Drake TR-4Cw Ham Radio Transceiver Vintage 1976 (A Solid Workhorse Radio) Video

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  • Опубліковано 29 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 119

  • @kennethmckinzie4013
    @kennethmckinzie4013 4 роки тому +4

    At age 75, I am definitely a fan of analog gear from this era. Drake and Collins always had the cleanest audio. Your Silver Eagle is also classic. Thanks for the great video, WD0AKX, de WQDK948 (GMRS- expired).

  • @bigbruno200
    @bigbruno200 2 роки тому

    I purchased the Drake TR4C in the early 70,'s. I was about 17. Now I'm 66. I don't have that radio any more but I just bought a nonworking used one. Great radio.

  • @alanbrown4766
    @alanbrown4766 2 роки тому +2

    W1GUD was an old time friend of mine. Warren died some years ago of a rare form of cancer. It was good hearing his voice again. de W1VTP

  • @user-tb3pu5um9t
    @user-tb3pu5um9t 21 день тому

    Thanks for the video , I recently pulled my Drake TR4C out of storage after many years and like yours mine came up ok and worked just as it did years ago.
    We have a new Net running now here in VK with participants running old vintage SSB gear. The net is becoming very popular with all the old rigs coming back on air. Nice to hear all the drifting as radios warm up and stations being slightly off frequency etc de vk4nx

  • @AudiophileTubes
    @AudiophileTubes 9 років тому +1

    Excellent video! I was 15 when I got my ticket in 1977 then living in New Jersey, and wanted either a Drake or Yaesu. Ended up with the very excellent Yaesu FT-101EX, which was my 'DX machine'! My poor parents couldn't get me out of my bedroom for days!

  • @TheMacawlady
    @TheMacawlady 10 років тому

    My dad had a Drake 2B. Even after all these decades, I still remember it.

  • @tglenn3121
    @tglenn3121 4 роки тому +2

    Wow. Your radio has amazing sound for a 40+ year old rig.

  • @RobertAhrens52
    @RobertAhrens52 10 років тому +1

    My first HF rig was the TR-4. Worked great on SSB, but with out that 500 Hz filter, cw was brutal! I bought an outboard MFJ audio cw filter and that helped a bunch. Managed to get my speed up enough to upgrade to General and have not done much cw since! It was a great radio. Good memories!

  • @bobgarr6246
    @bobgarr6246 8 років тому +3

    This was the age and style of gear I grew up with and loved. My shack still has my drake 2-c and 2-cq from 1968, and they still work fine. They sit alongside a hallicrafters s120 and a johnson viking ranger 2. My personal feeling is that good quality RADIOS ended with the yeasu ft 101 line. Those were the days.

  • @geod3589
    @geod3589 8 років тому

    I also got my license in 1976, made my first QSO ever on a pair of Drake Twins. The TR4CW is one rig I've always wanted, thanks for nice video!

  • @johnreagannumber1
    @johnreagannumber1 11 років тому

    I have loved every single minute of this video culminating with that gorgeous silver eagle D-104 microphone! So many things that I've never seen before in my life here. You're providing such a valuable service on this channel. What a brilliant radio with strong personal memories for you.

  • @thrillscience
    @thrillscience 2 роки тому

    In 1977 this was a premium radio! I started around the same time on a used HW-16

  • @RobertoCarlosPintopy2kwo
    @RobertoCarlosPintopy2kwo 7 років тому

    Congratulations, wonderful radio.The TR4-CW was my first radio too, I bought from 2nd hand in 1995, works good & runs strong. Lots of memories of DX with a dipole antenna!

  • @ve2eivrobert656
    @ve2eivrobert656 10 років тому

    My father (silent key VE2VZ) had the twin version as his first radio in the 70s, brings back many great memories. Thx for the video Larry!
    Robert VE2EIV

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  11 років тому +1

    Thank you very much, yes, those memories are good ones so this radio also means a lot to me, think it is a keeper for sure!

