W8USR - United States Radio

Heathkit DX-60B Transmitter

Technical Specifications

The Heathkit DX-60B is a classic HF, CW and AM transmitter manufactured between 1960 and 1976. It features 90 watts of peak input power, four crystal positions, an external VFO hookup, and a pi-network output circuit tailored for General and Novice Class amateur operations. Here is a breakdown of the core specifications for the DX-60B:

• Frequency Coverage: 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.
• Modes: CW (Morse Code) and AM (Amplitude Modulation with controlled carrier).
• Power Input: Up to 90 watts on both CW and AM.
• Power Output: Typically yields 50–60 watts of RF output power.
• Output Impedance: 50 to 72 ohms (coaxial).
• Tube Complement: 5 tubes total: 1x 12AX7, 1x 6DE7, 2x 6CL6, and 1x 6146 (final amplifier).
• Frequency Control: Front panel selection for up to 4 crystals or an external VFO (such as the HG-10B).
• Power Requirements: 105–125V AC, 50-60 Hz, 225 watts.

Radio History

I found this Heathkit DX-60B transmitter (half-assembled) in the classified ads of our local newspaper. I finished assembling the rig and put up a 40-meter dipole antenna to complete my station. But since my interest in CW was minimal and I did not have any HF phone privileges, I did not get on the air very often. Over time, I lost interest and let my license expire, until later when I returned to the hobby in 1992 with my current license W8USR.

Antenna Routing

We used a 40 meter dipole antenna running from the house up over a tripod on the roof of the garage and suspended on the other end by a rope to a tree in the back yard.

Station Role

The Heathkit DX-60B served as the first transmitter in the radio shack when I earned my ham radio license (WN8VBK) at just 15 years old in 1975. I used it at the radio desk alongside the Hallicrafters SX-110 receiver.