View Full Version : Where do people find these??
Where do people find these?? and why do people go out and buy a brand new expensive Heathkit amplifier and then let it sit for 30 years,
what ??did he forget he bought it or did he read the manual
and realize he was in way over his head.
My question is if you bought this would you build it or would you just hold on to it?
I'm thinking of buying it just to hold onto it for another 20 years by then it might me worth a small fortune..
Naaa I have enough money! I want to build it, how about you?
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/HEATHKIT-SB-220-Amplifier-Unbuilt-in-Box-Museum-Mint_W0QQitemZ190135675229QQihZ009QQcatego
ryZ48700QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">HEATHKIT SB-220 Amplifier~Unbuilt in Box~Museum Mint</a>
There was one for sale at my club's hamfest back in June. I think it went for $500. The box didn't look quite so nice, but all the goodies inside looked fine!
73
Joe
NE3R
Quote[/b] (ne3r @ July 31 2007,05:55)]There was one for sale at my club's hamfest back in June. I think it went for $500. The box didn't look quite so nice, but all the goodies inside looked fine!
73
Joe
NE3R
I would pay $500 in a heart beat for an unbuilt SB-220. I built a few them back in the early 70's for some ham radio friends I guess they where to intimidated to build them so they paid me to do it. Anyhow I always wanted to build one of my own. But I was to cheap to spend the money.
Quote[/b] (n6yg @ July 31 2007,05:52)]My question is if you bought this would you build it or would you just hold on to it?
Damn, that would be a VERY hard decision. I really don't know what I would do. I built many Heathkits as a young amateur and enjoyed it a lot. I would love to build just one more. Maybe after I retire. But then once you build it you have changed it forever. I think most purists would say don't build it. It certainly would be worth more unbuilt. Then again the experience of building one again after all these years would be priceless.
Good thing I don't have the $ to bid on it right now. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
WA9SVD
07-31-2007, 01:18 PM
As you said, it might have been a bit more than a person was ready to tackle when they bought it, or "life" (family, kids, etc.) got in the way; remember, an amp kit isn't a "one night" project, or even a weekend project for many people. Or it could have been purchased by an elderly ham who unfortunately didn't outlive the purchase. Maybe eveb a gift that was unneeded or unwanted. Lots of reasons.
IMHO, if I wanted an amp and the price is right, I'd grab it. If not, pass it up and leave if for someone else. "In the box" might have a collector's value, (collectors are often irrational in their hobby [or obsessions] but seems a waste of good electronics to let it sit. In another 20 years, who knows what it's value might be? There may be no collectors left, and by then, many parts may have deteriorated, rusted, or unable to find suitable replacement parts.
WA3KYY
07-31-2007, 01:26 PM
You may not be able to build it without replacing some of the components. Depending upon the type of electrolytic capacitors used for filtering in the power supply, they may need to be replaced after sitting idle for so long. In regular use they can last a long time but sitting around unused they can deform and actually be a hazard if you try to use them. I am not sure of the procedure to test them but someone who restores old tube equipmemt can probably tell us.
73,
Mike WA3KYY
Quote[/b] ]IMHO, if I wanted an amp and the price is right, I'd grab it. If not, pass it up and leave if for someone else. "In the box" might have a collector's value
Well I don't need another amplifier. It's all about reliving your childhood by building another Heathkit.
Quote[/b] ]You may not be able to build it without replacing some of the components.
Agreed I think you would probably need to replace a few components due to age and never being used.
If I was to build it I would not built it stock so most of those components would be replaced anyways do to incorporating 30 years worth of mods.
Hi Everyone,
This amp sure must have a story behind it.
But this, this is herasy
[QUOTE] If I was to build it I would not built it stock so #most of those components would be replaced anyways do to incorporating 30 years worth of mods.
OH TEH NOES!!!!
Rege/AI3V http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
P.S. Just kiddin,I would have to mod it also!
To me, a box of 30 year old parts is just a box of 30 year old parts. But if you were to assemble those parts into a brand-spankin-new amplifier that was actually 30 years old, you would really have something there! I would build it in a minute, too! ( no actually, it would take several hours ! ! ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif )
N3ATS
07-31-2007, 08:13 PM
You could always buy it. Put it together. Take it apart. Put it back in the box, an resell it. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
WB2WIK
07-31-2007, 08:17 PM
I'd just pass on it.
The SB-220's an okay amp but newer stuff on the market today's better. The Ameritron AL-82 runs rings around the SB-220, runs much more power, covers 160m, has low-voltage/low-current keying with inrush current protection and better metering, as one example.
