Hallicrafters SX-130 Training manual

OP
therafiers
OPERATING
AND
SERVICE
INSTRUCTIONS
]
COMMUNICATIONS
RECEIVER
MODEL
SX-130

ae |
1356-00608?
Figure 1. Hollicrafters* Model SX-130 Receiver.
SECTION |
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Hallicrafters' Model SX-130 Communications
Receiver is a four band superheterodyne receiver
tuning from 535 to 1610 kilocycles (KC) and 1.725
to 31.5 megacycles (MC) with calibrated electrical
bandspread provided on the 80, 40, 20, 15, 10
meter and citizens band. The frequency range
covers foreign and domestic short-wave broad-
casts, amateurs, aircraft, and marine plus
standard AM broadcasts. The receiver provides
for the reception of cude (CW), voice (AM), and
single-sideband (SSB) signals over its entire tuning
range, the upper or lower sideband being readily
selectable by means of a front panel control. This
feature greatly simplifies tuning of single-
sideband signals.
Other features of the Model SX~130 include:
® Product detector for CW and SSB.
@Slide rule bandspread dial.
®Separate bandspread tuning condenser,
®Crystal filter.
® Antenna trimmer for maximum signal transfer.
@"'S" meter to indicate the accuracy of tuning and
the relative strength of received signals.
@ Front panel controlled automatic noise limiter
reduces interference from electrical equipment,
ignition noise, etc.
® Calibrated BFO for USB-LSB-CW.
@ Crystal phasing control for precise bandwidth
adjustment.
® Manual RF gain contro] prevents overloading by
strong signals.
© Precision tuning mechanism insurcs close cali-
bration and accurate resettability.
© Balanced or unbalanced antenna inputs.
©@ New, handsomely styled cabinet.

SECTION It
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Coverage
BANG . as. Warsi ene oem oy pone REESE ei a RRR Oa RRA Ee See 535 KC to 1610 KC
Band
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ates
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canoes
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1.725
MC
to
4,7
MC
Band
13)
escapist
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wag
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wb
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ok
Rneiaenionin
aes
4.5
MC
to
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MC
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alcove
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en
11.9
MC
to
31.5
MC
Internicdiate:
Frequenyiws
si
wcevsee
derkens
ak
a
ape
BRASS
Bad
kwh
wiee@arne
ama
1650
KC
Reception
Modes
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ie
ore
me.
esse
dence
tone
e
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apmananes
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AM,
CW
and
SSB
Selectivity...
2...
..220
00
ceae
Variable
in
three
steps;
normal,
crystal
broad
and
crystal
sharp
Power
Source
.-..
0.2...
ccsceecseccece
spark
ayn
hc
eteee
105
to
125
volts,
50/60
cycles
Power
‘COmsUMptiOn
sie
a...
6
wiscocs
seen
ois
as
Me
REM
ASE RES
SS
ERR
REO
oer
48
watts
Adio
Power
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me
lbw
wlan
2
watts
Audio
Output
Impedance....-........0200.
.....
3.2
ohms;
rear
mounted
screw
terminals
Headphone
Impedance
............
50
to
2000
ohms;
panel
jack
accepts
standard
1/4
inch
phone
plug
Antenna
Input
Impedance...
.......0.2.
cece
eee
eeeaae
50
to
600,
balanced
or
unbalanced
Number
of
eQubes)
«.2
92
isd
20y.ie
ve
esicw
wastes
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so
Riedl
Js
ea
ae
Raw
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owe
Seven,
plus
one
diode
Receive/Standby
.............
Rear
mounted
screw
terminals;
short
to
receive,
open
for
standby
Dimensions
s26 20h
26
sce
eae
een
neces
8
inches
high,
18-7/8
inches
wide,
9-3/4
inches
deep
Net
Weight
........
ee
Ce
Cree
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
ee
+»...
22
pounds
Shipping
Weight
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ey
Waka
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ebm
we
we
tow
a
weiter
al
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edad
BUSeee
25
pounds
v6
v2B v7
cw/SSB
6BE6 6cws
M2.
SNe
BFo/PROD.
|?
AF
AMPL/
DETECTOR OUTPUT
V2A
(72 GEAB
VS
6AL5
AM DET/
NOISE LIM.
SELECTIVITY
156-006 126
Figure 2. Block Diagram of Receiver.
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i
SECTION Ill
INSTALLATION
3-1. UNPACKING.
Carefully remove this equipment from its
carton and packing material and examine it for
any possible damage which may have occurred in
transit. Should any sign of damage be apparent,
file a claim immediately with the carrier stating
the extent of damage. Carefully check all shipping
labels and tags before removing or replacing them.
3-2. LOCATION.
The receiver may be placed in any location
that will permit free air circulation around the
cabinet. Avoid excessively warm locations suchas
those near radiators and heating vents. Also, avoid
direct blasts of air from circulating fans, etc.
3.3. ANTENNAS.
The Model SX-130 uses an input circuit
designed for a 52 to 600 ohm input. Any of the
popular dipole, beam antennas or single wire
antennas will give good results. It should be
remembered, however, that these antennas will
give optimum results over a limited frequency
range. Generally speaking, the same rules that
apply to transmitting antennas will hold true for
receiving antennas, If an unbalanced or a single
wire antenna is used, connect one end to the
terminal marked Al. The jumper link should be
connected between A2 and G (see figure 3). For
further information on this subject, refer to the
"Radio Amateur's Handbook" or the "ARRL
Antenna Book", both published by the American
Radio Relay League.
3-4. GROUNDS.
All station equipment should be bonded
together with heavy copper wire or braid and
connected to a cold water pipe or earth ground.
An external chassis ground terminal is provided
on the SX~130 rear chassis apron for this purpose.
3-5. POWER SOURCE.
The SX-130 is designed to operate from a
105/125 volt, 50/60 cycle AC power source. Power
consumption is 48 watts,
NOTE
If in doubt about your power source,
contact your local power company prior
to inserting the power cord into any
power outlet. Plugging the power cord
into the wrong source can cause exten-
sive damage to the unit.
156-006218-2
Figure 3. Rear View of Receiver.
-3-

