[Boatanchors] Drake 2B General Coverage

[Joe Connor]

OK, guys, I have been using my Drake 2B as a general-coverage receiver for a week now and I wanted to report back on my experiences. This is a receiver that you folks helped me out with about a month ago. To repair it, I had to install a 6BF6 tube (easily obtained) and replace the filter cap can.
>
>I made it a general-coverage receiver by using the accessory crystal sockets B, C and D. A 10 mhz crystal gives me 49m, a 13.5 mhz crystal gives me 31m and an 8.0 mhz crystal gives me 25m. The stock crystal for 40m includes the 41m band. The receiver's sensitivity and selectivity are very good. The tuning is spot-on accurate. While the audio does not rival that of an SX-28 or NC-183d, it is more than acceptable. I am really impressed. This receiver is a keeper. I have this set in my study and use it for general SWLing as well as monitoring the ham bands. It's a fun set to use.
>
>There are shortcomings:
>
>(1) you have to buy the crystals for each SW band; 
>
>(2) it's a royal pain to change crystals. The 2B's top does not open, which would make changing the crystals less of a chore. Thus, I am pretty much limited to the SW bands listed above. This is a significant limitation. For example, I would like to be able to monitor the 19m band; and
>
>(3) I have yet to master the 2B-Q Q multiplier. 
>
>
>                                      Joe Connor