Drake TR-4Cw Ham Radio Transceiver Vintage 1976 (A Solid Workhorse Radio) Video

I decided it was time to put my Drake TR-4Cw back on the air after many years of non-use. This was my first HF radio as a ham, I got this rig a few months before I got my novice ticket at age 13 in early 1977 so I was ready to go on the air!
My elmer, Ted, WAØYGE recommended this radio at the time, and boy he knew what he was talking about. Looking back, this was the best choice I could have made at the time and I will probably never part with this radio. I have a lot of great memories with this now.
I have been using other radios and the Drake was just on display without being powered up in well over 10 years now. It is a great solid workhorse radio and maybe one of the best tube type ham transceivers ever made, right up there with the Collins rigs.

[@kennethmckinzie4013]

At age 75, I am definitely a fan of analog gear from this era. Drake and Collins always had the cleanest audio. Your Silver Eagle is also classic. Thanks for the great video, WD0AKX, de WQDK948 (GMRS- expired).

[@RadioHamGuy]

Just to be safe and let the capacitors reform by applying a little more voltage at a time, I could have probably done it much faster but I just wanted to be real safe with them and was in no hurry. If I were to apply the full voltage all at once there is a chance that one of them could have exploded and burst open. Old electrolytic capacitors are common for this.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Excellent video! I was 15 when I got my ticket in 1977 then living in New Jersey, and wanted either a Drake or Yaesu. Ended up with the very excellent Yaesu FT-101EX, which was my 'DX machine'! My poor parents couldn't get me out of my bedroom for days!

[@bobgarr6246]

This was the age and style of gear I grew up with and loved. My shack still has my drake 2-c and 2-cq from 1968, and they still work fine. They sit alongside a hallicrafters s120 and a johnson viking ranger 2. My personal feeling is that good quality RADIOS ended with the yeasu ft 101 line. Those were the days.

[@tglenn3121]

Wow. Your radio has amazing sound for a 40+ year old rig.

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thank you very much, yes, those memories are good ones so this radio also means a lot to me, think it is a keeper for sure!

[@RobertAhrens52]

My first HF rig was the TR-4. Worked great on SSB, but with out that 500 Hz filter, cw was brutal! I bought an outboard MFJ audio cw filter and that helped a bunch. Managed to get my speed up enough to upgrade to General and have not done much cw since! It was a great radio. Good memories!

[@willpease5604]

I'm looking for an R.L. Drake setup myself. I'm curious how yours is holding up after this video being recorded eight years ago. Have you had to refurbish anything to keep it running?

[@RadioHamGuy]

No I have not, everything is still working very well. I don't put it on the air very often but turn it on from time to time to check things out. They are a very well built radio for sure!

[@alanbrown4766]

W1GUD was an old time friend of mine. Warren died some years ago of a rare form of cancer. It was good hearing his voice again. de W1VTP

[@bigbruno200]

I purchased the Drake TR4C in the early 70,'s. I was about 17. Now I'm 66. I don't have that radio any more but I just bought a nonworking used one. Great radio.

[@TheZeke1974]

I need a variac.

[@dfpolitowski2]

Just checked some of those ham call signs out on QRZ, Larry AG5Z is still up and running 12 years later.

[@RadioHamGuy]

@reidrubsamen Thanks for the comment, glad that it was helpful. They are great radios, that is for sure. Good luck getting yours up and running and if you get on 10 meters, I hang out on that band the most I guess, keep me posted..

[@RadioHamGuy]

Well, I have to agree that solid state is easier to use most of the time, that is what I use most of the time here I guess. Thanks for the comment!

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes, quality built radios, that is too bad the Heathkit Shop stopped making those kits, I didn't realize that. It was a high quality kit too.

[@RadioHamGuy]

Some of that older gear was sure built good and much easier to work on also, can't do everything the new stuff does but still does the job and can be a lot of fun.

[@RadioHamGuy]

@SDSpike Thanks, yes, they are great radios. Worth keeping in operation. That mic just seemed to work well with that radio, I always got good audio reports I guess with that combo.

