Ferranti 146 overhaul. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Skywave · 28th Sep 2008, 10:14 pm

My usual 'line of activity' is comms. receivers & test equiment. However, about two weeks ago, a very scruffy Ferranti 146 was plonked in my hands. The previous owner was going to take it to the skip

, but said "since you like tinkering around with old radios, would you like this?"

Upon initial examination, it was in a very poor state - but nothing unusual. Repair work consisted of wholesale replacement of the wax capacitors & electrolytics; ECH35 & EF39; several Rs; tidy up & replacement of some wiring; re-alignment; replace mains cable; reset drive cord (was slipping); general removal of lots of dust & filth inside & outside the cabinet; re-spray front grille; polish cabinet.

On air-test, it performs very well (MW, LW and SW) using a 6 ft. length of wire for aerial.

This is not presented as a 'restoration; no attempt has been made to return it to 'concours condition', although parts have been used that look (in most cases) in-keeping with its vintage. To me, this is an extensive repair to return it to its original performance and a clean up of the casework. I am pleased with the result, so to me it is a "success story".

A few pics. follow. I haven't included many, since most of us know what a Ferranti 146 looks like inside.

(In the first pic., you can just make out my Racal RA-17 and Metcal soldering iron in the background.)

Al. / Skywave

jjl · 28th Sep 2008, 11:01 pm

Hello Al

I like the Ferranti 146. In my opinion, it looks and sounds like a proper wireless.
I came across the example I have about 12 years ago at a car boot sale at Brighton station just when I was starting to get back into collecting old radios.
My set had a poor connection to the metallised screening of the EF39 IF amp causing howling instability, and crumbling inner and outer insulation of the screened lead to the grid of the EBC33 triode causing unpleasant loud crackling and occasional periods of silence.

John

Skywave · 28th Sep 2008, 11:47 pm

Hi!
Yes, the deterioration of the metallized screening on EF39s seems very common; I meet it more often in old comms. receivers. I had the same fault as you describe on this set; recognised it straight away. Strange how I rarely find this problem on ECH35s though. Does the EF39 run hotter? Or?
Talking of which, I had no end of trouble trying to get the aerial / oscillator tuning to track on this Ferranti - until I changed the ECH35. This was a new one for me. But there hangs half the fun of doing what we do, eh?

Al.

28th Sep 2008, 10:14 pm	#1
Skywave Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK. Posts: 7,457	Ferranti 146 overhaul. My usual 'line of activity' is comms. receivers & test equiment. However, about two weeks ago, a very scruffy Ferranti 146 was plonked in my hands. The previous owner was going to take it to the skip , but said "since you like tinkering around with old radios, would you like this?" Upon initial examination, it was in a very poor state - but nothing unusual. Repair work consisted of wholesale replacement of the wax capacitors & electrolytics; ECH35 & EF39; several Rs; tidy up & replacement of some wiring; re-alignment; replace mains cable; reset drive cord (was slipping); general removal of lots of dust & filth inside & outside the cabinet; re-spray front grille; polish cabinet. On air-test, it performs very well (MW, LW and SW) using a 6 ft. length of wire for aerial. This is not presented as a 'restoration; no attempt has been made to return it to 'concours condition', although parts have been used that look (in most cases) in-keeping with its vintage. To me, this is an extensive repair to return it to its original performance and a clean up of the casework. I am pleased with the result, so to me it is a "success story". A few pics. follow. I haven't included many, since most of us know what a Ferranti 146 looks like inside. (In the first pic., you can just make out my Racal RA-17 and Metcal soldering iron in the background.) Al. / Skywave Attached Thumbnails

28th Sep 2008, 11:01 pm	#2
jjl Octode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ware, Herts. UK. Posts: 1,082	Re: Ferranti 146 overhaul. Hello Al I like the Ferranti 146. In my opinion, it looks and sounds like a proper wireless. I came across the example I have about 12 years ago at a car boot sale at Brighton station just when I was starting to get back into collecting old radios. My set had a poor connection to the metallised screening of the EF39 IF amp causing howling instability, and crumbling inner and outer insulation of the screened lead to the grid of the EBC33 triode causing unpleasant loud crackling and occasional periods of silence. John

28th Sep 2008, 11:47 pm	#3
Skywave Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK. Posts: 7,457	Re: Ferranti 146 overhaul. Hi! Yes, the deterioration of the metallized screening on EF39s seems very common; I meet it more often in old comms. receivers. I had the same fault as you describe on this set; recognised it straight away. Strange how I rarely find this problem on ECH35s though. Does the EF39 run hotter? Or? Talking of which, I had no end of trouble trying to get the aerial / oscillator tuning to track on this Ferranti - until I changed the ECH35. This was a new one for me. But there hangs half the fun of doing what we do, eh? Al.