  • @floridasaltlife
    @floridasaltlife 5 років тому

    I more than enjoyed watching. I am considering acquiring a Tr-4c with matching tuner and spealer PS from a friend, he bought it new and I just love the vintage stuff. means even more since it was someone I know that bought it new.

  • @N7JZF
    @N7JZF 10 років тому

    Nice complete video of a rig I'd love to own. I once needed the dough, and sold mine, never used it on the air.
    Yours is definitely pristine, and you definitely have a dream station.
    73, N7JZF Dave

  • @SDSpike
    @SDSpike 12 років тому

    I got a Drake too. But just the TR-4C. First radio I bought back in 92 from Burghardts for $300.
    I should power mine up too. It's been awhile. Last time I had it running it had a loud hum to it.
    I also bought a D104 a few years ago thinking that it was a cool looking mic and hearing that it had good audio so I bought it for $25. The same dealer had your type for around $50-$65 I think. Seeing this video has given me a idea what to use it on. I've never used it.
    Excellent video Larry

  • @karlamartinez7689
    @karlamartinez7689 9 років тому

    DRAKE THE BEST RADIO MY FATHER HAVE SOME OF THEM AND THEY TOLD ME HE NEVER WILL SOLD THEM.GREAT SOUND AND GREAT POWER STILL ON FREQUENCY AND WILL BE AS A PRIMARY STATION.

  • @jpatterson181
    @jpatterson181 10 років тому

    Great video, I always liked the Drake equipment. My dad had Drake and he was a successful dxer. Thanks for the video.

  • @reidrubsamen
    @reidrubsamen 13 років тому

    This video is very useful! I have a TR-4CW and was trying to understand the tuneup procedure in the manual - I have been looking for a live demo on youtube - yours is the first I've found to show an on-the-air tune transmitter tune-up procedure! I'll maybe have my vintage station up and running next month - I'll give you a try in the air!
    Thanks!
    73
    Reid Rubsamen N6APC

  • @jvolstad
    @jvolstad 3 роки тому

    ECI was my old hangout back in the late 1960s.

  • @TREEHUGGAH1
    @TREEHUGGAH1 12 років тому

    sweet rig.my birthday is coming up in november.i would love to get a classic heathkit rig like the hw-100.its just a dream,but i would love to own one of those classic riges.that drake is absolute beauty..your one fortunate ham.
    73,davy KB3YJO

  • @eogg25
    @eogg25 12 років тому

    excellent job OM best video i have seen in quite awhile, i also have a drake 4cw. beautiful radios. 73.

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  11 років тому

    Thanks, yes, I can remember very well bringing that radio home and hooking it up, it was very cool! That radio was a good choice for me, it is still a great radio to this day! Very good quality that should last many more years and parts are still out there for this radio.

  • @romeocodari4197
    @romeocodari4197 9 років тому +1

    I've just bought a "collector condition" TR4-CW (43xxx serial) that seems to be taken out of the box today. Outstanding audio, nothing to do with modern rigs. Thanks for your great video. 73's es DX de IK2DJV

  • @ezl7052
    @ezl7052 10 років тому

    I also had a set of Collins that sounded real good and the way to really compare these radios is to have a new solid state
    rig sitting side-by-side with a good antenna switch to switch between them. It is very obvious which rig sounds better. :)

  • @dfpolitowski2
    @dfpolitowski2 3 місяці тому

    Just checked some of those ham call signs out on QRZ, Larry AG5Z is still up and running 12 years later.

  • @HamRadio2008
    @HamRadio2008 13 років тому

    really nice looking radio thats cool that you are the original owner!

  • @logitech446
    @logitech446 10 років тому

    Excellent sounding rig, and great video. Tube rigs have that certain quality you just can't beat! 73 G0HXZ

  • @MrTragicDragon
    @MrTragicDragon 9 років тому

    What a cool rig. Nice video.

  • @bigal69111
    @bigal69111 8 років тому

    Very good review, I learn quit a lot.

  • @TheZeke1974
    @TheZeke1974 12 років тому

    I used to own a TR4CW and i loved it!!! I got it for 125.00 with the speaker and power supply. I restored it and then sold it and got 750.00 out of it!!!!

