Hallicrafters SX-110 Communications Receiver

OPERATING and SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

Model: SX-110

Year: 1988

SECTION I: GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Hallicrafters Model SX-110 is a precision-built, highly sensitive communications receiver offering complete coverage from 538 kilocycles to 34 megacycles. It utilizes eight tubes in a superheterodyne circuit and supports both AM and CW signal reception. The receiver features two tuning dials: a circular dial for general frequency coverage and a slide-rule type dial (bandspread dial) calibrated for the 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands. It includes a variable crystal filter system with crystal phasing control for enhanced selectivity, an automatic noise limiter, and an "S" meter for tuning aid and signal strength indication. Additional features include a full-range TONE control, SENSITIVITY control with optional AVC, a RECEIVE-STANDBY switch, output connections for external speakers or 500-ohm lines, a front-panel headphone jack, and an ANTENNA THIMMER control for antenna system adjustment.

Important Note: Careful attention to the "INSTALLATION" and "OPERATION" instructions is advised to ensure optimal performance. High sensitivity requires careful adjustment of controls (SENSITIVITY, TUNING, TONE) and proper antenna selection to minimize noise.

SECTION II: INSTALLATION

2-1. UNPACKING: Upon unpacking, inspect the receiver for any transit damage and file a claim if necessary. Retain shipping labels and tags.

2-2. LOCATION: Place the receiver on a table or shelf, avoiding excessively warm locations. Ensure at least one inch of clearance at the rear for ventilation.

2-3. POWER SOURCE: The SX-110 operates on 105-125 volts, 50-60 cycle AC, consuming 75 watts. Verify your power source before plugging in to prevent damage.

2-4. ANTENNAS: The RF input accommodates single-wire antennas or half-wave doublets with transmission line impedances from 52 to 600 ohms. Connections are made to terminals "A1", "A2", and "G" on the rear panel.

A. SINGLE WIRE ANTENNA: A simple 15-foot antenna wire can be connected to "A1", with a jumper between "A2" and "G". For improved reception in difficult locations, an outside antenna, erected high and clear of obstructions, is recommended. Connecting a ground wire from terminal "G" to a cold water pipe or ground rod can also improve reception. Ensure proper grounding for lightning protection and to eliminate shock hazards.
B. HALF-WAVE DOUBLET ANTENNA: For optimal performance, especially on shortwave and amateur bands, a half-wave doublet is recommended. The length in feet can be calculated using the formula: Length = 468 / Frequency (in megacycles). Orient the antenna for maximum signal pickup. The doublet can be fed with balanced (twin-lead, twisted pair) or unbalanced (coaxial cable) transmission lines. For unbalanced lines, connect the inner conductor to "A1", the outer braid to "A2", and use a jumper between "A2" and "G". A ground wire may improve reception. To use the doublet as a single wire antenna for frequencies remote from its resonant frequency, connect both transmission line leads to "A1" and use the jumper between "A2" and "G". For use with a transmitter, an antenna changeover relay or switch is required. Refer to the "Radio Amateur's Handbook" or "A. R. R. L. Antenna Book" for further antenna information.

2-5. SPEAKER CONNECTION: Terminals marked "3.2", "500", and "G" are provided for external speakers. The Hallicrafters R-46B or R-47 speakers are recommended.

2-6. HEADPHONES: A front-panel "PHONES" jack automatically disables the speaker when headphones are plugged in. Any commercial headphones, including crystal types, can be used. High-impedance magnetic (5000 ohms) or crystal headphones are recommended for maximum output.

SECTION III: OPERATION

Familiarize yourself with each control for optimal performance. Common settings for broadcast reception are marked with a dot.

3-2. SENSITIVITY CONTROL & AVC SWITCH: Regulates receiver output level. "AVC ON" is engaged when the control is fully clockwise. Adjust sensitivity for weak/distant stations; reduce clockwise rotation if excessive hiss or distortion occurs. Advance VOLUME control if more volume is needed. For CW reception, reduce sensitivity to prevent "thumping" (overloading).

3-3. BAND SELECTOR CONTROL: Set to the desired frequency band, corresponding to the numbers on the main tuning dial.

