Note
Released for Christmas in 1964, GR-64 is a general refinement of the GR-91, and was the first of two receivers featuring Heath’s new “low-boy” styling. Its companion, the GR-54, was released about six months later.
The GR-64 is a basic 4-band, 4-tube, superhet receiver built on a single PC board. The 64 is designed with a 455 kHz IF and covers from 550 kHz to 30 MHz. Features include a BFO for CW/SSB reception, electrical bandspread, an S-meter, a lighted dial face, built-in speaker, headphone jack, and a solid-state transformer type power supply. There is also an input for the GD-125 Q multiplier and a connector for an external antenna.
Heath did not specify sensitivity or stability, but these performance characteristics have been found to be typical of the genre.
Note that on band A (the AM broadcast band) signals are provided only by the ferrite stick antenna on the back of the radio, and not from an external wire antenna, for example. A simple modification could fix that. Signals for all other bands come from whatever antenna is connected to the antenna connector on the back panel. Refer to Figure 1 for antenna connections.
The receiver can be aligned without instruments. The GR-64 is housed in a gray cabinet and has white-and-green band markings.
Caution: The plastic front panel cracks easily.
In 1971 the GR-64 was replaced by the fully solid state SW-717.
Early versions designed for 120 VAC only. Later versions could be wired for either 120 or 240 VAC.
References:
Review. 73 Amateur Radio. Mar 1965, p. 72
Review. Popular Electronics, Jul 1965 p .64.
Frequency coverage: 550 kHz to 30 MHz in four bands
IF: 455 kHz
Image rejection: not specified
Selectivity: not specified
Sensitivity: not specified
Power requirements: 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 30 watts*
Tubes: (1) 12BA6, (1) 12BE6, (1) 12AV6, (1) 12AQ5.
*Early versions are 120 VAC only.
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