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks, yes, I can remember very well bringing that radio home and hooking it up, it was very cool! That radio was a good choice for me, it is still a great radio to this day! Very good quality that should last many more years and parts are still out there for this radio.

[@thrillscience]

In 1977 this was a premium radio! I started around the same time on a used HW-16

[@Greywolf3]

I had this transceiver in the back of my 1967 Corvette convertible but it didn't work very well with the fiberglass body.

[@floridasaltlife]

I more than enjoyed watching. I am considering acquiring a Tr-4c with matching tuner and spealer PS from a friend, he bought it new and I just love the vintage stuff. means even more since it was someone I know that bought it new.

[@sshannon1948]

What about the Drake C line....do you like it as well...Question 2: Are the filters still available? Just subscribed to your channel and am trying to generate enough enthusiasm to enter into ham radio again...licensed in 1962 but life interceded..

[@RadioHamGuy]

That is great you are getting interested in ham radio again, glad to hear that as there are so many things to do in the hobby. Yes, I do like the C line, I think it is very well built and designed equipment, especially in the day. Still very good today also. I do not know for sure if there are filters available, I am sure someone has some with some searching but I know of none off hand since I have not looked into that matter. Good luck and thanks for the sub!

[@davecunningham4861]

I appreciate this display of the classic Drake. I have a fair amount of newer gear but am looking to pick up a proper rig for AM. Modern rigs for the most part suck at AM. ALC kicks in (cant be disabled on my FTDX3000) and you cant get any drive even with low output power. How is the AM quality on these radios?

[@johnreagannumber1]

I have loved every single minute of this video culminating with that gorgeous silver eagle D-104 microphone! So many things that I've never seen before in my life here. You're providing such a valuable service on this channel. What a brilliant radio with strong personal memories for you.

[@ve2eivrobert656]

My father (silent key VE2VZ) had the twin version as his first radio in the 70s, brings back many great memories. Thx for the video Larry! Robert VE2EIV

[@SDSpike]

I got a Drake too. But just the TR-4C. First radio I bought back in 92 from Burghardts for $300. I should power mine up too. It's been awhile. Last time I had it running it had a loud hum to it. I also bought a D104 a few years ago thinking that it was a cool looking mic and hearing that it had good audio so I bought it for $25. The same dealer had your type for around $50-$65 I think. Seeing this video has given me a idea what to use it on. I've never used it. Excellent video Larry

[@RobertoCarlosPintopy2kwo]

Congratulations, wonderful radio.The TR4-CW was my first radio too, I bought from 2nd hand in 1995, works good & runs strong. Lots of memories of DX with a dipole antenna!

[@geod3589]

I also got my license in 1976, made my first QSO ever on a pair of Drake Twins. The TR4CW is one rig I've always wanted, thanks for nice video!

[@jamesberlo4298]

$600 in 76 is about $6,000 in today's Dollars.

[@richterdfr]

Actually at 3% inflation it would be about $1,050 and at 6% inflation about $2,100.

[@davidmacphee3549]

All hand built. Imagine getting someone to do THAT for you, today ....

[@logitech446]

Excellent sounding rig, and great video. Tube rigs have that certain quality you just can't beat! 73 G0HXZ

[@orion681]

Very cool vid. Always wanted to get my ticket but money has always been a problem :/ How much do you think you have sunk into your shack, if you don't mind my asking?

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

sweet rig.my birthday is coming up in november.i would love to get a classic heathkit rig like the hw-100.its just a dream,but i would love to own one of those classic riges.that drake is absolute beauty..your one fortunate ham. 73,davy KB3YJO

[@TheZeke1974]

I used to own a TR4CW and i loved it!!! I got it for 125.00 with the speaker and power supply. I restored it and then sold it and got 750.00 out of it!!!!

[@vasilepop4369]

A very good, clear and precise video. 73 de VA6POP

[@N7JZF]

Nice complete video of a rig I'd love to own. I once needed the dough, and sold mine, never used it on the air. Yours is definitely pristine, and you definitely have a dream station. 73, N7JZF Dave

[@GeoN0JRJ]

Good idea to ease that power up after they have been sitting so long! Good info!

