Phil Nelson wrote:
Someone is offering to sell me a Collins 51S-1 general coverage receiver, a
"winged emblem" model.

I'd be interested to hear how people would compare it to similar-quality
receivers. I can read the specs in the Osterman book, but what is it really
like to use, and how does it stack up against others? Any quirks, PITA
characteristics, standout features, etc.?


Phil,

The engineering and construction of this unit is quite unlike anything
you currently possess. It uses a crystal controlled, permeably-tuned
front end for tuning, which makes for a VERY stable receiver and a dial
that is deadly accurate. This is one of those things where the
mechanical engineering is every bit as marvelous as the electronics. The
quality of everything is really first-rate.

PITA factor is pretty high on this, as it is on most Collins gear. The
complexity is daunting if you have not dealt with one of these before.
You will need to check all the crystals and replace at least some of
them, as they age and drift a bit off-frequency over the years. In
extreme cases, a turn may need to be taken off the oscillator coil
because it changes characteristics as it ages as well. The resistors
will all have to be checked and the the out-of-tolerance ones replaced.
The audio output tube is run VERY hot on this rig-in fact, it is running
about 20% above its absolute maximum rating! Some people like to modify
the output circuitry to bring it down-to-earth a bit.

All that being said, this is an outstanding receiver. If you can get it
for a good price, it is worth it just for the experience of owning one.

-Scott