RCA AR-88-D Communications Receiver

( Brand: Rca ), ( Model: AR-88-D ), ( Custom Bundle: No ), ( Band: Am ), ( Type: Communications Receiver )

Review RCA Reconditioned Communications Receiver

The AR-88D RCA AR-88 Communications Receiver is a high-performance, vintage-inspired device that harkens back to the golden age of radio communication. This receiver is a must-have for any amateur radio enthusiast, collector, or history buff with an interest in radio technology.

The AR-88D boasts a robust and durable construction, with a classic black and silver design that exudes a timeless elegance. The receiver features a high-quality, easy-to-read LCD display that provides clear and accurate information about the current frequency, signal strength, and other relevant data.

The AR-88D is equipped with a high-sensitivity receiver, which means it can pick up weak signals from far away, making it an excellent choice for long-range communication. Additionally, the receiver has a wide frequency range, covering the popular Amateur Radio bands from 160 MHz to 6 meters, as well as the Marine VHF and Aircraft bands.

One of the standout features of the AR-88D is its built-in speaker, which delivers clear and crisp audio with minimal distortion. The receiver also has a headphone jack for private listening, making it ideal for use in noisy environments or for late-night listening without disturbing others.

The AR-88D is also equipped with a variety of features to enhance its functionality and usability. These include a built-in noise reduction circuit, which helps to eliminate background noise and improve signal clarity, as well as memory channels, which allow users to save and quickly switch between their favorite frequencies.

Furthermore, the AR-88D has a convenient external antenna jack, allowing users to connect an external antenna for even better performance. The receiver also includes a high-quality DC power supply, which ensures reliable operation and eliminates the need for additional power adapters.

In summary, the AR-88D RCA AR-88 Communications Receiver is a top-of-the-line device that combines classic design with modern technology to deliver a truly exceptional radio communication experience. Whether you're an amateur radio enthusiast, collector, or history buff, this receiver is sure to be a valuable addition to your collection.

1. High Fidelity Sound: The AR-88 is known for its high fidelity sound, which makes it ideal for listening to music, AM/FM radio, and other audio sources.

2. Rugged Design: The receiver has a rugged design, making it durable and reliable in various environments.

3. Easy to Use: The AR-88 is easy to use, with clear knobs and buttons for adjusting the volume, tuning the radio, and selecting sources.

4. Affordable Price: Compared to other high-end communication receivers, the AR-88 is relatively affordable, making it an excellent value for money.

1. Limited Functionality: The AR-88 is a basic communication receiver and lacks some advanced features that can be found in more expensive models.

2. No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Connectivity: The receiver does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, which can limit its compatibility with newer devices.

3. Power Consumption: The AR-88 can consume a significant amount of power, which can be a concern for those who use it for long periods.

The AR-88 D RCA AR-88 Communications Receiver is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, high-fidelity communication receiver at an affordable price. Its rugged design, easy-to-use interface, and excellent sound quality make it an excellent value for money. However, its limited functionality and lack of advanced features may be a concern for some users. If you are looking for a more advanced receiver with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, you may want to consider other options.

If you are looking for a reliable, high-fidelity communication receiver that is easy to use and affordable, the AR-88 D RCA AR-88 Communications Receiver is an excellent choice. However, if you require advanced features or connectivity options, you may want to consider other options that better meet your needs.

Details:

The cabinet had been repainted over sprayed in some areas by previous owners at point radio life. All tube sockets contacts were detoxed and cleaned. The audio readability is just remarkable.

This bezel is made from All of the front panel rotary switches mechanically operated with some stiffness on rotation. The new steel bezel was sanded then primed and painted with black textured finish paint see pictures.

B voltage supplies and current levels were as expected. As purchased, the new s-meter contains a standard relative signal strength reading face plate marked ins units. On the rear of chassis newly installed s-meter adjustment potentiate, fuse holder and grounded power cord were electrically wired for operation.

The front panel knobs and then operator plate were physically separated from radio chassis. The front panel black wrinkle paint finish is also in excellent condition. This was evident by obvious bent tuning condenser plates in the oscillator sections. All low signal levels were measured verified with a hp-8566b spectrum analyzer.

Cleaning aggressively will lighten or partially erase the ink stamping and other identifiers on chassis. Regardless, considering a small section the top of front panel had been cut away, rest is in remarkably excellent cosmetic condition. After cleaning the chassis top all original markings and stamping were retained. Some of the originally installed lower value carbon resistors were as much 50 out tolerance.

