Vintage Hallicrafters S-40a Ham Radio Shortwave tube receiver demo

Here is a demo of my favorite general coverage tube receiver. This was my first shortwave listening machine as a kid. Still enjoy playing with it. A very simple but great performing post war relic. I have owned many of these. Can't seem to turn them down. Pulls at the heart strings. Do you have a favorite? Hope you enjoy the video. Remember those good days.

[@kellysullivan5434]

I'm 67 now. I started listen to shortwave and ham radio when I was about eight. Somehow I ran across from these videos when I was about 19. The best radio I ever had. I'm still kicking myself in the butt for losing that when I was about 29. Divorce. I'd love to get another one and listen to it in the time I have lleft in this Ionespherr layer.. HI HI

[@dennisbergman3896]

Will keep mine after seeing your enthusiasitic inspirational attitude. It is a nice radio, mine needs going over, bfo not working and is not sensitive. Thank you, from NZ

[@johnwest7993]

I love the smell of the hot dust on the tubes!

[@MRxMADHATTER]

Hallicrafters are awesome old radios.

[@tonyblackmon6356]

That radio is one I always wanted. I just gave away a BC-348, a signal generator, frequency counter and a signal tracer. My eyes have failed me to the point where Magnification doesn't work. This young man was starting a ham club for children and I donated all my equipment to him. Maybe later I will acquire a smaller 2 to 4 tube SW radio. My mentor is K4MNY, Lou Duncan, and he got me started. I was always into SW, even as a child. I really enjoy ham ans SW, but I figured it was time to let go of what I really loved to someone who was trying to help the youth of today.

[@olenamcquagge7777]

Having a glass of wine with the old Halicrafter...man you really love that radio for sure.

[@Antony_Jenner]

Thanks to you Terry and a few others, at 52yrs young I have bought my first proper receiver a Hallicrafters S-20r as I live in Australia getting it here was quite an ordeal as in cost. I have had it just over a month now and after the usual cap replacements and such It allready has bought me much joy. Having been building and repairing valve amps for the past 30yrs or so I thought it was about time I treated myself. This receiver is only the beginning for me but I know there are many more out there for me to give a new home and use for. Thanks again for the inspiration... Tony J

[@Niteskate1]

I enjoyed the video, I currently have a Hallicrafters TW-2000 and will be picking up an S-40A in a couple weeks. Its fun to operate the older radios and I recall following the events at Chernobyl on the TW-2000.

[@brianyoung9014]

Nice radio Terry.

[@zing913945]

Greetings Professor ! Your wit and teaching skills remind me so much of my younger brother, the original KS4Q who passed in 2009. He was a MAJOR Elmer and inspired me KJ4FOE and 2 of my sons to get our technicians licenses which we did with the 3 of us passing our exam the same day We had planned several electronic projects together but they were put on the shelf after he died HE was the brains of the outfit and I was depraved musician LOL I was inspired again after I saw your excellent video on the fender tweed 5f1 I decided last week I was going to take it off the shelf and go for it !!! I Love the hallicrafters and I have an old sx 110 that I haven't powered up in years! Keep these great videos coming! They are a great learning source..

[@kevinatkab5219]

they are the neatest looking radios, especially in a dark room, the way the little holes in the lid light up the ceiling! It was my first shortwave radio too. Older brother gave it to me back in the late 60's. All of my memories of am radio hits are from being heard on this rig. Mine is the original S-40, no suffixes.I still have it, but it needs new dial cords.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Kevin at KAB. Time was when your corner shop radio fixer would shrug his shoulders at the simplicity of fixing that. He'd have a roll of cord in his drawer and take it in the back, fixing it while you wait! Today's brilliantly trained, digi-fixers would also shrug their highly trained digi-shoulders and say "ER ...What?" You seen the video of two 20 year olds trying to operate a telephone with a rotary dial?

[@6A8G]

Thanx for another outstanding video - the resistors to which you referred to as cigar shaped are better known as dogbone resistors. They are from the 1930's & are almost sure to be out of spec. Thank you Mr. D.Lab.

[@destijl7414]

Nice, thanks for posting the video !

[@Iowarail]

That takes me back to sitting down in my grandfathers ham shack. RIP W0WAN.

