Cr100 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

2E1CIH Mike · 24th Oct 2011, 8:16 pm

Hi, Could anyone advise me as to whether a CR100 would be a realistic candidate for restoration for one (such as me) with limited experience, but having lots of enthusiasm and patience? Are there any common difficulties, and are parts obtainable please?
I would be grateful for any advice. I was thinking of restoring an HRO, but have been offered a CR100.
Many thanks.....Mike

g4aaw pete · 24th Oct 2011, 8:47 pm

Hello Mike

CR100s are always worth a go. The tubular, ‘bolt-on’ capacitors will usually all need to be changed.
From memory, 25 – 30 of them, all 0.1uF 450v. I used the polystyrene ‘block’ type because they were available, and could be bolted to the chassis using tags.
The resistors often will be high in value, and will need to be replaced.
The cord drive for the band-change drum has a habit of breaking.
To work on them, I found it easiest to remove the case and front cover, and bolt four up-rights to each corner of the chassis, so it could be turned upside down to work on the chassis underside. This can be seen on the CR100 adorning the floor of my workshop.
I like working on them, but you can have too many !

Good luck
Pete

ms660 · 24th Oct 2011, 8:55 pm

Hello Pete, the temporary legs idea is good.

Lawrence.

PJL · 24th Oct 2011, 8:56 pm

It has the advantage of an onboard PSU but the dissadvantage that you will require 6 months training before you can lift it.

Pretty easy to work on. It really needs a wobbulator to align the IF. Usual paper capacitor problems and drifted resistors. I haven't heard of any common problems but others may know more.

M0FYA Andy · 25th Oct 2011, 7:36 am

Brittle rubber wiring insulation is a common problem.
Andy

Alan Stepney · 25th Oct 2011, 7:51 am

When working, the CR 100 perfoms well and is worth having as a receiver, even in today's conditions.

One thing is for sure, take the time to restore it and at the end, you will know far more about them, and receivers in general, than you do at the start!

onewatt · 25th Oct 2011, 6:19 pm

I too have a cr100 wip (well 4 actually). IF/RF coils are giving me grief on No1 and I won't move on to number 2 until 1 is finished, but I have managed to pick up some spares at a few of chas's auctions.

Why not bring it to the AR88 convention in Cottered in a few weeks time. I have a manual if you've not got one, although I think VMARS has one listed.

It's all relative to be honest, I like boatanchors, yes they all have there points, some good some bad but mostly we're talking technology thats 60+years old - in it's day it was all cutting edge and all had it's part to play in shaping the way we communicate today.

It will be a good start and there's plenty of help on hear to guide you.

Go for it!

Onewatt

2E1CIH Mike · 25th Oct 2011, 7:07 pm

Many thanks to all. I am very grateful for your comments.
I like the idea of taking my time and using the experience to learn.....good one!
Kind regards......Mike

M0ALK Richard · 26th Oct 2011, 2:45 pm

I have a CR100 in which the mains transformer went open circuit. Someone told me that this was a fairly common problem with them. However if anyone has a collection of CR100s where the transformers are OK but everything else is useless I am on the lookout for one.

HamishBoxer · 26th Oct 2011, 4:00 pm

Hi Richard,might be worth an advert under parts wanted.

David GM8JET

MichaelR · 26th Oct 2011, 4:59 pm

Or you could have a word with Ed Dinning , he may be able to rewind you your transformer.

Mike

24th Oct 2011, 8:16 pm	#1
2E1CIH Mike Triode Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 43	Cr100 Hi, Could anyone advise me as to whether a CR100 would be a realistic candidate for restoration for one (such as me) with limited experience, but having lots of enthusiasm and patience? Are there any common difficulties, and are parts obtainable please? I would be grateful for any advice. I was thinking of restoring an HRO, but have been offered a CR100. Many thanks.....Mike

24th Oct 2011, 8:47 pm	#2
g4aaw pete Heptode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Birchington Kent, UK. Posts: 596	Re: Cr100 Hello Mike CR100s are always worth a go. The tubular, ‘bolt-on’ capacitors will usually all need to be changed. From memory, 25 – 30 of them, all 0.1uF 450v. I used the polystyrene ‘block’ type because they were available, and could be bolted to the chassis using tags. The resistors often will be high in value, and will need to be replaced. The cord drive for the band-change drum has a habit of breaking. To work on them, I found it easiest to remove the case and front cover, and bolt four up-rights to each corner of the chassis, so it could be turned upside down to work on the chassis underside. This can be seen on the CR100 adorning the floor of my workshop. I like working on them, but you can have too many ! Good luck Pete Attached Thumbnails

24th Oct 2011, 8:55 pm	#3
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Cr100 Hello Pete, the temporary legs idea is good. Lawrence.

24th Oct 2011, 8:56 pm	#4
PJL Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seaford, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 5,997	Re: Cr100 It has the advantage of an onboard PSU but the dissadvantage that you will require 6 months training before you can lift it. Pretty easy to work on. It really needs a wobbulator to align the IF. Usual paper capacitor problems and drifted resistors. I haven't heard of any common problems but others may know more.

25th Oct 2011, 7:36 am	#5
M0FYA Andy Nonode Join Date: May 2007 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 2,511	Re: Cr100 Brittle rubber wiring insulation is a common problem. Andy

25th Oct 2011, 7:51 am	#6
Alan Stepney Rest in Peace Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dorset, UK. Posts: 947	Re: Cr100 When working, the CR 100 perfoms well and is worth having as a receiver, even in today's conditions. One thing is for sure, take the time to restore it and at the end, you will know far more about them, and receivers in general, than you do at the start!

25th Oct 2011, 6:19 pm	#7
onewatt Hexode Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Buntingford, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 362	Re: Cr100 I too have a cr100 wip (well 4 actually). IF/RF coils are giving me grief on No1 and I won't move on to number 2 until 1 is finished, but I have managed to pick up some spares at a few of chas's auctions. Why not bring it to the AR88 convention in Cottered in a few weeks time. I have a manual if you've not got one, although I think VMARS has one listed. It's all relative to be honest, I like boatanchors, yes they all have there points, some good some bad but mostly we're talking technology thats 60+years old - in it's day it was all cutting edge and all had it's part to play in shaping the way we communicate today. It will be a good start and there's plenty of help on hear to guide you. Go for it! Onewatt __________________ BVWS, VMARS, RSGB, DEHS, RAOTA Nothings too big or too heavy, otherwise it wouldn't be where it is!

25th Oct 2011, 7:07 pm	#8
2E1CIH Mike Triode Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 43	Re: Cr100 Many thanks to all. I am very grateful for your comments. I like the idea of taking my time and using the experience to learn.....good one! Kind regards......Mike

26th Oct 2011, 2:45 pm	#9
M0ALK Richard Tetrode Join Date: May 2008 Location: Huntingdon, UK. Posts: 78	Re: Cr100 I have a CR100 in which the mains transformer went open circuit. Someone told me that this was a fairly common problem with them. However if anyone has a collection of CR100s where the transformers are OK but everything else is useless I am on the lookout for one.

26th Oct 2011, 4:00 pm	#10
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,932	Re: Cr100 Hi Richard,might be worth an advert under parts wanted. David GM8JET

26th Oct 2011, 4:59 pm	#11
MichaelR Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,587	Re: Cr100 Or you could have a word with Ed Dinning , he may be able to rewind you your transformer. Mike