The Acqusition

The Collins 30S-1 was acquired from the estate of Bob, K8VFV who became a silent key in November 2018. The amplifier was a basket case, actually a bushel basket case. There was the main RF cabinet and power supply cabinet and 4 additional boxes containing the parts that at one time were inside the 30S-1 enclosure.

Parts, Parts

and more parts. Many of the parts in plastic bags were new parts Bob had purchased that were to replace the original parts within the 30S1

Bob had been restoring the amplifier since his acquisition in 2001. He had stripped many components from the chassis and cabinet during his restoration process. He had the cabinet professionally powder coated to the original Collins colors. The cabinet as received, was immaculate as if it had just come out of the Cedar Rapids, IA manufacturing plant.

Many components in the power supply appeared to be brand new. But upon closer examination, it appears that Bob had removed the HV capacitors and HV choke and other components and had them repainted professionally as well. Even the HV capacitor hold down brackets were repainted.

The story goes that this particular amplifier came from merchant marine service. Probably a salty one. There are noticeable signs of galvanic corrosion. Most significant was between the chassis and the copper finger grounding straps on the top lid. The copper fingers were replaced with newer original fingers by Bob.

It was obvious that Bob had planned on doing a very professional restoration of the Collins 30S-1 that would rank a CCA of at least 9.5

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