Pye P45 renovation

[Oldelectronics]

I have started on a P45 but when I got it the dial glass had fallen out I held it in place with some tape to prevent it falling when I removed the chassis I found three clips in the bottom of the cabinet . Its a bit odd as it looks like there are 5 of them one in each corner and one extra side by side with the cotton RH one also there is a strip of felt like material that I assume goes in the metal strip? On the RH side If anyone has had the dial glass out of one of these sets I would appreciate someone telling me what they found
Another thing I found was the set had a 3 core cable (and was fitted with a small 3 pin round pin plug) the earth wire went to the earth socket on the back of the plug why would you do that and not solder it to the chassis?

Cheer's

Kev

[Oldelectronics]

I did notice there were two of the aluminum can tubular capacitors (T) C28 and C15 (M) (C40 and C24 are these generally reliable and can be left? (That Hunts and the waxy's will go).

cheers

Kev

[paulsherwin]

Metalmites are more reliable than ordinary waxies but are certainly suspect by this time. I would change them, but if you like to retain as many original components as possible you could just check the surrounding voltages carefully, and leave them if no fault seems to be present.

I don't think the mains cable is original.

[Oldelectronics]

Thanks Paul I think I will change them as I prefer reliability over complete originality and they are hidden under the chassis. I agree about the mains cable but I think its been on there a very long time perhaps an attempt to improve reception?

Thanks again

Kev

[paulsherwin]

It's possible that somebody wanted the option of using either the mains earth or a separate signal earth. It could have been to try to improve reception - these postwar short superhets so beloved of Pye work well enough for local reception, but unsurprisingly don't have great DX performance.

[Oldelectronics]

They are very nicly made the volume control switch is interesting I have only seen that type on a Whiteley extension speaker which I have?

Kev

[paulsherwin]

I don't know that particular model.

[Oldelectronics]

The volume control is like a wave change switch with a positive click between settings sorry I didn't make it clear I suppose that type of switch is common on older sets but I have not come across one before apart from in the extension speaker and a NOS control I picked up for a couple of pounds for nostalgic reasons It was a WB one made were I used to work.

Kev

[paulsherwin]

Are you sure that's the volume control? A lot of sets have arrangements like that for the tone control.

[ms660]

According to the schematic, Vol is a 1M pot, Tone is a 7 position switch.

Lawrence.

[Andrewausfa]

That definitely sounds like the 'Tone Master' switch. It's the first one on the left as you look at the set. Next to it is the volume.

Andrew

[60 oldjohn]

Looking at trader sheet I think your tone switch could be original, with possibly a gram position to catch anyone unaware. Tone parts list S41, 42, 43, 44 & S52 with 4.7k, 15k, &15k resistors mentioned.


John.

[Oldelectronics]

Oops yes tone switch that caught me out!! I haven't seen one before for a tone switch either still its all learning even if you feel a bit daft! looking at the extension speaker arrangement I mentioned instead of the schematic is what caught me out thanks guys

Kev

[Oldelectronics]

I have noticed the 3w 1000 Ohm centre tapped WW resistor ( R16) is looking very sorry for itself and when touched bits of 'green' sounds like something from Black Adder fall off I suppose best replaced? I was thinking of 2 500 Ohm's in series so I can centre tap it?

[jonnybear]

If the resistor has continuity it has probably got another 50 years in it, just clean off the loose bits. if you replace it with two resistors it will never look right .you could always give it a coat of heatproof paint, may smell a bit to start with.
John

[Oldelectronics]

Thanks John It seems ok I would rather keep it if I can but was wondering about reliability?

Kev

[Herald1360]

It's no more hassle to replace it when it fails than do it right now, and you may never need to........

[Oldelectronics]

That makes sense Chris!

Kev