Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

camtechman · 7th Feb 2008, 2:05 pm

Told you it was a numpty question......

Seriously though, I'm a tranny man and if my Dad was still alive, he'd know.

I have a Philips 151U Valve Radio and, although still working, I'm considering get a set of new valves for it: UCH42, UF41, UBC41, UL41 & UY41.

I presume these will be as rare as rocking horse droppings or I'll need to remortgage in order to pay for them.

I'd welcome your advice or info.

Many thanks,

Tony

Station X · 7th Feb 2008, 2:12 pm

See here:-

http://www.vintage-radio.com/contacts/suppliers.html

Valves are much more reliable than most people think. Have you changed the paper capacitors in the set? That might give more improvemnt for less money.

yestertech · 7th Feb 2008, 2:20 pm

2 thoughts - although the valves are nice to have as spares, they are probably not needed.
Of all the components, it is ironic that whilst valves are the most delicate, they cause the fewest faults.
All the types you list are still available, and apart from the UL41 which is a tad expensive, do not require you to take out a second mortgage.
So if there's a specific fault you are trying to fix, chances are a set of new valves will make little or no difference.
In fact, if certain other faults remain on the set, putting new valves in may make matters worse, as well as reducing their lifespan considerably.
Perhaps you can provide some more details

Andy

camtechman · 7th Feb 2008, 2:55 pm

Thanks for the replies.

The radio, at present, is still working well -apart for a slight hum at low volume but I get over that by turning the volume up a bit.

I haven't done anything to the radio and, as far as I can see, nor has anyone else and the caps & all other components seem to be as original.

I was gifted the radio from my late Gran, who bought it on 14/12/1956 from Martin's Radio, Edmonton, London N9 (long gone shop & much missed).....I know that, 'cos it came with all the original documents (Instructions & Guarantee Card - still in mint condition too!).

She was a careful lady and only used the radio for listening to the news & later on, the Archers.

As I intend to keep the radio, for obvious sentimental reasons, I thought a spare set of valves would be ideal, especially as they may be harder & more expensive as time goes on.

ALANS ANITAS · 7th Feb 2008, 4:33 pm

As posted by Sesappeal all the valves are available, but the UL41 is expensive. Other valves can be used instead. Try doing a search of this website for UL41. This is probably the most useful function of this website where you can find what other forum members have done to overcome simular problems in the past.

Regards

ALAN

camtechman · 7th Feb 2008, 5:53 pm

Many thanks to everyone.

Most helpful.

Cheers,

Tony

Mike Phelan · 7th Feb 2008, 6:02 pm

Tony
Your hum might be caused by a heater-cathode leak in a valve (unlikely to be the UL41), but more likely it's just smoothing electrolytics having lost some of their value.
At the moment there is no sign that replacement valves will disappear yet, for a long while.
HTH

camtechman · 7th Feb 2008, 6:07 pm

Thanks Mike,

Now I've got the service manual for this model (from you know who), I'll be staring soon to take a look & take some measurements etc.

Steve_P · 9th Feb 2008, 10:41 pm

If the UL41 is in need of replacement, you can try a MAZDA 10P12. These are quite common.

If you look at the circuit, the Control Grid (first grid) of the UL41 is linked to the Anode of the stage behind it (UBC41) with a capacitor. Check this or change it anyway. It is likely to be leaky and will damage the UL41.

There's no danger from Electricity if you treat it with respect. Read and learn:

http://www.vintage-radio.com/repair-...ion/index.html

We're all here to help each other you know. And you can still get the valves as has already been stated.

It wont be the last one you do....

Cheers,

Steve P

Richard · 10th Feb 2008, 11:33 am

Hi

There are CV1977 (UL41) listed on Ebay at the moment, new boxed with a buy it now of £10. This is a good price for these.
Not sure on rules re Ebay so wont post a link, and I have no conection with seller

Richard.

Station X · 11th Feb 2008, 4:53 pm

It's Ok to post a link in these circumstances, so here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=270207037559

Tim · 11th Feb 2008, 6:42 pm

If this is a fifties Philips then the HT smoothing capacitors are likely suspects

camtechman · 12th Feb 2008, 10:45 am

Many thanks all!

