THE LOWE HF-150
Atkins
HF-150. Well, I am also considering buying one. I have only listened to
shortwave on a cheap $50 analog SW with a telescoping antenna (poor
reception) so I do not understand what it means to hear an awesome short
wave radio. I do know I love shortwave, but I can only imagine what it's
like through a nice radio like the HF-150. I was really impressed with
the looks of the thing in the ad in Grove's catalog. Plus, some guy
raved about it (someone apparently important). Someone please tell me
(ASSUMING I HAVE A VERY GOOD ANTENNA SETUP) that this HF-150 will blow my
mind and be a GREAT DEAL different in quality than the $50 analog
handheld that I have. I mean, hell for $600.00 this baby better rock and
roll! Comments please.
--Atkins
Robert Allen
The HF150 is very, very, nice. The only
real downside I can think of it that it's not
too resistant to RFI/EMI interference. I had
a sputtering low pressure sodium fixture in a
nearby carport that really made the HF150 hard
to listen to when the lights came on. But that's
because I was only about 15' from the noise source.
Before the new lights were installed I enjoyed
the Lowe a lot, listening to both utilities and
to music from the BBC, etc. The audio output
of the Lowes is simply unmatched by any other
shortwave radio, except maybe the older Drake
tube equipment.
One inexpensive option for you might be to check
with Universal: they have a used equipment list
and there may be a Lowe or two on them.
If you're willing to spend the money the HF225,
or at the top, the HF225 Europa, are even better
than the HF150, but they are significantly more
expensive.
Here's a FAQ on the Lowe radios I put together
(all rights reserved, ask me before you post publish
it, etc.):
Lowe Radios (HF150, HF225, HF250) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
@(#)FAQ 1.3 95/06/21
===================================================
INTRODUCTION:
This Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) list is evolving continuously, and
relies in input from you the reader. If you have questions/comments/con-
tributions, send them to hf150-...@batcomfs.Eng.Sun.COM.
The purpose of this FAQ is to have something to send to people who request
the FAQ :-). Beyond that, the intent is to help new owners (or potential
new owners) of Lowe radios with learning about the HF150, HF225, and now
the HF250, radios and their accessories. Unfortunately currently the
FAQ does not include any information on the 250 :-(.
The Lowe HF150 was newly released in 1992 as the predecessor for
the Lowe HF225. Both radios are characterized by simplicity of
operation, paucity of extraneous buttons and dials, and audio quality
second to none. Reportedly, only the American made Drake R7 and R8
come close to the audio quality of the Lowe radios, and for sustained
program or voice listening the Lowe radios are excellent.
THE HF150 RADIO:
The HF150 is a compact, highly capable, HF receiver capable of receiving
30 kHz - 30 MHz (in the US model), in any of the following modes: Upper
Side Band (USB), Lower Side Band (LSB), AM, AM-narrow, AM Synchronous (AMS),
USB Synchronous, LSB Synchronous, and AMS with enhanced audio (AMF).
The radio is packaged in an all-metal case with rubber feet, and runs
from 12 volts DC, either from 8 AA batteries internally, or 12V DC
supplied via an external jack. A 12V DC power supply is included with
the radio.
The HF150 is distinguished from many HF recievers by the inclusion of
a synchronous detector to prevent fading of weak signals. Only a
few other radios have a sync detector, among them the Drake R8,
the Sony 2010, the Lowe HF225, and the NRD 535. The HF150 is
particularly distinguished in that it has selectable sideband sync
detection (i.e. USB Sync, LSB Sync, or AMS). Some radios have only
AMS, and most (such as the NRD 525 and most portables) have no sync at
all. The sync is very nice because it allows you to maintain lock
on drifting, distant, signals. In addition it allows you to easily
lock onto a frequency by tuning near a specific frequency until the
whining/growling heterodyne goes away. Since the Lowe radios only
display the tuned frequency to the nearest kHz (although they tune
in 8 Hertz increments!) this `tuning by ear' is a nice feature.
Here are some stats of the HF150:
Freq. coverage: 30kHz - 30MHz (US model)
Receiver type: dual conversion
Modes: AM, AM narrow, AM Sync (AMS), USB, LSB,
LSB Sync, USB Sync, and AM sync -enhanded audio (AMF).
Filters and mode choices are pre-matched and may not
be independantly selected, but the choice of modes gives
you all useful choices.
