The Hallicrafters SX-62A Communications Receiver is a high-end shortwave listeners receiver from the 1950s that includes the FM broadcast band.
When I acquired this Hallicrafters SX-62A and it was in remarkable condition. The radio worked, but the sound was badly distorted. The IF and RF sections were out of alignment. I do not know the history of this receiver, but front panel is in perfect condition.
Electronic Restoration
All tubes appeared to be the original Hallicrafters tubes, the dial lamps are original and they still work. I cleaned the chassis, replaced the line cord and installed an inrush current limiter. I cleaned the switches and controls, and replaced all paper and electrolytic capacitors. There are three paper capacitors in the RF section that are extremely hard to get to for replacement.
There were out of spec resistors in the audio output section. I replaced them and it helped clear up the audio distortion.
Tubes
I replaced the two 6V6 output tubes with new JJ Tesla tubes in a matched set. Push-pull audio output works best with matched output tubes. I installed a solid-state rectifier to replace the 5U4 rectifier tube. I wanted to cut down the power transformer load and provide a more stable B+ voltage. This saves about 15 watts of power.
Aligning one of these receivers takes a lot of patience. I aligned the FM section using a standard AM modulated signal generator. It took me several tries to get the crystal filter aligned. The alignment instructions are a bit vague.
Cabinet Restoration
I had the cabinet professionally re-painted and it looks brand new.
Operation
The Hallicrafters SX-62A Communications Receiver has an 8-ohm speaker connection. I connected a small bookshelf speaker directly to the 8-ohm output.
This receiver covers the shortwave, AM broadcasts, and FM broadcasts bands. The sound from this receiver is incredible because of the 10 watt push-pull audio output!
This is not a DX’ing receiver. It does not have SSB capability and is really not stable enough for DX work.
For Sale
This Hannicrafters Communications receiver is for sale for $1,100 plus shipping to the lower 48 states only because of the weight.
Contact me if you are interested in this radio.
I have that my father purchased new in the 1950’s. Still works
President Eisenhower’s Air Force One is at the Air Force Museum at Wright Pat Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio and there is a SX-62 receiver on the plane.