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4-2. BAND SELECTOR SWITCH.
The BAND SELECTOR switch is a four posi-
tion rotary switch, which is used to place the
proper set of coils into the circuit to cover the
desired frequency range. The range of frequencies
covered for each setting of the switch is shown
in the following chart.
SWITCH POSITION FREQUENCY
535 KC — 1610 KC
1.725 MC — 4.7 MC
4.5 MC — 13 MC
11.9 MC — 31.5 MC
Awd
4-3. ANT TRIM CONTROL.
The ANT TRIM control is a variable capa-
citor connected across the secondary of the antenna
coil in use. The capacitor adjustment compensates
for the loading effects of various types of antennas.
This control should always be peaked for maximum
signal increase after the desired signal has been
tuned in.
4-4. XTAL PHASE CONTROL.
This control is to be used with the SELEC-
TIVITY switch for maximum rejection of unwanted
signals. Adjust for best reception, when using
BROAD or SHARP XTAL selectivity positions.
4-5. SELECTIVITY CONTROL.
This is a three position switch for selecting
the intermediate frequency bandwidth required for
different reception modes.
Recommended settings are:
NORMAL Full fidelity AM
BROAD XTAL __ SSB, or AMunder adverse
conditions
SHARP XTAL CW
4-6. ANL ON/OFF SWITCH.
The ANL switch is normally kept in the OFF
position and used when necessary to eliminate
impulse noise in AM reception. The switch does
not function when receiving CW or SSB.
4-7. AM-CW/SSB SWITCH.
In the AM position the switch connects the
AM detector to the AF amplifier and disables the
BFO, In the CW/SSB position the switch connects
the product detector to the AF amplifier and ener-
gizes the BFO.
4.8. USB-CW-LSB CONTROL.
This control establishes the frequencynec-
essary for proper recovery of upper sideband, CW
(code), or lower sideband signals. After the desired
signal has been tuned in, this control maybe used
for fine tuning to establish the desired voice or
code pitch, The control is not used for AM
reception.
For single sideband reception, this control
will usually be set as follows:
80 and 40 meters — LSB
20, 15 and 10 meters — USB
4.9. AF GAIN-ON/OFF CONTROL.
The AF GAIN control turns power on and off,
also, adjusts the audio output level in the speaker
or headphones, Clockwise rotation increases the
signal voltage applied to the gridofthe AF ampli-
fier, thus increasing the audio output.
4-10. TUNING AND BANDSPREAD CONTROLS.
These controls are used in conjunction with
one another to tune the desired signal frequency.
Wide tuning is performed withthe TUNING control
and fine tuning may be done with the BANDSPREAD
control.
MAIN TUNING DIAL.
The main tuning, or left hand dial, is operated
by the TUNING control. The dial has four cali-
brated scales covering the following ranges:
BAND 1...... 535 to 1610 KC
BAND 2...... 1.725 to 4.7 MC
BAND 3...... 4.5 to 13.0 MC
BAND 4...... 11.9 to 31.5 MC
Also, a 0 to 100 scale is provided for
accurately logging and relocating stations of
special interest.
IMPORTANT
The main dial calibration wiJl be correct
only when the bandspread pointer is set
at the extreme right (100 on the band-
spread logging scale).
SANDSPREAD DIAL.
The bandspread, or right hand dial, is op-
erated by the BANDSPREAD control. This dial

