RACAL RA1218 Receiver

RACAL RA1217 Receiver Overview

[@sergeyschi6767]

Rk0ss. Имел такой приемник. Звучание, избирательность очень нравилась. Случился пожар, остался частично сгоревшей, перегретый, восстановить не получилось. В Советское время цена его была равносильна авто_Лада06.

[@dffabryr]

Beautiful rig, thank you for the demo!!!

[@TheRudydog1]

Great, informative video Peter. I know the earlier RA-17 receiver used a unique frequency control circuit called the Wadley Loop which greatly improved the stability of the receiver. Not sure if the RA1218 utlized the same circuit. The next generation would be the PLL frequency controlled receivers which added additional stability. In the US at the time was the 51J's, R-390A's and the later 51S-1 Collins general coverage receivers using crystal controlled front ends and stable PTO variable tuning controls. I have several Collins models but I would be elated to add a RACAL. They have gotten very expensive and are quite hard to come by. Peter, I hope you have maintained your interest in vintage receivers over the last 3 years. Peace

[@vk4gxc]

Hi Rudydog, thanks for the comment, yes the R1218 was basically a transistorised version of the RA17/117 utilising the Wadley Loop principle. Still keeping the faith and restoring receivers here. Finished a R390 (Non A) earlier this year and I have a R-388 and a R-274 in the wings when i can get some time time to go through them. R-388 really needs a new Mains transformer as the current one buzzes pretty badly ... probably get some time over xmas ....regards , Pete

[@stevejones8665]

Nice old Rx one of the best none pll radios that where made and there are very few that used Nixie Tubes ..How much did you pay for it would be interesting to know what they go for these days the where very expensive when new being a commercial comms rx...Good vid all the best

[@vk4gxc]

Hi Steve thanks for the nice comment. This set was I think around the 250 UK pounds mark. It did need some work, As the Counter assy wasn't working and the AGC cct has some capacitors leaking...Both issues corrected and it works very nice. Typical of most early Transistorised HF receivers it could suffer form overloading if not handled correctly. You do need to use the pre-selector and Attn to get optimum performance, As it has a free running VCO and everything else is analogue there is little phase noise and it can really work very well. Its currently used in my lab and preforms exceptionally well of my active loop antenna.

[@stevejones8665]

Peter Stanford Thanks for the Reply much appreciated. Wadley loop same as FRG7 if memory serves me right. All the Best from Liverpool UK

[@vk4gxc]

Hi Steve yes your correct same set up as RA17/117 all 1MHz steps multiplied in a comb generator and a free running 1st LO 'locked' to it. I was a Test Technician Apprentice at RACAL for 4 years and finished in their systems engineering, spent a lot of time on later synthesised sets. Fantastic company, one of the last in UK.....