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    Well, I have to agree that solid state is easier to use most of the time, that is what I use most of the time here I guess. Thanks for the comment!

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  13 років тому

    @reidrubsamen Thanks for the comment, glad that it was helpful. They are great radios, that is for sure. Good luck getting yours up and running and if you get on 10 meters, I hang out on that band the most I guess, keep me posted..

  • @GeoN0JRJ
    @GeoN0JRJ 13 років тому

    Good idea to ease that power up after they have been sitting so long! Good info!

  • @logger90
    @logger90 10 років тому

    Fantastic radio TR-4CW !!!

  • @byAlmad
    @byAlmad 6 років тому

    Simply Fantastic dreaming rig....

  • @mdchildress
    @mdchildress 10 років тому

    Nice unit and mic keep up the good work

  • @MegaTechnology2012
    @MegaTechnology2012 12 років тому

    I once owned a Drake. great piece of HF kit.

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  11 років тому +1

    Just to be safe and let the capacitors reform by applying a little more voltage at a time, I could have probably done it much faster but I just wanted to be real safe with them and was in no hurry. If I were to apply the full voltage all at once there is a chance that one of them could have exploded and burst open. Old electrolytic capacitors are common for this.

  • @newtownards01
    @newtownards01 12 років тому

    great video also radio,73s from N.Ireland

  • @vasilepop4369
    @vasilepop4369 11 років тому

    A very good, clear and precise video.
    73 de VA6POP

  • @Giovanniram22
    @Giovanniram22 12 років тому

    Beautiful radio. I wish i HAD ONE!

  • @ezl7052
    @ezl7052 10 років тому

    Excellent video on the quality in older equipment! I've had several of these rigs and even the twins. I should have kept one
    of these rigs instead of buying the newer equipment. The solid state equipment can't beat the audio on tube equipment.

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  10 років тому

      I love that tube audio sound also! 73

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  9 років тому

      +silverbird58 Around 180 watts or so.

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    Some of that older gear was sure built good and much easier to work on also, can't do everything the new stuff does but still does the job and can be a lot of fun.

  • @MrRadiorobot
    @MrRadiorobot 12 років тому

    great video....and a real radio!!!.,,it sounded wonderful...many thanks and 73 de M0TWA

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    Thanks for the comment from Ireland! 73

  • @mikelee8520
    @mikelee8520 11 років тому

    I have a valve set a Yaesu FTDX401 you cant beat the old sets they seem to last and last.
    The one you have there is a very nice radio, and its good to see it work to this day. The one thing I lime most of all is that they are mostly easy to fix like replacing a valve with the modern day sets that are produced the fix is expensive perhapos a little to expensive.
    Mike M6YMN

  • @rjy8960
    @rjy8960 11 років тому

    Thanks Larry, really enjoyed the video!
    73 Richard

  • @oh6cn
    @oh6cn 10 років тому

    Nice rig, I once had a Drake

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    Yes, it sure is a fine looking mic!

  • @clawhammer704
    @clawhammer704 3 роки тому

    I had a kenwood 520 back in the day.

  • @Greywolf3
    @Greywolf3 10 років тому

    I had this transceiver in the back of my 1967 Corvette convertible but it didn't work very well with the fiberglass body.

  • @Team-fabulous
    @Team-fabulous 12 років тому

    You can keep your Pro 3's and all your fancy radios..
    A TR4 and a Silver Eagle is all you'll ever need...

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  11 років тому

    Yes, quality built radios, that is too bad the Heathkit Shop stopped making those kits, I didn't realize that. It was a high quality kit too.

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    @SDSpike Thanks, yes, they are great radios. Worth keeping in operation. That mic just seemed to work well with that radio, I always got good audio reports I guess with that combo.

  • @radiobigman47
    @radiobigman47 13 років тому

    nice rig i had a drake R4A i loved it but i sold it long time ago but they jumped up in price too

  • @elanpaim33
    @elanpaim33 7 років тому

    Hello Larry great video i hope you well great radio i still looking for one i use to have one 1979 in 4z4 land
    73 elan from g land

  • @jamesberlo4298
    @jamesberlo4298 6 років тому +1

    $600 in 76 is about $6,000 in today's Dollars.

