Hallicrafters SX-99 Repair & Restore

[@kd4avp]

Thanks for the great videos , Really helped me get my SX99 back to service. Have a SX96 and SX100 next up to get going again. Your vids helped me spot some things that I most certainly would have missed!

[@steveforbes7718]

I have one sitting next to me now. I plugged in a speaker and ran the dials. Just noise. No audio. I used to be a tech for computers but, after a severe brain injury years ago that knowledge was erased and I've never been able to access it since. Not for lack of trying, though. Also, with my hands trembling a lot soldering is no longer my best skill. If those two issues were not present I would likely be following your well done video to bring it back to life. Unfortunately, I think I just need to sell it and let it go. Thanks for doing such a thorough job.

[@lomgshorts3]

I agree with you, restoration of antique and classsic radios can be relaxing and rewarding. Been a Ham for over 40 years, and have a plethora of Hallicrafters receivers, some restored, some waiting their turn for restoration. I also have a National HRO-5TA1 complete with original power supply and speaker with all coils ever made for it- it is my "go to" receiver when I just want to listen. It was part of my Novice station along with a Heathkit DX-35 and a furnace relay for a t/r relay. Spent many happy hours running CW until I upgraded to the Drake Twins (R4B, TX-4B, MS-4, L4B) the same day I got my General license. I have other transceivers, but the Drakes still rule the shack. None of the radios I use have ever seen someone elses hands when they needed repair. I had a lot of supervision, but I did the work, and knew why which part needed replacement, and how to do alignments. Your video gave me a few pointers on how to fix an SX-99 I have in line for repair and restoration - Thank You! 73's de W4FJF.

[@normanwalz8636]

I have time to watch, too. The longer your videos are, the better I like them. Thanks for doing them for us.

[@SeattlePioneer]

This was the style of my first receiver, donated by my cousin who had completed his EE degree and had a first job with IBM, which lasted forty years. He got that job in 1962, and this had been his amateur radio receiver as W7YFJ The receiver I had didn't have a SWR meter, but did have a built in speaker. I used it with my novice station and got my General and then Advanced ticket, which I still hold today. My first transmitter was homebrew, built largely from a scrap television chassis with tubes for $1 or so at the Salvation Army. I think I had two crystals which I used with 40 meter CW.

[@Manny2211]

Like 👍 that capacitor discharge tool better than the old alligator chips on a resistor 😊

[@skyboy2410]

Tony you are a great tech and teacher!

[@kennysipe2356]

I enjoyed watching and appreciate this video. I’m really looking forward to getting this hooked up and working. Thank you for your time and hard work in getting this receiver up and working. GOD bless.

[@burn2dust]

I am coming into the hobby of ham radio with just the basic knowledge of circuits. It is good to see and easy to follow these schematics, especially with your explanation. The "bottlenecks" of the circuits (I know that they aren't actually bottlenecks but more akin to easy to find parts) allow you to find and diagnose where in the circuit the problem might be. It was very informative and a great video all around.

[@edturner5256]

mr tony, i loved your vidio on this!! the troubleshooting this is really the best way to rebuild these old hallicrafters, or national, and hammalunds. great video and a must see for anyone who wants to start restoring old tube radios!! thank you for posting!!!

[@keithcarter6223]

Working on an S-77A myself and really enjoyed troubleshooting details. Thanks

[@towerman75]

Great job, I actually learned something new, and when that happens, it makes it all worth while. Keep up the good work. Jim WA5WRE

[@nor4277]

Bumble bombs , thanks for showing the way to trouble shooting .What I need is a signal tracer too.but it takes a while to accumulate good vintage test equiptment and good modern tools needed I been at it for four or five years .

[@Tom-W7TMD]

This is a great tutorial ! Thanks for sharing!

[@ATOMSHAMRADIO]

God i always loved them radios i tried looking for one on other cites not ebay congratulations on it. Love to get one📻💯👍⚛

[@tds1963]

The SX-99 is identical to the SX-110 except the front panel is different - great video - learned a lot

[@dougmcartin3881]

I use a product called Goo Gone to get stickers and other glue type residue off cabinets. Just dab some on with a Q Tip and let it soak in. Keep applying it until eventually it dissolves the glue underneath. Takes some time but won't damage the cabinet. Love the old Hallicrafters receivers. I use an S-40B on a daily basis. You've got a real nice one there. 73 Doug.

