"Change all capacitors...."
That is the usual advice when restoring old equipment.
But, is it really required?
I have a Windsor (Taylor) 65c signal generator, that my father bought when they were the latest model.
From memory, around 1950 or so.
It has been used regularly ever since, sometimes often, then perhaps many months, even a few years, lying idle on the shelf.
Today I had it running and decided to check the frequency.
Absolutely spot on, or as close as one can read off the dial.
In all that time, it has had NO repairs. The only thing I have done is replace the mains lead, some 30-40 years ago.
So, all componenets, valves, etc are as the maker fitted them.
Has it stayed working BECAUSE it is used regularly, or just by sheer luck?
(The case, however, is very tatty, so my next task is to find some dark blue crackle paint, and respray it.)
|