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

WOW!!!! that microphone is about as sweet a microphone as i have ever seen.if that was a girl she would be a 10+.lol.

[@mykenwood830]

I have read that removing the 13DE7 am tube will make the radio more stable because the 13DE7 tube gets so hot. Whats your take on that ?

[@Team-fabulous]

You can keep your Pro 3's and all your fancy radios.. A TR4 and a Silver Eagle is all you'll ever need...

[@KC6CNN]

I love my Drake station. I just wish I could change out the sweep tubes 6jb6 to something better and more durable.

[@HamRadio2008]

really nice looking radio thats cool that you are the original owner!

[@radiobigman47]

nice rig i had a drake R4A i loved it but i sold it long time ago but they jumped up in price too

[@eogg25]

excellent job OM best video i have seen in quite awhile, i also have a drake 4cw. beautiful radios. 73.

[@ezl7052]

I also had a set of Collins that sounded real good and the way to really compare these radios is to have a new solid state rig sitting side-by-side with a good antenna switch to switch between them. It is very obvious which rig sounds better. :)

[@clawhammer704]

I had a kenwood 520 back in the day.

[@mkubiak67]

Good Video and a varey nice radio... but that youtube anti shake is driving me nuts

[@reidrubsamen]

This video is very useful! I have a TR-4CW and was trying to understand the tuneup procedure in the manual - I have been looking for a live demo on youtube - yours is the first I've found to show an on-the-air tune transmitter tune-up procedure! I'll maybe have my vintage station up and running next month - I'll give you a try in the air! Thanks! 73 Reid Rubsamen N6APC

[@elanpaim33]

Hello Larry great video i hope you well great radio i still looking for one i use to have one 1979 in 4z4 land 73 elan from g land

[@salpolichetti5599]

Look like you were crying

[@karlamartinez7689]

DRAKE THE BEST RADIO MY FATHER HAVE SOME OF THEM AND THEY TOLD ME HE NEVER WILL SOLD THEM.GREAT SOUND AND GREAT POWER STILL ON FREQUENCY AND WILL BE AS A PRIMARY STATION.

[@mikelee8520]

I have a valve set a Yaesu FTDX401 you cant beat the old sets they seem to last and last. The one you have there is a very nice radio, and its good to see it work to this day. The one thing I lime most of all is that they are mostly easy to fix like replacing a valve with the modern day sets that are produced the fix is expensive perhapos a little to expensive. Mike M6YMN

[@alberttatlock5237]

one previous owner ' Noah' lmao, Chuck it in the bin and Buy a D-star mate. lol

[@jvolstad]

ECI was my old hangout back in the late 1960s.

[@robertbales3237]

I plan on getting my Drake TR-4 going again soon. They are Great Radios, worthy of restoration. Too bad the man at the Heathkit Shop stopped making the power supply kits. Usually the filter capicators dry out and go bad. This is what has happened to my AC-4 Power supply. I have a early TR-4 and a AC-3 also. In other words two Radio Sets.

[@SICKENEDMAGGOT1]

I wish I had the money to buy a HAM radio. I would love to get my Licence and get up there with the pro radio operators. But all I can afford is a Midland 1001Z Cb radio. I just wish I could do all that.

[@2008llego]

Leer to Load, Max 8 seconds serie

[@andrzejpl9897]

👍

[@kd1s]

Call me lazy - but I'll take a nice solid state where all you have to do is dial in the frequency and select mode (maybe) and key down. :)

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks for the comment from Ireland! 73

[@Richard2003]

Why did you let it sit at low voltage for so long?

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes, it sure is a fine looking mic!

[@RadioHamGuy]

@TheZeke1974 That was a great deal!

[@TheMacawlady]

My dad had a Drake 2B. Even after all these decades, I still remember it.

[@MrRadiorobot]

great video....and a real radio!!!.,,it sounded wonderful...many thanks and 73 de M0TWA

[@MegaTechnology2012]

I once owned a Drake. great piece of HF kit.

[@RadioHamGuy]

@cliffpov1 Thanks!

[@logger90]

Fantastic radio TR-4CW !!!

