Re: [drakelist] AC-4

[W4AWM]

Hi Allen, 

I have not looked at that a AC-4 but it must be gold plated.  You can buy them at hamfests and sites like eHam all the time from $65 to $100.  That $100 unit had better be right out of the box, too. There are some of the AC-4s that have dual voltage input: 110-220. They usually bring a few dollars more, but if you have no need for dual voltage, you don't really need that model. All AC-4s have a VOX-RLY socket on the rear chassis.  This is a 2 prong socket and the original plugs are no longer availavle, but occasionally show up on the various sites at rediculous prices. A couple of phone plygs will fit and several folks hace made some out of old crystal holders.  All this socket does is offer a ground closure in the transmit mode to key a linear. Drake offered a modification kit which was merely an RCA jack and a metal bracket that would fit in the same hole if you didn't care do try to be super original. Also, The Heathkit Shop has a capacitor replacement kit for the AC-4 which works very well.

You asked about an AC-3 in average condition. They can be found from $50 to 60 dollars. With the exception that there is no VOX-RLY socket on the AC-3, they are pretty much interchangable.

73,

John,  W4AWM