Note
The SW-717 is essentially a solid state version of the GR-64, which it replaced in 1971. The 717 was the last of the slide-rule dial SWL receivers, but it was not the first fully solid state SWL receiver Heath made. That title belongs to the GC-1(A)—built in 1960—and causes one to wonder why, after having built a great solid state receiver way back then, Heath would have clung to the tube-type receivers of the GR family as long as it did.
The receiver uses nine transistors and is built on a single PC board. It covers from 550 kHz to 30 MHz in four bands and features an illuminated dial, electrical bandspread, BFO control, a signal strength meter, ANL (the switch is on the rear panel), a built-in speaker, a headphone jack, and a built-in ferrite rod antenna for broadcast band reception. In addition, there is a rear panel screw terminal connection for an external antenna and ground.
Reception modes include AM, CW, and SSB signals, but there is no selector for separate USB and LSB as is found on the GR-54. Because it is a solid state design, it is reasonable to assume the SW-717 was more stable than its predecessor, but no meaningful specifications were provided.
Specifications or no, the SW-717 was in the catalog for 12 years, making it the longest serving of Heath's general coverage receivers.
Note: The speaker and S-meter are mounted with double-stick tape.
The SW-717 can be aligned without instruments. It is housed in a gray cabinet and has white and green band markings.
Frequency coverage: 550 kHz to 30 MHz in four bands
Power requirements: 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 8 watts
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