Displays: 5 digit freq display, memory mode, filter/mode choice.
Tuning steps: 8Hz in SSB and AM Sync modes, 60 Hz in AM mode.
Image Rejection: 78dB @ 455kHz
1st IF reject: 45 MHz, 78 dB
Selectivity (-6dB): 7.0 kHz (approx. 1:1.6 shape factor) [used in
AM and AM sync modes]
2.5 kHz ( " ) [used in SSB and AM narrow modes]
Sensivity: .5 uV SSB, .5-30MHz, 50 hm, 10dB s/n
.2 uV SSB, whip preamp
Stability: less than +/- 30Hz in one hour.
Weight: 3 lbs.
Dimensions: 7.2" X 3.2" X 6.5" (including rubber feet)
Spurious rejection: greater than 65 dB
Dynamic range: 69db @ 5kHz, 84db @ 20 kHz
Synchronous detection: superb overall
Attenuator: -20dB
Audio Output: 1.6-2.0 watts.
THE HF225 RADIO:
The HF225 pre-dates the HF150, is slightly larger, and has more features.
It has 4 filter widths (2.3, 3.5, 7, and 10 kHz) instead of
the two the HF150 has. In addition the filter width and reception
modes (CW, USB, LSB, AM, AM Sync (optional), and FM) are independantly
adjustable. The HF225 has an S-meter while the HF150 does not.
The HF225 has 30 memories, but unlike the HF150 they do not store
the mode or bandwith. Also, only the first 10 memories can be
referenced via the optional keypad. One feature the HF225 memories
do have over those of the HF150 is that you can do an "aural preview"
of the memories without actually recalling them. On the HF150 you
can only read the frequency of a memory without recalling it.
Here are some stats of the HF225:
Freq. coverage: 30kHz - 30MHz (US model)
Receiver type: dual conversion
Modes: AM, USB, LSB, CW, AM Sync [optional], narrow band
FM [optional]. Filters may be selected semi-independantly
from mode.
Displays: 5 digit freq display, S-meter, AM sync lock indicator,
memory mode, filter choice, attenuator status, etc.
Tuning steps: 8Hz in SSB and AM Sync modes, 50 Hz in AM mode,
125 Hz in FM [option] mode.
Image Rejection: 95dB @ 455kHz
1st IF reject: 45 MHz, 80 dB
Selectivity (-6dB): 10 kHz (approx. 1:2 shape factor)
7.0 kHz (approx. 1:1.5 shape factor)
4.0 kHz (approx. 1:1.7 shape factor)
2.2 kHz (approx. 1:1.5 shape factor)
(additional 200 Hz audio filter for CW)
Sensivity: .25 uV SSB
Stability: less than +/- 30Hz in one hour.
Weight: 4 lbs.
Dimensions: 10" X 4.3" X 8"
Image rejection (455 kHz): 95dB
Dynamic range: 70db @ 5kHz, 90db @ 20 kHz
Attenuator: -20dB
Audio Output: 1.6-2.0 watts.
There is a Europa model of the 225 which was released after
the HF150 came out. The 225E is based on the Finlandia
model which won European DX Council "Best DX receiver of the year"
contest against the JRC NRD-535 and the ICOM R72E. The differences
between the standard 225 and the Europa model are:
1. The IF filter bank has been changed to include higher
specification components around the filters than the original
HF-225, including a new 3.3kHz filter (X3) following the second
mixer. And Lowe replaced the original 10kHz filter with a 7kHz
(X5).
2. The control software was re-written to show the new tighter
filter bandwidths and to select the filter configuration
as follows:-
Bandwidth Filters in use
2.2 kHz X2 + X4 + X5
3.5 kHz X3 + X4 + X5
4.5 kHz X3 + X4 + X5
7.0 kHz X3 + X5
3. To prevent unwanted leakage across the new filters, all
filter select chokes are replaced by high quality magnetically
shielded chokes
4. All filter selection diodes are replaced by low capacitance
switching diodes.
5. The complete "Europa" specification includes a factory fitted
D-225 FM/synchronous AM detector option, and the KPAD 1 keypad
frequency controller.
According to Lowe, "The overall effect of these changes is a
noticeable improvement in skirt selectivity and residual noise
performance of the receiver, and the new filter bank is rather
like having a close ratio gearbox in a car. When winkling out the
really weak stations, the closer selection of filter bandwidths
allows the user to tailor the receiver bandwidth more closely to
the transmitted signal and squeeze the last drop of information
from it."
