Collins 32S-2 Transmitter Serial Number Guide – VK6ADA

VK6ADA · Mike Peace · Vintage Collins Radio · r-390a.net

Collins 32S-2 — Serial Number & Production Guide

VK6ADA Technical Reference · Collins S-Line Vintage Amateur Equipment · March 2026 · Mike Peace VK6ADA

Collector Note — Rare Model: The Collins 32S-2 represents a relatively brief transition between the 32S-1 and the definitive 32S-3. It was produced in lower quantities than either predecessor or successor, making it one of the rarer S-Line transmitter variants. Complete, original-condition 32S-2 examples command collector premiums.

The Collins 32S-2 SSB Transmitter was the second generation of the S-Line transmitter series, produced from approximately 1962 through 1964–1965 at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility.^[1] Building on the 32S-1 platform, the 32S-2 introduced front-panel mode selection refinements and served as the companion transmitter to the 75S-2 receiver — itself one of the rarest S-Line receivers. This guide consolidates serial number ranges, emblem transitions, manual edition history, and known circuit variations to assist collectors and restorers.

Overview & Specifications

Manufacturer	Collins Radio Company — Cedar Rapids Division, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Model Number	32S-2 (Collins type designation: SSB Transmitter)
Production Period	~1962 – approximately 1964–1965
RF Power Output	100 W PEP SSB / 100 W CW
Frequency Coverage	3.5–4.0 MHz (80m), 7.0–7.5 MHz (40m), 14.0–14.5 MHz (20m), 21.0–21.5 MHz (15m), 28.0–29.0 MHz (10m)
PA Tubes	2 × 6146A / 6146B (parallel pair, pi-network output)
Modes	USB, LSB, CW
Carrier Suppression	≥ 50 dB below PEP output
Unwanted Sideband Suppr.	≥ 50 dB below PEP output
Mains Supply	115 V AC or 230 V AC, 60 Hz single-phase (primary wiring selectable)
Companion Receiver	Collins 75S-2 (also rare)
Companion Amplifier	Collins 30L-1 Linear Amplifier
Introduced	~1962 ^[10]
Collector Status	Rare — lower production volume than 32S-1 or 32S-3. Matching 32S-2 / 75S-2 pairs are especially sought-after.

Important Note on Serial Number Sequencing

⚠ Random Serial Number Assignment — Collins S-Line Policy
Per CCA historical research and a direct account from a former Collins employee,^[9] Art Collins decreed that S-Line serial numbers were to be issued in random (non-sequential) order to prevent price discrimination among model variants sharing the same chassis. A lower serial number does not necessarily indicate an earlier production date. For the 32S-2 specifically, the relatively small total production volume means broad serial number ranges are less statistically reliable than for higher-volume models; physical emblem type and internal component date codes are therefore of even greater importance.

Collins Logo / Emblem Production Eras

Like the 32S-1, the 32S-2 reached end of production before the Collins emblem transition in Fall 1969. As a result, all authentic 32S-2 units should carry the Winged Emblem. A Round Emblem on a claimed 32S-2 is a significant red flag requiring detailed authentication.^[3]

Emblem Type	Production Period	32S-2 Applicability	Physical Description
Winged Emblem	1959 – Fall 1969 ^[3]	Standard / expected on all 32S-2 units. Production ended before emblem transition.	Classic silver-and-blue winged Collins insignia. Two mounting holes visible either side if badge was ever replaced.
Round Emblem Transition	Fall 1969 only ^[3]	Not applicable — post-production for 32S-2.	Round emblem plus grey screws in former wing-emblem holes.
Small Round Emblem	Fall 1969 – ~1975 ^[3]	Not applicable — post-production for 32S-2.	Circular Collins emblem (~18 mm diam.). No flanking screw holes.
Large Round Emblem	~1974 – FY1976 ^[3]	Not applicable — post-production for 32S-2.	Round emblem (~21 mm diam.), slightly bolder typeface.

Serial Number Lookup Reference

Quick Era Identifier — Enter Your Serial Number

32S-2 Serial Number:

Documented Serial Number Data Points

Data Scarcity Notice: Documented, individually verified 32S-2 serial number data points are scarcer than for the 32S-1 or 32S-3 due to the model’s lower production volume. The ranges below represent CCA survey estimates and community-reported data, which should be treated with additional caution. Community contributions of confirmed 32S-2 serial numbers are actively sought.

Serial Number	Emblem / Era	Notable Features	Source / Reference
~1xx – ~1,xxx range	Winged	Early production examples; consistent with 1962–1963 manufacture. Original 6146A PA tubes typically present.	CCA S-Line survey data ^[4]
~2,xxx range	Winged	Mid production; peak 32S-2 output c.1963–1964. Cross-reference with internal resistor and capacitor date codes for verification.	CCA survey / community documentation ^[4]

Relationship to 75S-2 Companion Receiver

The 32S-2 was designed as the companion transmitter to the 75S-2 receiver — itself one of the rarest S-Line receivers produced. A matched-serial or same-era 32S-2 / 75S-2 station pair is considered particularly desirable by the collector community.^[6] When evaluating a claimed matched pair, verify that both serial numbers fall within the overlapping production era (approximately 1962–1964) and that both carry the Winged Emblem.

