SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The band change switch should be tuned to the band desired. Then with the band spread condenser set
to 200, move the main tuning control, which is the dial on the left, to any frequency desired within this
band. The BFO switch can be either on or off. We recommend that it be on when attempting to locate
weak phone stations, and it MUST be on when listening to CW.
On the main tuning dial there is a vernier scale under the dial light. This scale enables the operator to
reset the main tuning dial accurately to within one-tenth of a division.
AVC SWITCH:
For most efficient operation on code, keep AVC switch to off and audio gain set to 30% to 50%.
Sensitivity and volume should be controlled by the R.F. Gain control. When AVC is set to off, the
receiver may overload on a strong signal. Reduce R.F. gain to avoid overload.
When receiving controlled carrier modulation phone, the AVC should be switched off. It is
advantageous to leave the AVC off when using the BFO.
The AVC should be on when receiving phone or short wave broadcasts, unless maximum sensitivity is
needed. Whenever AVC is on, the R.F. Gain should be turned to full clockwise and volume of the radio
should be controlled by audio gain. The R.F. Gain is used to control the sensitivity of the radio.
PITCH CONTROL:
The BFO is very convenient in location distant or weak stations. Turn on your BFO and then turn your
tuning dial to the approximate frequency of the station you are looking for. When the station is
properly tuned in, the BFO will produce a whistling or rushing noise. You may now turn off the BFO
to hear the station audio. For CW signals, leave the BFO on.
CRYSTAL PHASING CONTROL:
Even without the crystal, the crystal phasing condenser will give some control over the selectivity of
the radio. By setting this phasing control to the position of maximum background noise, this will give
greater selectivity and sensitivity. This applies only when the crystal is not used. When the crystal is
being used, the position of maximum noise becomes the position of minimum selectivity.
Contrary to usual belief, the crystal circuit in the 1936 Super SKYRIDER does not help materially in
AM phone reception. Of course it is thoroughly known the crystal increases selectivity for CW
reception. In receiving AM phone signals while using the crystal filter, it is recommended that the
previously described position of maximum noise (minimum selectivity) be used first, then rotate the
phasing knob toward minimum noise (maximum selectivity). Vary this adjustment until good quality
voice is achieved.
For CW reception, it is recommended the crystal switch be in and the phasing knob set to minimum
noise (maximum selectivity).
SEND RECEIVE SWITCH:
This switch breaks the high voltage B supply, so the tube will not be paralyzed by a local transmitter.

SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The Radio Uses Nine Tubes Of The Metal Type:
6K7
6L7
6C5
6K7
6H6
6F5
6F6
6K7
5Z4

RF Amplifier - Preselector
1st Detector - Mixer
Signal Frequency Local Oscillator
Intermediate Frequency Amplifier
2nd Detector - AVC
1st Audio Amplifier
2nd Audio Power Amplifier (3.5 watts audio output)
Electron Coupled Beat Frequency Oscillator
Rectifier

The Antenna Circuit is connected to the secondary of the R.F. coil by method of inductive and
capacitive coupling. The inductive coupling acts at the high frequency ends of the bands for maximum
transfer of the signal. The capacitive coupling (C8) does the major portion of the signal transfer at the
low frequency ends of the bands. As seen in the circuit diagram, the unused coils on the secondary are
shorted out.
The 6K7 R.F. amplifier has a high inductance plate load which gives maximum transfer by use of
capacity coupling at low frequency end of the bands. By use of coupling in C16 this is further
increased. The normal characteristics of a coil and condenser are such that the gain varies about 3 to 1
from one end to the other, being maximum at high frequency end. The capacity coupling combines
with this to level out the gain in this circuit to get uniformity throughout.
The 6L7 used here as a detector-mixer has no parallel in glass tubes. The modulation from the
oscillator circuit is supplied to this tube by use of an extra grid. Thanks no not having oscillator plate
current flowing in the first detector, the ratio of translation to noise is considerably better than in
composite tubes or in circuits where the cathodes of 2 tubes are connected together.
The 6C5 OSCILLATOR covers only four bands. The harmonic of number 4 band is used to supply
the oscillator voltage for conversion of signals to I.F. frequency, when using band 5. The oscillator
circuit is a combination of the Hartley and the Colpitts, having the inherent features of both the
Hartley with the good oscillation at the high frequency ends of the bands and the Colpitts where
oscillation is better at the low frequency ends of bands.
By this method, the oscillator generates a fairly constant voltage for impression on grid 3 of 6L7 over
the full tuning range of the radio.
The 1st I.F. TRANSFORMER is made up of 3 coils phased in such a relation that maximum signal is
impressed upon the low inductance primary of 2nd I.F. transformer. The crystal and crystal phasing
circuit is is inserted between these transformers in such a manner that when the crystal switch is at in
position, the crystal and crystal phasing condenser cause single signal action to take place this action
varies by the setting of crystal condenser when switch is at out position the signal is impressed
directly on the second transformer.

