R.L. Drake T-4XC HF Amateur Radio Transmitter

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Coverage Matrix: Covers the 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10-meter HF amateur radio bands. Features 4 open accessory crystal slots for custom 500 kHz wideband allocations.
• Modes of Operation: SSB (USB/LSB), CW, and AM.
• Power Input Rating: 200 Watts PEP for SSB and CW modes; 100 Watts input on AM.
• Amplifier Final Stage: Utilizes a rugged pair of 6JB6 heavy-duty sweep tubes in the final power amplifier cage.
• Frequency Control Integration: Built-in internal solid-state VFO or slave injection capability to transceive synchronously with the Drake R-4C receiver.
• Carrier Suppression: Better than 50 dB down from peak output.
• Unwanted Sideband Suppression: Better than 50 dB down at 1 kHz audio frequencies.
• Power Source Requirement: Requires an external R.L. Drake AC-4 or DC-4 matching power supply unit.

Station Role

The R.L. Drake T-4XC transmitter serves as our primary vintage HF transmission asset. Paired directly with the matching R-4C receiver via specialized muting and injection cabling, it forms the iconic Drake 4-Line "twins" system, providing a robust and warm analog footprint for classic ragchews and tube-driven HF operations.

History with Radio W8USR

The T-4XC transmitter was added to the W8USR operating deck alongside its matching receiver twin to preserve a fully operational example of 1970s American ham radio engineering. Kept meticulously aligned and configured with fresh vacuum tubes, it continues to put a strong, clean signal out onto the HF bands while serving as an exceptional historical showcase piece.