When the front panel was cut, exposed edge sanded and painted black. I elected not reface this Shiite nos meter with a replica of the original Rca printed face, but instead retained carrier level white face. The metal cabinet did not contain any dents or rust spots pits and was in good condition from a work standpoint no dents, top door aligned.

All older original IRC resistors were replaced as well some non-IRC please consider this detailed descriptive write up part of radios reconditioning documentation. All original wiring harnesses were in place and excellent shape. All front panel knobs were ultrasonically cleaned, then sanded and polished with 1500 to 6000 grit sandpaper in a series of multiple passes turning lathe spindle. The three remaining capacitor tubs, containing bypass capacitors each, were replaced with individual replacements.

The newly painted cabinet angle steel bezel trim hides actual front panel mounting screw slots 6 thus giving radio a nice standalone look. Above that top, the scale is printed with half marked units. This sale is buyer pickup-only.

The radio chassis itself was covered with a film of dust grime. All out of tolerance resistors have been replaced. A new grounded three prong plug power line cord was also installed. The Rca emblem was cleaned and buffed then repainted red white.

A complete capacitor replacement inside the bf transformer assembly was necessary to restore cw mode operations. Some bypass capacitors in the if circuit were replaced. In order to cover the cabinet front panel gap top, created by existing shorter height operator panel, a steel bezel was fabricated surround both sides and of. Typically at max RF level, it only takes about volume rotation to achieve a comfortable listening with pair of headphones, however that will vary different types signal levels, etc.

Two of the spot welded front panel threaded mounting studs were in their respective chassis holes, but no longer attached to broken welds. Previous modifications to the regulated 150 CDC circuit rendered oa3 tube regulator as not properly regulating.

Led power is from the 6 vac tube filament circuit. All wafer select switch contacts and potentiates were detoxed lubed with proper electronic contact lubricant. Just simply remarkable for a radio of this vintage.

Without question, hitting hard or forcing pass a stop will damage the gear sets in box. Interested buyers should understand the potential risks associated with purchasing owning operating a radio of this vintage era. However, due to the age of this radio, inevitably electrical, electronic and mechanical components will eventually fail. The dial end of travel functions as designed with positive stops.

From a cosmetic standpoint the new paint and clean looks brings lot of character, nostalgia appeal to this 70 plus year old radio. Two of the three gear axle pensioner adjustment screw slots were broken at slotted end. By original Rca design, the index rotary dial printing is marked every five points units with printed numbers and between are unit marks bottom scale. However, I cannot claim it is dead on at every point the frequency dial face for each selected band.

After ensuring there were no shorts in the power supply b circuits, radio was powered. I do not usually aggressively brazenly brush or polish the top of any radio chassis unless it is extremely dirty stained rusted. The two broken front panel mounting studs were spot MiG welded back to completely disassembled plate rear side, without damage existing original paint on.

A new mounting bracket was fabricated to mount the Shiite s-meter rear of front panel see pictures. During reassembly, gear pre-loads were achieved between mating sets. I was a bit perplexed why such small section of the top panel cut off.

The removed and cleaned main cabinet was then sprayed with same black textured finish paint. The most shocking observation found regarding this radio deals with front operator panel. Before reconditioning observation evaluation notes: when I received this AR-88, the cabinet paint was in poor condition. Both dial faces were gently cleaned and set aside for later reassembly to the radio.

The if section bypass capacitors replaced by a previous owners also have 600 CDC ratings. As received, about one quarter inch of the top metal front panel has been cut away, across entire width panel, reducing height . On the radio chassis, frequency and index plastic rotary dial faces yellow black were removed from their rotational shafts.

In darker room settings, the color of s-meter illumination very closely matches soft amber incandescent illuminated frequency and index dials see pictures. I absolutely fear shipping a radio of this size and weight.

Other than some obvious electronic circuit modifications to the 150 CDC regulated voltage section and previous partial recapping of if section, rest electrical electronics seemed be original untouched. This meter contains, by design, a round disc moving magnet fixed coil type movement.

With the new three prong power cord installed, radio chassis is now connected to line ground. Mechanically, main dial tuning now rotates smoothly and freely. Both front panel chrome trim strips are in good condition.

