Murphy A52

[Half a Mullard]

The father of a good friend of mine sadly passed away recently. Knowing that I am interested in radios, my friend very kindly donated this set to me as he is clearing the house of his late father’s effects. It is a Murphy A52, dating as I understand it, from 1938.

I have been making some initial investigations and it does appear to have been a expensive set when it was made costing approximately twice the amount of a comparable set of the period. It is a double superhet with what looks to be a very sophisticated motor driven tuning and unusually, wave change system. As far as I can see, the set is original and appears to be complete.

I would like to restore it to its former glory as I’m sure that my friend’s late father would have appreciated it. However I am somewhat in a dilemma. My experience, such as it is, concentrates mainly on run of the mill fifties woodies, Bush DAC90A’s and the like. I am rather concerned about tackling a set of this age and complexity particularly as I get the impression that not too many were made and I would imagine that spares will be virtually unobtainable.

I would very much appreciate any advice or views that members may have particularly regarding this particular set.

[Cobaltblue]

Never seen one of these in the flesh and I have had a lot of Murphy sets over the years.

I don't see any reason given patience and time you could not tame this beast.

The only part I can see where it would be hard to get parts is the Motor tuning but it looks similar to the system used on other more common sets (If motor tuning can be considered common).

I am sure that the Murphy specialists would help with anything beyond us mere mortals

That's very nice give it a go

Cheers

Mike T

[PJL]

If you are methodical and take many pictures as you go I am sure you will have no problems. What I would do first is check the continuity of all transformers as there is nothing more frustrating than finding a faulty output transformer after you have recapped everything.

It will be interesting to see how the SW double conversion works out. Very unusual for a domestic set of any date yet alone 1938.

[B.Taylor]

Hello Howard,

I am presently restoring one of these. I have managed to source many suitable parts for those that need replacing. Please ask if you get stuck and I may be able to help. In some cases I have spare parts where I over ordered for mine and you are very welcome to them.

Regards, Bill

[FERNSEH]

The A52 employs double conversion on short wavebands just like a high quality communications receiver.
From the Radiomuseum: https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/murphy_a52_a_52.html

DFWB.

[cathoderay57]

Mike Barker probably has one and will probably be able to offer advice if you get stuck

Cheers, Jerry

[Half a Mullard]

Many thanks for your replies folks, it's much appreciated.

I've extracted the manufacturers sheet from the service data disk and have been studying this in some detail. I'll start with some basic checks particularly the transformers as suggested. It looks as if at least one of the tuning drives needs re-stringing.

I think the way forward is to take things very slowly and carefully. Again taking plenty of photos is very sound advice.

Bill - many thanks for your very generous offer, I may well take you up on this.

[HamishBoxer]

If you get stuck,feel free to contact me more than willing to help a fellow restorer.This set will perform very well when restored and apart from a few caps if you are lucky,that is all it might need.

[Half a Mullard]

Originally Posted by HamishBoxer

If you get stuck,feel free to contact me more than willing to help a fellow restorer.This set will perform very well when restored and apart from a few caps if you are lucky,that is all it might need.

That's very kind, thank you. I'll aim to start by making basic checks and familiarising myself with the layout. Hopefully there might not be too much to replace.

I've just noticed that one of the tuner buttons is labelled Caroline International, I guess the work of my friend rather than his father! So that may give a clue when it was last used.

I am concerned about the mechanical side as I guess this will need cleaning and lubrication. I will report back.

[HamishBoxer]

I think careful cleaning will get the motor tuning sorted ,I have a Ekco PB189 here awaiting similar.
The usual suspect waxy caps,question mark main smoothing electros,though they may reform with a lamp limiter or Variac if available.
Keep us all posted as how things progress.