Type: HF communications receiver.

Frequency range: 535kHz - 32MHz in 6 bands.

Modes: CW, AM R/T.

Sensitivity: for 20dB S/N: 8(V at 1MHz, 4.5(V at 4.3MHz, 7(V at 16MHz, 7(V at 28MHz.

Selectivity: 5 settings: -3dB bandwidths 15kHz, 9kHz, 3.4kHz, 1.6kHz, 400Hz.

Image rejection: 120dB at 1MHz, 60dB at 16MHz, 46dB at 28MHz.

Audio output: 2.5W into a 2.5( external speaker, plus 600( o/p.

Power supply: 100 - 260V AC mains. Also available is an external 6V DC vibrator pack.

Size & weight: 19.3"(w)x19.3"(d)x11"(h); ~100lbs

Circuitry: 14-valve, single conversion superhet with three tracking tuned circuits in front of the mixer. 455kHz IF with variable selectivity and crystal filter. Noise limiter.

Variants: The AR-88LF covers 73 - 550kHz and 1.5 - 30.5MHz, with an IF of 735kHz.

Usage: produced in 1940 by RCA and widely used during WWII by the Allied Forces.

Notes: this very fine classic receiver is still widely available at reasonable cost. "Battleship" construction provides excellent stability, and a beautifully smooth tuning action. Performance is excellent at the lower frequencies, and still reasonable at the top end. Renovation articles abound - see for instance, SWM Aug '93, and Radio Bygones No.20, Christmas '92. If the magic of using old valved sets has not yet grabbed you, then try an
AR-88D in good electrical and mechanical condition! Every vintage radio shack should have one!