Baird 256 Battery - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

AndreHu · 27th Nov 2018, 7:10 pm

Hi Guys

I own a Baird 256 radio without battery and would like to bring it back to life.
My very poor understanding and knowledge of electronics and esp. older technology leaves me wondering what kind of battery it requires as I've never seen such a connector before (see picture). All I found online is that this model requires a 9V battery.
Before I can even wonder whether I need professional help fixing this radio, I need to start with a more basic question:
-Can I get it to run myself by simply buying the right battery (and if so what does that battery look like?) or do I need professional help here?

Thank you very much, I hope this post is acceptable in this thread.

André

Boater Sam · 27th Nov 2018, 7:32 pm

It was made to connect to either a 9v battery or a power unit number PP1 ( not the battery of the same number)

The battery negative goes to the on/off switch, the positive connects to the speaker, just follow the wires.
I think you will find that a PP9 battery fits across the two dissimilar connectors on that odd connector.

The service details and diagrams are on the Service Data list top right.

Mike. Watterson · 27th Nov 2018, 7:46 pm

A PP9 is still available (Try B&Q). It could be the wider space connections fit it and the closer connection (why two?) was for a smaller PP7 pack. (Not PP3 or PP6 as it's smaller snaps or the PP4 as it's each end)
These are all the 9V packs ever made for UK
http://www.blaukatz.com/tables/layer-batteries/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...izes#PP_series

So the strange connector is certainly to allow a choice of packs or for the "PP1" mains adaptor (shown in R&TVS page 50, 1962/63)

Herald1360 · 29th Nov 2018, 12:00 pm

The nearest B&Q might be a bit of a hike!

Over the hills and far away, even.

Refugee · 29th Nov 2018, 12:16 pm

Wilco also sell PP9s.

Station X · 29th Nov 2018, 12:38 pm

Do they trade in Switzerland?

Refugee · 29th Nov 2018, 12:55 pm

I doubt they are over there but there must be hardware stores that do have them in the bigger cities.

crackle · 29th Nov 2018, 2:59 pm

Ebay

Mike. Watterson · 1st Dec 2018, 6:18 pm

I use 6 x Alkaline AA cells in a replica boxes with PP9 connector (cheap on ebay) for some sets.
It's not quite as long life, but a lot cheaper. Some versions I use 4 way + 2 way .

AndreHu · 2nd Dec 2018, 2:44 pm

Thanks everyone for your help, glad to hear that also some of you find this connector a bit "odd"

I've ordered a PP9 from eBay and will see if that'll do the trick! *fingers crossed*

27th Nov 2018, 7:10 pm	#1
AndreHu Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Zurich, Switzerland. Posts: 2	Baird 256 Battery Hi Guys I own a Baird 256 radio without battery and would like to bring it back to life. My very poor understanding and knowledge of electronics and esp. older technology leaves me wondering what kind of battery it requires as I've never seen such a connector before (see picture). All I found online is that this model requires a 9V battery. Before I can even wonder whether I need professional help fixing this radio, I need to start with a more basic question: -Can I get it to run myself by simply buying the right battery (and if so what does that battery look like?) or do I need professional help here? Thank you very much, I hope this post is acceptable in this thread. André Attached Thumbnails

27th Nov 2018, 7:32 pm	#2
Boater Sam Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Middlewich, Cheshire, UK. & Winter in the Philippines. Posts: 3,897	Re: Baird 256 Battery It was made to connect to either a 9v battery or a power unit number PP1 ( not the battery of the same number) The battery negative goes to the on/off switch, the positive connects to the speaker, just follow the wires. I think you will find that a PP9 battery fits across the two dissimilar connectors on that odd connector. The service details and diagrams are on the Service Data list top right. Last edited by Boater Sam; 27th Nov 2018 at 7:34 pm. Reason: added

27th Nov 2018, 7:46 pm	#3
Mike. Watterson Heptode Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Limerick, Ireland. Posts: 901	Re: Baird 256 Battery A PP9 is still available (Try B&Q). It could be the wider space connections fit it and the closer connection (why two?) was for a smaller PP7 pack. (Not PP3 or PP6 as it's smaller snaps or the PP4 as it's each end) These are all the 9V packs ever made for UK http://www.blaukatz.com/tables/layer-batteries/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...izes#PP_series So the strange connector is certainly to allow a choice of packs or for the "PP1" mains adaptor (shown in R&TVS page 50, 1962/63)

29th Nov 2018, 12:00 pm	#4
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,536	Re: Baird 256 Battery The nearest B&Q might be a bit of a hike! Over the hills and far away, even. __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

29th Nov 2018, 12:16 pm	#5
Refugee Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK. Posts: 5,554	Re: Baird 256 Battery Wilco also sell PP9s.

29th Nov 2018, 12:38 pm	#6
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Baird 256 Battery Do they trade in Switzerland? __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

29th Nov 2018, 12:55 pm	#7
Refugee Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK. Posts: 5,554	Re: Baird 256 Battery I doubt they are over there but there must be hardware stores that do have them in the bigger cities.

29th Nov 2018, 2:59 pm	#8
crackle Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Basildon, Essex, UK. Posts: 4,100	Re: Baird 256 Battery Ebay

1st Dec 2018, 6:18 pm	#9
Mike. Watterson Heptode Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Limerick, Ireland. Posts: 901	Re: Baird 256 Battery I use 6 x Alkaline AA cells in a replica boxes with PP9 connector (cheap on ebay) for some sets. It's not quite as long life, but a lot cheaper. Some versions I use 4 way + 2 way .

2nd Dec 2018, 2:44 pm	#10
AndreHu Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Zurich, Switzerland. Posts: 2	Re: Baird 256 Battery Thanks everyone for your help, glad to hear that also some of you find this connector a bit "odd" I've ordered a PP9 from eBay and will see if that'll do the trick! fingers crossed