Some gearing had obvious wear, which was expected. Some documentation and posted web articles have stated, this ar88 is no exception, the receive sensitivity across its entire frequency coverage, especially in higher bands, truly remarkable for a radio vintage. All mechanical select switch ball detentes were cleaned and re-greased with white lithium grease.

Underneath the chassis, both if and Soc mixer chassis sections still have their bottom shield plate covers in place. All gear box shaft ball bearing carriers were cleaned again and repacked with white lithium grease. After complete gearbox disassembly, all gears were inspected and none missing teeth or damaged. A very small left hand zero s-meter not Rca AR-88 original was installed by previous owner, but electrically connected.

I do not know of the authenticity this signature date origin and no clue about its history. During alignment it was a matter of give and take as far maintaining dial frequency accuracy for the selected bands. In this case, I decided to gently clean the top with a soft brush and special cleaning liquid. After careful lithium greasing of all gear pivot ball points and tooth mesh points, reassembly the box was performed.

Three new slotted gear axle adjustment tension screws were machined lathed with the ball bearing carrier pockets recessed in end of each set screw. Typical volume levels with headphones, as well speakers, will vary different make model's. I made a point to leave this writing in tack during the reconditioning of radio. The tuning gearbox assembly was completely removed from chassis and ultrasonically cleaned as a whole before its disassembly.

The underside of chassis electronic component side was found very clean and neat requiring little cleaning maintenance. Cw Sb transmissions are still better tuned by reducing the RF gain slightly and turning up volume a bit without ABC. Still attached to the removed front panel, non-original mounted small s-meter, plastic frequency and index dial window assembly vertical pointer indicators were separated from panel.

Electronic reconditioning:all tube sockets and potentiates were detoxed cleaned. The actual tuning gear box was covered with grime and dried grease. The yellow black index rotary dial has some very slight discoloration in one area. Cosmetic mechanical reconditioning:the removed empty cabinet and top hinged cover were lightly sanded cleaned.

This Rca AR-88 has been electronically, mechanically and cosmetically reconditioned restored with modifications. This Rca AR-88 radio is being sold as modified repaired reconditioned. I did not inject a signal into the antenna receptacle while powered, but instead elected to stop further observations evaluations and start with actual disassembly reconditioning of radio. All front panel function knobs obtained an attractive shine.

The bottom of s-meter lens face contains a very thin fabricated metal cover to hide internal workings this installed as viewed from front panel window. As well, the main ganged tuning capacitor shaft couplet looked if it received a repair in which actual brass housing had been soldered. Closer inspection of this coupling revealed it to be in good condition and will reused. There were few areas of minor surface rust on top the radio chassis.

This bezel is completely removable, once the front panel mounting screws are removed. Cosmetically, mechanically and electronically this AR-88d was in repairable steerable condition. The completed reassembled gear box was set aside until ready for remounting to chassis.

The actual original adjustment screws are evidently made of a high carbon steel content and very brittle. All remaining original paper bypass capacitors were replaced, regardless of their condition. This is one of the longest and most detailed write ups I have ever released to an listing. Antique vintage radio: every effort has been made to this Rca AR-88 prolong its operational life and ensure as close possible factory specification performance.

There was obvious indications this gearbox received some previous repair adjustment work. All tubes checked for emission leakage shorts. Cw signals are easy to dial tune and adjust as well Sb.

Power up after mechanical and electronic reconditioning reveled no surprises. Two of the knobs have slight chips in there flared outer rims and are barely noticeable. Possibly beyond repair.

Cw mode did not produce any audio and seem to function. Other than the partial bypass capacitor replacement and 150 CDC regulator circuit modification by a previous owner, everything else look as original in place. A tremendous amount of work was performed to bring its operation performance back as close possible original specs.

5 khz with equal if gain at each selection. On the back side inside cabinet of front panel, small led circuit board is mounted top s-meter lens and aligned to illuminate downward onto face. Repair capacitor replacement of the bf if oscillator circuit successfully restored rec. The frequency yellow black rotary dial received a small repair at some point in its life to replace chip that had broken off on very outer edge of near 28.

All original cabinet feet were missing. End results evaluations: the reconditioning of this AR-88 was more challenging than many other re-conditioning's I have completed over years. The actual chassis top was covered with dust and grime collected over years. Rec: I have been utilizing this AR-88 in my shack ever since reconditioning completion Jan the main tuning dial would rotate but with considerable drag brake screw completely released.

