At long last, a Murphy A186 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Nanozeugma · 6th Jul 2018, 2:08 pm

I managed to acquire a Murphy A186 to add to the collection.
It's in original unmolested condition and actually works.
The cabinet will need attention in time, the 6M1 is dim and the usual suspects will be replaced in due course.
All in all, not bad for a tenner. Had to drive to Somerset to get it though

- needs must.

camtechman · 6th Jul 2018, 2:12 pm

Very nice radio. I'm envious

cathoderay57 · 6th Jul 2018, 3:42 pm

I also have one and it works nicely. You can get a 6E5GT magic eye off eBay (new for £15 + postage) but make sure you get the one with the octal base. It is a plug and play replacement for the 6M1. If you do find a 6M1 it will probably be dimmer than yours or else costing gazillions.

Cheers, Jerry

music-centre · 6th Jul 2018, 11:31 pm

I like these sets, an attractive looking model and work well.
One possible weakness is the output transformer, both the one I have now and another I had years ago had open circuit windings so I would give it a check over before use.
Steve.

Nanozeugma · 7th Jul 2018, 12:26 pm

I must have been lucky Steve, the output transformer is fine.

MurphyNut · 9th Jul 2018, 10:26 am

Nice set, not got one in my collection yet. It must be one of the first Murphy sets to use a metal speaker grill.

Nickthedentist · 9th Jul 2018, 11:28 am

I must dig mine out.

I bought it for £15 from a junk shop in the Bristol Road in Birmingham when I was a student in 1994. It looked mint though the cabinet finish has suffered a little in storage and several house moves.

It worked last time I used it, and had never had any work done to it as far as I can tell.

N.

Tractionist · 9th Jul 2018, 1:57 pm

Very niiiiiiiiiiiiice! Well worth the drive eh?

Nanozeugma · 16th Jul 2018, 4:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cathoderay57

I also have one and it works nicely. You can get a 6E5GT magic eye off eBay (new for £15 + postage) but make sure you get the one with the octal base. It is a plug and play replacement for the 6M1. If you do find a 6M1 it will probably be dimmer than yours or else costing gazillions.

Two off, Italian made 6E5GT obtained from eBay and duly fitted into their new hosts

Thanks for the heads up.

Nanozeugma · 16th Jul 2018, 4:33 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionist

Very niiiiiiiiiiiiice! Well worth the drive eh?

Yes, a rather productive round trip, collected a 188C from Stroud, and overnighter and a nice dinner in a pub in Trull then on to Crewkerne for the 186. All in all a pleasant couple of days (except for the heat, but that's another story)

6th Jul 2018, 2:08 pm	#1
Nanozeugma Heptode Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: London, UK. Bury, Lancashire quite regularly :) Posts: 611	At long last, a Murphy A186 I managed to acquire a Murphy A186 to add to the collection. It's in original unmolested condition and actually works. The cabinet will need attention in time, the 6M1 is dim and the usual suspects will be replaced in due course. All in all, not bad for a tenner. Had to drive to Somerset to get it though - needs must. Attached Thumbnails

6th Jul 2018, 2:12 pm	#2
camtechman Nonode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK. Posts: 2,552	Re: At long last... Very nice radio. I'm envious __________________ When I die, please don't let my Wife sell my collection for the amount I told her I paid for it!

6th Jul 2018, 3:42 pm	#3
cathoderay57 Nonode Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 2,386	Re: At long last... I also have one and it works nicely. You can get a 6E5GT magic eye off eBay (new for £15 + postage) but make sure you get the one with the octal base. It is a plug and play replacement for the 6M1. If you do find a 6M1 it will probably be dimmer than yours or else costing gazillions. Cheers, Jerry

6th Jul 2018, 11:31 pm	#4
music-centre Heptode Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK. Posts: 687	Re: At long last, a Murphy A186 I like these sets, an attractive looking model and work well. One possible weakness is the output transformer, both the one I have now and another I had years ago had open circuit windings so I would give it a check over before use. Steve.

7th Jul 2018, 12:26 pm	#5
Nanozeugma Heptode Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: London, UK. Bury, Lancashire quite regularly :) Posts: 611	Re: At long last, a Murphy A186 I must have been lucky Steve, the output transformer is fine.

9th Jul 2018, 10:26 am	#6
MurphyNut Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 979	Re: At long last, a Murphy A186 Nice set, not got one in my collection yet. It must be one of the first Murphy sets to use a metal speaker grill. __________________ Clive

9th Jul 2018, 11:28 am	#7
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,861	Re: At long last, a Murphy A186 I must dig mine out. I bought it for £15 from a junk shop in the Bristol Road in Birmingham when I was a student in 1994. It looked mint though the cabinet finish has suffered a little in storage and several house moves. It worked last time I used it, and had never had any work done to it as far as I can tell. N.

9th Jul 2018, 1:57 pm	#8
Tractionist Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 875	Re: At long last, a Murphy A186 Very niiiiiiiiiiiiice! Well worth the drive eh? __________________ Red to red, black to black. Throw the switch and stand well back!