Drake R8B
Communications Receiver

Discontinued!

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Previous Models:
R8A
R8
R7A
R7

 

 

The R.L. Drake Company has been a leading name in American electronic communications since 1943. The Drake R8B is the latest offering in the proud R8, R8A series tradition of excellent receivers. The R8B is a microprocessor controlled, synthesized, all mode, world band receiver offering excellent sensitivity, high dynamic range and other features for the most demanding listener. It has been designed as a "complete package." You get many items as standard-equipment, that would be extra on other receivers. Multi-mode reception (AM, FM, USB, LSB, RTTY and CW) is featured throughout the range of the receiver (10 kHz to 30 MHz). A high-Q, 8-pole, electronically switched IF filter provides a range of five bandwidths. User selection of bandwidths is now available with one keystroke independent of mode (or automatic).

The improved, easier to read, front panel display provides visual feedback to the operator of the current status of the receiver. In the AM mode, a selectable synchronous detector (SYNCHRO) allows for enhanced reception by eliminating or reducing distortion due to fading signals. A Passband Offset control also aids in reducing or eliminating interfering signals by electronically shifting the receiver's IF frequencies without disturbing the operating frequency. This action allows the operator to electronically move interfering signals out of the receiver's passband thus utilizing the degree of selectivity provided by the high-Q, 8-pole IF filter.

The Passband Offset is also coupled to the side-band selectable synchronous detector (SYNCHRO) allowing the passband to be altered while the detector is in use. Other reception aids include selectable AGC, wide/narrow noise blanker, RF preamplifier for enhancing weak signals, RF attenuator for further improvement of strong signal handling capabilities, tone control and an adjustable RF gain. A Notch filter is also supplied as an effective tool to eliminate offending tones (heterodynes). A muting control allows operation with a transmitter or transceiver. The R8B provides exceptional audio to the built-in speaker.

Two VFOs (tuners) called A and B, are provided on the R8B. Selection is made with the VFO function key. Frequencies can be directly entered through the keypad. A programmable memory area allows for 1000 non-volatile alpha-numeric memories. The following may be stored in any memory location: frequency, mode, bandwidth, AGC setting, RF setting, antenna, notch on/off, noise blanker setting and synchronous detector on/off. As a result of three scan methods and three scan modes; nine distinct scan functions are supported in the R8B. The three methods are: Stop at carrier detect, Pause 5 seconds on carrier and Pause at carrier until carrier drops for 5 seconds, then resume scan. The three modes are: Scan all memories, all unlocked memories of user-selected list or Scan from VFO A to B. The memory scanning speed has been increased to 40 channels per second.

The R8B has two 24 hour clock-timers to allow the R8B to turn on and off at preset times. In addition, the rear panel Timer connection (5 pin DIN) allows control of small recorders, etc. to record a favorite program. There is switch on the back panel for AC line voltage selection of the radio may be operated via the supplied DC cord. The R8B rear panel also provides a common DB-9 connector for standard RS-232C data communications with a terminal or personal computer (9600,1,7,1,even). This interface provides complete control and programming capability of the R8B including reports of frequency, mode, memory channel, name and signal strength. Only the analog controls such as volume, RF gain, etc. are not controllable. (Please note that this radio does not receive the FM broadcast band).

* Improved Ergonomics: Single key presses will select your mode and bandwidth.
* More Memories: 1000 memory positions.
* Faster Scanning: Scan 40 channels per second.
* Alphanumeric Display: Program names may be displayed on the front panel.
* Display & Entry Frequencies: User programmable in kHz or MHz.
* Cabinet Feet: Front panel tilt via a metal bail.
* Event Timers/Clocks: 2 Timers. The time may be programmed to remain on at all times.
* Improved AGC: The AGC has a smoother attack for improved SSB listening.
* Tone Control: Expanded control of high frequency range.
* FM Receive Mode: New highpass filter to reduce sub-audible tone squelch signals.
* Line Cord: New detachable power cord.
* Expanded RS-232 Control: Allows customized reports of frequency, mode, memory, channel, name, and signal strength.

Order #	Photo	Item	Description	Price	Order
		VHF Converter	This internally mounted, converter covers all modes of reception from 35 to 55 MHz and 108 to 174 MHz with full frequency display. 50 Ohm SO-239 antenna jack. This option does not require soldering but does require skill and patience. Dealer installation is suggested. For Drake R8/R8A/R8B only.	Discontinued
		MS8 Speaker	Add this all metal matching speaker for improved fidelity and clarity. It is designed to match the Drake R8, R8A and R8B receivers. It features a 4 inch speaker, 4 ohm, 2.5 watt and has a 6 foot cord with ¼ inch plug. Size: 6.5 x 5.3 x 6.75 inches black. INFO	Discontinued
#2102		R8PC Software	DOS based software supplied on both a 5 inch and 3½ inch diskette. INFO	$19.98
		OM R8B	R8B Owner's Manual - original	Discontinued
#2176		OM R8Bcopy	R8B Owner's Manual - spiral bound Photocopy 36 pages.  VIEW	$8.98
		R8B Service Manual	Full service manual in binder.	Discontinued
#1305		DEO RG-2000U	Receiver Guard RF protection device. INFO	$18.98