zontains five scales calibrated for the 80, 40, 20,
15 and 10 meter amateur bands plus the citizens
band. Also, a 0 to 100 logging scale is provided.
When the main tuning dial is set to the dot
appearing just above the high frequency end of a
particular amateur band, the frequency may then
be read directly on the bandspread dial. For
convenience in operation, the CW portion of each
amateur band is indicated by a double weight line
and the phone portion by a triple weight line. The
dot used for 10 meters should also be used to
establish bandspread calibration for the 11 meter
citizens band,
The bandspread dial may also be utilizedas
a fine tuning adjustment over any portion of the
receiver tuning range. Two methods of fine tuning
are described below.
1. The first method of fine tuning is used
when it is desired to tune in a single signal
accurately, First the BANDSPREAD control is set
a few degrees from its full clockwise position.
Then the signal is located withthe MAIN TUNING
control, and finally the signal is accurately tuned
by “rocking” the BANDSPREAD control for best
reception.
2. The second methodof fine tuning is used
when it is desired to tune through a group of sig-
nals. With the BANDSPREAD control set fully
clockwise, adjust the TUNING control to the highest
frequency signal in the group. The other signals
may then be received by slowly turning the BAND-
SPREAD in a counterclockwise direction,
SECTION V
OPERATION
5-1. AM RECEPTION. XTAL PHASE ...... ..... For best results
a . USB-CW-LSB ..... Usually LSB for 40 and 60
Set the front panel controls as outlined below: meters; USB for 20, 15 and
10 meters
RF GAIN............ Maximum clockwise TUNING AND BANDSPREAD.... As desired
BAND SELECTOR..........- Desired band
AP GRIN: my egies, Ses ci rctieeseces As required Turn the receiver on by rotating the AF
F GAIN control clockwise until a click is heard. The
ANT TRIM. .... ++ see ee Peak on signal tuning dial will light up, indicating the receiver is
7.1.) Or 6 er ee ea ORE operative. Rotate the AF GAIN control for the
AM-CW/SSB AM desired volume level.
SELECTIVITY ........ NORMAL or BROAD It should be remembered that an SSB signal
TUNING and BANDSPREAD As desired will convey intelligence only when the correct
Turn the receiver on by rotating the AF
GAIN control clockwise until a click isheard. The
tuning dials will light up, indicating the receiver
is operative. Rotate the AF GAIN control for the
desired volume level.
5-2. SINGLE-SIDEBAND RECEPTION.
Set the front panel controls as outlined below:
RE GAIN 6. czccreetee heaves
BAND SELECTOR ..
Maximum clockwise
Desired band
As required
ANT TRIM ~..... Peak on signal
AM-CW/SSB ....... CWw/SSB
SELECTIVITY... NORMAL OR XTAL BROAD
eee eae
sideband position has been selected by the USB-
CW-LSB control. If the signal does not tune
properly, move the USB-CW-LSB control to the
opposite sideband position and retune the receiver.
Under certain conditions, it may be found
advantageous to reduce the RF GAIN setting for
improved reception. It should be remembered
that this will reduce AVC and also affect the "S"
meter reading.
5-3. CW RECEPTION.
Set all controls as shown in single-sideband
reception, except for the USB-CW-LSB control
which should be set to the CW position.
Under crowded-band conditions, it may be
found desirable to set the SELECTIVITY switch to
the SHARP position for improved selectivity.

