Bush DAC90.

[ThePillenwerfer]

So far I've repaired four DAC90A's (I own three) but have never managed to get hold of a DAC90.

I got one cheap last week as, as well as the usual hole burnt in the back, the white background of the dial was badly flaked.

It basically worked as it stood and even the controls weren't too dirty. Apart from a routine re-cap all that needed doing electronically was to replace/resleeve some dodgy wiring.

I cut out the damaged area of the back and then stuck a replacement piece in made from thick card from the cover of a ring-binder. After roughly cutting this out I painted the edges with shellac and when that had fully hardened it was easy to file and sand it to shape.

I had hoped that the rest of the dial background would come off without damaging the station markings but found that this wasn't a option.

I therefore scanned it, tarted it up on the computer and then printed it on paper. I sandwiched this between two bits of glass which made a very good substitute.

I left the original speaker cloth in place and stapled some hessian over it.

All told it's come up very well, and will improve with further polishing. As for performance it blows the 'as out of the water.

- Joe

[vinrads]

Hi Joe,

What a transformation. The backs always suffer from the heat from the dropper, but when you think about it they were probably left on all day every day. I agree with you they perform better than the later DAC90A's.

Mick.

[ThePillenwerfer]

Thanks, Mick.

Something I forgot to mention earlier was reconfiguring the switch to operate the Live, as opposed to the Neutral connection.

Here are some interior photos.

- Joe

reconfiguring the switch to operate the Live, as opposed to the Neutral

Have you noticed any more hum? The idea of switching neutral was to keep large AC away from the volume control. Good job on the scale too, it helps on these sets that the only transparent bit is the pointer slots.

[ThePillenwerfer]

I can't hear any hum at all, and I didn't bother replacing the mains filter cap either.

I had wondered why the switch was in the neutral on quite a few sets so thanks for the enlightenment.

- Joe

[Heatercathodeshort]

What a transformation. I too have many DAC90A's but as you know only recently obtained a white DAC90. That looks really great and with 'proper' octal valves.
Good luck with it. John.

[mark pirate]

I too prefer the sound quality over the later 90A. Yours has certainly come up well, especially the dial glass.


Mark

[Jonster]

Nice one, a very creative repair on the back panel too!

[line sync]

Hi Joe
Novel idea to use a ring binder to repair the back cover.
I've not got a DAC90 but have the later 90A.
Nice restoration.

Robin

[ThePillenwerfer]

Thanks for the compliments everybody.

It's now on it's third evening of soaking and all is still well.

I know understand what's meant about how hot they got as I was having a feel 'round and burnt my finger on the back-retaining screw.

- Joe