[@LarryDeSilva64]

I have an SX99 and an S20R as well as an SX43 all kinds of them and my crown Jewel is my SX28A made in 1939. Your SX99 does look a little nicer on the inside than mine but mine still works great after a recapping job. Thanks for the great video Oh and I am a new subscriber to your channel.

[@Charlee2015]

Another great video!

[@Homer19521]

These old rig voltage charts are usually for a 20K/V VOM like a Simpson or Triplett. 10M input DVM's will usually read high on voltage. Some charts will actually specify the meter characteristic.

[@greggaieck4808]

Xraytonyb your utube videos are awesome 👍👍👍👍📻😎😎😎👀👀

[@gearheadted9210]

Thanks for all the great info,just getting back into radio/electronics after 30 plus yrs fixing cars,prob shoulda went into electronics instead lol cheers!

[@calescapee9642]

Got 2 of these Mint

[@jerdobi]

Good video, l'd like to see same alignment for the SX-100.

[@johncliff5417]

To say how old that Hallicrafter Rx is, it looks in excellent condition for its age . I wonder if modern day rigs from the main manufactures are going to be as good in the next century. ?. 73 de John - G0WXU.

[@t1d100]

I am thinking that there is some possibility that the stickers are actually decals... Remember the ones you put on plastic model cars, planes, etc, when we were kids? And, how you soaked them in water, before applying them? Maybe try wetting a paper towel with really hot water, apply it to the sticker/decal, let it sit a couple of minutes and see if it will just wipe right off... It would seem to be worth a try, because it really should not be able to do any harm. HTH.

[@i82996]

Yes, therapeutic. Why I call myself Hallicrafters Rehabs. Looks like this one is a Mark 1C or 1D, with the solid metal dials.

[@lb6cgthode671]

Ooooooh nice rig

[@bustersinclair]

some of us have time......thanks tony

[@j.r.lexton5666]

Great video; really enjoyed it. I am currently restoring an SX-99 that needs to have the cabinet repainted. Matching the color has been a problem, especially the portion of the front panel with the control labels. Mine looks to be kind of a light gray color, but your radio looks closer to a silver. Not sure if this is just the lighting in the video. Could you please comment on whether the front panel is a silver or gray color?

[@Francescawine]

I have now 2 Halicrafter SX 24 and a S85. S85 is working. But SX 24 has many issue. That year 1939 does have older compoments. Found 3 bad tubes. 2 open resister, wax caps , bad filter cap and dangous ac cord. Replace cord, some bad caps replace and 3 tubes. Had no audio, bad switch on the standby, now fixed. With loud audio hum. I know you got replace all the caps.. need to find Filter cap. I not sure if i can get this working it's a big project. Francesca

[@kennynvake4hve584]

That audio output transformer usually goes bad on all of the Hallie's...Did you hook the speaker to the 3.2 ohm connectors...or the 500 ohm connectors If it has the two? I use to only get sound out of the 3.2 ohm connectors using an 8 ohm speaker. Im just 18 min's into the video..and just jumping the gun...

[@tubeDude48]

At 44:20, it looks like that resistor is very close to touching that tube socket pin. That pin may not be used, but I noticed that. --- I have 3 S-120's, but they all have the same problem! All of the tuning coils WILL NOT turn. Any idea's to free them? --- I use an Ultrasonic Cleaner with Simply Green to clean knobs and V.C.'s

[@wernermarycudney]

Wow I have an SX 96, looks the same but hase different tubes in it. Works perfectly after replacing one dead tube. 6be6 not sure on the number.

[@sbhguitar45]

Hey Tony.. what's the capacitor your using for the testing?

[@zx8401ztv]

"Capacitor Cowboys", i've never "Herd" that one before :-D

[@radioman140]

ha, good one zx

[@zx8401ztv]

@@radioman140 My sillyness often takes a while to find the right person lol.

[@pinterelectric]

Holy, I have the same one!

