Internal antenna - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

pauldogs_0 · 7th Jun 2021, 2:22 am

Hi, I have a small collection of classic radios, to which I might be adding a 1960's Sobell transistor. Unfortunately the seller said that it wont tune to anything because the internal antenna comes apart. If I get the radio, can I get a replacement antenna somewhere please? Also, how can an antenna be replaced?

Station X · 7th Jun 2021, 8:41 am

Transistor radios generally had a ferrite rod aerial ie a number of coils of wire wound on a ferrite rod of around 3/8" diameter.

I'm not sure what's meant by "internal aerial comes apart. If the ferrite rod is broken it may be possible to glue the broken parts together. If the coils are open circuit it may be possible to rewind them.

The fact you've asked this question suggests you're a beginner and without further information I suggest you give this set a wide berth.

ms660 · 7th Jun 2021, 10:26 am

It might be a telescopic antenna in which case it's only needed for short wave not medium wave or long wave, eg:

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/sobell_s314.html

Lawrence.

Herald1360 · 7th Jun 2021, 12:58 pm

If it is a set like that, there's also potential tin whiskers to contend with in the AF11x transistors

Station X · 7th Jun 2021, 1:58 pm

The set's on eBay complete with AF11X's, the telescopic aerial looks OK, but it's not extended.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184870952...YAAOSwP2xgs2de

buggies · 7th Jun 2021, 6:28 pm

That ebay one has the info:-
"Aerial all there but it does come apart on one section"
So sounds like the telescopic whip which should not be a major problem.

AF11x more likely would cause some grief.

Sideband · 7th Jun 2021, 7:36 pm

Yes agreed. The telescopic aerial will only be for SW so medium and longwave not affected...and the ferrite rod looks to be in good condition. More likely it doesn't work because of one or more of the AF117's. Easy fix but probably not by the OP.

Station X · 7th Jun 2021, 8:12 pm

I know I started it, but I think we'd better stop discussing this eBay item.

The OP should now have sufficient information to help him to decide whether to buy it.

7th Jun 2021, 2:22 am	#1
pauldogs_0 Diode Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK. Posts: 4	Internal antenna Hi, I have a small collection of classic radios, to which I might be adding a 1960's Sobell transistor. Unfortunately the seller said that it wont tune to anything because the internal antenna comes apart. If I get the radio, can I get a replacement antenna somewhere please? Also, how can an antenna be replaced?

7th Jun 2021, 8:41 am	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Internal antenna Transistor radios generally had a ferrite rod aerial ie a number of coils of wire wound on a ferrite rod of around 3/8" diameter. I'm not sure what's meant by "internal aerial comes apart. If the ferrite rod is broken it may be possible to glue the broken parts together. If the coils are open circuit it may be possible to rewind them. The fact you've asked this question suggests you're a beginner and without further information I suggest you give this set a wide berth. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

7th Jun 2021, 10:26 am	#3
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Internal antenna It might be a telescopic antenna in which case it's only needed for short wave not medium wave or long wave, eg: https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/sobell_s314.html Lawrence. Last edited by ms660; 7th Jun 2021 at 10:37 am. Reason: link added

7th Jun 2021, 12:58 pm	#4
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,536	Re: Internal antenna If it is a set like that, there's also potential tin whiskers to contend with in the AF11x transistors __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

7th Jun 2021, 1:58 pm	#5
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Internal antenna The set's on eBay complete with AF11X's, the telescopic aerial looks OK, but it's not extended. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184870952...YAAOSwP2xgs2de __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

7th Jun 2021, 6:28 pm	#6
buggies Heptode Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Lothian, UK. Posts: 762	Re: Internal antenna That ebay one has the info:- "Aerial all there but it does come apart on one section" So sounds like the telescopic whip which should not be a major problem. AF11x more likely would cause some grief. __________________ George

7th Jun 2021, 7:36 pm	#7
Sideband Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK. Posts: 7,580	Re: Internal antenna Yes agreed. The telescopic aerial will only be for SW so medium and longwave not affected...and the ferrite rod looks to be in good condition. More likely it doesn't work because of one or more of the AF117's. Easy fix but probably not by the OP. __________________ There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....

7th Jun 2021, 8:12 pm	#8
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Internal antenna I know I started it, but I think we'd better stop discussing this eBay item. The OP should now have sufficient information to help him to decide whether to buy it. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.