Cheers,

Tony

jim_jobe · 12th Feb 2008, 12:05 pm

www.machmat.com/sales
is an excellent supplier of valves in Holland who I have dealt with recently.He doesn't have any UL41s listed at the moment but an email to him might be worth the effort. Note that his prices are in Euros and so the valves are cheaper than they appear at first sight. He has a minimum order rate of,I think,25 Euros.
Jim

7th Feb 2008, 2:05 pm	#1
camtechman Nonode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK. Posts: 2,552	Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Told you it was a numpty question...... Seriously though, I'm a tranny man and if my Dad was still alive, he'd know. I have a Philips 151U Valve Radio and, although still working, I'm considering get a set of new valves for it: UCH42, UF41, UBC41, UL41 & UY41. I presume these will be as rare as rocking horse droppings or I'll need to remortgage in order to pay for them. I'd welcome your advice or info. Many thanks, Tony Attached Thumbnails

7th Feb 2008, 2:12 pm	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? See here:- http://www.vintage-radio.com/contacts/suppliers.html Valves are much more reliable than most people think. Have you changed the paper capacitors in the set? That might give more improvemnt for less money. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

7th Feb 2008, 2:20 pm	#3
yestertech Nonode Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Coulsdon, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,132	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? 2 thoughts - although the valves are nice to have as spares, they are probably not needed. Of all the components, it is ironic that whilst valves are the most delicate, they cause the fewest faults. All the types you list are still available, and apart from the UL41 which is a tad expensive, do not require you to take out a second mortgage. So if there's a specific fault you are trying to fix, chances are a set of new valves will make little or no difference. In fact, if certain other faults remain on the set, putting new valves in may make matters worse, as well as reducing their lifespan considerably. Perhaps you can provide some more details Andy

7th Feb 2008, 2:55 pm	#4
camtechman Nonode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK. Posts: 2,552	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Thanks for the replies. The radio, at present, is still working well -apart for a slight hum at low volume but I get over that by turning the volume up a bit. I haven't done anything to the radio and, as far as I can see, nor has anyone else and the caps & all other components seem to be as original. I was gifted the radio from my late Gran, who bought it on 14/12/1956 from Martin's Radio, Edmonton, London N9 (long gone shop & much missed).....I know that, 'cos it came with all the original documents (Instructions & Guarantee Card - still in mint condition too!). She was a careful lady and only used the radio for listening to the news & later on, the Archers. As I intend to keep the radio, for obvious sentimental reasons, I thought a spare set of valves would be ideal, especially as they may be harder & more expensive as time goes on.

7th Feb 2008, 4:33 pm	#5
ALANS ANITAS Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North West Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 346	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? As posted by Sesappeal all the valves are available, but the UL41 is expensive. Other valves can be used instead. Try doing a search of this website for UL41. This is probably the most useful function of this website where you can find what other forum members have done to overcome simular problems in the past. Regards ALAN

7th Feb 2008, 5:53 pm	#6
camtechman Nonode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK. Posts: 2,552	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Many thanks to everyone. Most helpful. Cheers, Tony

7th Feb 2008, 6:02 pm	#7
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Tony Your hum might be caused by a heater-cathode leak in a valve (unlikely to be the UL41), but more likely it's just smoothing electrolytics having lost some of their value. At the moment there is no sign that replacement valves will disappear yet, for a long while. HTH __________________ Mike.

7th Feb 2008, 6:07 pm	#8
camtechman Nonode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK. Posts: 2,552	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Thanks Mike, Now I've got the service manual for this model (from you know who), I'll be staring soon to take a look & take some measurements etc.

9th Feb 2008, 10:41 pm	#9
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? If the UL41 is in need of replacement, you can try a MAZDA 10P12. These are quite common. If you look at the circuit, the Control Grid (first grid) of the UL41 is linked to the Anode of the stage behind it (UBC41) with a capacitor. Check this or change it anyway. It is likely to be leaky and will damage the UL41. There's no danger from Electricity if you treat it with respect. Read and learn: http://www.vintage-radio.com/repair-...ion/index.html We're all here to help each other you know. And you can still get the valves as has already been stated. It wont be the last one you do.... Cheers, Steve P __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

10th Feb 2008, 11:33 am	#10
Richard Heptode Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Garnant, near Ammanford, South Wales, UK. Posts: 657	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Hi There are CV1977 (UL41) listed on Ebay at the moment, new boxed with a buy it now of £10. This is a good price for these. Not sure on rules re Ebay so wont post a link, and I have no conection with seller Richard. __________________ BVWS member.

11th Feb 2008, 4:53 pm	#11
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? It's Ok to post a link in these circumstances, so here it is: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=270207037559 __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

11th Feb 2008, 6:42 pm	#12
Tim Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 3,310	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? If this is a fifties Philips then the HT smoothing capacitors are likely suspects __________________ "Nothing is as dangerous as being too modern;one is apt to grow old fashioned quite suddenly."

12th Feb 2008, 10:45 am	#13
camtechman Nonode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK. Posts: 2,552	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? Many thanks all! Cheers, Tony

12th Feb 2008, 12:05 pm	#14
jim_jobe Heptode Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ripon, N.Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 782	Re: Numpty Question From A Newby: Where Can I Buy Valves? www.machmat.com/sales is an excellent supplier of valves in Holland who I have dealt with recently.He doesn't have any UL41s listed at the moment but an email to him might be worth the effort. Note that his prices are in Euros and so the valves are cheaper than they appear at first sight. He has a minimum order rate of,I think,25 Euros. Jim