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5-4. USE OF THE ‘'S’’ METER.
The "S" meter provides a visual means of
determining whether or not the receiver is
properly tuned, as well as an indication of the
relative signal strength. The "S" meter circuit
consists of a DC milliammeter connected in series
with the cathode lead of the first IF amplifier tube,
the grid of which is controlled by AVC voltage.
Since the cathode current of this tube varies with
the strength of the incoming signal, the meter will
indicate relative signal strength. The ''S" meter is
calibrated in "S" units from 1 to 9 and in decibels
above S-9.
SECTION VI
SERVICE DATA
6-1. CHASSIS REMOVAL.
To remove the chassis and panel assembly
from the cabinet, first remove three screws from
inside the cabinet, at the top of the front panel.
These screws can be reached through the rear
cabinet opening. Then remove five screws from the
bottom of the cabinet. After these screws have been
removed, slide the chassis forward and out of
cabinet,
6-2. TUBE AND DIAL LAMP REPLACEMENT.
Tubes may be replaced from the rear of the
cabinet without removing the chassis, When re-
placing dial lamps, it is recommended that the
chassis be removed from the cabinet, (Refer to
paragraph 6-1.)
6-3. DIAL RESTRINGING.
To restring the TUNING or BANDSPREAD
dials, first remove the chassis from the cabinet
(refer to paragraph 6-1). For stringing details,
see figure 5.
6-4. SERVICE AND OPERATING QUESTIONS.
For further information regarding operation
or servicing of this equipment, contact the dealer
from whom the unit was purchased. The Halli-
crafters Company maintains an extensive system
of Authorized Service Centers where any required
service will be performed promptly and efficiently
at no charge if the equipment is delivered to the
service center within 90 days from date of purchase
by the original buyer and the defect falls within
BANDSPREAD
(Kk
MAIN TUNING
K OF SHAFT
NOTE: 2/2 TURNS
MAIN TUNING AND BAND-
SPREAD GANGS SHOWN
FULLY CLOSED.
AROUND SHAFT
AROUND SHAFT
156-006153
Figure §. Dial Cord Restringing Diagram.
ast Fis