The 2nd I.F. TRANSFORMER has a step up ratio so the the voltage impressed on grid of 6K7, I.F.
amplifier is increased over the normal I.F. transformer connections. By the use of a transformer the
grid circuit of this tube is tuned to the I.F. frequency, so that greater selectivity is achieved, than if a
choke coil were used to supply this tube.
Transformers used at intermediate frequencies are of iron core construction greater selectivity and
gain, due to better Q of the coils is achievable than by the use of air core coils.
The signal to noise ratio if iron core coils, due to better Q, shows a marked improvement over other
types of transformers.
The 6K7 I.F. AMPLIFIER is coupled through an iron core transformer to single diode plate of the
6F6. The single plate being used in order to lessen the load on the secondary of this transformer,
making for greater selectivity in this circuit.
The ratios of AC & DC diode load are proportionate so that 100% modulation can be handled without
distortion.
As will be noted from the circuit diagram (Fig. 2), the AVC voltage and the audio voltage are taken off
slightly below the maximum point. This was done to reduce stray R.F. in the circuit and to give better
AVC action on the R.F. 1st detector and I.F. stages.
6K7 BEAT FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR this is an electron coupled oscillator coupled to 6H6
diode plate by two turns of wire. Changes in line voltage and in tubes will not affect the frequency of
beat oscillator. The frequency can be controlled by use of the pitch control in order that a receiving
operator can beat on either side of signal getting further selectivity on code reception by choice of
audio frequencies.
AUDIO FIRST STAGE AUDIO 6F5 - is a high MU triode. It is coupled to the diode circuit
through its volume control (R20) and condenser (C25). As will be noted from the circuit no DC flows
through this control, making for quiet operation.
TONE CONTROL it will be noted that tone control (R22) is on plate of 6F5 and also on its grid
circuit, when the control is full counter clockwise (treble position). The tone is normal. As the control
is moved to the right up to one-half rotation the bass response is increased without cutting of high
notes. Moved through the other half of the rotation the high notes are removed by use of condenser
(C27) without further increasing the low note response.
In order to avoid frequency discrimination found in cathode resistor condenser bias circuits, the
Mallory bias cell is used on the grid of 6F5. This proves a boon for phone operators in that it insures
greater intelligibility in all voice, short wave broadcasts, etc.
OUTPUT STAGE a 6F6 pentode, giving 3.5 watts output is connected to the speaker and headphone
jack. This jack is arranged in circuit is such a way that when phones are inserted the voice coil of
speaker is opened. A separate magnetic or permanent magnetic dynamic speaker can be plugged into
the phone jack if external speaker is desired. Where an electrodynamic speaker has its own field
supply, this too may be plugged in. Speaker impedance in these cases should be 7000 ohms, although
other types can be used at a sacrifice in tone quality. No DC current flows though headphone circuit.

SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

I.F. ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Correct alignment of any receiver is extremely important. The receiver when it leaves the factory is
properly aligned with precision instruments and realignment should not be attempted until all other
causes of faulty operation have been investigated and even then not unless the the service technician
has the proper equipment. A signal generator that will provide an accurately calibrated signal at .465
m.c. - .8 m.c. - 1.4 m.c. - 1.8 m.c. - 3.6 m.c. - 4.2 m.c. - 9. m.c. - 20. m.c. & 30. m.c and an output
indicating meter are required.
It is practically impossible to align the R.F. unless a satisfactory oscillator and output meter are used.
Use a non-magnetic screw driver for adjustments. The complete procedure is as follows:
INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY (I.F.) ADJUSTMENT:
In a receiver which has a crystal filter, a crystal controlled signal generator must be used in which the
crystal from the radio is borrowed and used in the frequency generator. Connect the output of this
through a .1 mfd condenser to the grid cap of the 6L7. Connect the ground lead of the radio to the
ground side of oscillator. (On a receiver without crystal filter, set the signal generator at 465 k.c.).

Turn the band selector switch to band No. 1.

Turn the AVC switch to the off position.
Turn the audio gain and R.F. Gain controls to maximum position (full right).
Turn the BFO switch to off.
Set the crystal phasing condenser to one-half capacity (plates half inter-meshed).
Attenuate the signal from the signal generator to prevent overloading the set.
Use this procedure for all subsequent adjustments.

Now adjust the five trimmers on top of the I.F. cans until maximum output as indicated by the output
meter. The adjustment screws are located in the top of the I.F. transformer cans, and may be reached
from the top of the chassis.
BFO ADJUSTMENT:

Leave signal generator turned on from above.

Set the pitch control condenser to one-half capacity (plates half inter-meshed).
Turn the BFO switch to on.

Now adjust the trimmer on the top of BFO can for zero-beat.

SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

R.F. ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
(Leave Band Spread at 200)
Alignment of band 5
Connect antenna screw through a 400 ohm resistor to the signal generator.
Set band switch to band 4.
Leave both signal generator and radio dial at 20 m.c.
Now adjust the underside trimmer screw OSC-4/5 to find the signal and maximize output.
Set the signal generator to 30 m.c.
Switch to band 5 and tune in the 30 m.c. signal.
Now adjust the underside trimmer screws ANT-5 and DET-5 to maximize output.
Alignment of band 4 (after completing band 5 above)
Connect antenna screw through a 400 ohm resistor to the signal generator.
Set signal generator to 18 m.c.
Switch to band 4 and tune in the 18 m.c. signal.
Adjust the underside trimmer screws ANT-4 and DET-4 to maximize output.
Do not change OSC-4/5 screw already set for band 5 above.
Alignment of band 3
Connect antenna screw through a 400 ohm resistor to the signal generator.
Leave both signal generator and radio dial at 9 m.c.
Now adjust the underside trimmer screw OSC-3 to find the signal and maximize output.
Next adjust the underside trimmer screws ANT-3 and DET-3 to maximize output.
Change the signal generator to 4.2 m.c.and tune in this signal.
Adjust the 4.2 m.c. topside padder for maximum output, while rocking the radio tuning.
Alignment of band 2
Connect antenna screw through a 400 ohm resistor to the signal generator.
Leave both signal generator and radio dial at 3.6 m.c.
Now adjust the underside trimmer screw OSC-2 to find signal and maximize output.
Next adjust the underside trimmer screws ANT-2 and DET-2 to maximize output.
Change the signal generator to 1.8 m.c.and tune in this signal.
Adjust the 1.8 m.c. topside padder for maximum output, while rocking the radio tuning.
Alignment of band 1
Connect antenna screw through a 200 mmf condenser to the signal generator.
Leave both signal generator and radio dial at 1.4 m.c.
Now adjust the underside trimmer screw OSC-1 to find signal and maximize output.
Next adjust the underside trimmer screws ANT-1 and DET-1 to maximize output.
Change the signal generator to .6 m.c.and tune in this signal.
Adjust the .6 m.c. topside padder for maximum output, while rocking the radio tuning.
The alignment procedure is now complete.

SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

CHASSIS DIAGRAM

SX-9 Super SKYRIDER by the hallicrafters

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