160m – 10m

Bands

120 W

Output

1978

Introduced

Frequency	TX: 160–10 m, RX: 1.5–30 MHz (general coverage capable)
Bands	160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m
TX power	120 W (250 W PEP SSB / CW DC input; ~120 W RF output. Continuous-duty all-solid-state PA. External 13.6 V / 25 A supply.)
Modes	USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, AM
Weight	7.7 kg (17 lb) - 7.8 kg (17.1 lbs). Dimensions: 345×117×318 mm (13.6×4.6×12.5 inches).
Connector	SO-239
Year	1978

Connectors

antenna	SO-239
mic	microphone connector
key	key jack
counter	frequency counter input (150 MHz!)
acc	accessory connectors
ext spkr	external speaker (MS-7 4Ω)
dc in	DC 13.6V 25A (external PSU)
power req	DC 13.6V 25A. External PSU required (must supply 25A continuous).

considered the FIRST commercially available all-solid-state HF amateur transceiver(!) 100% solid-state, no tubes, no tune-up required, digital display continuous coverage receiver: 1.5-30 MHz without crystals or gaps (0-30 MHz with AUX-7) 48 MHz first IF up-conversion architecture (superior image rejection >80 dB!) 100 dB dynamic range true passband tuning (PBT) for heavy QRM environments LED digital frequency display (six-digit, revolutionary for 1978!) built-in 150 MHz frequency counter (!) built-in RF wattmeter synthesizer with 300 kHz step buttons for continuous band coverage frequency memory: store one frequency on front-panel display for later recall TX automatically inhibited outside amateur bands (safety!) standard 2.3 kHz SSB filter optional filters: SL-500 (500 Hz CW), SL-1800 (1.8 kHz SSB), SL-6000 (6 kHz AM) notch filter: >40 dB attenuation (500-5000 Hz) optional NB-7 noise blanker optional FA-7 cooling fan optional RV-7 remote VFO (per band segment, transceive operation) optional AUX-7 programming board (out-of-band/MARS/0-1.5 MHz RX) optional DR-7 digital readout + general coverage board optional MMK-7 portable/mobile mounting kit with carrying handle all DC powered: 13.6 VDC at 25A (external PSU required) A 100% solid-state HF radio, no tubes, no tuning, with a digital display, a real leap forward for its day A solid-state Drake that is genuinely solid VINTAGE. DISCONTINUED 250W PEP input (~120W output), continuous-duty solid-state PA standard 2.3 kHz filter; optional SL-500/1800/6000 external 13.6V/25A supply; extensive accessories

Strengths

Widely regarded as the first commercially available all-solid-state HF amateur transceiver. 48 MHz up-conversion for strong image rejection (>80 dB), true passband tuning, continuous 1.5-30 MHz receive, an LED digital display (1978), a built-in frequency counter, and a continuous-duty solid-state PA. An extensive accessory ecosystem.

Weaknesses

VINTAGE (1978). External PSU required (25A!). No WARC bands without modifications. Standard filter only 2.3 kHz (others optional). No built-in speaker (MS-7 optional). No 6m.

Verdict

A landmark transceiver. The TR-7 was among the first all-solid-state HF amateur radios: no tubes, no tune-up, a digital display, synthesized continuous coverage, and 48 MHz up-conversion that set a high receiver standard. It helped launch the solid-state era. At $300-1000 used, it remains a capable performer.

The Drake TR-7 is the company's flagship all-solid-state HF transceiver, introduced in 1978, widely regarded as one of the first commercially available all-solid-state HF amateur transceivers, dispensing with tubes entirely. It covers the 160 through 10 meter amateur bands and receives continuously from 1.5 to 30 MHz (extendable toward 0 MHz with the optional AUX-7 board), operating SSB, CW, RTTY, and AM.

Its standout is the receiver architecture: an up-conversion design with a high 48-megahertz first IF gives excellent image rejection and gapless general-coverage tuning that was advanced for 1978, complete with an LED digital readout and a built-in frequency counter. The transmitter is a continuous-duty solid-state PA rated at 250 watts PEP DC input for roughly 120 watts of RF output (no tubes, no tune-up) and true passband tuning helps dig signals out of crowded bands.

It needs an external 13.6-volt supply capable of 25 amps, and the antenna connects through a standard SO-239. With the matching R-7 receiver and L-7 linear it formed Drake's 7-line. It is a discontinued classic, admired as one of the best receivers of its generation. Compare it with the tube TR-4C and the shortwave R-8.