    • @richterdfr
      @richterdfr 5 років тому

      Actually at 3% inflation it would be about $1,050 and at 6% inflation about $2,100.

    • @davidmacphee3549
      @davidmacphee3549 5 років тому

      All hand built. Imagine getting someone to do THAT for you, today ....

  • @carlosotaviodasil
    @carlosotaviodasil 9 років тому

    very good, 73

  • @staseghrrhgesats1946
    @staseghrrhgesats1946 2 роки тому

    Thats alot of money in 1976!

  • @willpease5604
    @willpease5604 4 роки тому +1

    I'm looking for an R.L. Drake setup myself. I'm curious how yours is holding up after this video being recorded eight years ago. Have you had to refurbish anything to keep it running?

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  4 роки тому +2

      No I have not, everything is still working very well. I don't put it on the air very often but turn it on from time to time to check things out. They are a very well built radio for sure!

  • @robertbales3237
    @robertbales3237 11 років тому

    I plan on getting my Drake TR-4 going again soon. They are Great Radios, worthy of restoration. Too bad the man at the Heathkit Shop stopped making the power supply kits. Usually the filter capicators dry out and go bad. This is what has happened to my AC-4 Power supply. I have a early TR-4 and a AC-3 also. In other words two Radio Sets.

  • @riottaba
    @riottaba 12 років тому

    Just got to love tube radio!
    73 alan G0KMC

  • @davecunningham4861
    @davecunningham4861 3 роки тому

    I appreciate this display of the classic Drake. I have a fair amount of newer gear but am looking to pick up a proper rig for AM. Modern rigs for the most part suck at AM. ALC kicks in (cant be disabled on my FTDX3000) and you cant get any drive even with low output power. How is the AM quality on these radios?

  • @KC6CNN
    @KC6CNN 8 років тому

    I love my Drake station. I just wish I could change out the sweep tubes 6jb6 to something better and more durable.

  • @TheZeke1974
    @TheZeke1974 12 років тому +1

    I need a variac.

  • @mdchildress
    @mdchildress 10 років тому

    Nice 1

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  11 років тому

    Sounds great, yes, wish the bands would come alive like they used to be during the past sunspot years..

  • @mykenwood830
    @mykenwood830 7 років тому

    I have read that removing the 13DE7 am tube will make the radio more stable because the 13DE7 tube gets so hot.
    Whats your take on that ?

  • @orion681
    @orion681 9 років тому

    Very cool vid. Always wanted to get my ticket but money has always been a problem :/ How much do you think you have sunk into your shack, if you don't mind my asking?

  • @mkubiak67
    @mkubiak67 11 років тому

    Good Video and a varey nice radio...
    but that youtube anti shake is driving me nuts

  • @sshannon1948
    @sshannon1948 4 роки тому

    What about the Drake C line....do you like it as well...Question 2: Are the filters still available? Just subscribed to your channel and am trying to generate enough enthusiasm to enter into ham radio again...licensed in 1962 but life interceded..

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  4 роки тому

      That is great you are getting interested in ham radio again, glad to hear that as there are so many things to do in the hobby. Yes, I do like the C line, I think it is very well built and designed equipment, especially in the day. Still very good today also. I do not know for sure if there are filters available, I am sure someone has some with some searching but I know of none off hand since I have not looked into that matter. Good luck and thanks for the sub!

  • @kd1s
    @kd1s 12 років тому

    Call me lazy - but I'll take a nice solid state where all you have to do is dial in the frequency and select mode (maybe) and key down. :)

  • @SICKENEDMAGGOT1
    @SICKENEDMAGGOT1 12 років тому

    I wish I had the money to buy a HAM radio. I would love to get my Licence and get up there with the pro radio operators. But all I can afford is a Midland 1001Z Cb radio. I just wish I could do all that.

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    @TheZeke1974 That was a great deal!

