The Heathkit RX-1 "Mohawk" Amateur Radio Receiver

In this video we'll look at the Heathkit RX-1 Mohawk deluxe amateur radio receiver. We'll look at the history of the radio, it's features, and take a look at it inside and out. I'll discuss the restoration of this particular unit and demonstrate it being operated.

[@erichamradio919]

Great video! My first rig, as a novice at age 18, back in 1974 was a RX-1 and a DX-60B with vfo to an inverted Vee. Loved it. Miss it!

[@earlteporten2827]

Jeff, Outstanding! What a fun trip down memory lane. I remember back in 1962 I could tell the various rigs apart, just by their paint smell. Heathkit, Knight-kit and Collins rigs all had a distinctive smell....Sounds nuts, but for me, it was true. What a joy to see and hear your demonstration and relive those special times, so long ago. 73....All the Best! Earl...WA0JDE

[@wa4aos]

Hi Jeff, Thanks once again for taking the time and sharing your resources as well as your vast technical expertise to describe more of Heathkit's unique offerings. It's a real pleasure to listen to your descriptions. I learn something each time!! 73, Glenn WA4AOS

[@johnadams9044]

Complete and interesting video on the Mohawk. As an 11 year old kid in the early 60's, this and the Apache were to 'go to' rigs. I helped my friend for one month assemble the TX-1 Apache. He never got around to to getting this Mohawk and instead used an HQ-100A. Thanks for this video.

[@jimlafrieda8824]

Hi Jeff, Was very fortunate to be able to find and purchase a Mohawk RX-1 today, that was built 57 years ago in Oct. 1958, which is still in very good condition, to match the Apache TX-1 that I picked up several years ago, with an SB-10 SSB Adapter. Enjoyed viewing your very comprehensive video on the RX-1- and wasn't aware that in addition to the manual that came with assembling the RX-1, that Heathkit published a manual re: aligning the front- end of the RX-1. Many thanks for taking the time to produce this informative video. 73, Jim (N6MV)

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Thanks. My high school electronics shop had a Mohawk and I enjoyed using it (1964-65). I have one to restore and the matching AT-1 TX, also awaiting my attention. I see that I have a lot more of your videos to watch. 73 de W8YI Jeff

[@duanetrivett750]

Jeff This one looks as good as your Mohican ! But I am particularly fond of the Mohicans. Keep up the good work. 73.

[@mikepasko7493]

I got one of these that is absolutely brand new untouched mint condition just like out of the box all of the components and caps are all original and untouched ... I tried it out and it worked beautifully....also with the wooden matching speaker.....someone had it but till now appears never to have used it.....it is absolutely beautiful

[@mikepasko7493]

Oh also came with the matching transmitter that is in the same like new condition the perfect pair

[@johnadams6569]

Good video. I still limp from when my Mohawk fell on my foot as a young teenager.

[@Pwaak]

That is a beauty of a rig! Thanks for this video!

[@saltybugger]

Very nice video you put together. Shows alot of time you put into this. The scratchy apache and mohawk was one of my first radios as a novice. Also got me my first OO ticket back then when the dial cord broke on the transmitter and I didn't know...I was actually transmitting on 40m out of band and never could understand why no-one answered my 80m cq's after 2 months :) Great radio. They built them like tanks. Dad had to buy me a special copy table (which I still have today) to hold it. Had the entire station. It was mint condx, wish I never sold it :(

[@royrow8879]

Great video, Jeff. It brought back many memories. I had one of these in the late 60's that I used with a DX100. I gladly replaced the transmitter with a HW101 kit, but held onto this lovely receiver for many years after that.

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have one fully temperature compensated. detector linearized. works great now.

[@robertmeyer4744]

great look at a old Heathkit RX-1. I only saw one at a ham-fest had the transmitter as well. I almost got the SB 300 but got the HW-101 transceiver with both AC and DC power supply. also got the HA 14 572/b 2 tube amp with AC/DC supply with all cords. it was a set. still restoring. lots of work.

[@camaroman9441]

Absolutely gorgeous. I want it.

[@sundownsigns]

I had one of these and the matching transmitter in the 70s. Moved on to Heathkit transceiver after that ... WA7VVV

[@vanderaj]

Loved the video. Would have loved to have watched you do the restoration, like you do when building the kit computers.

[@8xlaxx]

Am enjoying your videos Jeff. Like how you detail many Heathkit products. Be nice to see a video on the DX-100. Maybe you will find one, sometime?

[@stevethelen9544]

Great video, will you be doing the alignment youtube soon? I am working on a Mohawk but have meager electronic skills. Looking forward to it. Thank You. Steve

[@tommybewick]

Jeff you always do such a great job with your professional narration and presentation of your radios. So when you said the front end was factory wired and aligned I am guessing it came as a complete unit with the kit, so a builder did not build that section at all, along with the factory assembled wiring harness you mentioned.Seems kind of different for Heathkit, did they do that in other complex radio designs too? Reminds me of Elecraft, I guess they copied Heathkit in that regard. Thanks and 73, Tom

[@jefftranter]

Yes, that is correct. Off the top of my head I don't know of any other Heathkit radios that had a fully assembled front end - some of them (e.g. the HR-10B) had factory adjusted front end coils. I think there were some Heathkits (e.g. TVs and computers) that had factory assembled circuit boards that just needed to be mechanically assembled and connected. much like Elecraft's K3.

[@cathrynm]

Radio still sounds good.

[@jonbos2876]

I just scored one of these at a hamfest for $20 can't believe it and I got the kilowatt Warrior for $300 with spare tubes working no transmitter though

[@berkmanyt]

Great job walt K2CXP former IBM Country Club Poughkeepsie NY station

[@BobHolowenko]

Hello Jeff, I have an Mohawk, Apache, and Warrior set that belonged to an SK. I am looking to assist the XYL (Widow) with liquidating his massive HeathKit collection. What would you estimate this collection to be worth. I told her not to expect much as shipping would be an issue, however she is eager to have money to heat her home this winter.

[@jefftranter]

+Bob Holowenko It's hard to say, but based on selling prices on eBay I think you could likely get around $500 for a set of RX-1, TX-1, and HA-10 if you find the right buyer, i.e. someone who is local and willing to pick it up.

[@sunflowermahea225]

I have a chance to buy both working for 400 is that a good deal

[@jefftranter]

If you mean an RX-1 and TX-1 for US$400, that is a reasonable price if they are complete and in good condition.

[@mnpd3]

I'll never understand why Heathkit went thru a "giant radio" phase. Wasn't the "Apache" the largest of them all? It was as large as granny's old trunk. I had an Apache, and you had to turn it just right to get it past the door opening!

[@fourfortyroadrunner6701]

It's easy to understand, all you have to do is understand the technology of the day, and compare it to OTHER similar vintage equipment, Hallicrafters, National, Hammarlund, you name it. Heathkit was no different, and was "typical."

[@NebukedNezzer]

you did NOT show how the thing drifts.

[@Varianna12]

1:35. Also the era in which "native American tribes" were called "Indians!"