Heathkit HG-10B (1966–?)
The Heathkit HG-10B is a vacuum-tube variable frequency oscillator (VFO) for amateur radio. It came out in 1966 as the successor to the earlier HG-10. According to the w6ze.org documentation archive, the HG-10B replaced the HG-10 in 1966. Most of the changes between the two were cosmetic - paint and styling updates to match Heathkit's DX-60B transmitter. The HG-10B did include at least one minor circuit modification.
The HG-10B sits in a Heathkit lineage that began with the VF-1, which sold for $19.95, and continued with the HG-10, released in 1961 at $34.95. The HG-10B itself has no documented original price in the record. One owner, writing at n5ese.com, described using "the venerable (and fully compatible) Heathkit HG-10B as an external VFO for my Heathkit HW-16 RX/TX" for years. That is a good sign for compatibility with other Heathkit gear of the era.
The HG-10B measures approximately 7.5 inches wide, 5 inches deep, and 2 inches high. The original Assembly and Operation Manual runs 45 pages. It includes the schematic diagram, an installation procedure for the DX-40, and a replacement parts price list. Surviving units often turn up with their original manual and connection cable, as in the November 2017 Tube Radio Vintage listing.
Documentation on the HG-10B is thin. The frequency coverage figure sometimes associated with this model, 3500-4000 and 7000-7425 kilocycles, is labeled in the w6ze.org source as "HG-10 SPECIFICATIONS," and it is not confirmed whether the HG-10B shares that range. No production years beyond the 1966 introduction are documented for the HG-10B. Neither are an original price, electrical specifications or circuit topology.
Known specs:
- Type: Vacuum-tube variable frequency oscillator (VFO) for amateur radio
- Dimensions: approx. 7.5" W × 5" D × 2" H
- Manual: 45 pages, includes schematic, DX-40 installation procedure, replacement parts price list
- Introduced: 1966 (replacing the HG-10)
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