  • @TREEHUGGAH1
    @TREEHUGGAH1 12 років тому

    WOW!!!! that microphone is about as sweet a microphone as i have ever seen.if that was a girl she would be a 10+.lol.

  • @Luther1543
    @Luther1543 10 років тому +1

    sounds muffled, that needs an adjustment and then it will be fine. what i like in this radio is the screen (frequency reading), you can leave the radio on forever and there is no display that will burn in the screen like with the newer radios.

  • @TheHossHobart
    @TheHossHobart 9 років тому

    I heard "suggested" in CW.

  • @mmorkester1
    @mmorkester1 9 років тому

    Nice video and good information for me, because I got today a TR-4C, my first Drake radio. I will ask you how you wired the Astatic SilverEagle for using with the Drake?
    I have a Silvereagle and would like to use it too together with my my "new" TR-4C.
    Maybe you can send me that information. It would be great.
    73 de LA9OCA Manfred

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  9 років тому

      Yes, I will need to open up the connector on the mic plug and see what color wires go where on there, I think there are 3 wires but don't remember for sure. Also I think the Mic input is a little different size, will have to check that out also. Send me a pm if you want or my call is good on qrz also and email me.

    • @mmorkester1
      @mmorkester1 9 років тому +1

      RadioHamGuy Thank you very much for your answer and that you will help me.
      I greatly appreciate that.

    • @johnbaxter5451
      @johnbaxter5451 9 років тому +1

      ***** www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php?topic=66062.0 This is the answer to your question. TR4-Cw...bought mine in 1997 GREAT radios!
      KC5YSQ

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  9 років тому

      John Baxter Thanks John for posting this, my mom just passed away this morning so I will not be able to look into this right now so thanks, hope that will help out Manfred.

    • @mmorkester1
      @mmorkester1 9 років тому

      RadioHamGuy It was sad to hear that, My condolences to you and your family.

  • @andrzejpl9897
    @andrzejpl9897 4 роки тому

    👍

  • @KD9ZHF
    @KD9ZHF 4 місяці тому

    Do you still use this radio. I’d love to have a full Drake or Collins station.

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  3 місяці тому +2

      Yes I do once in a while but it is my radio from the past when I first started out so I keep it running but not my normal radio to use these days as my modern radios far out preform it nowadays. But they are great radios!

    • @KD9ZHF
      @KD9ZHF 3 місяці тому

      Thanks for sharing the video with us.

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy  12 років тому

    @cliffpov1 Thanks!

  • @mykenwood830
    @mykenwood830 7 років тому

    Larry, does your fan on the Drake blow in or suck out the heat ??

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  7 років тому

      It sucks the air out of the radio.

  • @mykenwood830
    @mykenwood830 7 років тому

    where do you have your cooling fan located and I imagine that the fan sucks air out of the rig?

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  7 років тому

      It is on the rear side of the radio near the final section and yes it does suck air out of the radio.

    • @mykenwood830
      @mykenwood830 7 років тому

      RadioHamGuy Thank you ! I just bought a mint looking Drake TR-4c And puts out 200 watts on 40 meters. I need to buy an ac-4 power supply yet. Thanks again !!!

  • @2008llego
    @2008llego 2 роки тому

    Leer to Load, Max 8 seconds serie

  • @Richard2003
    @Richard2003 11 років тому

    Why did you let it sit at low voltage for so long?

  • @asetyaev
    @asetyaev 7 років тому

    Хорошо

  • @DOIDYE
    @DOIDYE 8 років тому

    What name is on the right white thing at 02:49

    • @RadioHamGuy
      @RadioHamGuy  8 років тому +1

      That is a Heathkit RF signal generator.

    • @DOIDYE
      @DOIDYE 8 років тому

      RadioHamGuy Thank you

  • @alberttatlock5237
    @alberttatlock5237 7 років тому

    one previous owner ' Noah' lmao, Chuck it in the bin and Buy a D-star mate. lol

  • @salpolichetti5599
    @salpolichetti5599 Рік тому

    Look like you were crying