PRE-AMP/ATTENUATOR:
The HF150 has a built-in pre-amplifier which can be switched on via a
slider switch on the back of the unit, which is intended to be used
with the accessory whip antenna. The HF225 has a similar provision,
but the preamp itself is an accessory that must be installed internally
(even though the radio has the slider switch marked for the pre-amp
by default).
When the pre-amp is on the longwire ant. connection is disconnected and the
coax input is amplified. This is intended to be used with a short
whip antenna, but by soldering a short wire to an SO-239 you
can have a sort of "rollup" whip antenna.
The HF150 attenuator is on the same slider switch as the preamp
selector (i.e. you can have one or the other on). Unlike the
pre-amp, which only works on the PL-259 input, the attenuator
attenuates both the longwire and the coax input. On the HF225 the
attenuator is not accessed by the rear slider, but rather is
accessed from the front panel via button.
KEYPAD:
The HF150 and HF225 both accept an optional keypad, which allows
you to key in frequencies (to the nearest kilohertz) or to recall
memories (varys between the two models). The keypad is a very nice
option and I recommend you get it if you can afford it. Unfortunately
it is rather expensive (about $90 at this time). It is also rather
light, and is easy to knock around. On my HF150 I've solved this by
attaching a small square of velcro to the back of the keypad and
to the top of the radio, and I just stick the keypad on the velcro
when I'm not using it.
To enter a frequency above 3 MHz you just type it in. I.e.
for 11.176 Mhz you hit "1 1 1 7 6", and they radio will tune
to that freq. For freqs below 3 MHz you must hit the '#' sign
on the keypad after entering the number, since radio software doesn't
know if you are just pausing before entering another number, or
if you're going to enter XXX.
To recall a memory just enter the number of the memory. On the
HF 225 you can only access the first 10 memories due to the keypad
reading software in the radio.
To abort a keypad entry at any time before completion hit the '*'
sign once.
COMPUTER CONTROL:
Both the 225 and the 150 have computer control via the keypad jack.
This means that you can't have the keypad and the computer hooked up
to the radio at the same time. According to one user, this can
be resolved for less than $3.00 US by:
"buying a Radio Shack/Tandy molded audio plug adaptor that takes
two mono 1/8" plugs in and outputs to a 1/8" mono plug that fits very nicely
into the HF-150. It's the 274-310 ($2.39 US in the 1995 catalog). I actually
use two of these adaptors. The first is on the keypad jack to plug both the
keypad and the IF-150 interface into the radio at the same time -- works
great -- and the second I use on the tape recorder output to split audio to
a tape recorder and a digital signal (teletype, fax, etc) device."
On the HF150 the computer control offers all the options which the
keypad does, plus it allows you to select the mode, and to store
frequencies in memory.
I don't currently have the computer control so I have not been able
to evaluate it.
INPUTS:
Both the HF 225 and the HF 150 have two antenna inputs: a UHF connector
(i.e. a PL-259 to mate to an SO-239), and a clip-in connection for a
"longwire" antenna. In addition there is a clip-in connection for a
ground wire.
Both the HF150 and HF225 have a keypad input on the back panel. The
keypad is an available option, and makes it very convenient to input
new frequencies, or in some cases recall frequencies in memory,
quickly. See "KEYPAD" above.
Both the HF150 and HF225 have a 5.5mm concentrc, 12V DC, input on the back panel.
Normally this is where you plug in the output from the supplied 12V
wall supply transformer, but you can use any properly sized and fuzed
supply of the appropriate voltage. For example, I run my radio off
a 7aH 12V gel-cell.
OUTPUTS:
The HF150 has the following outputs:
* 1/4" headphone - (front of radio) , this takes either
a monaural or stereo headphone and provides sound in both
ears.
* record out - (back of radio) low level audio output for tape recorder.
* speaker out - (back of radio) audio output for external speaker. The speaker
of choice seems to be one of the Radio Shack mini-speakers
such as the Optimius or Minimus 7.
OPTIONS/MODIFICATIONS
NOTE: The descriptions below are intended to familiarize the reader
with available options, but they are *NOT* intended to to take
the place of complete, correct, instructions, used by a skilled
radio service technician. I.e., if you try and use these for
instructions, don't come crying to me if you damage your radio :-).