[@fuzzwack1]

ME TOO! love it!

[@greggaieck4808]

The owners Hallicrafters sx99 shortwave receiver is cool

[@wickerbill7793]

Great vid for a newbie like me. One of the previous owners of that radio must of have been a hot rodder. Those decals are or were the trademark for Clay Smith racing cams. Not sure if they’re still in biz.

[@32251]

Ok help me out. I have this radio and the alignment needs work. I don’t have a scope. You use the 455khz unmodulated RF tone,turn the pitch control till there is no tone..that is the zero beat point. You mark that as your center for the pitch knob. Then you turn the pitch knob and get a tone say not over 1khz and set T1 for max out. Then you return the pitch knob to the center point and then change the test tone from 455khz to just a 500hz tone and set the other IF cans? Is the 500hz tone modulated or unmodulated? I can see that you have to do some switching of the knob positions on the radio. I am more interested in the test tone set up...the zero beat adjustment...and the adjustment of the top of can T1 or A as per the hallicrafters instructions. Without the scope, can’t I just look at the output on my vtvm? I thank you for your help.

[@bertconvey3881]

I'm a little confused myself aren't you suppose to tune the IF to whatever the crystal frequency is by finding the BFO beat then leaving your SG on that and then tune the IF transformers. and your answer according to factory spec. is is a modulated signal when tuning rest of IF transformers. This info available free at BAMA website. Love Tony's videos, maybe I'm missing something but he has another video SX- 71 that he does differently. I know he knows more than me about this, so clarification or update on this video would be greatly appreciated.

[@johnsimms3957]

Good video. Please leave your subtitles up a little longer.

[@rongross5170]

Really enjoyed this video!! Do you have any others that involve restoring boat anchor ham radio equipment? Great job!! Ron AD7FV

[@Charlee2015]

What size capacitor dud you use between your generator and the radio. Also the polarity relation to the radio?

[@jonka1]

Cap is not critical. 0.01/0.001 or so. Not sure what you mean about polarity.

[@bertconvey3881]

.02

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

I had a S99 before or S40 same thing no audio , a IF transformer had an open connection inside of the can ,. i had take can out and open it up fix the connection in it . in the IF csn . I usually tyest all tubes first off bat. then look at other things. Tony ve4akf

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

amazing a bad tube socket

[@CraneofBoulogne]

Back when America made radios like this the consumer got a great quality product for the money he spent. Today's radios, for this same purpose, are generally small boxes about the size of a cigar box at best and most of them are smaller than that. They have a small LCD screen and literally a hundred bells and whistles to boot; they have everything but quality. Their controls are difficult and require a learning curve to master. We lost a lot when we started buying cheaper and turned our back on American quality. This radio is built like they wanted it to last a lifetime with simple maintenance and today it remains repairable. Try that will the latest Grundig copies made in China; the knobs won't even stay on them very long, the plastic case decays pretty quickly and if you listen to them often you will notice they degrade electrically quickly too. This radio is a fine piece of equipment, it is American from our heyday.

[@kd7bwb12]

Yea, let’s look at radios built at more than 60-years ago. 1). Point to point wiring was done with wires with insulation that not only tended to be loose on the wires, but then rotted unacceptably within 20-years. Which means using this radio after 20-years, placed the user in danger of electrocution, and/or fires. Wiring made today is sealed to the wire and lasts much longer and deals with heat much better. 2). Electrolytic capacitors were all unacceptable, by modern standards. Both the paper and wax impregnated caps; also became unacceptable within 20-years of service. The worst part is the caps in question, often grounded to chassis, and when they become shorted internally ( which is normal failure) now the radio catches fire, and the chassis can now AGAIN electrocute the operator. Modern electrolytics last much longer, and resist heat stress much better. 3). Power supply (either integrated or separate) not only have to be looked at by looking at the tube rectifiers (A02 and others), which often go short and cause the entire wiring harness to catch fire and blow the power supply (even when the rest of the power supply is good). The other side of the problem of VERY OLD power supplies, is that they were designed for 115-volts AC, and with today’s AC line voltage running 120-125 VAC, stresses not only the power supply, but no voltage regulation in those days, means modern AC now stresses everything in the radio as well. Modern radios have regulated power supplies, and separate stage regulation to protect individual stages, quite often. 4). Transmitters are tough to manage for lots of reasons, not just from aging, but because the microphone stages had ZERO limiting, which means the radio can produce lots of harmonic and IMD distorted signals ; even with those radios using a working ALC in the RF stages. These non-limited mic stages are the reason for why carrier-AM FCC regulations are still obsolete. Modern radios have little or no overshoot, and the audio from the transmitter is absolutely superior, in most cases. 5). Receivers were just plain primitive. AGC was normally in the audio, and not in previous stages at all. This is one of the major reasons for popping in CW. And there was no fix for these kinds of problems. This also meant that the receiver was difficult to listen to, most models (very few useful exceptions). -- Am I talking about Japanese radios, as better products? No. Elecraft is made in the US and perform much better than anything made in the 40s-50s. Elecraft’s history begins in 1998, and everything they ever made beats old US products in every way. Both their kit products, and their factory products whip the old gear... hands down. -- Yea... old radios were built to last... only if it is used as a large paper weight, and never has power applied.

