yard sale non-score :-( Heathkit GR-78

[mhardy6647]

Some 'round the corner neighbors had a barn sale a few months ago. Bought a nice pair of EPI 100's for $15 but passed on a pretty SS Heathkit GR-78 multiband receiver at $40. Wellp, those folks opened their barn again on Saturday... the GR78 was still there, and (with assurances from its owners wife that it worked), I bought it.

Wellp... it does look very nice, but it doesn't seem to be receiving. I do get some AC buzz (like motor/fluorescent lamp ballast buzz) midscale on the "A" band, and some clicks 'n' pops bandswitching, and even some bleedover (sounds like overmodulated, clipped CB from somewhere) here and there on other bands. "S" meter goes up to about 3 or 4 upon turn-on, and not too much else happens. Everything goes quiet (and, of course, doesn't light) if I push the "light" momentary-contact switch.

Did I waste $40? Any words of encouragement are appreciated. It IS pretty, isn't it? :-)