Vintage Collins Station - Update
After getting the S-Line operational, I decided to add a KWM-2A transceiver (KWM2-A Specifications) to the mix. A search was made on both the Collins Collector Association list as well as qth.com.
The one I decided to buy was previously owned by Kevin Gray (K8SU). It arrived and was truly a 'plug-and-play' transaction. Eventually I'll go through it and do a complete alignment, but it is in extremely good operating condition and very clean both inside and out. I use it at least weekly to check into a net on 40 meters.
Addition of KWM-2A and a 30L-1 Amplifier to my S-Line
After obtaining the KWM-2A transceiver, I decided I wanted to add a Collins 30L-1 amplifier to the mix of Collins equipment (30L-1 Specifications). Another request was made to the CCA list and a quick response was provided by Dutch Maurer, WB7DYW. Since he lives in nearby Houston, I drove over and picked it up. The 30L-1 amplifier easily puts out 700 Watts PEP when driven by either the S-Line or KWM-2A.
One of the problems with collecting Collins gear is where to put it all. I had already carved out a nice operating position in my backyard shack for the S-Line, so I decided to build a shelf to sit on the top of the table to vertically stack the Collins gear. The above photo shows that shelf.
What will be added next? I recently puchased a 312B-4 station control (forward and reflected power, speaker, and phone patch) on e-Bay (Specifications for the 312B-4 Station Control). It will sit next to the Heathkit SB-614 monitor scope that I have already integrated into the Collins operating position. While the SB-614 is not a piece of Collins gear, it looks acceptable with these units and it provides a most valuable function, namely the ability to monitor the quality of my transmitted SSB signal.
One failure mode of the S-Line and KWM-2A I took into consideration is their internal on/off AC power switches. The ability to get replacement parts for these switches is almost impossible. So I added switchable outlets on the table. In that manner, I turn the power onto the equipment by first selecting either the S-Line or the KWM-2A for use, and then turning on the switch that provides power to the desired outlet. This avoids the risk of incurring excessive arcing on the Oak switch elements in the Collins gear. The 30L-1 is operated from a separate 115 VAC circuit from the S-Line or KWM-2A.
As this position becomes more refined I'll update the photos and descriptions.