[@gilbertomarines]

Hola Terry, Bonitos recuerdos llegan a mi memoria. Cuando era joven me compré mi primer radio-receptor y fué exactamente S-40a Hallicrafters, fué en tiempos cuando estudiaba la escuela secundaria. He seguido tus videos y son de los mas ilustrativos y sirven de guía para los que nos gusta la electronica. Saludos a para ti y a Emi..! Gracias por tu tiempo. Saludos desde Mexicali, Baja California. Mexico.

[@jayham1970]

I just bought one of these for about $100 bucks, and I will be waiting for my delivery. I bought it specifically because of the Gilligan’s Island feature that you mentioned. Even if I cannot get it to work, I will treasure it for a good childhood, television show memory.

[@PanamaJack-uw4qj]

Yes, I've restored an S-40a in the last month and really like it. I'm not understanding the poor reception on band 4 though. I was hoping you would tune up there so I could compare mine to yours but at any rate a great video. Thanks!

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Great to see how well this set works…Radio Romania International!

[@vtradio]

Watched it again. Still a great demo video. 73 Paul AA1SU

[@kkadan]

Outstanding video. My first receiver was also a Hallicrafters. It was the model S-38 and remains dear to my heart. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 73. Ken K1KRK

[@patrickwall8517]

Beautiful radio. I love the tone these older radios with tube amplifiers have. So pleasant to listen to.

[@warplanner8852]

Oh man, you ARE old school! A Beckman 310! Both the receiver and the receiver bring back memories. Great video.

[@bucyruserie1211]

I can see why you did all the babysitting to obtain that receiver.... very cool unit, and a great story. I remember the episode on Gilligan's Island.... I wouldn't have known the model though... actually I only watched the show as a kid to look at Mary Ann! Thanks for the memories Terry, and keep posting the great old equipment you repair.

[@d-labelectronics]

Will do man. Glad you like the video. Shooting many more this long weekend. Stay tuned

[@MauriatOttolink]

In those days (I was there!) there was a short-wave game called Russian Roulette. You got into a short-wave Broadcast Band, gave that big old AR88 flywheel dial a sharp spin. Folks would phone (call) from Vegas to make a bet on whether it would stop on Voice Of America or Radio Moscow. So many stations...it was just like black or red!

[@kornami8678]

My dad had a National NC-173 bought new similar to the one on your bench. I loved that radio but I sold it because I wanted something modern with a frequency readout and quadruple conversion. My eyes were bigger than my stomach. That modern job only lasted 25 years before it broke. Now I wish I had the National back again.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Kornami A common tale. Same with 1st car and especially 1st girl-friend!

[@GhostWorkersComp]

This video inspired me to buy my own!!! My S-40A is in the possession of the master and will soon be ready for use... EXCITED!

[@materialsguy2002]

Beautiful receiver, and great audio. Thanks for the demo.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

This was fantastic, my neighbor just gave me an S-77, thanks!

[@billsomrak]

I watched this video, as I wanted to know what a S-40 receiver looked like. I was recently emailed by a W3 ham, who had a QSO with a ham from my area who is now SK. He found a QSL card dated Feb. 16, 1950. Back then, the SK ham was W3PZG. When he passed 4 yrs. ago, I left a msg. in the online funeral home site, recalling the good times & left my name/call. This guy who found the 70 year old QSL, found my entry, traced me down via my call, and asked if I knew if there were any surviving relatives who might want the QSL card, which was pretty creative, as the left side had all the call info on it, and the right side was a caricature drawing of this ham - hand drawn. Anyway, I told the guy that I saw the SK ham's XYL at church every Sunday. He's going to send me the card, & I'll present it to her. Kind of a neat story. Now, at least I know what an old Halicrafters S-40 looks & sounds like. Wish I knew what a "Sig Shift" transmitter was ... tried to look it up but found nothing. It was a 10M Phone contact. Thanks for the video. 73 de KB8EB

[@rohnkd4hct260]

Love those old units. Nothing sounds like tubes! I had an S40B once. Sold it, wish I hadn"t.