3-4. SELECTIVITY CONTROL: Start with "NORMAL". For increased selectivity to overcome noise or separate close signals, use "BROAD CRYSTAL" or "SHARP CRYSTAL" and adjust the CRYSTAL PHASING control (par. 3-6).

3-5. RECEPTION SWITCH: Set to "AM" for voice broadcasts and "CW" for code signals.

3-6. USE OF CRYSTAL PHASING CONTROL: Used with CRYSTAL selectivity settings to discriminate against interfering signals. Tune to a strong signal, adjust CRYSTAL PHASING until the weaker of two amplitudes is minimized. For CW, adjust PITCH control for a pleasing tone. This setting is maintained unless the CRYSTAL PHASING control is moved.

3-7. NOISE LIMITER SWITCH: Normally "OFF". Set to "ON" to reduce pulse-type noise (ignition, electrical disturbances).

3-8. VOLUME CONTROL: Adjusts receiver volume. Clockwise increases, counterclockwise decreases.

3-9. PITCH CONTROL: Varies the pitch of CW signals. Effective only when RECEPTION switch is set to "CW".

3-10. TONE CONTROL: Also functions as the receiver ON/OFF switch. Rotate to any position other than "PWR OFF" to turn on. Select desired tonal quality for AM; set to "LOW" for CW.

3-11. ANTENNA TRIMMER CONTROL: Tunes the antenna for maximum signal reception, indicated by the "S" meter. Use as a final tuning adjustment when changing stations.

3-12. TUNING AND BANDSPREAD CONTROLS: Used together for tuning. TUNING control for wide tuning, BANDSPREAD control for fine tuning.

A. MAIN TUNING DIAL: Left-hand dial, operated by TUNING control. Has four calibrated scales for frequency bands and a 20-division logging scale. Correct calibration requires the BANDSPREAD control to be set fully clockwise (minimum bandspread capacity). Amateur band settings are indicated by white dots.
B. BANDSPREAD DIAL: Right-hand dial, operated by BANDSPREAD control. Features five scales for 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter amateur bands, calibrated to read frequency directly when the main tuning dial is set to the band's index dot. Can also be used for fine tuning:
1. For single signal tuning: Set BANDSPREAD slightly from full clockwise, locate signal with TUNING, then "rock" BANDSPREAD for maximum loudness and clarity.
2. For tuning through groups of signals: Set BANDSPREAD fully clockwise, tune highest frequency signal with TUNING, then slowly turn BANDSPREAD counterclockwise to hear other signals.

3-13. STANDBY-RECEIVER SWITCH: Set to "STANDBY" to silence the receiver while keeping tubes warm for instant use. Return to "REC" to resume reception.

3-14. USE OF THE "S" METER: Primarily useful with "AVC ON". Tune for maximum "S" meter indication for accurate tuning. The meter indicates relative signal strength in "S" units and DB over S-9.

3-15. SERVICE OR OPERATION QUESTIONS: Contact a Hallicrafters dealer or an Authorized Service Center for assistance. Hallicrafters reserves the right to make revisions to current production equipment without obligation to earlier models.

SECTION IV: SERVICE DATA

4-1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

TUBES: Eight, including rectifier.
HEADPHONE OUTPUT: High impedance (See Par. 2-6).
ANTENNA INPUT: For single wire or 52-600 ohm balanced or unbalanced line.
POWER SOURCE: 105-125 volts, 50-60 cycles AC.
POWER CONSUMPTION: 75 watts.

SECTION V: ALIGNMENT

Factory alignment is performed with precision equipment. Alignment should only be attempted if the receiver has been tampered with or components replaced in RF or IF stages, and only by experienced personnel. Refer to Figures 7 and 8 for adjustment locations.

5-2. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

Signal generator (455 KC to 28 MC).
Output meter (or AC scale of VTVM) connected from 500 ohm speaker terminal to ground.
Non-metallic alignment tool.
Standard RTMA dummy antenna (Fig. 9).
.02 mfd. capacitor.