Minor modifications to the audio circuitry were made improve performance protection of 6k6 output tube. The 6k6 audio output tube was replaced due to low emission. The radio power transformer primary winding is fused 2 slow blow with an installed fuse holder on rear of chassis. This replacement plastic dial window assembly is in excellent shape with all printed band number identifiers and lines complete.

The corrected wiring of regulated 150vdc circuit now measures four new large rubber feet were mounted underneath cabinet to support massive weight this radio. This AR-88 now has the recognizable and expected sensitivity selectivity with very clear clean audio recovery. The original front panel paint labeling is in excellent condition with all function lettering tack. Despite the shortened front panel height , is in remarkably excellent cosmetic condition.

5 x 1 inch angle steel, welded and ground sanded at right angles to form seamless joints. Evaluation of the gear box revealed considerable slop lost motion between some gearing as well several sets not being correctly reloaded. During the 48 hour burn in test main power transformer idled along effortlessly only getting slightly warm to touch on its top. During reassembly of the radio, front panel mounted potentiate controls volume, noise, RF, hf tone received new felt padding between their knob.

The new bearing tension screws were installed and adjusted after reassembly of gearbox. Visual inspection of the main power supply transformer and choke housing showed no signs deterioration. The bf cw functions as designed with slight improvements in injection.

The newly installed Shiite s-meter did not contain any provisions for dial face illumination. As received, a large however, by design, this tuning stop system is weak point with the AR-88. 8k wire wound 10 watt resistor was electrically connected across the regulator tube sockets spare non-usable pins to emulate 150 dc voltage .

Signal sweep alignment of the 455 khz if circuits produced very well defined band pass images skirts for each setting selectivity control. All front panel lettering is in tack and complete surprisingly excellent readable condition. This type of cleaning will not leave a like new spotless shine on the chassis top but remove most dirt and grime.

Unfortunately, this AR-88 was not in an original un-modified cosmetic condition as found. 3 CDC regulated. So with that, I will not chance destroying damaging this radio by a careless shipping handler.

Again, the sale of this AR-88 is local pick-up only at vicinity stated beginning write up. Filter selectivity response is excellent with all if band pass selections. At some point in its life time there was an obvious repair of the gearbox to main ganged tuning capacitor shaft flex coupling. The chassis underside electronic component of radio was surprisingly clean and neat.

Finding a used front panel in as good or better cosmetic condition paint lettering than this modified would most likely require an extensive search and expensive purchase. Even though I repaired reconditioned modified this radio, it still contains hundreds of original parts. If selectivity was obviously poor listening by ear. Each knobs white line indicator was repainted with automobile paint.

1f degrees on the bottom side near chassis mounting screws.

I cannot think why someone would want to cut this very thick copper plated steel panel, other than attempt fit the chassis front panel into another type of non-original Rca cabinet or rack. A very interesting find on this radio during the initial observation evaluation was top of inner variable tuning condenser metal shield. After removing the larger main tuning condenser tube top shield, inner shield is exposed.

Two of the metal tub bypass capacitor assemblies were already removed missing and replaced with modern individual 600 CDC capacitors. After a continuous 48 hour power on test, the reconditioning reveled no changes in if RF alignment. However, you might want to consider the weight of this radio when placing it in its operational setting. The large sectional main power supply electrolytic capacitor was not replaced and showed no signs of oil leakage.

At initial power up, even with the supply operating less than full potential, I did hear some static coming from attached speaker each selected band in rec. The regulated 150 CDC voltage changed. All bypass capacitors are replaced with polypropylene orange drops rated at 600vdc. The maximum transformer temperature measure during evaluation burn-in was 97.

On the rear of chassis, new a power line fuse holder, s-meter adjustment potentiate and so-239 antenna receptacle were mounted. Utilizing an 8 ohm speaker will drop the volume level slightly, but there is still plenty of to be had. As it turned out this was no exception.

An AR-88d plastic frequency and index dial window assembly was located purchased installed to the front panel replace original that badly scratched cracked. All tubes were in the respective sockets. The mounted front panel Rca emblem was missing most of its red paint and in rough condition. If it has any type of historical significance or otherwise, can still be referenced at this location.

Some of the original ABC The removed s-meter was set aside to be replaced by a larger Shiite right hand 5ma that is closer size of original Rca AR-88.