[@624radicalham]

Jeff you were completely owned by the response to your comment by KD7BWB but you choose to throw a rock and then run and hide. No reply. You refuse to learn brother.

[@kd7bwb12]

Miami SWL Radio If I really wanted bomb the guy, I might have pointed out that Grundig licensed its name to TECSUN in China. Chinese citizens can’t even buy these products, they’re made for export... to us. And no tech manual for repairs. And then there is inflation. The tuning capacitor in a Hallicrafters SX-99 would cost more today than the entire ‘Grundig’ radio. In fact, the entire SX-99 would cost $3500 in todays economy. And then he complains about menu’d functions. Modern radios have so many tools, a menu is a requirement. The SX-99 had a reciever and that is all. The modern TECSUN (GRUNDIG) has a DSP in it that performs not only noise-blanker functions not even in a SX-99, but also can limit received bandwidth at will, which limits noise outside the passband. These are a true advance in radio technology. But Jeff Crane doesn’t care. He wants a good weight to use for an anchor for his boat, when he goes fishing. Now that’s multi-purpose design engineering !

[@johnbellas490]

Hallicrafters produced good quality radios all the way from simple 5 or six tube sets all the way up to sets that had as high as 22 to 32 tubes IF I remember O.K. I too have some Hallicrafters sets and they are the S-20R, S-25X, S-38, S40B. my S25X at some time had the power transformer replaced, and someone replaced it with a power trans from probably an early color tv and this is why I saw the B+ about 180 volts above spec all over. so I had to find an original part that I bought from ebay, this took about 1.5 years to find !!! and so I had to replace all caps and resistors as most were damaged by that transformer that someone else put in yea someone let a lot of magic smoke out with their crazy fix, the two output tubes were toast too!! Enjoy, A good interesting video as always !!! John Bellas KC2UVN

[@greggaieck4808]

It look like new inside the Hallicafters sx99 shortwave receiver

[@greggaieck4808]

I like old shortwave receivers they no how to billed old shortwave receivers not like today shortwave receivers are good but old is better shortwave receivers good bye

[@nelsonlinkousii5174]

Great Video. Is the SX-99 for sale?

[@georgetorres1990]

Hi, I have a sx100 for sale

[@widecast]

I can’t understand why that plate voltage and resistor was not picked up in at least the first 10-15 min. That resistor fault accounts for probably 50% of low or no audio faults. An experienced “radio” service man would have found that. However I note that Xraytonyb fixes all sorts of equipment so can’t be an expert in everything although I recognise him as a good engineer.

[@cindylawrence1515]

Just check out what SX-88's sell for today........yipe!

[@624radicalham]

But this is an SX-99. This is not the desired collectible one

[@jackjohnson9989]

Super! Now that you've shown us you can repair communications gear in addition to your obvious skills with audio/video - how about taking a powder at an Icom 745 transceiver ? So there! I've just asked what many others want to but are too shy to post.

[@624radicalham]

What's a powder?

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

That would not be good, the storm will be in very quickly so maybe it is time to disconnect your 40 foot antenna.