My experience with the 5100, SN 1309: When removing the RF module, spade lugs attached to the module have to come up from the chassis and the shafts through the front panel have to come back from the panel. This can only be done (in my 5100) by pulling the front panel away from the chassis about an inch (more things to undo). I find this awkward.
When removing the modulator module I have to desolder wires from under the chassis to get the module out. So much for "plug in modules". More time consumed. Some times I have way to much drive which is caused by relatively high line voltage and B&W admits to this. I don't think this would happen if the 3rd and 4th multiplier tubes were not in series with the 1st and 2nd mult tubes potential wise and sharing the same high voltage potential used by the 6146s. I think this is a poor design and and cheap way to opt out of using a big enough low voltage supply for both the speech amp and the multiplier tubes. Having said all this, I think the early 5100 looks nice and when working is easy to use except when my rural line voltage soars.(125-129 volts). I correct the voltage/drive problem with a variac. The 5100 is down the list aways on what I think is the best xmtr! I understand the 5100B has all the problems I mentioned cleared up. I think one of the easy rigs to work on is the Viking 1/2. I realize that appreciation of these old rigs is kind of like beauty, it is in the eyes of the beholder, in this case the user. 73 Wayne, N0TE
