In 1967 the R-4B was priced new at $475.

The R.L. Drake model R-4B is an 80 through 10 meter double conversion superheterodyne receiver. The modes of operation are SSB, AM and CW.  This amazing receiver has full coverage on each of the amateur radio bands from 10 through 80 meters. The full coverage of the amateur bands is accomplished in ten, 500 kc ranges. Coverage of any ten additional 500 kc ranges between 1.5 and 30 MHz (except between 5.0 and 6.0 MHz) can be accomplished by installing the appropriate 10 crystals. There are four bandwidths of receive selectivity which is as follows, 0.4 kc, 1.2 kc, 2.4 kc and 4.8 kc. 

The R-4B has 9 tubes, 10 transistors, 17 diodes and 2 integrated circuits. The tubes and their functions is as follows. 6BZ6 as a RF Amplifier, 6HS6 as a First Mixer, 12BE6 for the Second mixer and crystal oscillator, 12BA6 as the First IF Amplifier, 12BA6 as the Second IF Amplifier, 6EH5 as the Audio output, 6HS6 as the Pre-Mixer, 12BA6 as a Noise Blanker Amplifier, and a 12AX7A as a Noise shaper and pulse amplifier. 

The power consumption of the R-4B is 60 watts, and it can be powered from either 120 or 240 volts AC at 50/60 Hz. The size is 5 1/2 inches high by 10 3/4 inches wide by 12 1/4 inches deep and weighs in at 16 pounds.

In the photograph on the right we can see the 10 optional crystals that was discussed in the above text have been installed on this receiver. As was common with many of the Drakes and some National products among others, is the copper plated chassis that can be seen in the picture at the right above. 

A couple of close up photographs showing the face of this receiver. A neat feature about the R-4B is that when it is used in a transceiver configuration a little light directly above the dial glows to remind you of this operation. In the picture on the right, the small red knob in the upper right corner is known as a fiduciary control and allows the operator to zero in the main tuning dial so the correct frequency is displayed.  

In these next two photographs we see both the left and right sides of the R-4B receiver. Like the TR-4 transceiver, an important factor to consider before you decide to purchase a Drake of this vintage is the location in which you plan on keeping the radio. Notice in the two pictures above the location of some of the accessory sockets. For example, if the operator decided to use a set of headphones, he would need to plug them into the side of this receiver where the headphone accessory socket is located. Having these accessory sockets on the side of this transceiver can pose a problem in certain Ham shack configurations.

A special thanks to Steve Fitzgerald(N4KQR) who personally hand delivered this item.