For those of you who are hams or SWL (Short-Wave Listener) addicts, the items in the shortwave section are always being added to and reorganized. Existing display items are being electrically restored as nearly as possible to the original factory-operating performance, so that radios of different vintages can be compared. This will allow us to gain a perspective on engineering improvements over the decades.
One group worked on was our fairly complete Hallicrafters product line. Two wonderful items are the SX-42 and SX-62 from 1947 – they are big, heavy, but impressive radios. Also, an SX-100 has just been restored to factory operating condition; as a museum visitor, ask for a demonstration. This late-50s model was Hallicrafters’ first set to be aimed at the SSB (single-sideband) user. Pictured on the table, left, is the SX-62, and right, is the SX-100. By the way, after having done the work on the SX-100, there was an SX-96 in storage that we thought was ready for the dumpster. Since it is almost identical to the SX-100, it seemed convenient that we give it a thorough workover. It absolutely came to life. In spite of it not being of display caliber, the lesson is that old items that appear unrepairable can live again!
We should develop a page dedicated to this absorbing section of the museum.