I am not an impulse buyer by nature but this little gem just caught my eye whilst browsing across Ebay. It was described as having no modifications and in excellent condition and came with the matching HWA-7-1 power supply.
Taking a look at the manual that came with this rig, it would appear that it was carefully constructed by its former owner as each stage of construction had been ticked.
A lengthy check inside showed that no modifications had been done. The HWA-7-1 PSU was in working order but has to be modified to 240 volt operation but it only involves removing 2 links on the transformer and adding one link.
History
The HW-8 was the second in the series of QRP HF CW rigs produced by Heathkit between 1976 - 1983. The direct conversion receiver was an improvement over the former HW-7 model and covered 80, 40, 20 and 15 metres. The HW-8 used to retail for around $129 but they can fetch a very good price on E-bay as they are much sought after and very popular amongst the QRP fraternity.
Specifications
Transmitter
DC power input 3.5 watts
80 metres 3.0 watts
40 metres 3.0 watts
20 metres 2.5 watts
Frequency Control Built in VFO
Sidetone Built in with adjustable volume
Spurious and harmonic Levels At least 35dB down
Receiver
Receiver Type Direct Conversion with RF amplifier, balanced product detector and active Audio filter
Sensitivity 1 microvolt for 10dB S+N. 0.2uV provides a readable signal.
Selectivity Wide - 750 Hz @ 6dB down
Narrow - 375 Hz @ 6dB down
Passband Centre Frequency 750 Hz
Reception CW
Audio O/P 1000 ohms nominal
The HW-8 has been the subject of many articles providing modifications and improvements to the circuity and of course a special Yahoo Group for owners of this excellent radio. The HW-8 handbook is available which covers many modifications to the HW-7, HW-8, and HW-9. tranceivers.
It just remains to take tim to brush up on the CW and improve the speed to make a dent in the airwaves.