[@BenPrevo]

I have fond memories of a grey Zenith H-724 that was in my kitchen when I was a kid

[@TerryLeeCanada]

Enjoyed your video, thank you. I bought an early model S-40 (S/N 12170), non working, in July 2016. Finally had a time last week and now fully functional. I agree with your opinion about this radio, simply cool and fun to work with. Main problem was C13 0.5 uF cap on the second gate supply line badly leaking, measuring 7 kohm, almost a resistor, loading the bias voltage way low shutting the radio. After replacing one cap, Voila~! It too, however, had a couple of burnt up resistors. Someone also cross wired BFO inductor feed point, took me a while to correct it back.

[@NebukedNezzer]

I never have had a S40. I did get a nice s38(use the bfo injection gimmick to the first IF grid makes ssb lots easier to listen to). of all the radios I have I always wanted a howard 450a and about 2 years ago I got one in restorable condition. with a few engineering improvements I just love it. biggest lie a ham can tell is "I only own one radio". liked this video and may pick up an s40(been passing them by for years).

[@feeatlastfeeatlast5283]

Terry - Very simply stated - "You de man !!!" You are a youtube treasure.

[@d-labelectronics]

Thanks man, I love to share these vintage days

[@dylanlockler1039]

@@d-labelectronics Looking to buy one for 220 its in great condition in the box should i get it?

[@me-cq7wv]

Good God how beautiful does that look. And sounds just a nice as it looks

[@HaleiwaSam]

Mahalo great video. I am preparing to do my first restoration of a 1948 Hallicrafters SX-42 gong to recap and resistors if needed. I like being able to see the parts compared to the modern items. Love the Craftsmanship of the original work.

[@cfcreative1]

I love the bright tone.

[@kb1awv]

Great series of videos you have here. I also have the 40a (and a bunch of others). The old rigs are fun to restore and even more fun to use. The only thing that can improve the experience is a glass or wine or beer ... I see you already found that out. Keep the videos coming. Your effort is appreciated! Ken , KE1RI

[@d-labelectronics]

Roger that Sir, I appreciate it very much

[@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum]

Thanks for the tips. I have 6 different Hallicrafters I recently bought that I will be restoring soon. Actually 5 of them have already been recapped with orange drops by the prev. owner.

[@craigbrodie9087]

Hallicrafters are very good radios. American built. Very reliable radio. Too bad the company does not exist anymore

[@hunt555fish]

Nice looking and great sounding classic radio.Would like to restore one if I find a good clean one.

[@jairbertolazzo1335]

Parabéns pelo vídeo! Meu primeiro receptor foi um desses S-40. Forte 73! Jair - PY2LKZ

[@geoffreypowell9220]

THOSE WERE THE DAYS....

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Nice, I cut my teeth with a Yaesu twin set... Man was that a beastly setup. Btw, I saw on your website you spent some time in my hometown (Chanute AFB, Rantoul Il). My grandfather was an instructor there (SMSgt Sheldon Beatty, taught electronics). -KC9FJE

[@rohnkd4hct260]

used to have a S-40B wish I had never gotten rid of it

[@thebasementstation4622]

Love the story love the reciver

[@X-OR_]

Sounds Great !!!!

[@petedazer2556]

Don't forget the filament resistor on the 6H6! Both of my S40A's had way out of spec resistors, which causes the filament to run too cold which affects the AVC

[@d-labelectronics]

Thanks for the tip. I will make sure to inspect that. I have 2 more S-40a's in line for restoration.

[@earleclemans4836]

Im really enjoying this channel...73

[@countryside8122]

I always liked the bandspread on these radios. They seemed so much more selective.

[@juanchinda]

Thanks a lot. My father gifted to me this pretty Hallicrafter S-40a but is any maintenance necessary. Goods Marry Christmas from Bogota, Colombia.

[@tonyperone3242]

They won't make anything as good as this again.

[@dr.detroit1514]

I've had several single conversion receivers. I would have liked to collect more. My problem is, I live only a few miles from powerful AM & FM broadcast transmitters, and get mucho images on upper frequencies . So I've had to have at least a double conversion receiver for serious use. In my case, a Hali SX-100.

[@GTARockman]

I see it does not have the current filters of today, nor does it need them to listen. The selectivity is the only problem difference from the new units. It has a great warm sound and benefits the gain of high sensitivity receiver. Nice quality. So, what do i look for in an affordable shortwave model from the 40s or 50s?

