An aquired used RF1 had problems from the start because the unit fails intermittently, usually when I need it most. If you squeeze the cabinet or loosen the screws it works. The buttons sometimes don't function, the knobs have worked their way loose. Power consumption is about 100 mA on the 15 - 30 MHz ranges.

I disassembled the unit more than three times and found: cold solder joints, components barely making contact, one socket pin was shorter than the other's and switch's pins have never been soldered. The soldering is very poor throughout this unit due to poor workmanship quality. The circuit board should be hold in place with 4 screws. It had two.

If it works it is a very useful and practical device for any ham shack. It does what Autek says it will do.

The controls are touchy, they are designed for fine tuning, coarse is too coarse and fine has insufficient range but I can get to the exact frequency that I want with patience and technique.

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