
The Hammarlund Super Pro is a top-of-the-line shortwave radio that's been a favorite among amateur radio enthusiasts for decades. It's a 4-band receiver that covers frequencies from 2.8 to 30 MHz.
One of its standout features is its ability to receive a wide range of signals, including AM, FM, and CW. The Super Pro is also known for its high sensitivity, allowing users to pick up weak signals from far away.
The Hammarlund Super Pro has a robust design that's built to last, with a sturdy chassis and a compact footprint. It's a great choice for those who want a reliable and portable radio that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to take on the go, and it's a great option for emergency communication situations.
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Specifications
The Hammarlund Super Pro has some impressive specs. All of the SP-200 sets are single conversion, which is a key feature to consider when choosing a radio.
The bandwidth is continuously variable from 3 to 16 KHz, making it a versatile option for different listening needs. This is achieved by a control that mechanically varies the coupling on IF transformers.
Specified sensitivity is one microvolt, which is quite low but still sufficient for most listening purposes. I've found that even the most sensitive radios can pick up weak signals with the right antenna.
Models
The Hammarlund Super Pro models were a series of high-quality radios that catered to the needs of amateur radio operators.
The SP-200 was one of the earliest models, made from 1942 to 1945, and had a tuning range of .54 to 30 MHz.
There were also two variants of the SP-400, the SP-400-X and the SP-400-SX, which were produced from 1946 to 1948 and had outboard power supplies.
SP-400
The SP-400 was a series of shortwave radios made from 1946 to 1948. They were very similar to the SP-200's with the differences being mainly cosmetic.
The SP-400 had outboard power supplies like the earlier Super Pros. This design choice likely made the radios more compact and easier to use.
There were two main models of the SP-400, the SP-400-X and the SP-400-SX. The SP-400-X tuned from .54 to 30 MHz.
The SP-400-SX had a slightly wider tuning range, from 1.25 to 40 MHz.
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Sp-600
The SP-600 Super Pro is a versatile radio model that covered a wide frequency range of 540 kHz to 54 MHz. This makes it a great option for those who need to receive a variety of signals.
One notable variation of the SP-600 is the SP-600-J, which omitted the optional crystal control of selected frequencies. This means that users of this model had to rely on other methods for tuning in to specific frequencies.
The SP-600-JLX-2, 15 and 23 models covered a unique frequency range of .1-.4, 1.35-29.7 MHz. This is a relatively narrow range compared to some of the other SP-600 models.
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Some SP-600 models were designed for specific uses, such as diversity reception. The SP-600-JX-17 and 30 models fall into this category.
Other models, like the SP-600-VLF-31, 38, were limited to a specific frequency range of 10-540 kHz. This is a very narrow range and likely limited the use of this model.
The SP-600-JX-21A model stood out with its 22 tubes and SSB (Single Side Band) reception capability. This made it a more advanced model than some of its counterparts.
Here's a summary of some of the notable SP-600 models:
- SP-600-J: omitted optional crystal control of selected frequencies
- SP-600-JLX-2, 15 and 23: covered .1-.4, 1.35-29.7 MHz
- SP-600-JX-17 and 30: designed for diversity reception
- SP-600-VLF-31, 38: limited to 10-540 kHz
- SP-600-JX-21A: 22 tubes and SSB reception
The SP-600-JX-28 model was actually the R-620, and the SP-600-JX-6 was the R-274B. The SP-600-JX-12 was also the R-274A.
Sp-200
The SP-200 series is quite impressive, covering 0.1 - 40 MHz in 5 bands. These models are quite heavy, with the radio and cabinet weighing in at 73 pounds (33 kg).
The separate power supply adds a significant amount of weight, ranging from 57 to 61 pounds. This is something to consider when transporting or setting up the equipment.
The SP-200 Super Pro was first offered in two basic models, one with and one without a crystal filter.
Location
The Hammarlund Super Pro was manufactured by Hammarlund Mfg. Co. Inc. in New York, NY.
Hammarlund Mfg. Co. Inc. was the company behind the Hammarlund Super Pro, and it was based in New York, NY. This information can be found in the manufacturer/brand section of the article.
The company's location is an important detail, especially for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage radios. Knowing the location of the manufacturer can help you understand the context and history of the product.
Here are some key details about the location:
- Company: Hammarlund Mfg. Co. Inc.
- Location: New York, NY
The Hammarlund Super Pro was a product of its time and place, and understanding its location can help you appreciate its significance and value.
General Info
The Hammarlund Super Pro SP-100 Series is a super-heterodyne receiver with two RF stages, mixer, HF oscillator, three stages of IF amplification, and more.
It consists of two major units: the receiver and the power supply unit. The receiver and power supply unit are designed to be compact, with the receiver measuring 18” x 10 15/32” x 14 7/32” for the table model.
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The receiver panel is available in two versions: the table model SP-100 Series and the rack model SPR-100 Series. The rack model is slightly wider, measuring 19” x 10 15/32” x 14 7/32”.
The power supply unit is also available in two versions: a table model and a rack model. The table model measures 13” x 7 5/8” x 8 1/2”, while the rack model is 19” x 8 3/4” x 8 1/2”.
The delivery of the receiver includes a power supply unit and a Jensen Speaker, either 8” or 12” (or possibly 10”).
A special cable can be furnished to allow emergency operation from a 6 Volt storage battery, five 45 Volt dry batteries, or one 45 Volt dry battery.
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Repair
The Hammarlund Super Pro is a robust radio that can withstand some wear and tear, but it still needs regular maintenance to keep it in top shape.
One of the most common issues with the Hammarlund Super Pro is a faulty meter circuit, which can be caused by a blown fuse or a faulty meter movement.
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To fix a blown fuse, simply replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating.
The Hammarlund Super Pro's circuit board can be a bit tricky to work with, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can repair it yourself.
If you're not comfortable with DIY repairs, it's always a good idea to consult a professional radio technician who has experience with the Hammarlund Super Pro.
In some cases, the meter movement may need to be replaced entirely, which can be a bit more involved but is still a feasible DIY project.
It's worth noting that the Hammarlund Super Pro's manual provides detailed instructions for repairing the meter circuit, which can be a big help for DIY enthusiasts.
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