Eddystone EC10 RX

Specs

• Frequency coverage - 550 kHz to 30 MHz (in five bands)

• Intermediate Frequency - 465 kHz

• Sensitivity - <5uV for 15dB s/n ratio

• Image rejection - 50dB at 2.0 MHz, 20dB at 20 MHz (basically useless on higher HF!)

Description

Eddystone's first transistorised HF communications receiver was introduced in the late 1960s in the UK for the pricely sum of £48. In its day it was a radio to be envied, but by modern standards it was distinctly lacking, especially towards the higher HF bands. This was because of its low IF frequency and poor dial bandspread. The whole 10m band covered about 10mm of dial! It used germanium transistors which were still common at that time. At lower frequencies the bandspread and image rejection were better and many found use as tunable IFs for 2m and 70cm converters in the time when people tuned "high to low" and used fixed crystal controlled transmit frequencies.

Like all Eddystone receivers it had the usual smooth flywheel tuning dial which effortlessly tuned when the knob was spun. Coverage was from 550 kHz to 30 MHz in five ranges. A BFO was used for CW and SSB reception possible and, a narrow audio filter helped a bit on CW.

Good examples sell for £100 or more, which is way above their intrinsic value. It is of historical interest, but not a serious receiver for use in 21st century band conditions. To be honest, by modern SDR standards, it is electrically poor.

Images of Mk 1 and Mk 2 versions

The version with the S-meter to the bottom left of the dial is the Mk 2 version. The older all grey version, without S-meter, is the Mk 1 version, as mine.