PAM 710 radio - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

JanKnight63 · 22nd Oct 2017, 9:12 pm

Hi everyone.

I'm new to the forum & would be very grateful for any advice although I am not a radio buff. My mother passed away earlier this year and I am in the process of winding up her estate. I have in my possession a PAM 710 radio which was purchased by my father new in 1956. I have the original brochure for it and hoping to turn up the receipt. He used to listen to it regularly up to his death in 2004, usually The Archers, but currently it is not working. I suspect with new batteries in it would probably go but so far have not been able to open the cover and don't want to do any damage. It is a little dusty but otherwise in pretty good condition.

I am aware this is now a very rare radio of some value and it does of course have some sentimental value to my sister & myself. I am unsure as to the best thing to do with it i.e.. get it restored and sell it, donate as a museum piece or hang on to it.

I would very much appreciate any thoughts from the experts and will take some pictures in the next few days.

Thank you, Jan.

'LIVEWIRE?' · 22nd Oct 2017, 10:48 pm

The Trader Service data for the PAM710 is available for £1.99 from the VRSD Link at the top of this page. It should include notes on how to open the case, and what battery(ies) it takes. Be aware that some types & sizes of battery used in early transistor radios are no longer available. Other members may be able to specifically answer your questions.

AC/HL · 23rd Oct 2017, 12:21 am

Surprisingly, as this was the first UK transistor radio, the batteries are still available (U2, now known as a D cell, or large torch cell). Chances are that it will work, but given the value of this radio it should be either sold as seen (with an accurate description of it's condition) or restored by an experienced Engineer. It's value is in the hundreds of pounds, so you're right to be careful.

JanKnight63 · 23rd Oct 2017, 7:31 pm

Pics added

Thank you for your replies.
I have put batteries in ( I remembered how my Dad used to do it ) & it is alive, but not picking up anything discernible. I certainly won't mess with it at all as would have no idea what would need doing.
If anyone has recommendations as to who to get to look at it that would be helpful, I'm in Norfolk & would want to take it along personally.

Sideband · 23rd Oct 2017, 8:51 pm

Yes whatever you do don't mess with it! It's your radio to do with as you wish but it IS a valuable set. There are only few of these around in good original condition so either keep it as it is or sell it but get an idea of the price by looking at sold samples on eBay.

Probably no harm in trying the set with new batteries (D cells).

AC/HL · 23rd Oct 2017, 9:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanKnight63

If anyone has recommendations as to who to get to look at it that would be helpful, I'm in Norfolk & would want to take it along personally.

Make a post in this section: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...play.php?f=145.

paulsherwin · 23rd Oct 2017, 9:38 pm

There's a good chance that all this radio needs is a squirt of Servisol 10 switch cleaner in the wavechange switch contacts, followed by a bit of vigorous switch operation. You can buy Servisol in Maplins or online. Don't be tempted to use WD40.

turretslug · 23rd Oct 2017, 10:31 pm

Bit of a pre-emptive warning: If you do hang onto the radio for any length of time, bear in mind that Duracell batteries have earned themselves a rather poor reputation for leaking corrosive fluid over the last few years, they're certainly not as trustworthy as they once were. Something to keep an eye on, it would be a shame if this noteworthy survivor became damaged this way.

JanKnight63 · 24th Oct 2017, 7:52 am

Thank you guys
I won't be squirting anything in as not qualified! I will remove the Duracells if we decide to hang on to it too.

AC/HL · 24th Oct 2017, 11:52 am

Regardless of make, it's good practice to remove batteries in any equipment not used for long periods.

22nd Oct 2017, 9:12 pm	#1
JanKnight63 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 5	PAM 710 radio Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum & would be very grateful for any advice although I am not a radio buff. My mother passed away earlier this year and I am in the process of winding up her estate. I have in my possession a PAM 710 radio which was purchased by my father new in 1956. I have the original brochure for it and hoping to turn up the receipt. He used to listen to it regularly up to his death in 2004, usually The Archers, but currently it is not working. I suspect with new batteries in it would probably go but so far have not been able to open the cover and don't want to do any damage. It is a little dusty but otherwise in pretty good condition. I am aware this is now a very rare radio of some value and it does of course have some sentimental value to my sister & myself. I am unsure as to the best thing to do with it i.e.. get it restored and sell it, donate as a museum piece or hang on to it. I would very much appreciate any thoughts from the experts and will take some pictures in the next few days. Thank you, Jan.

22nd Oct 2017, 10:48 pm	#2
'LIVEWIRE?' Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton) Posts: 7,306	Re: PAM 710 radio The Trader Service data for the PAM710 is available for £1.99 from the VRSD Link at the top of this page. It should include notes on how to open the case, and what battery(ies) it takes. Be aware that some types & sizes of battery used in early transistor radios are no longer available. Other members may be able to specifically answer your questions.

23rd Oct 2017, 12:21 am	#3
AC/HL Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 9,642	Re: PAM 710 radio Surprisingly, as this was the first UK transistor radio, the batteries are still available (U2, now known as a D cell, or large torch cell). Chances are that it will work, but given the value of this radio it should be either sold as seen (with an accurate description of it's condition) or restored by an experienced Engineer. It's value is in the hundreds of pounds, so you're right to be careful.

23rd Oct 2017, 7:31 pm	#4
JanKnight63 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 5	Re: PAM 710 radio Pics added Thank you for your replies. I have put batteries in ( I remembered how my Dad used to do it ) & it is alive, but not picking up anything discernible. I certainly won't mess with it at all as would have no idea what would need doing. If anyone has recommendations as to who to get to look at it that would be helpful, I'm in Norfolk & would want to take it along personally. Attached Thumbnails

23rd Oct 2017, 8:51 pm	#5
Sideband Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK. Posts: 7,572	Re: PAM 710 radio Yes whatever you do don't mess with it! It's your radio to do with as you wish but it IS a valuable set. There are only few of these around in good original condition so either keep it as it is or sell it but get an idea of the price by looking at sold samples on eBay. Probably no harm in trying the set with new batteries (D cells). __________________ There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....

23rd Oct 2017, 9:38 pm	#7
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,947	Re: PAM 710 radio There's a good chance that all this radio needs is a squirt of Servisol 10 switch cleaner in the wavechange switch contacts, followed by a bit of vigorous switch operation. You can buy Servisol in Maplins or online. Don't be tempted to use WD40.

23rd Oct 2017, 10:31 pm	#8
turretslug Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrey, UK. Posts: 4,396	Re: PAM 710 radio Bit of a pre-emptive warning: If you do hang onto the radio for any length of time, bear in mind that Duracell batteries have earned themselves a rather poor reputation for leaking corrosive fluid over the last few years, they're certainly not as trustworthy as they once were. Something to keep an eye on, it would be a shame if this noteworthy survivor became damaged this way.

24th Oct 2017, 7:52 am	#9
JanKnight63 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 5	Re: PAM 710 radio Thank you guys I won't be squirting anything in as not qualified! I will remove the Duracells if we decide to hang on to it too.

24th Oct 2017, 11:52 am	#10
AC/HL Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 9,642	Re: PAM 710 radio Regardless of make, it's good practice to remove batteries in any equipment not used for long periods.