Living with the Lowe HF-150

I have had the HF150 for a while now so what do I think of it? Here I talk about both the Good and bad points of this compact HF receiver.

[@warrenziegler6748]

Hi Kevin I have 3 Lowe HF-150s, I acquired the first almost 20 years ago. There was an optional backlight kit which consisted of LEDs which I installed - it only works when the radio is on external power, it's disabled when using batteries to prolong battery life. It would pretty easy to wire in some LEds for a backlight if you want to DIY. I also have the optional keypad for direct frequency entry which is very handy. Lowe made an external speaker and S-meter unit RP-150, which was in the same size case as the HF-150 and connected to it, that way, you could have an S-Meter (I have one of those as well). All in all, it is an excellent portable receiver. The newer high-capacity NiMH batteries make it very practical to use rechargeable batteries. I also have a computer interface for the HF-150. There was a preselector made for the HF-150 which I do not have. I love the HF-50 - that's why I have THREE of them! 73 Warren

[@OctavMandru]

Backlight installed, a couple of tiny LED's in series with a resistor. For the tuning, just use in AM mode and switch to SSB when desired.

[@paulsradiohacks]

Always known about these receivers but never seen one in action? I had a Lowes local to me in Matlock, loved wondering round the shop.

[@tatalito]

is a VERY GOOD receiver!

[@David-km8in]

Hi Kevin, I had a HF150 but sold it to buy my first HF tranciever. Wish I kept it. It did have it's problems though. It hadn't got any front end filtering so it was prone to breakthrough from strong mw and FM signals. I could hear my local FM station on the 20 meter ham band. Nice video. Happy Christmas. David M0DUU

[@KevinOReillyswl]

Happy Christmas and a great 2024!!

[@adam-g7crq]

Hi Kevin, happy Christmas and thanks for the video's this year, I do have a Lowe HF-250 and it does have a signal meter and back light, I'm not overly impressed with it, I do use it everyday it's got a beer mate on it and I use it as a coffee table, I'll set it up over the Christmas break and see if I can change my opinion of this receiver.

[@KevinOReillyswl]

Adam, that's interesting I wouldn't mind trying an HF250

[@adam-g7crq]

@@KevinOReillyswl I'll try it out later and see if it still works, post the results later on this week.

[@KevinOReillyswl]

Adam Merry Christmas to you and yours