RACAL RA17D Receiver Setup

The Racal is a bit different than other receivers so I thought I would make this video to show how to get it going.

[@tommybewick]

Used the famous Wadley loop circuit. I have always wanted a Barlow Wadley XCR-30 receiver that uses that circuit in a portable radio and was sold by Dr. Trevor Wadley's company in South Africa in the 1970's. Nicely done video and explanation. 73, Tom

[@TrystansWorkbench]

Steve, I enjoyed that - thank you. I owned a Racal RA17L over 25 years ago when I was a student. I used it with my 80m CW transmitter, and very much enjoyed using it. It also had the benefit of warming up the cold attic room I was in during my studies. Unfortunately I lost it (believe it or not) in one of my moves some time after. How I could have lost such a big (and amazing) piece of kit still baffles me. Thanks again, 73.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Still a very popular radio, thanks for the guided tour, very interesting.

[@yasu570]

hello,one x`tal ,two vfo,triple super ,very goog!and nice audio.thank you Steve.

[@johnmitchellytb]

Just one thing. Racal was a British company and the Ra17 was British made, not US.

[@briangreen7797]

Yes, I used the Racal Ra17 back in the 1970's. The Ra17 with a band selection unit drawer fitted between the antenna and the Ra17 receiver together with a frequency synthesiser drawer was known as a 'CJK' receiver. It was a brilliant piece of equipment.

[@vu3mes]

Hello Steve I have located a RA17 with a surplus co. Is it possible to receive ssb signals without an adapter, this radio has always fascinated me.

[@n4lq]

Yes it will do SSB just fine. It is one very difficult receiver to use.

[@joaodamascenoufc]

If we compare Hammarlund SP600, Collins R390 or Hallicrafters would this Racal be even better?

[@n4lq]

Much much better than the SP600 and at least equal to the R390 or 390A. It takes a while to get the hang of the preselector which is all done automatically on the 390. If I had to choose I would take the Racal.

[@joaodamascenoufc]

Steve Ellington thanks so much.!

[@normanadler9058]

Steve Ellington