Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

NickyQuantick · 30th Oct 2022, 2:15 pm

I have a Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (model B815) which I remember from when I was growing up. I think it probably dates from the 1960’s and I can send photos if they'd be useful.
It doesn’t currently work and I’m keen to get it up and running if possible.
I googled and bought the type of batteries it would need (two 9V PP9’s), and although the batteries were physically too big to fit in the battery compartment in the radio, I attached the wires to the battery to see if I could get it to work. The batteries didn’t make any difference at all and actually caused a burning smell so I quickly disconnected them!
We have a monthly repair café here in Reigate and I took it there to see if they could help. The chap took it apart and spent ages trying to work out what the issue was and how to make it work. He discovered two burnt out resistors (which presumably had caused the smell), but because they were burnt he couldn’t tell which resistors they were, so he said it’s going to be difficult for me to replace them, and he said there might be other issues that weren't immediately apparent, so he couldn't really help.
I just wondered if there's anybody out there that would be able to repair this for me, or can point me in the direction of somebody else that may be able to help?
I'm completely untechy and have no idea where to start so any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks, Nicky

ronbryan · 30th Oct 2022, 3:43 pm

Can you bring it to Guildford? I can have a look at it if you can leave it with me.

If you are on a limited budget, you really have to want to have a MW and LW only set repaired, as parts are quite expensive now and a repair is not a 5 minute job. Also there is so little on those wavebands that is not spoiled by interference from local electronic sources that a different similar set that had FM (e.g. Murphy B831) would be more use.

Ron

Radiocruncher · 30th Oct 2022, 8:14 pm

Hi Nicky

This radio has a few AF117 transistors in which is likely to be the problem. They will need changing or zapping. I do have one here somewhere. I can look at it for you.

Regards

Graham

Simon Gittins · 31st Oct 2022, 11:45 am

Having the service data might help at the repair café. It's available from the link at the top of this page, the Manufacturer's one is likely to be the best.
https://www.service-data.com/product...89/5220/m19989

NickyQuantick · 1st Nov 2022, 4:14 pm

Simon, thanks so much for the link. Actually I recognise it from something that the chap at the cafe found online when I was there. He was looking at a diagram of the circuit board but unfortunately couldn't find the info he needed from it to help. Thanks, so much for your message though - I really appreciate it.

NickyQuantick · 1st Nov 2022, 4:25 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radiocruncher

Hi Nicky

This radio has a few AF117 transistors in which is likely to be the problem. They will need changing or zapping. I do have one here somewhere. I can look at it for you.

Regards

Graham

Hi Graham
Thanks so much for your reply. However as I think you're in Torrington and I'm in Reigate in Surrey, I'm not sure how practical it would be to get the radio to you.
I appreciate the offer though.
Best wishes
Nicky

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronbryan

Can you bring it to Guildford? I can have a look at it if you can leave it with me.

If you are on a limited budget, you really have to want to have a MW and LW only set repaired, as parts are quite expensive now and a repair is not a 5 minute job. Also there is so little on those wavebands that is not spoiled by interference from local electronic sources that a different similar set that had FM (e.g. Murphy B831) would be more use.

Ron

Hi Ron
As I'm only in Reigate it would be possible for me to get it over to you in Guildford at some point. I'm not entirely sure what you mean about the different wavebands etc, but I'd very much like to take you up on your offer to have a look at it. Do you have a number I could call you on to arrange a time that I could come in the next few weeks?
With many thanks and best wishes
Nicky

ronbryan · 2nd Nov 2022, 9:38 am

Nicky

I have sent you a private message with contact details.

Ron

30th Oct 2022, 2:15 pm	#1
NickyQuantick Diode Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Reigate, Surrey, UK. Posts: 3	Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. I have a Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (model B815) which I remember from when I was growing up. I think it probably dates from the 1960’s and I can send photos if they'd be useful. It doesn’t currently work and I’m keen to get it up and running if possible. I googled and bought the type of batteries it would need (two 9V PP9’s), and although the batteries were physically too big to fit in the battery compartment in the radio, I attached the wires to the battery to see if I could get it to work. The batteries didn’t make any difference at all and actually caused a burning smell so I quickly disconnected them! We have a monthly repair café here in Reigate and I took it there to see if they could help. The chap took it apart and spent ages trying to work out what the issue was and how to make it work. He discovered two burnt out resistors (which presumably had caused the smell), but because they were burnt he couldn’t tell which resistors they were, so he said it’s going to be difficult for me to replace them, and he said there might be other issues that weren't immediately apparent, so he couldn't really help. I just wondered if there's anybody out there that would be able to repair this for me, or can point me in the direction of somebody else that may be able to help? I'm completely untechy and have no idea where to start so any help would be hugely appreciated. Thanks, Nicky

30th Oct 2022, 3:43 pm	#2
ronbryan Octode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,893	Re: Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. Can you bring it to Guildford? I can have a look at it if you can leave it with me. If you are on a limited budget, you really have to want to have a MW and LW only set repaired, as parts are quite expensive now and a repair is not a 5 minute job. Also there is so little on those wavebands that is not spoiled by interference from local electronic sources that a different similar set that had FM (e.g. Murphy B831) would be more use. Ron

30th Oct 2022, 8:14 pm	#3
Radiocruncher Hexode Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Torrington, Devon UK. Posts: 445	Re: Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. Hi Nicky This radio has a few AF117 transistors in which is likely to be the problem. They will need changing or zapping. I do have one here somewhere. I can look at it for you. Regards Graham

31st Oct 2022, 11:45 am	#4
Simon Gittins Hexode Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 434	Re: Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. Having the service data might help at the repair café. It's available from the link at the top of this page, the Manufacturer's one is likely to be the best. https://www.service-data.com/product...89/5220/m19989

1st Nov 2022, 4:14 pm	#5
NickyQuantick Diode Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Reigate, Surrey, UK. Posts: 3	Re: Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. Simon, thanks so much for the link. Actually I recognise it from something that the chap at the cafe found online when I was there. He was looking at a diagram of the circuit board but unfortunately couldn't find the info he needed from it to help. Thanks, so much for your message though - I really appreciate it.

2nd Nov 2022, 9:38 am	#7
ronbryan Octode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,893	Re: Murphy Transistor 10 Radio (B815) Repair Enquiry. Nicky I have sent you a private message with contact details. Ron