
( Brand: Hallicrafters ), ( Model: S-85 ), ( Type: Receiver )
The Hallicrafters S-85 Shortwave Radio is a timeless piece of audio technology that harkens back to the golden age of radio. This Ham Radio receiver from Hallicrafters, a renowned name in the world of radio communication, is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and innovation.
The S-85 features a robust and durable design, with a solid construction that ensures longevity and reliability. The radio's exterior is finished in a classic black matte, giving it a sleek and professional look that complements any home or office decor. The front panel is adorned with a clear dial, tuning knobs, and a selection of function buttons, all of which are easily accessible and intuitive to use.
The Hallicrafters S-85 is a shortwave receiver, capable of tuning into radio frequencies from 1.6 to 30 MHz. This wide frequency range allows you to listen to a vast array of international broadcasts, from news and music to weather reports and sports updates. The radio features a high-fidelity speaker that delivers crystal-clear sound, ensuring that you can fully appreciate the richness and detail of the audio.
One of the standout features of the S-85 is its selectivity and sensitivity. The radio's high selectivity allows you to tune in to stations with minimal interference, while its excellent sensitivity ensures that you can pick up even the faintest of signals. This makes the S-85 an ideal choice for radio enthusiasts who want to explore the vast world of shortwave broadcasting.
In addition to its impressive audio capabilities, the S-85 also boasts a range of convenient features. These include a built-in RF gain control, which allows you to adjust the signal strength to suit your listening preferences, and a headphone jack, which allows you to listen to the radio in private or share it with others. The radio also features a handy power indicator, which makes it easy to monitor its status and ensure that it's always powered up and ready to go.
In conclusion, the Hallicrafters S-85 Shortwave Radio is a high-quality and versatile receiver that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of audio enthusiasts. With its robust construction, wide frequency range, and excellent audio performance, the S-85 is a must-have for any shortwave radio collection. Whether you're a seasoned ham radio operator or simply a fan of classic radio technology, the S-85 is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment.
Pros of buying a Hallicrafters S-85 Shortwave Radio:1. Vintage Appeal: The S-85 has a classic, retro design that might appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage electronics.
2. Manual Tuning: The manual tuning feature allows for a more hands-on experience and can be more satisfying for some users.
3. High-Quality Construction: The S-85 is known for its robust construction and durability, making it a reliable option for long-term use.
4. Wide Bandwidth: The S-85 has a wide bandwidth, which allows it to pick up a wide range of frequencies, including AM, FM, and shortwave broadcasts.
5. Affordable Price: Compared to newer models, the S-85 is relatively affordable, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers.
Cons of buying a Hallicrafters S-85 Shortwave Radio:1. Limited Functionality: The S-85 does not have any modern features like digital tuning, presets, or automatic bandwidth adjustment.
2. Tune In Difficulty: Manual tuning can be challenging for some users, especially for those who are not familiar with shortwave frequencies.
3. Limited Reception: The S-85 may have limited reception compared to newer models with more advanced reception technology.
4. Lack of Sensitivity: The S-85 may not be as sensitive to weak signals as newer shortwave radios.
5. Requires Maintenance: The S-85 requires regular maintenance to keep it in good working condition, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Conclusion:If you are a collector of vintage electronics or a radio enthusiast who enjoys a more hands-on experience, the Hallicrafters S-85 Shortwave Radio may be a good option for you. Its robust construction, wide bandwidth, and affordable price make it a reliable and budget-friendly choice. However, if you are looking for modern features like digital tuning or automatic bandwidth adjustment, or if you need a more sensitive receiver with better reception, you may want to consider a newer model.
Recommendation:If you are interested in the Hallicrafters S-85 Shortwave Radio, I would recommend researching the model to ensure that it meets your specific needs and preferences. Consider reading reviews from other users to get a sense of its performance and reliability. Additionally, be prepared to invest time and money in maintaining the radio to keep it in good working condition. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the S-85 should depend on your personal preferences and requirements as a shortwave radio user.
The volume knob is a bit scratchy and probably needs at least cleaned. This vintage Hallicrafters85 ham radio receiver is being sold as is for parts or repairs.
It is also producing static through the speakers but I really dont know what kind of antenna this takes so I did no further testing of it. The radio powers on and tubes are getting warm. I will say the noise limiting switch works as the static reduce by turning in on and off both tuning knobs turn the dials freely and smoothly on mar at PST.
Also the standby and receive switch is also working as it went quiet when I switched it back and forth.