Equipment / Base transceiver · Hallicrafters
discontinued

Hallicrafters SX-101 Mark III

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80m-10m
Bands
1956
Introduced
FrequencyRX: 160–10 m (7 ham bands)
PowerReceiver only
ModesAM, CW, SSB
Weight31.7 kg (69.9 lb)
Connectorantenna terminals (300 Ω; SO-239 coax provision)
Year1956
Connectors
antennaantenna terminals (300 Ω nominal; SO-239 coax provision)
15-tube double-conversion amateur-bands-only receiver amateur bands only (NOT general coverage): original SX-101 = 160/80/40/20/15/11/10m + 10 MHz WWV; SX-101A drops 160m/11m for a converter band SX-101A: dropped 160m and 11m, added converter band (30.5-34.5 MHz for 6m/2m converters) SX-101A has product detector (6BY6) for proper SSB reception, key upgrade over SX-100 double conversion: 1650 kHz 1st IF → 50.75 kHz 2nd IF with LC filter crystal filter with 5-step selectivity: 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 5 kHz notch filter (T-notch) 100 kHz crystal calibrator selectable sideband (USB/LSB) S-meter calibrated in µV, S-units, and dB above S9 AVC: fast attack/slow release, or off ANL 40:1 gear-driven VFO, extremely precise tuning individual calibrated dial scale per band (only active band illuminated) 5 kHz graduations on 80/40/20/15m, 25 kHz on 10m chassis heater keeps oscillator warm for instant stability on power-up external speaker required (3.2 ohm screw terminals) converter band precalibrated for 6m (50-54 MHz) and 2m (144-148 MHz) ~70 lb net / 31.7 kg (74 lb shipping) 20"W x 10.5"H x 16"D matched with HT-32A transmitter Hallicrafters Co., Chicago, IL SX-101: 1956-59, SX-101A: 1959-63
Strengths

Hallicrafters' definitive amateur-bands-only receiver. The SX-101A's product detector provides genuine SSB demodulation, a critical upgrade over the SX-100's BFO approach. 5-step selectivity from 500 Hz to 5 kHz. 40:1 gear-driven VFO with 5 kHz dial graduations. Crystal calibrator. Notch filter. Individual illuminated dial per band. Converter band precalibrated for 6m and 2m with external converters. Chassis heater for instant oscillator stability. Built like a battleship at 74 lbs. One of Hallicrafters' finest achievements.

Weaknesses

About 70 pounds net (74 lb boxed), one of the heaviest amateur receivers ever made. Amateur bands only, cannot tune general coverage shortwave broadcasts between amateur bands. The SX-101A dropped 160m and 11m coverage. External speaker required. The now-useless converter band replaced 160m on the SX-101A. Complex alignment. The 50.75 kHz IF alignment is critical.

Verdict

The heavyweight champion. The SX-101A with its product detector was Hallicrafters' best answer to the SSB revolution. Paired with an HT-32A transmitter, it made one of the finest vintage SSB stations available. The 40:1 gear-driven VFO and 5 kHz dial markings provide tuning precision that rivals much more expensive receivers. At 74 lbs, you'll need a strong bench, and a strong back.

The Hallicrafters SX-101 is a premium amateur-band communications receiver from the late 1950s, the ham-band specialist that complemented the general-coverage SX-100. Its 15-tube, double-conversion design covers the seven amateur bands from 160 through 10 meters, using intermediate frequencies of 1650 kHz and a low 50 kHz to deliver the stability and sharp selectivity that serious operators demanded as single sideband took over the bands.

It was a top-tier receiver of its day, with a crystal filter, excellent bandspread for precise amateur-band tuning, and the heavy, beautifully finished construction that marked Hallicrafters' best work. Several variants (the Mark 1, 2, and 3) refined it over its production run. Prized for its stability and its handsome, businesslike appearance, the SX-101 remains one of the most respected vintage ham-band receivers and a favorite among collectors of golden-age American gear.

It is a discontinued classic. See the general-coverage SX-100 and the later SX-115.