We receive a small fee if you buy through these links, which helps support this site. Thank you!
The Drake SW8 is a portable communications receiver covering 100 to 30000 kHz in AM, USB and LSB modes. Quality reception of the AM broadcast band and all of shortwave is assured. Drake elected to include the FM broadcast band in the SW8 (87 -108 MHz). The extra heavy, forward facing speaker, along with a tone control, combine to offer pleasing fidelity. As a bonus, the VHF aeronautical band is also featured (118 - 137 MHz). Enjoy listening to commercial aircraft over-head, or even control tower transmissions if you live near an airport.
The impressive backlit LCD panel provides all the operational data you need to navigate this impressive receiver. Frequency display resolution is to 100 Hz on AM, shortwave and aircraft bands. The SW8 is a full fledged communications receiver, but it is also a true portable. The full size front handle makes it easy to carry. Please note that this handle can be conveniently removed by the user for stationary operation. The SW8 holds six D cells, and a pivot point 41 inch telescopic whip extends from the front for fully independent field operation. A 1/8th inch headphone jack is provided. Tuning is easy via keypad entry, manual tuning or memories.
For the shortwave and medium wave broadcast bands, a selectable sideband synchronous detector (SYNC) improves reception by reducing distortion due to fading signals. Other aids include: slow or fast AGC, RF attenuator and tone controls. Three IF bandwidths are supplied (6,4 and 2.3 kHz). Two independent clocks provide dual time zone selection and a 2 event timer turns the radio on at a prescribed time. Seventy non-volatile memories store: frequency, mode, bandwidth, AGC setting, RF attenuator and synchronous detector on/off. Memory channels may be accessed manually or through "time scan" with each channel monitored for 5 seconds. Keypad entry provides instant access to any frequency.
The rear panel of the radio includes a PL259-type antenna jack or wire inputs for shortwave. Spring terminals are also provided for an external FM/AIR antenna. Record output, and external speaker (4 - 8 ohm) jacks are also featured.
General characteristics
- HAM bands
- 160m 80m 60m 40m 30m (WARC) 20m 17m (WARC) 15m 12m (WARC) 11m (CB) 10m 2000m
- Frequency stability
- ± 10 ppm. 0° to 50° C.
- Tuning steps
- ?
- Memories
- 70 channels in 1 bank(s)
Receiver
- RX-range
- 0.1-30 / 87-108 / 118-137 MHz
- Modulations
- AM AM-sync W-FM USB LSB
- Sensitivity
- SSB (10 dB S/N): < 0.5µV 0.5-30 MHz
AM (10 dB S/N): < 2.0µV 0.5-30 MHz
FM (20 dB S/N): < 4.0µV 87-108 MHz
FM (20 dB S/N): < 4.0µV 118-137 MHz - Selectivity
- AM: 6.0 kHz @ -6dB
AM: 4.0 kHz @ -6dB
LSB/USB: 2.3 kHz @ -6dB - Filters
- ?
- Receiver system
- Double conversion superheterodyne
- IF-frequencies
- ?
- Image rejection
- > 60 dB .5-30 MHz> 50 dB 87-108 MHz> 60 dB 118-137 MHz
- Audio output
- 2 Watts, 4 Ohms. < 5% distortion
Connections
- Antenna
- SO-239 + Clamps / screws
- Impedance
- 50 / 300 / 500Ω
- Other
- -
Electrical
- Power requirements
- 7-10V DC external or 6×LR20 internal
- Current drain RX
- 1 A max
- TX
- -
Physical
- Dimensions (w×h×d)
- 292 × 133 × 330 mm (11.50 × 5.24 × 12.99 in)
- Weight
- 4.50 kg (9.9 lbs)
- Form factor
- Base Station
- Manufactured
- Between 1994 and 2000 in Ohio, U.S.A.
Other features
- Usage
- Amateur / Ham radio operators
- Features + options
- -
- Accessories
- -
- RigReference ID
- 2595
- MPN
- DRAKE-SW000008
Manuals, diagrams and brochures
- Drake SW-8 HF Comms Reciever Manual PDF - 495.9 kB, submitted by Berend
- Upload relevant documents
New and second-hand prices
Estimating the value of a rig can be challenging. We collect prices paid by real hams over the years to help you estimate the value of a used Drake SW8. Just bought or sold this model? Let us know what you traded it for and help other ham operators!
Based on historic data, today's second-hand price of the Drake SW8 is around:
- USD 61.00 ~ USD 95.00
These estimates are based on the following prices:
Links & tools
About
RigReference.com aims to become the most comprehensive reference guide for ham radio equipment. If you have any questions or suggestions, or if you'd like to participate, please get in touch.
Buy me a coffee