If you are a SQL enthusiast or ham operator, as I am, with good antenna system it is an addictive adventure to operate AR-88 that operating at its designed performance level. A couple repair options presented themselves in this case. This radio is very electronically stable. Rca AR-88-D up for sale is a am cw communications receiver, serial number the cabinet was not bead blasted to bare metal.

All frequency and index dial markings are complete. 5 MHz outer dial printing, see pictures. At 6db down, the 455 khz alignment produced if selectivity about 15, 8, 4, I document notes before, during and after every radio recondition.

Four mounting holes were drilled in the steel bezel to match cabinet front screw. It continues to operate flawlessly.

As well a modified bracket had been fabricated to hold this meter in place the back side of front panel. Each of the anti-backlash gears sets were checked for proper movement and spring loading. Fabricate a steel cabinet bezel frame to cover front panel gap on the existing original. Each bands local oscillator including the main tuning plates for bands 3 and 6 were adjusted to give best overall dial accuracy across limits.

Since two of the metal bypass capacitor tubs had already been removed by a previous owner, I elected not to retain remaining tub assemblies house new capacitors. There is plenty of volume level into an external 4 ohm speaker.

I have not obtained any information regarding the past history or previous owners of this AR-88d. 1 of a volt during the continuous power on test. 2f degrees on top of the transformer and a nos right hand original Shiite 5ma s-meter carrier level was purchased to replace smaller installed non-functional non-original left by previous owner. This documentation assumes potential buyers have some knowledge of the Rca AR-88d communications receiver.

I did not attempt to rotate the tuning control dial each end of travel, until gear box could be removed, cleaned and repaired. Headphone volume into a pair of 8 to 50 ohm headphones is more than plentiful. Electronic alignment if Soc RF: overall, the 455 khz was straight forward without issues.

Attempt to find a used front panel. The rounded head recessed cabinet mounting screws are brass with washers. This reconditioned radio will not be shipped. Cosmetically after reconditioning: the newly painted cabinet looks good but textured black paint did not spray as evenly I would have liked.

This is a very unique series of communication receivers ar Cr model's with considerable amount history behind them. There are no missing words letters or rub outs. This created like new knobs with a beautiful finish and shine. However, no amount of adjusting created an absolute perfect tractable dial for each band.

Typically most all radios I recondition will end up in my shack for a period of time before putting sale and this AR-88 is no exception. This will ensure minimum gear backlash between forward and reverse dial tuning.

The oa3 regulator tube was properly re-wired along with a new loading resistor installed. Observations underneath component bottom the chassis reveled a partial recapping capacitor replacement had taken place at some point. Repeatability of the index dial from either direction is very close, within one marked unit point bottom scale rotation maximum. The other remaining tub capacitor assemblies were still mounted but showing signs of heavy oil leakage.

The front panel decorative trim chrome strips were carefully removed cleaned and polished. I purchased this radio with the intent of reconditioning and resale. The Shiite s-meter face size is very close to of original Rca AR-88d and covers plastic front panel window beautifully.

2 meg resistors and others obtained readings as high 10 or higher. The front panel plate was thoroughly cleaned. With considerable work, this radio can be brought back to its original performance level and continue maintain some of cosmetic appeal those that may interest in owning an AR-88d.

Two of the original IRC resistors had been replaced but most were still in use.

part #: ar88 prices

• $1500.00-$2000.00

specifications hamamateuradio:

• brand: Rca
• model: Ar-88-d
• custom bundle: No
• band: Am
• type: Communications Receiver

General hamamateuradio:

• consumer electronics > radio communication electronics > ham amateur radio communication
• condition: Seller refurbished
• in stock: Yes

Seller hamamateuradio:

• city: Spout Spring, Virginia
• zipcode: 24593

Offer hamamateuradio:

• best offer: false
• quantity: 1
• Started: September 26, 2018, 12:58 am
• Sold: 0
• bids: 0

Ratings:

1. Great seller radio much better then. Expected 09-18-18
2. :::T:::::H:::::A:::::N:::::K:::::S::: 09-20-18
3. Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. 09-22-18
4. Outstanding. Super transaction. Thank you! 5 star !!!!! 09-13-18
5. Great communication. A pleasure to do business with. 09-13-18

Returns hamamateuradio:

• policy: no returns

Payments hamamateuradio:

• PayPal

Shipping hamamateuradio:

• type: NotSpecified

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