Backlighting Option
-------------------
As of late 1994, early 1995, Lowe is offering the BL150
for the HF150, as an option. The BL510 is a hardware kit
which allows you to add a red LED backlight to the display
of the HF150. This option is sold and sanctioned by Lowe,
who also points out that installation of the option should
be done by someone who is fairly skilled at fine operations
in radio. Installation requires opening the radio, carefully
removing the LCD display unit from the mainboard, and
meticulously remove the reflective foil on the backside of
the display. After *carefully* removing every bit of foil
you must use tricloroethane to remove the adhesive left behind
by the foil. After doing this you can fit the supplied
plastic lens & LED to the rear of the display and fit the
display back into the socket. After doing this very tedious
operation, you must then fit 3 wires to the mainboard for
power, ground, and battery sense, then carefully reassemble
the whole unit. Lowe states that the BL150 should be
fitted by a dealer as it takes their technician, who is
familiar with doing the mod, about 1.5 hours.
AGC-out mod for external S-meter
--------------------------------
The only other "mod" for the HF150 is that needed to bring out the AGC signal
to drive the S meter in the SP (now AP)150. This just involves cutting one
track on the PCB if the radio has a serial number after 142617 (manf date June
94). If the s/n is before this, you also have to add one resistor. This brings
out the S meter drive signal on what used to be the wire antenna ground
terminal.
KNOWN BUGS/IDEOSYNCRACIES/GRIPES:
The main issue, and I consider it a very minor one, is that
the tuners do not lock spot on to the specified frequency
when you use the keypad. There is something in the HF150's internal
software which sets the input frequency just low of the one you
specified. In plain language this means that when you tune in
via the keypad you will likely hear a slight whistle or
growl in the received signal, and you will have to turn
the rotary tuning knob a few degrees clockwise to fully
lock on. This is not a big deal to me since there is never
a guarantee that your radio is completly in sync with the
transmitting radio anyhow, so turning the knob 1/8 turn
after tuning in is not a problem. If one were using the
HF150 computer interface this would perhaps be more
annoying, particularly if you were trying to log signals
by tape recorder in unattended operation. For program
listening I consider it not a problem. According to one
user, this problem can be resolved in a couple of ways:
1) Have the computer control software allow a user
to apply an offset against the frequencey specified.
This "set and forget option" would be done
automatically by the software, and to the user it
would appear that he/she had just tuned to the frequency
they wanted to monitor. I believe the software
sold by Gilfer Shortwave has this feature.
2) For the HF-150 a hardware fix is to tune a local MW outlet, put
the receiver in ASD mode and tweak TC2 for a lock.
Minor hardware complaints about the HF150 are:
* The display is not backlit for use in the dark.
(correctable with the BL150 option)
* The frequency readout only displays to the nearest
kilohertz, although the radio tunes in down to 8 Hz
steps.
* There is no tone control. (However there *is* the
AMF mode which increases treble response on strong
signals).
Minor hardware complaints about the HF225 are:
* The frequency readout only displays to the nearest
kilohertz, although the radio tunes in down to 8 Hz
steps.
* The AM sync detector only works in AM mode, and not
in USB/LSB mode as is supported in the HF150.
* The tone control does not feature seperate bass &
treble adjustments.
* Squelch adjust control for FM mode is on the back of
the radio.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
IBS White Paper, authored by Larry Magne, on the HF225/235, and
the HF150. Under $10.00 each from suppliers like Gilfer & Universal.
Monitoring Times, August 1992, "Magne Tests" column reviews the
HF150.
"Lowe HF-225/235". Listen to the World: Equipment Test Bench. 1990 World
Radio TV Handbook, Billboard Publications, page 559 ff.
"Lowe HF-150". Listen to the World: Table-top Receivers. 1993 World Radio TV
Handbook, Billboard Publications, page 597 ff.
"Lowe PR-150". Listen to the World: Antenna Update. 1993 World Radio TV
Handbook, Billboard Publications, page 601 ff.
"Lowe SRX-50", "Lowe HF-125", "Lowe HF-150", "Lowe HF-225". 1993 WRTH
Equipment Buyers Guide, Billboard Publications, page 156 ff.
"Lowe PR-150". 1993 WRTH Equipment Buyers Guide, Billboard Publications,
page 77 ff.