Manual Edition History

Edition	Date	Notes
1st Edition	~1962	Original publication with initial production units. Archived at Collins Radio Association (CRA).^[1]
~2nd–3rd Editions	1963–1965	Service bulletin amendments incorporated. Available through CRA archive and worldradiohistory.com.

Key Differences: 32S-1 vs 32S-2 vs 32S-3

Feature	32S-1 (~1959–1964)	32S-2 (~1962–1965)	32S-3 (~1964–1980)
Production Volume	Moderate	Low (rare)	High (most common)
Companion Receiver	75S-1	75S-2 (also rare)	75S-3
Emblem Type	Winged only	Winged only	Winged, Transition, Small Round, Large Round
PA Tube Type	6146 / 6146A	6146A	6146A / 6146B
Front Panel Refinements	Original layout	Revised mode switching	Further revised; most refined layout
Collector Premium	Standard	Higher — rarity premium	Standard (high volume)

Physical Identification Guide

Step 1 — Front Panel Emblem

All authentic 32S-2 units should carry the Winged Emblem. The presence of any Round Emblem demands authentication of the serial plate and internal component date codes before accepting the model designation.^[3]

Step 2 — Model Designation Verification

Confirm the “32S-2” designation on both the front panel label and the rear serial number plate. The 32S-1, 32S-2, and 32S-3 share a closely similar visual appearance. Check the serial plate first.

Step 3 — Serial Number and Component Date Codes

The rear-panel serial number plate carries a plain integer. Cross-reference with estimated ranges above. Internal electrolytic capacitors carry YY WW date codes — the latest original date code establishes the earliest possible manufacture date. For a 32S-2, date codes should fall in the 1962–1965 window.

Step 4 — Manual Edition Check

Original 32S-2 instruction books show copyright dates of 1962–1965 only. A manual showing copyright years extending into the late 1960s or 1970s is likely a 32S-3 manual.

Typical Restoration Considerations

Component	Recommended Action	Notes
HV Filter Capacitors	Reform or replace as first priority	60+ year old electrolytics. Reform carefully; replace unconditionally if any leakage or ESR failure detected.
HV Rectifiers	Replace with 1N4007 or equivalent	Selenium or early silicon types must be replaced without exception.
PA Tubes (6146A pair)	Test and match; 6146B recommended	Matched pair essential for balanced output. Re-peak all tuning after tube change.
PTO Stability	Verify alignment and drift specification	The permeability-tuned oscillator is a precision Collins assembly. Allow 30+ minute warm-up before drift evaluation.
Mechanical Filters	Test insertion loss; seldom fail	Collins mechanical filters are very reliable. Replace only if confirmed defective by signal generator testing.

This guide consolidates publicly available CCA survey data, community restoration reports, and documented sale records. Serial number range estimates for the 32S-2 carry higher uncertainty than for the more common 32S-1 and 32S-3 due to lower production volume. Contributions and corrections are welcome via vk6ada.com.au or through the Collins community at r-390a.net.

References, Citations & Credits

Collins Radio Company. 32S-2 Transmitter Instruction Book. Cedar Rapids Division, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Various editions ~1962–1965. Archived by the Collins Radio Association (CRA): collinsradio.org — Technical Archives
Collins Radio Company. 32S-2 Transmitter Instruction Book, final edition. CRA archive: collinsradio.org
Blocksome, Rod K0DAS. “The Collins S-Line Logo and Emblem Transition History.” CCA Historical Archives. 2013–2016. collinsradio.org — Historical Archives
Blocksome, Rod K0DAS. Collins S-Line Transmitter Production Surveys. CCA Technical Archives. Various years. collinsradio.org — Blocksome Surveys
Collins Radio Association. Collins Radio Technical Archives. collinsradio.org — Technical Archives
WA3KEY Virtual Collins Radio Museum. Collins 32S-2 Reference Pages. wa3key.com. Accessed 2026.
QRZ Forums — multiple threads documenting Collins 32S-2 serial numbers, rarity observations, and restoration notes. forums.qrz.com. Accessed 2026.
Collins Collectors Association FAQ. Biographical notes on Collins Radio engineers. WA3KEY: wa3key.com/ccafaq.html. Accessed 2026.
Anonymous (attributed to a former Collins employee; reported by Roger KB4THL). “[Collins] Winged versus Round Emblems.” QTH.net Collins Reflector, July 2005. qth.net — July 2005
QST Magazine — Collins Radio advertisement, 32S-2 SSB Transmitter, ARRL, ~1962. QST archive: worldradiohistory.com
Peace, Mike VK6ADA (Administrator). r-390a.net — Collins Community Knowledge Base. r-390a.net.
Peace, Mike VK6ADA. vk6ada.com.au — Collins S-Line Reference. vk6ada.com.au/collins-collection/. 2025–2026.