[@Giovanniram22]

Beautiful radio. I wish i HAD ONE!

[@staseghrrhgesats1946]

Thats alot of money in 1976!

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes it sure was!

[@KD9ZHF]

Do you still use this radio. I’d love to have a full Drake or Collins station.

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes I do once in a while but it is my radio from the past when I first started out so I keep it running but not my normal radio to use these days as my modern radios far out preform it nowadays. But they are great radios!

[@KD9ZHF]

Thanks for sharing the video with us.

[@bigal69111]

Very good review, I learn quit a lot.

[@riottaba]

Just got to love tube radio! 73 alan G0KMC

[@newtownards01]

great video also radio,73s from N.Ireland

[@TheHossHobart]

I heard "suggested" in CW.

[@carlosotaviodasil]

very good, 73

[@jpatterson181]

Great video, I always liked the Drake equipment. My dad had Drake and he was a successful dxer. Thanks for the video.

[@byAlmad]

Simply Fantastic dreaming rig....

[@mdchildress]

Nice unit and mic keep up the good work

[@MrTragicDragon]

What a cool rig. Nice video.

[@rjy8960]

Thanks Larry, really enjoyed the video! 73 Richard

[@ezl7052]

Excellent video on the quality in older equipment! I've had several of these rigs and even the twins. I should have kept one of these rigs instead of buying the newer equipment. The solid state equipment can't beat the audio on tube equipment.

[@RadioHamGuy]

I love that tube audio sound also! 73

[@RadioHamGuy]

+silverbird58 Around 180 watts or so.

[@mykenwood830]

Larry, does your fan on the Drake blow in or suck out the heat ??

[@RadioHamGuy]

It sucks the air out of the radio.

[@oh6cn]

Nice rig, I once had a Drake

[@mdchildress]

Nice 1

[@mykenwood830]

where do you have your cooling fan located and I imagine that the fan sucks air out of the rig?

[@RadioHamGuy]

It is on the rear side of the radio near the final section and yes it does suck air out of the radio.

[@mykenwood830]

RadioHamGuy Thank you ! I just bought a mint looking Drake TR-4c And puts out 200 watts on 40 meters. I need to buy an ac-4 power supply yet. Thanks again !!!

[@asetyaev]

Хорошо

[@mmorkester1]

Nice video and good information for me, because I got today a TR-4C, my first Drake radio. I will ask you how you wired the Astatic SilverEagle for using with the Drake? I have a Silvereagle and would like to use it too together with my my "new" TR-4C. Maybe you can send me that information. It would be great. 73 de LA9OCA Manfred

[@RadioHamGuy]

Yes, I will need to open up the connector on the mic plug and see what color wires go where on there, I think there are 3 wires but don't remember for sure. Also I think the Mic input is a little different size, will have to check that out also. Send me a pm if you want or my call is good on qrz also and email me.

[@mmorkester1]

RadioHamGuy Thank you very much for your answer and that you will help me. I greatly appreciate that.

[@johnbaxter5451]

***** www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php?topic=66062.0 This is the answer to your question. TR4-Cw...bought mine in 1997 GREAT radios! KC5YSQ

[@RadioHamGuy]

John Baxter Thanks John for posting this, my mom just passed away this morning so I will not be able to look into this right now so thanks, hope that will help out Manfred.

[@mmorkester1]

RadioHamGuy It was sad to hear that, My condolences to you and your family.

[@DOIDYE]

What name is on the right white thing at 02:49

[@RadioHamGuy]

That is a Heathkit RF signal generator.

[@DOIDYE]

RadioHamGuy Thank you

[@Luther1543]

sounds muffled, that needs an adjustment and then it will be fine. what i like in this radio is the screen (frequency reading), you can leave the radio on forever and there is no display that will burn in the screen like with the newer radios.

[@romeocodari4197]

I've just bought a "collector condition" TR4-CW (43xxx serial) that seems to be taken out of the box today. Outstanding audio, nothing to do with modern rigs. Thanks for your great video. 73's es DX de IK2DJV

[@RadioHamGuy]

Sounds great, yes, wish the bands would come alive like they used to be during the past sunspot years..