7designs' Hallicrafters S-20R Sky Champion

[7designs]

I finally stepped up(and back) and bought a new receiver.

I went with the classic pre-war Hallicrafters S-20R Sky Champion. Something magical about the old tube receivers.

I bought it on ebay so waiting for it to be shipped. The previous owner restored it, replaced caps, checked tubes. Can't wait to get it fired up. I'll shoot a video when I get it running.

Here are some pics of it:

 

[7designs]

 

[7designs]

 

[KC4RAF]

That is a true classic receiver you bought!

It had state of the art design to it and it performed remarkably well. Congrats on your purchase sir.

Here's an interesting write up on that particular radio, with even the tubes and their operations:

http://antiqueradio.org/halli10.htm


Keep us informed when you receive it and how it works.You'll enjoy that jewel...

 

[KC4RAF]

Just in case you're without the manual,

Here's a link for the PDF file for it:

http://www.noobowsystems.org/restorations/s-20r/s-20r-manual-remastered.pdf

 

[7designs]

Here is a good write up on one:

Hallicrafters Model S-20R Communications Receiver (1939)

 

[ridgescan]

Beautiful s-20r! I am looking forward to seeing it in action are those pics of the one you are getting? If so that radio is in really great shape.

 

[7designs]

Beautiful s-20r! I am looking forward to seeing it in action are those pics of the one you are getting? If so that radio is in really great shape.

Yes, that is the exact radio I am getting.
Here is the description given for it:
"Offered up here is good condition Sky Champ. Fully functional; I dug this up at a car swap meet a few years ago and it really looked like hell but it was 100% complete. I disassembled it, gave it a good cleaning & lubrication, tested all tubes (all check good), recapped the high voltage caps (I did it in a manner so that if one were to install a correct metal can type multi-section cap it could be brought back to original orientation; also I left the original metal can cap in place)(I should have a few pics of prior to recapping that I should be able to supply if so desired as long as I have not deleted them from the ole bozoputer), cleaned all controls & wafer switches and replace the ac input power cord (I used a like new cord that was close to what was originally installed). I had to repaint the top/rear panel as the top's paint was shot. The rest of the cabinet's pain is in ok to good condition (has some corrosion/rust traces under the paint in places) has some worn spots. Has all original and correct knobs. The bandspread plastic lens is warped from age but dos not contact the bandspread dial. Works very well I had a lot of fun with it. "

So it should be ready to rock out of the box...I hope.

 

[7designs]

Now this is cool. I didn't know it when I bought it but an S-20R was in one of my favorite movies, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.

 

[7designs]

Just got the radio in and shot a quick video on my cell phone:

Hallicrafters S-20R Sky Champion - YouTube

This receiver out performs my Grundig G6. Warm sound and easy to tune in stations.

Was packed with bubble wrap and doubled boxed. It looks just as nice as the pictures.

 

[zl2taw]

Just got the radio in and shot a quick video on my cell phone:

Hallicrafters S-20R Sky Champion - YouTube

This receiver out performs my Grundig G6. Warm sound and easy to tune in stations.

Was packed with bubble wrap and doubled boxed. It looks just as nice as the pictures.

Thats one nice radio, cant beat the tone from valves IMO

 

[ridgescan]

Sweet man! Congratulations on getting a really nice working example of one of the greatest American names in radio. That audio is unsurprisingly gorgeous too. Here's to many many happy hours of vintage DXing

 

[7designs]

Sweet man! Congratulations on getting a really nice working example of one of the greatest American names in radio. That audio is unsurprisingly gorgeous too. Here's to many many happy hours of vintage DXing

Thanks Ridgescan, it was your Halli that got me looking for one.

 

[ridgescan]

Appreciate that these radios are especially fun with MW DXing. I agree with zl2taw about the audio. And audio makes a difference in distant listening. Looking forward to more shots of it performing-it's good to get video on these vintage rigs-there isn't a lot out there to see.

 

[7designs]

Appreciate that these radios are especially fun with MW DXing. I agree with zl2taw about the audio. And audio makes a difference in distant listening. Looking forward to more shots of it performing-it's good to get video on these vintage rigs-there isn't a lot out there to see.

Yes, there is not much out there. I will take some better video when I find the cable and charger for my camcorder.
Tomorrow I have a Crosley Fiver 517 coming in. But it is not as nice condition and does not work. I bought it to dive into learning how to repair these tube radios. When done with it it will be nice sitting on my nightstand for some going to sleep shortwave fun.

 

[k9rzz]

I cut my teeth on a S-40b when I got started back in 1974. Congratulations!