5-3. INITIAL CONTROL SETTINGS:

SENSITIVITY: Maximum (AVC off).
VOLUME: Maximum.
NOISE LIMITER: OFF.
STANDBY-RECEIVE: RECEIVE.
TONE: HIGH.

Set other controls as indicated by the alignment chart.

IF ALIGNMENT: (Chassis removed from cabinet)

Step	Signal Generator Coupling	Signal Gen. Frequency	Receiver Control Settings	Receiver Dial Settings	Adjust	Remarks
1	Connect gen. to stator of gang (center section) through a .02 mfd. capacitor.	455 KC, No Modulation	BAND SELECTOR at 2. SELECTIVITY at BROAD CRYSTAL. RECEPTION at CW.	TUNING: 50 on logging scale. BANDSPREAD: 30 on outer scale.	BFO Slug	Set PITCH control shaft for zero beat. Do not replace knob.
2	Same as Step 1	455 KC (approx.) No Modulation	Other controls same as Step 1.	Same as Step 1	A	Adjust slug slowly for center of observed dip in output. A swishing note indicates correct adjustment.
NOTE:	Crystal filter IF transformer secondary winding (adjustment A) requires a signal generator accurate to within .35 KC of 450-460 KC. If such a generator is not available, start IF alignment with Step 2.
3	Same as Step 1	Crystal Frequency	SELECTIVITY at SHARP CRYSTAL. Other controls same as Step 1.	Same as Step 1	Signal Generator	Adjust generator frequency for maximum output.
4	Same as Step 1	Same as Step 3	Same as Step 1	Same as Step 1	BFO Slug	Rotate PITCH control shaft for zero beat. Align knob's zero with panel index.
5	Same as Step 1	Same as Step 3 (Modulated)	SELECTIVITY at NORMAL, RECEPTION at AM. Other controls same as Step 1.	Same as Step 1	B, C, D, E, F, G	Adjust for maximum output. Repeat for maximum gain.

NOTE: When setting for zero beat with the PITCH control knob removed, loosen the set screw on the sleeve shaft to the BFO iron core adjustment screw. Maintain the flat on the sleeve shaft position while adjusting.

RF MIXER, & OSCILLATOR ALIGNMENT:

(Controls: VOLUME, TONE, SENSITIVITY clockwise; AVC off; NOISE LIMITER OFF; SELECTIVITY NORMAL; RECEPTION AM. Refer to Fig. 8 for adjustment locations.)

Step	Signal Generator Coupling	Receiver Dial Settings	Band Selector Setting Band	Adjust	Remarks
6	High side via RTMA dummy antenna (Fig. 9) to "A1"; low side to "A2". Jumper between "A2" and "G".	TUNING: 28.0 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	4	C19 (osc. trimmer), C12 (mixer trimmer)	Adjust for maximum output.
		TUNING: 14.0 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	4	L7 (osc. slug), L4 (mixer slug)	Same as Step 6.
7	Same as Step 6	TUNING: 11.0 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	3	C20 (osc. trimmer), C13 (mixer trimmer)	Same as Step 6.
		TUNING: 5.1 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	3	L8 (osc. slug), L5 (mixer slug)	Same as Step 6.
8	Same as Step 6	TUNING: 4.0 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	2	C21 (osc. trimmer), C14 (mixer trimmer)	Same as Step 6.
		TUNING: 1.8 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	2	L9 (osc. slug)	Same as Step 6.
9	Same as Step 6	TUNING: 1.4 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	1	C22 (osc. trimmer), C15 (mixer trimmer)	Same as Step 6.
		TUNING: .6 MC. BANDSPREAD: extreme right.	1	C25 (osc. padder)	Same as Step 6.

SERVICE PARTS LIST

A comprehensive list of capacitors, resistors, coils, transformers, switches, jacks, plugs, sockets, tubes, lamps, knobs, and miscellaneous parts with their respective Hallicrafters part numbers is provided. This list details components such as variable capacitors (e.g., C1, C5, C7), resistors (e.g., R1, R14), coils (e.g., L1-L11), transformers (e.g., T1-T5), switches (e.g., S1A-S7), and tubes (V1-V8).

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