[@johnbellas490]

Hello Terry !! THATS a nice radio, That Silver/Gray speaker grill really sets it off !!! I have a S 40B that is sitting on my night stand that I use almost every night . I wish it had the same speaker grill design, but I guess they felt they had to change itfor what ever reason, maybe cost cutting, but they should have left it like on your radio !!! Great video, always like to see yourvideos they are great and you present them real well !!! ------------ 73's John A Bellas KC2UVN

[@d-labelectronics]

Thank you Sir, I appreciate it. Plus good to know more of these fine receivers are still in operation. I appreciate your faith in me

[@ponyboymidnight]

Terry....makes me want to go find one right now!

[@d-labelectronics]

I have another. Needs some TLC. Could be yours

[@ponyboymidnight]

Oh.....the temptation.... this disease of collecting radios. Alas, I will/should pass. I don't have any more room for another.

[@russphilly]

I just went to my first Hamfest last Sunday...I picked up a National NC-98 and a Hallicrafters S 20 R ...just purchased a quantity of 20 10uf 450V radial electrolytics to replace the can filter cap..../ will I be okay using these caps in parallel to replace the multi capacitor can Caps ?

[@nsummy]

Sounds so creepy! I need to get one. thumbs up for the glass of wine

[@pirate612]

I have a S-40A radio, but it needs a lot of work. What kind of antenna does this radio need and what would it look like? I've heard everything from stretching a 100 ft antenna wire across my backyard to hooking it up to a Solar Con 99A CB antenna.

[@banjomandan7199]

Yeah, had one too about 45 years ago, and like a dope let it go. Watching your video sure made me kick myself.

[@d-labelectronics]

Yep, they are great receivers. You can still find nice ones on ebay

[@banjomandan7199]

Yes, shopping as we speak. Thanks for your great videos! Learning a lot. You learned all the electronics I should have learned had I not gotten so caught up in playing rock 'n' roll guitar way back then.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

local antique shop has one for $70 , and it works

[@d-labelectronics]

If it's in good cosmetic shape, I'd buy it

[@TheAgentAssassin]

actually I was mistaken it's the hallicrafter S-53A it has the speaker on top , and the top opens up with hinged lid , revealing tubes etc.

[@zzy09azy]

Recently acquired an S-40 off eBay. Am in the process of restoring it. Replaced the electrolytic filter caps, which got rid of the speaker hum. Still can't receive any stations. Need to replace the paper-wax caps. Hope the tubes are okay.

[@d-labelectronics]

Check the 2 large 10W resistors in power supply near the rear accy socket. They are always way out of tolerance and lower the high voltage

[@zzy09azy]

Will do. Thanks.

[@firebrigade101]

are you running a areal or random wire? I personally run a sloped dipole and suck in almost the entire globe with my old SX25!

[@lpdog82]

They had one of these on Gilligan's Island, but they used it as a transmitter CQ CQ hahaha

[@kellingc]

We (W1VCM) have S-40B - the problem is it is a hot chassis, and it had bitten me more than once. If I were to put my arm across it like you did at :40 it bites. Even when you flip the plug around. It works fine, if you just touch the knobs and insulate yourself when flipping the switches.

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, Sounds like you have power transformer leakage. Ohm your AC power plug to chassis. Bet you see some resistance. I had a Collins with the same issue. Had to replace the transformer.

[@JackOfAllTrades2022]

I have a quick question, I know this is an older video you did and I just purchased this same model, it’s all original , and still works, but the question I have is what type of antenna is best for these things. I get AM radio ok, but not much else. What can I use without spending a fortune.

[@williamemanuel2143]

Start with a 10 foot wire antenna. Drape it over a bookshelf and see what you can receive. Sometimes I will take my short wave radio out on my deck and use a 30 foot or greater antenna. 30 meter / 100 foot antennas work quite well. Good luck!

[@teddover2266]

Do you have one of these you are willing to part with now?? I would love to have one and you seem to know what you are doing when you fix them up. Let me know, I am interested in getting one for everyday use. Thanks

[@hunt555fish]

Great video Terry.Does the 40A tune the AM broadcast band?

