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RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition

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MPN:
2-BQ
Condition:
Used
Shipping:
$25.00 (Fixed Shipping Cost)
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
  • RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition
$129.99
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Description

RL Drake 2-BQ, Q Multiplier for the 2-B Communications Receiver, in Very Good, Working Condition.

 I tested this 2-BQ on my bench with the 2-B receiver I have listed and it works very well.  

  Please see my other listings for the matching 2-Breceiver.

I will include a first generation reproduction of the manual. 

  I am selling it as is, as described. Since it is over 60 years old, it may need some attention and it is always prudent to replace the electrolytic capacitors before they fail. It does appear to be working as it should.

The R.L. Drake 2-BQ (often called the Drake 2-BQ) is a classic vintage accessory specifically designed for the Drake 2-B communications receiver. Introduced in the early 1960s, it's a combination external speaker and Q-multiplier—a regenerative IF stage that dramatically sharpens selectivity for CW (Morse code) and SSB (single sideband) reception.Key Features and Purpose
  • Dual Function:
    • Built-in external speaker (typically a small oval or round speaker for clear audio output from the 2-B receiver).
    • Integrated Q-multiplier circuit that boosts the "Q" (quality factor) of the receiver's 455 kHz IF stage.
  • Q-Multiplier Benefits:
    • Provides extremely sharp peaking for CW signals (notch out interference or heterodyne tones).
    • Allows deep notching to reject unwanted carriers, adjacent channel QRM (interference), or heterodynes while preserving the desired signal.
    • Greatly enhances weak-signal work on crowded bands—users often describe it as making the 2-B "come alive" for DXing or contesting.
    • Variable control for peak/notch depth and frequency tuning.
  • Compatibility: Plugs directly into the dedicated socket on the rear chassis of the Drake 2-B receiver (via a coaxial cable for the IF signal and speaker leads). No modifications needed—it's plug-and-play for the 2-B.
  • Controls (typical front panel):
    • Function switch: OFF / PEAK / NOTCH modes.
    • Tuning knob to adjust the rejection/peak frequency within the IF passband.
    • Gain or depth control for how aggressively it notches or peaks.
  • Tube Complement: Usually a single dual-triode tube (like a 12AX7 or similar) in a simple regenerative circuit tuned to the receiver's 455 kHz IF.
  • Size/Design: Compact matching cabinet to the 2-B (similar dimensions, often placed alongside or under it), with a small built-in speaker grille.
Performance and ReputationIn the ham radio community (e.g., eHam.net reviews, Drake groups, vintage forums), the 2-BQ is highly regarded as one of the best period Q-multipliers for its era. Paired with the 2-B's already excellent crystal filters (0.5/2.1/3.6 kHz bandwidths) and passband tuning, it provides razor-sharp CW selectivity that rivals or exceeds many larger receivers. Users praise its effectiveness against noise and interference, with comments like "the Q-multiplier just works so well" and noting the 2-B/2-BQ combo as a favorite for CW ops. It's especially useful in noisy conditions or when digging out weak signals.Note: There's a similar but earlier accessory, the 2-AQ (for the Drake 2-A receiver), which is functionally very close but not identical—some parts/swaps are possible, but the 2-BQ is optimized for the 2-B.
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