. 
 
 ---
     Yaesu USA 
     17210 Edwards Rd 
     Cerritos, CA 90701 
     tel 310-404-2700 
     Owners and service manuals for Yaesu products. Also sells 
 components. 
 
 ---Notes: \1/Published monthly by Barry Wiseman, N6CSW, 4 Aspen 
 Pl, Durango, CO 81301. 
 
 \2/Published monthly by John Terrey, 498 Cross St, PO Box 2, 
 Carlisle, MA 01741, tel 508-371-0512. 
 
----------------------------------------------------------




	* Where can I find more information?	
          ---------------------------------

	Well, a good place to start is the boatanchors mailing list!
	There are quite a few people with quite a few radios here,
	and questions are always welcome. Ask away!

	Alternate sounces of information:

	* Electric Radio magazine. 
          Highly recommended! _The_ periodical for boatanchor operations.
	  Whether you are a ham or SWL, or restorer, there is something
	  in here for you. The classifieds alone are worth the price
	  of admission. Very professionally produced. Monthly.
	  
	  Electric Radio Magazine
	  POB 57
	  Hesperus, CO.  
	

	* Antique Wireless Association.
	  Although a mixture of general old radio lore, and
	  communications gear, there is enough good stuff in here
	  to justify the price of $10 a year. Very nicely produced
	  and published! Quarterly.

	  [Address]

	
	* AM Press Exchange
	
	  The "original" AM and boatanchor publication. Has been
	  rather slim in content of late, but interesting to get
	  if you already get E. Radio. Irregularly.

	  Don Chester-K4KYV
	  [address/cost?]




	Where Do Hams Operate Boatanchors?
	----------------------------------

	On CW you are likely to hear boatanchors lurking anywhere.
	There are probably more CW boatanchors in operation than
	anything else.

	On AM the following frequencies frequently have AM activity,
	band conditions and seasonal variations withstanding:

	3870-3890  Khz
	7290-7300  Khz
	14.286     Mhz
	21.4-21.45 Mhz
	29.0-29.2  Mhz




	What are Typical Boatanchors and Prices?
	----------------------------------------

	This is a difficult one, as prices can vary from free to
	many hundreds of dollars. What follows is a list of popular
	radios and prices one would expect to see in the Electric
	Radio classifieds.

	Transmitters:	Collins 32V Series	$175-$400
		        (32V1,2 and 3)
			
			EF Johnson Ranger	$90-$175
				   Viking I	$75-$150
				   Viking II	$60-$150
				   Valiant I,II $150-$300
				   Viking 500	$400-$700
				   
			Heath	DX100		$40-$150 *
				Apache		$50-$150 *

	* - Kits. Price should vary widely depending on how
	          it was assembled.

	Receivers:	Collins 75A Series	$125-$600
			(75A1, 2,3 and 4)
			
			National HRO60		$175-$350
			National NC183D		$100-$175
	
			Hallicrafters
			[someone help me here with a few models/prices?]

			Hammarlund HQ129	$60-$150
			           HQ150	$75-$150
				   HQ160	$90-$175
				   HQ170	$100-$175
				   HQ180	$150-$250




	Epilog
	------

	Dont look as boatanchors as an investment. Get a real grimy
	specimen and clean and fix, and coax it back to life.  Turn
	in on with the rest of the room lights turned off. As it warms
	up look into the insides and see the orange glow from the filaments
	and the purple fire from the 866's.  Watch the giant S-meter
	come to life, and the dials emit that soft light, framed 
	by your carefully cleaned and waxed cabinet. Rotate the
	knobs that are of sufficient size and layout to permit
	easy, flywheel smooth adjustment.

	Maybe tune to the BBC on your NC183.... watch the S-meter
	climb as the full audio comes out from the 6 watt output stage
	as you crank back the RF gain. Fiddle with a few more knobs
	(boatanchor operation does not need to ba a passive experience)
	to get it set just the way you want it.

	Then you'll know why boatanchors are such pleasent 
	things to own.  Like mine, your transceiver may become a
	very expensive frequency counter and RF generator used
	to align the 'Real Radios'.

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