[@N9CQX]

Hi Terry, my first receiver too and also been moving them out and back in over the years. Rex just found me my #3 set. Have you ever found an S40-not A or B? Not grounded? Harry

[@mikedevita7184]

Are all S40 models lime green dials?

[@tjmoto8118]

Hello could you give do a video on antenna set-up for the S-40A very new to this stuff or suggest an antenna ? Any help would be appreciated

[@GTARockman]

how much antenna do you have up for that?

[@dennisperusse3837]

I have a Hallicrafters S40-b and I have nothing on band 4. The other bands are okay but not 4. Any idea to what would cause that band to not receive anything?

[@SoulStarLA]

Hi Terry, just got my first S-40A at the age of 64. Mine looks to be completely stock. Only problem aside from the usual of having to change all those capacitors is that either the CW switch or the Pitch Control doesn't work. I can only listen to AM and can't tune CW or SSB unfortunately. Any ideas what might cause that from not working? Thank you!

[@pauldavis7310]

I had a S 38 that had the same problem. It was one of the tubes.

[@DennisMathias]

Yea, but. Your measuring that 10k resistor in circuit. It probably IS 10 k if you unsolder one end. Although it is pretty burned. So it could have some shorts. Same with the other ones. And those aren't going to drift if they are wirewound.

[@mikesradiorepair]

Hmm, this video looks looks familiar. What happened to the first one. Mike

[@d-labelectronics]

Question is, what happened to the 10 I had in the past? I keep acquiring them, then letting them go. A bad pattern to be in.

[@d-labelectronics]

Had to edit it due to a back ground song triggering KZbins copyright detection. A SWL station song? Go figure.

[@rockysrider5352]

Terry... I want to buy one of those ... Ebay has Quite a few listed.... what is a fair price for one that works but needs some tlc...I have vague memories of my grandfathers shack with all those beautiful boat anchors

[@d-labelectronics]

If it's in good cosmetic shape and all knobs are correct, I would say $75.00

[@rockysrider5352]

thanks for the info

[@micjam1986]

this is pretty much what im looking for... what is this model missing compared other more expensive models? anyone?

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

looks like it came out of the box clean kg6mn

[@d-labelectronics]

Yep, it was a clean one. Hated to see it go

[@TimothyPangel]

I have the same hallicrafter .But my rectifier valve did blown. Do you know how I can find a replacement .

[@williamemanuel2143]

I have found several replacement tubes on eBay

[@SDsailor7]

Are these old receivers still used? Are they still relevant in this age of the internet and cell phones? Anyone know? Thank you

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Yes more than ever before! In this age the internet can not only be controlled, on a lot of them it already is! Shortwave rad is the only medium that can indeed cross borders and frontiers. That internet could dissolve tomorrow but that shortwave would work for better or worse for years to come. Do the true research and study about shortwave radio. And especially in this age where countries are still on the offensive!

[@radioboys8986]

heck it's Hallicrafters S model not even a SX, that NC 183 behind it is a much much better receiver

[@ConfederceyCSA]

What do you know about the Hallicrafters External S Meter.

[@dylanlockler1039]

I found a Hallicrafters s40 in the box for 225 dollars should i buy it

[@gregrunions5689]

is it me or does it have 11 meters on it. I know back in the day 11 meters was part of the ham bands

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, Yes, band 4 has 27mhz on it

[@MauriatOttolink]

Greg Runions. Certainly was and that's why the animosity grew from Hams to Chicken Basket. Skilled technicians losing valuable RF territory to foul mouth idiots. It was the fifties equivalent to FACEBOOK!

[@supermancarlean]

amigo tengo uno modelo S40A Enciende pero no audio ayudame a repararlo

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

I had 3 of these radios i love my hq100 better kg6mn

[@SteveReevesvlogs]

Deja Vu

[@GTARockman]

In love with "her" your radio are you? LOL Nice, Im sure but a bit idolized perhaps. wow, what a mess of components on the bottom. How can you identify the madness?

[@ralphmacdonald7928]

I had one of these in 1972. My mom threw it along with all of my electronics stuff out in the trash one day while I was at school. :-( :-( :-( :-( !!!!!!!