WB2WIK/6
WA7KKP
07-31-2007, 08:34 PM
Quote[/b] (n6yg @ July 31 2007,05:52)]Where do people find these?? and why do people go out and buy a brand new expensive Heathkit amplifier and then let it sit for 30 years, [edited]
My question is if you bought this would you build it or would you just hold on to it?
I'm thinking of buying it just to hold onto it for another 20 years by then it might me worth a small fortune..
Naaa I have enough money! I want to build it, how about you?
Unbuilt Heathkits are worth a small fortune, considering they are nothing but a box of parts . . . when you build it, the value becomes far far FAR less, about the going price for a used amp.
If you want an investment, leave it alone (although there are better investments out there). If you want an amplifier, go ahead an build it. And then you'll have the rare privelge of saying you built a Heathkit . . .
Gary WA7KKP
Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ July 31 2007,13:17)]I'd just pass on it.
The SB-220's an okay amp but newer stuff on the market today's better. The Ameritron AL-82 runs rings around the SB-220, runs much more power, covers 160m, has low-voltage/low-current keying with inrush current protection and better metering, as one example.
WB2WIK/6
So does that mean you bid on it Steve, you sly devil? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
You're right though..and I just looked at the current price. Wow.
WB2WIK
07-31-2007, 10:06 PM
Quote[/b] (kq9j @ July 31 2007,14:09)]Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ July 31 2007,13:17)]I'd just pass on it.
The SB-220's an okay amp but newer stuff on the market today's better. #The Ameritron AL-82 runs rings around the SB-220, runs much more power, covers 160m, has low-voltage/low-current keying with inrush current protection and better metering, as one example.
WB2WIK/6
So does that mean you bid on it Steve, #you sly devil? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
You're right though..and I just looked at the current price. Wow.
Nope, didn't bid.
I'm not much of a "collector," and don't need another 3-500Z amplifier.
If I were looking for another 3-500Z amplifier it would be an AL-82, not an SB-220.
The unbuilt kit definitely has more value than the finished product, but I don't feel like sitting on it another 20 years to see how much. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
WB2WIK/6
kf6rdn
07-31-2007, 11:23 PM
I'd want to build it, yeah not the greatest amp as Steve mentions, but still decent..
It would be worth something for me to build it, but not as much as it will probably go for.
Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ July 31 2007,15:06)]Quote[/b] (kq9j @ July 31 2007,14:09)]Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ July 31 2007,13:17)]I'd just pass on it.
The SB-220's an okay amp but newer stuff on the market today's better. The Ameritron AL-82 runs rings around the SB-220, runs much more power, covers 160m, has low-voltage/low-current keying with inrush current protection and better metering, as one example.
WB2WIK/6
So does that mean you bid on it Steve, you sly devil? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
You're right though..and I just looked at the current price. Wow.
Nope, didn't bid.
I'm not much of a "collector," and don't need another 3-500Z amplifier.
If I were looking for another 3-500Z amplifier it would be an AL-82, not an SB-220.
The unbuilt kit definitely has more value than the finished product, but I don't feel like sitting on it another 20 years to see how much. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
WB2WIK/6
I'm going to pass. Not sure I can keep my interest in Ham radio up long enough to build it. Good thing I'm going to a local club meeting tonight. Hopefully being around some local hams and good old friends will help reverse this bitter QRZ experience
KM5FL
08-01-2007, 12:55 AM
There have been several unbuilt SB-220s sold on eBay in the recent past.. Most have brought over $2,000... The last one I saw went for $2300...
Someone asked the seller if the amp was equipped with ten meters.. I guess the questioner doesn't know the difference between an SB-220 and SB-221.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
KM5FL
ka5piu
08-01-2007, 01:03 AM
Hello.
I will not spend the kind of money such a kit would command.
But, I like the next best thing, rebuilding older electronics.
I have this art-deco speaker/power supply that I have both rebuild and modded.
I now get 13.6 VDC, for the modern radios, along with around 1200 VDC and down, both windings and taps as well as solid state regulators, for the tube radios, and the thing looks totally neato.
If you think I get excited over a power supply, you should see how I act over a radio!
If I wanted a heathkit, I would find one that was not working and fix it, have my cake and eat it too.
I really like 160 and 10 meters, so this amp does not excite me.
Perhaps this is like a Tempo amp, you understand or you do not.
A Tempo amp to me means little, but than again, I have never seen anyone use one.
Quote[/b] (n6yg @ July 31 2007,16:28)]I'm going to pass. Not sure I can keep my interest in Ham radio up long enough to build it. Good thing I'm going to a local club meeting tonight. Hopefully being around some local hams and good old friends will help reverse this bitter QRZ experience
Repeat after me.
