Howard Mills, W3HM is a nationally recognized expert in the repair and restoration of vintage radios. People who want a top quality job are convinced by the results of his 30 years of working on transmitters from the little Johnson Ranger to the big Collins 20V2, and receivers that include the famous R390(A), the SP600 and the AR88, the senior Collins models like the 32V series transmitters, as well as the junior tabletop Collins models. Howard, 77, at the end of December 2022 came down with the coronavirus. At Day Five, I encountered him in a popular area of the phone band for AM on 75 meters, and had an extended QSO that serves to recount how he is doing, his prospects for the future, and a look back on his past. This aircheck recording was made from an internet receiver using the Kiwi SDR platform that provides a visual portrayal of what's being heard. I also have included some video I shot nearly 30 years ago, as Howard showed us in dramatic fashion the "before" and "after" of a Collins 75A4. The QSO and interview produced here runs about a half hour, and I believe it will be worth your time.
Been to Howard's QTH several times. Brought him ailing Collins equipment that came back looking like it just came from Ceder Rapids. Still have one 32V3 that Howard brought back to life in 2012. The audio changes he made get very good reports using D-104. Always enjoyed our visits. Get well soon Howard. 73, Tom WØTDH
One of the finest gentleman I have had the pleasure to get to know. I have visited Howard several times to pick up or drop off equipment for restoration. On one occasion I stopped by to drop off a Johnson Viking II. I set it down on his patio and we began disassembly. Within a few hours, Howard had flushed out and cleaned the chassis, polished the knobs while the chassis dried in the sun. Then painted the iron, installed a fresh newly painted panel and cabinet. It was a great visit and I drove off with a brand new EF Johnson Viking II that operated beautifully. Check my Bio and see some of Howards work. Thanks Howard.
I knew Howard in the 1970-80 time period when wlater e were at Killeen/Ft. Hood, TX. Very fine gentleman. He was a Major then and was transferred later to The Hague in Holland. We recently recontacted each other. his hobby back then was a metal detector; he found a West Point class ring in his back yard with it. Since the rings have a serial number, he expected to find the original owner of the lost ring.
I certainly hope that Howard is passing along his craft to a younger person to step in for the day Howard retires. Treasures like him are far and few between now a days.
For all interested, I spoke with Howard on Monday January 23, and he is doing very well staying busy with his (as everyone knows) top of the line restoration business.
Howard. One of a kind. What an interesting (and generous) guy. My first visit to his house you’d swear I was going to Joe Walsh’s house (Eagles). He’s a legend and requires too many descriptors to list here. I own one of his 75A-4’s and a 32V-2. If you’ve never seen under the hood of one of his restorations, you’d be amazed at what you’d find. Every piece of metal polished to a shiny finish. No detail too small to be addressed. Just unreal. I bought a 75A-2 and 75A-3 from him, both in great shape but unrestored. He is going to help me do it myself. Talk about an Elmer! Come on! I’m dropping off a receiver there for a friend and a few cases he’s going to recondition for me in a week or two. I’ll report back here after my visit. Who will replace these legends when they stop restoring this legacy gear for us? Very nice thread here. Wes W3KW
Hey Wes. I drove to his QTH from Arkansas 2 weeks ago with my German Shepherd Augustus. I was there for the better part of one day. While there a ham walked in (Howard did not know him) with a radio not working. Howard stopped and began looking at the radio. In 30 minutes it was fixed. The gentleman asked “how much?” Nothing, no charge, I didn’t do anything. He and his XYL are two wonderful people.
Russel- That's a sweet station you have there. I need a 75A-1 from Howard to match my 32V-2! I have the speaker already to go. Yes, Howard tried to pull that on me. He restored (for the previous owner) my 75A-4 20 years ago to the month that I brought it to him for repair. He said, "it's on me...I stand by my work." I slipped him $100. The guy has to eat! Plus, he needs to be rewarded for his skill. He is way too generous...if there is such a thing. He is a gift to this hobby that cannot be overstated. 73 Wes WKW