"Lowe PR-150 Preselector Revisited." 1994 World Radio TV Handbook, Billboard
Publications, page 583 ff.
"Lowe HF-150". Gongolosky, Mario. Computer & Radio, Siebel Verlag, ISBN
3-922221-74-2, page 52 ff. (published in the German language)
---
Robert Allen
r...@sun.com
I hate Frys Electronics. All of them, but particularly the ones
in Fremont, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale.
David Newkirk
> The only
> real downside I can think of it that it's not
> too resistant to RFI/EMI interference. I had
> a sputtering low pressure sodium fixture in a
> nearby carport that really made the HF150 hard
> to listen to when the lights came on. But that's
> because I was only about 15' from the noise source.
Interesting. As I was writing the *QST* magazine Lowe HF-150 review
(August 1993 *QST*, pp 62-64), I often had the review receiver--which
was connected via coaxial cable to a 7-MHz half-wave dipole 50 or more
feet away outside--sitting *right atop this computer monitor*. I was
struck by the quality of the HF-150's shielding in that I could
barely, if at all, hear any RF junk from the monitor.
If your antenna was quite close to the light fixture, poor EMI/RFI
shielding in the HF-150 is almost certainly not the cause for the
interference you experienced. The antenna was probably picking up the
sputtering fixture's RF junk like any other signal on the air.
Regards,
David Newkirk (Amateur Radio WJ1Z)
email: dnew...@nai.net
Robert Allen
+r...@Eng.Sun.COM (Robert Allen) wrote:
+
+
+> The only
+> real downside I can think of it that it's not
+> too resistant to RFI/EMI interference. I had
+> a sputtering low pressure sodium fixture in a
+> nearby carport that really made the HF150 hard
+> to listen to when the lights came on. But that's
+> because I was only about 15' from the noise source.
+
+Interesting. As I was writing the *QST* magazine Lowe HF-150 review
+(August 1993 *QST*, pp 62-64), I often had the review receiver--which
+was connected via coaxial cable to a 7-MHz half-wave dipole 50 or more
+feet away outside--sitting *right atop this computer monitor*. I was
+struck by the quality of the HF-150's shielding in that I could
+barely, if at all, hear any RF junk from the monitor.
+
+If your antenna was quite close to the light fixture, poor EMI/RFI
+shielding in the HF-150 is almost certainly not the cause for the
+interference you experienced. The antenna was probably picking up the
+sputtering fixture's RF junk like any other signal on the air.
Thanks for pointing this out. You are probably correct about
this. The way I found the source of the RFI is unique to
the Lowe too :-): I put in the batteries and the whip antenna
and walked around outside until I found the source. Try that
with an R8 or Kenwood :-).
Anyhow, you are correct that the 150 is well shielded.
Unfortunately the bandpass input filters are a compromise
given the price/feature point the 150 sells into. I think
it only has a low pass filter. The bigger brothers such
as the 225 and Europa both have much better front ends, and
they have an inline noise blanker that eliminates this
type of splatter, while still leaving the radio signals
you're trying to recieve perfectly audible. By contrast
my old NRD525 could noiseblank out the signal, but receiving
anything after you turned the blanker on was not very possible.
The 150 is a great radio. If I hadn't discovered the wonders
of the Europa I would still have my 150, and I still periodically
think about buying a used 150.
--
Chuck Rippel
I have a Lowe HF-225 and believe me. the 150 will do well for you. It
is physcially small but the audio quality is unsurpassed in anything
I've ever heard. The HF-150's audio is even better.
You'll like it...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Chuck Rippel, WA4HHG
cri...@exis.net
Location: Farm in Cornland, VA
-------------------x Reply Separator x--------------------------
Robert Allen
>>Can some one tell me if the lowe HF-150 is a good radio for AM
>broadcast band DXing.
>Thanks
>Skip
>
I compared the 150 to my Superadio III and found that the
Superadio performed better. However I should note that
this was using an 11 MHz horizontal room loop on the 150,
which the Superadio has a perfectly tuned internal loopstick.
If I had hooked up a proper antenna to the 150 I'm sure
I would have been better off. Of course no matter how
good the 150 is it's hard to pick it over the $50.00 superadio
if BCB is the one major use you plan on making of it.
---
Jay Tyson
zwge...@gmail.com
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