Collins 51S-1 Receiver

Demo of a nice 51S-1.

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

During my buying in Thailand I got one 51 S one, which showed quickly. Maybe it was the deficient speaker, but when I had the original Collins speaker on a 75-A1 , The CW note was so pure an elegant sounding. I love that receiver go, but I have never heard CW so well spoken by any other reproducer,

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

I have had a 51S-1 for the last couple of years I bought from an estate sale from a SK that is beautiful but I never realized the two selections under the meter were for audio. Never dawned on me to look at how the meter is calibrated... Learn something every day. 73 WA4QGA

[@ameliacastro7129]

Dear Steve, I have the line 32-S 3 and 75-S 3 and I worked the KWS-1 with 75-S 1, in Ellsworth Scientific Station in Antártica. Very nice rigs. My congratulations to you. Luis LU6AGO. Amelia is my wife. Bye

[@MrEamo37]

That is a beautiful radio you have there Steve......I only wish I could find one in such beautiful condition.......Greeting from Ireland...

[@steveedwards90]

Thank you that is a radio of beauty

[@ronanzann4851]

Absolutely beautiful audio !! I've always had a thing for the 51S1, wish I had never sold mine back in like 1990 or so. There's nothing else like tuning a collins.

[@filipiliev4711]

Beautiful piece of equipment and sound is excellent too.

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

from Novice days onward, oh i heated my little shack with radios. It is so sad that system is not available new anymore anymore.

[@fabriziodini5005]

I think you must use the rf knob to improve reception Instead to fix it at maximum

[@benjaminmeadows1380]

Sounds like my r4c drake

[@Dr-T]

I have one of these Steve. Its a radio that bings a lot of joy. Its the first rig I turn on in the shack -- and in the winter, it has the added advantage of keeping the shack warm too :-) It took me about 2 years to restore the radio to its present 'showroom' state. Not much to do other than replace a few old caps and resistors and re-tweak some IF stages. All the valves we good -- although I have a complete replacement set (which will probably never get used in my lifetime.) The radio has a wonderfully 'open' sound when listening to SSB and AM and the CW filter improves s-n remarkably. When compared to my Elecraft K3, the 51S-1 can hear everything the K3 can hear on the Amateur bands. Collins made some remarkable radios. :-) 73, Stay safe. Bruce G4ABX

[@k5wxp22]

Man, she looks brand new! Very nice. I am always amazed at how great these old rigs perform, even compared to new stuff.

[@stevewarren4292]

Your 51S-1 seems to pick up local AM broadcast stations just fine. Mine picks up everything but local AM. I was told I would need a very rare and expensive "55G-1" - Low Frequency Tuner. Is there a trick to getting these to pick up local AM?

[@ronanzann4851]

Sorry about that comment Steve, my mouse outpaced my brain.......You definitely know what a notch filter is !!

[@mtvguy54]

Great video. I see you have the AM filter mod installed. I see the 2 RF cans removed. I've been trying to find someone to do surgery on mine to incorp that service bulliten. No luck so far. 73 OM

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Sounds and looks amazing. What a beautifully designed receiver and easy to userstand why these sets were so revered. Despite the impressive functions and performance that modern gear gives you, I can't help but feel that we have perhaps lost something along the way.

[@py2low2]

nice

[@mikevk4qs]

Well Done Steve on a very comprehensive demostration of the Collins 51S1, She's a Beauty Mate. It's development and Manufacture actually has a very interesting "Back Story" if you check it out. I am fortunate to own a 51S1 Winged Emblemed version of "Arthur's Toys" and I enjoy it immensely. Cheers from Mike VK4QS, Down Under!!

[@1903A3shooter]

Fantastic gear, the only thing that could improve on that is if it was Gold plated.

[@DK5ONV]

Awsome receiver

[@davequick3373]

Some day. ! Thanks for great demo. Worked on them and other collins when in USAF in the 70s

[@elanpaim33]

supper clean no Synthesizer noise as the new perfect the good. old day vy 73 thank you

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

What a great example of the Collins 51S-1 Receiver. I have always loved the S line by Collins. Thanks for the look Steve. 73 Joe

[@WA5US]

Nice one. I own one of these myself. Despite the vintage design, nothing will ever surpass the overall look and feel of Collins radio gear! You really need the matching Collins speaker to complete the "look".

[@stevegriffin3609]

That brings back wonderful days for me. I had the Collins 51S-1 back in The 80s. I wish I still kept the radio. One thing for me you sure cannot beat a good old tube receiver they just say I am beautiful. Thank you for the video. 73 WD5ENH Steve

[@billdang3953]

Looks a little more lightweight and easier to move around compared to an AR-88.

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

thank you.

[@ronlanway6667]

Thx Steve!!