Note
HD-1424 1985-1989 $49.95
HD-1424A 1989-1991 $59.95
The HD-1424 can be used with very short wire antennas (only two or three feet long) or its own telescoping antenna to provide good reception of signals between 300 kHz and 30 MHz. It also can be used as a pre-selector and pre-amplifier for both indoor and outdoor antennas. The 1424 uses a simple three-transistor circuit. The front panel includes a pilot light and controls for power on/off, gain, band, and tuning.
The rear panel has two SO-239s (input for the antenna and output to the receiver) and a standard DC power connector. The telescoping antenna (almost always missing today) connects to a terminal on the rear panel.
The HD-1424 is a useful accessory and works well. The only difference between the 1424 and the 1424A is the color of the cabinet. The 1424 is brown while the "A" version is gray.
Operating Tips
* Running the gain too high may cause receiver overloading.
* Oscillations may occur if gain is run too high. This is especially a problem when used with receivers having plastic cases.
* A short random wire may be connected to either the telescoping antenna terminal or the SO-239 input.
* When adjusting the tuning control, note that the peak is very sharp.
* It is difficult to peak on noise alone. Peaking on a signal is always more precise.
Frequency range: 300 kHz to 30 MHz in five bands
Antenna: collapsable (supplied) or external 50Ω
Power requirements: one 9-volt battery (NEDA type 1604) or external 6 to 14 VDC power source, 45 mA
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
