The Digital-Dial counts whatever it is given, but the feature that sets it apart, it can offset the count by whatever I.F. frequency up to 77 Mhz. In the case for the Drake R-4B, with the pre-mixer output, (VFO and heterodyne crystal) are already mixed and now the output has all the mixing done except for the carrier oscillator (5645 KHZ). Most of the time in this case the carrier oscillator is within about 100 Hz, so the count won’t be off that much and as you change bands the counter will follow along without having to change the pre-set on the Digital-Dial for each band. Note: this is not the case for all radios, just the pre-mixer type. For all of the other type radios, you will have to push the memory button for each new band to set up the correct pre-set for that band. There are five band pre-sets built in and if you want you can go up to sixteen memories using the method described in the manual. There is a little tuning of the trimmer pot inside to set up the correct level for the dial to count, once that is set you’re all done and ready to enjoy direct readout, without having to “squint” at that old dial. It kind of takes away the fun of tuning the old dials like in the old days, but it’s nice to have both working for you, as we are getting older and have trouble reading the old boatanchor dials.

I have used the Digital-Dial on my Hammarlund SP-600 and it really worked great, since I only had to change two memories for the whole range the SP-600 covered. Some of the other rigs like the Collins S-line could be a problem with only five memories, the Collins uses 200 KHZ segments, so you would run out of memories unless you opt for using the sixteen as described in the manual. I have used the Digital-Dials for over ten years now and no problems have occurred during all the operating I do, plus all the times the gear is running while I’m working on the bench.

The Price for the A-2W (factory wired) Digital-Dial is around $110, the kit version is $80. The Buffer/Clipper BK-174 (factory wired) is around $15 and $10 in kit form. So you can have a real nice digital display for your old boatanchor for a song and a little labor and have fun doing it. RAC not only makes these products, but a whole array of others, so you can call them at (814) 437-5355 or their web page at: radioadv.com or their e-mail is: lee@radioadv.com.