DRAKE S8 HELP

[KD0THC]

Hi Folks, had an opportunity to pick up the Drake R8 Receiver, so I did. Im Reading the manual and its a bit confusing, is there anywhere to get a better understanding of its functions and how to adjust properly, Thanks Guys, 73's

 

[ka3jjz]

The R8 is one of the best radios RL Drake ever made. You can find out a lot more about this radio here

DrakeR8 groups.io Group

The great RL Drake R8 series receivers. All versions! The last amateur and general coverage receiver Drake made. You can also use this group to discuss the Drake SW1, SW2 and SW8 receivers. ********NOTE******** If you are requesting membership, you MUST enter your first and last name in the...

groups.io

Mike

 

[Arkmood]

Regret selling mine, and they are actually easy to operate. One adjustment that works exceptionally well with the R8 was to turn the volume dial almost off and use the RF gain for adjustments. You'll have it mastered in no time...

 

[ka3jjz]

I saw some of your comments on another FB group. I think you're a little misled about what this radio is and can do

• While this radio can receive certain VHF frequencies with an optional converter, this is primarily a radio for LW/MW and HF. Scanning on HF is dicey at best; noise levels are always higher on the lower frequencies, and any blip will tend to stop the scan, whether it's desired or not
• Unlike scanning, HF is not active at all times. A good general rule is to listen at 10-11 Mhz and higher during the day, below this at night. This is because the ionosphere and solar activity directly impacts what you can hear
• An antenna is an absolute must. Unlike a scanner, which has a small duckie or whip, this requires something to bring in the signal. We have another forum for this; be sure to let folks know what your situation is insofar as whether you can put something outside (always preferable), how much room you have, are you HOA/condo nazi restricted, etc. A great radio with a crummy antenna will produce crummy results - it's practically a law.
• Finally, somewhat like scanning, you need to decide what you want to hear. Don't limit yourself to just English broadcasts; much can be enjoyable listening to a language you don't know. Do you want to hear hams, broadcast, local broadcasts from other countries, LW, NAVTEX- the list is very large. It's up to you to decide what you want. Do you want to concentrate on one particular part of the world (many DXers do)?

Mike

 

[devicelab]

Hi Folks, had an opportunity to pick up the Drake R8 Receiver, so I did. Im Reading the manual and its a bit confusing, is there anywhere to get a better understanding of its functions and how to adjust properly, Thanks Guys, 73's

The biggest issue with buying these used is that they (over time) have a tendency to go off-frequency OR someone starts tinkering with the internal adjustments and screws it up. The service manual is available by searching online for it, if you're technically inclined. There are a few people that can do an overall receiver alignment for a reasonable cost. The easiest check is to listen to WWV -- even by plugging in a random wire into the high-impedance jack. Get that wire near a window and you should hear WWV.

Very easy to radio to operate but it does suck power even when "off" so be sure to pull the plug if not in use for long periods of time.

 

[ka3jjz]

I've also seen reports of display failure and keypad issues. A shame, really, as this is and was one fine radio

Mike