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Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment.

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Old 9th Aug 2022, 9:28 pm   #1
Lolly05
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Default How do I find out what I need?

I have this RGD record player/radio unit. The record player works but does not appear connected to the speaker. Can anyone help with how I work out what is missing or needs fixing? Thank you in advance. Laura
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Old 9th Aug 2022, 9:46 pm   #2
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Hello and welcome Laura,

I can't see whether or not the speaker is connected, but it looks as though there's a missing valve - the empty nine-pin socket toward the lower right end of the chassis in photo 3 - which would be enough to stop you hearing any sound from the speaker. With luck there may be an experienced member local to you who's willing to look at and service the radiogram. Don't plug it in again before someone's attended to it, there's no chance of it working as it is and some chance of destroying parts that would be costly to replace.

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Old 9th Aug 2022, 9:48 pm   #3
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Hello and welcome.

Any sound from the radio?

At least one valve seems to be missing. Is it lying in the bottom of the cabinet somewhere?
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Old 10th Aug 2022, 9:06 am   #4
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Welcome Laura.
Is there a model number on the back of the cabinet? We stand a good chance of identifying the problem by checking the circuit diagram if there is.
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Old 10th Aug 2022, 9:49 am   #5
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

layout appears to be a bit back to front but I would guess the missing valve is an EZ80. Nothing I can trace in R & TV servicing that looks similar. J.
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Old 10th Aug 2022, 10:08 am   #6
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

The missing valve is an EL84, the EZ80 rectifier is closest to the mains transformer. The chassis is the same as in a RGD table radio that I used to own.

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Old 10th Aug 2022, 10:11 am   #7
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

The Chassis looks like the Regentone A155 (or one of the derivitives) in which case the missing valve is an EL84

https://www.service-data.com/product...64/7005/t15564

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Old 10th Aug 2022, 11:17 am   #8
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Well, an EL84 is a very "nickable" valve. It might be a good idea if the OP posted a "help needed" request in the "Services Wanted" section of this site. They are many of our Members near to her. These are good sounding Radiograms.
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Old 10th Aug 2022, 11:27 am   #9
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

You should be aware that this radiogram will require electrical restoration before it can be used reliably and safely - it's not just a matter of replacing the missing valve. It sounds as if you may not have the skills to do this yourself.
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Old 10th Aug 2022, 11:36 am   #10
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

That looks like the same model that my late father bought in the 1950's. It has been in store at the back of my shed since my mother died almost a decade ago, and is now rather inaccessible. It was working then, but the tuning knobs were reluctant to turn, no doubt due to dried- up grease. That model has a single output valve operating in Class A with a 3W output, feeding a highly efficient loudspeaker. The empty valve holder punchings are probably for the (US) export model that used two valves in a class B push-pull output stage. Plessey made the chassis, and a work colleage gave me a copy of the export model service booklet.

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Old 11th Aug 2022, 12:00 am   #11
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Quote:
Originally Posted by paulsherwin View Post
You should be aware that this radiogram will require electrical restoration before it can be used reliably and safely - it's not just a matter of replacing the missing valve. It sounds as if you may not have the skills to do this yourself.
Wise words Paul. I agree entirely.

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Old 11th Aug 2022, 1:41 pm   #12
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

It's probably not what Laura wants to hear - but it's not a quick 10-minute fix. Things deteriorate with time, and with disuse - it's a bit like parking a car for 18 months and then expecting it to start and work as normal.

What we can see is that it is a better-than-average radiogram, and in good condition. So worth spending time on.

EL84 valves aren't expensive. What is expensive (and difficult to source) is a new mains transformer, which is likely to be needed if the radiogram is switched on before a certain capacitor has been replaced, and damage occurs.

It all points towards an hour with a basic toolkit and soldering iron first. But the rewards should be good!
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Old 11th Aug 2022, 9:17 pm   #13
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

its innards look identical to a regentone i used to have
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Old 11th Aug 2022, 11:46 pm   #14
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

I agree, it's a nice radiogram.

I wonder if we will hear from the OP about how, in the light of all these useful responses, they decide to proceed?

Steve.
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Old 12th Aug 2022, 7:57 am   #15
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Quote:
I wonder if we will hear from the OP about how, in the light of all these useful responses, they decide to proceed?
The OP has logged on since posting (yesterday) so they're not a post and disappear type, it is rather disconcerting when we all try and help someone you hear nothing back, I wonder if it's generational thing or not knowing how a forum works sometimes?

Andy.
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Old 12th Aug 2022, 9:30 am   #16
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

It's purely a matter for the OP, it's up to her if she chooses to respond further or not. She asked for info and advice and has received it.
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Old 12th Aug 2022, 10:23 am   #17
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Default Re: How do I find out what I need?

Plus we don't know what her personal circumstances are. Maybe it's just the time required to reply or she's just deciding what to do next? Whatever it is, it's not going to be a quick fix. Plugging a new valve in (when we are certain what type it is) MAY get it working....for a very short time before something more drastic happens.....!
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