QRZ is not ham radio.
QRZ is not ham radio.
QRZ is NOT ham radio.
There. Better? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
kd5kfl
08-01-2007, 01:38 AM
Quote[/b] ] I am not sure of the procedure to test them but someone who restores old tube equipmemt can probably tell us.
It's called forming the capacitors. Plenty of info on the net, guitar amp techs do it a lot. If the equipment is intact, remove all the tubes. Plug the equipment into a Variac. Bring the voltage up slowly, 10 volts for 2 hours 20 volts for 2 hours, 30 volts... you get the idea.
Reforming individual caps: bring the voltage up slowly in steps to rated voltage. Slow is good, too fast is fatal to the cap.
Hmmmm.... I wonder what my unbuilt SB-1000 is worth....
Quote[/b] (N3ATS @ July 31 2007,16:13)]You could always buy it. #Put it together. #Take it apart. #Put it back in the box, an resell it. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Don't chuckle too hard. Over on the Ameco AC-1 reflector, there's often speculation that that is exactly what has happened to many "unbuilt" or "partially built" units that are advertised for sale on the auction sites and bulletin boards.
Quote[/b] (n6yg @ July 31 2007,08:52)]Where do people find these?? and why do people go out and buy a brand new expensive Heathkit amplifier and then let it sit for 30 years,
what ??did he forget he bought it or did he read the manual
and realize he was in way over his head.
Actually, I heard many stories that when the old Heath retail stores were closing, many hams got the opportunity to buy unbuilt kits that had been sitting on the backroom shelves long forgotten, and often at a good price.
So I can just imagine someone buying a few kits at a bargain price, but never getting a round tuit for building all of them...
(well, that's one explanation, anyway)
K9STH
08-01-2007, 03:30 AM
Several years ago the ARRL "found" either a Johnson Ranger or Valiant (I need to go back and take a look at QST to see which one) kit sitting under a stairway in the headquarters building (Johnson equipment was available both factory built and in kit form for many years). They replaced the electrolytic capacitors with new ones and built the kit. Then the staff wrote an article on this for QST.
The highest price for an unbuilt Heathkit was $14,500 for an unbuilt AT-1 transmitter. The AT-1 was the very first transmitter kit that was made by Heath and used a 6L6 as the final amplifier (was CW only and had an input power of around 25 watts). This kit was made from 1953 until 1956. The kit had been obtained by some amateur radio club and had been put in storage for almost 50 years before being "discovered". Both the actual kit box and the original shipping box were with the unit.
Glen, K9STH
Quote[/b] (w3wn @ July 31 2007,19:28)]Quote[/b] (n6yg @ July 31 2007,08:52)]Where do people find these?? and why do people go out and buy a brand new expensive Heathkit amplifier and then let it sit for 30 years,
what ??did he forget he bought it or did he read the manual
and realize he was in way over his head.
Actually, I heard many stories that when the old Heath retail stores were closing, many hams got the opportunity to buy unbuilt kits that had been sitting on the backroom shelves long forgotten, and often at a good price.
So I can just imagine someone buying a few kits at a bargain price, but never getting a round tuit for building all of them...
(well, that's one explanation, anyway)
I bought 4 SB-1000's from the Ham Station in Evansville, Indiana. I think I paid about $350 each. Built one, sold 2, kept one.
Quote[/b] (kq9j @ July 31 2007,18:38)]Quote[/b] (n6yg @ July 31 2007,16:28)]I'm going to pass. Not sure I can keep my interest in Ham radio up long enough to build it. Good thing I'm going to a local club meeting tonight. #Hopefully being around some local hams and good old friends will help reverse this bitter QRZ experience
Repeat after me.
QRZ is not ham radio.
QRZ is not ham radio.
QRZ is NOT ham radio.
There. Better? # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Yeah right, try reading some of the posts on here of people who do not use a callsign on QRZ, you would think its ham radio
W3MIV
08-01-2007, 12:36 PM
Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ July 31 2007,16:17)]I'd just pass on it.
The SB-220's an okay amp but newer stuff on the market today's better. #The Ameritron AL-82 runs rings around the SB-220, runs much more power, covers 160m, has low-voltage/low-current keying with inrush current protection and better metering, as one example.
WB2WIK/6
I agree with you.
By the time the bidding ends, someone will pay as much, or possibly more, and end up with a thirty year-old box of parts, many of which will need to be replaced, and old-style (metal, not graphite) tubes that are probably finger-printed (by the bozo that unpacked them for the pic) and will likely etch. And all for nostalgia.
Nein, danke.