METER ZERO
v7
6Gwe
Figure 6. Top View of Receiver.
age
—)
196-006124

3
the terms of the warranty. It isnecessaryto pre-
sent the Bill of Sale in order to establish warranty
status. After the expiration of the warranty,
repairs will be made for a nominal charge. All
Hallicrafters Authorized Service Centers display
the sign shown at right. For the location of the
one nearest you, consult your dealer or your local
telephone directory.
Make no service shipments to the factory
unless instructed to do so by letter, as The Halli-
crafters Company will not accept responsibility
for unauthorized shipments,
The Hallicrafters Company reserves the
privilege of making revisions in current produc-
tion of equipment and assumes no obligation to
incorporate such revisions in earlier models.
Authorized
hallicratiers
Service Center
Communications Equipment
SECTION VII
ALIGNMENT
This receiver has been carefully aligned at
the factory by specially trained personnel using
precision equipment. Alignment of the receiver
should not be attempted until all other possible
causes of faulty operation have been investigated.
Alignment should not be required unless the
receiver has been tampered with or component
parts have been replaced in the RF or IF stages,
Alignment should be performed only by persons
familiar with communications receivers and ex-
perienced in their alignment,
7-1. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.
1. Signal Generator covering 455 KC to
30 MC.
2. Vacuum Tube Voltmeter (VTVM).
3. Audio output power meter, set to 3-4
ohms.
7-2. INITIAL CONTROL SETTINGS.
BAND SELECTOR. . . As indicated in chart
RF and AF GAIN......... Maximum
XTAL PHASE.........- Center of range
ANL owes eee ee eee ey oe aa ae OFF
UNC TION |. sc -2 sisncetvanengue ianeteedsie: ¥ AM
BANDSPREAD........ Fully clockwise
Other controls to be set as indicated by the
alignment chart.
7-3. ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE.
The adjustments mentioned in the alignment
chart may be located by referring to figures 6
and 7, Before proceeding with alignment perform
the following:
1. Remove chassis from cabinet. (Refer to
paragraph 6-1.)
2. The local oscillator is 1650 KC higher
than the incoming signal on all bands.
3, Connect output meter to SPKR-GND
terminals. Use just enough generator output to
maintain a 500 milliwatt reading on the output
meter.
IF ALIGNHENT
SIGNAL SIGNAL
GENERATOR |GENERATOR
COUPLING FREQUENCY
Connect high 1650 KC
side to pin 2 of | (approx.)
to chassis.
RECEIVER
CONTROL
SETTINGS
BAND SELECTOR-1 | Signal
SELECTIVITY -
Vz and low sida unmodulated XTAL BROAD
ADJUST REMARKS
Use enough gen. input to give
generator|a slight indication on the "S"
meter. Adjust frequency of gen.
for maximum deflection ofS"
meter, The IF should be aligned
to this crystal frequency.

SIGNAL
GENERATOR
COUPLING
SIGNAL
GENERATOR
FREQUENCY
Crystal fre-
quency. Modu-
late generator
30% with 400
cycles,
Same as step 2
unmodulated,
IF ALIGNMENT (CONT.)
RECEIVER
CONTROL
SETTINGS
BAND SELECTOR-1
SELECTIVITY -
NORMAL
BAND SELECTOR-1
SELECTIVITY -
NORMAL
FUNCTION-CW/SSB
Adjust top and bottom cores
for maximum audio output.
Remove knob from CW-USB-
LSB control and adjust L14
shaft for zero beat. Replace
knob with white indicator dot
in center of CW line on panel.
RF, MIXER AND OSCILLATOR ALIGNMENT
All controls set as in initial control settings. Generator modulated 30% with 400 CPS.
SIGNAL
GENERATOR |GENERATOR
FREQUENCY
COUPLING
Connect high side
to Al, low side to
GND. (A2 & GND
tied together.)
Same as step 1.
Same as step 1.
Same as step 1.
Same as step 1.
Same as step 1.
Same as step 1.
Same as step 1.
SIGNAL
1400 KC
RECEIVER
CONTROL
SETTINGS
BAND SELECTOR-1
TUNING - 1400 KC
BAND SELECTOR-1
TUNING - 600 KC
BAND SELECTOR-2
TUNING ~ 4.0 MC
BAND SELECTOR-2
TUNING - 1.8 MC
BAND SELECTOR-3
TUNING - 11 MC
BAND SELECTOR-3
TUNING - 5 MC
BAND SELECTOR-4
TUNING ~ 28 MC
BAND SELECTOR-4
TUNING -~- 14 MC
~0-
C3 (Osc, trimmer)
C23 (Mix. trimmer)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
L4 (Osc. coil)
L12 (Mix. coil)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
C2 (Osc. trimmer)
C22 (Mix. trimmer)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
L3 (Osc. coil)
L13 (ANT TRIM)
C1 (Osc. trimmer)
C21 (Mix. trimmer)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
L2 (Osc. coil)
L10 (Mix. coil)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
C6 (Osc. trimmer)
C20 (Mix. trimmer)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
L1 (Ose. coil)
L? (Mix. coil)
C13 (ANT TRIM)
REMARKS
Adjust for max-
imum output,
Adjust for max-
imum output.
Adjust for max-
imum output.
Adjust for max-
imum output.
Adjust for max-
imum output.
Adjust for max-
imum output.
Adjust for max-
imum output.
Adjust for max-
imum output,