Bush VTR103 VHF volume question - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

rigsby27 · 15th Sep 2006, 5:53 pm

Hello all,

I have just aquired my latest radio, a Bush VTR103 it's a bit grubby but it is complete including the rather long aerial (without any damage) I would guess that's rare.

The radio is working well on MW/LW with good volume but on VHF it is much quieter, it's not distorted, I wondered if this is normal or am I looking at a fault?

Thanks for your time.
Tony.

Robert Darwent · 15th Sep 2006, 5:59 pm

Hi Tony,

My VTR103 is exactly the same. Also read on this forum, but can't remember exactly which thread, that this is normal on VHF for this model compared to MW/LW. So shouldn't worry too much about it being due to a circuit fault.

Regards,
Robert

GJR 11L · 15th Sep 2006, 6:06 pm

HI, I would expect VHF to be a little less bass-rich than the am bands, but only a wee bit quieter if the brace of VTR103Cs here are any guide.

They're not quite so sensitive as a dearer, more modern or German/Danish/Norwegian FM receiver of the period though, though I'm blessed with great FM reception here in general terms.

If your set does have an FM fault, then at least the module on these is an easy one to remove, repair and replace.

Is the lower level on VHF accompanied by a background hiss, or is it just generally quieter?

Regards,

JPB

tivo · 15th Sep 2006, 7:05 pm

I've just tried my VTR103 and can confirm VHF does appear somewhat more quiet than either MW or LW.

There is far less "interference" on VHF (which may account for some of the perception of quietness) but I find I have to turn the volume up a little to retain the same comfortable listening level as on LW.

howard · 15th Sep 2006, 7:20 pm

Hello,

I have six VTR103s and they are all quieter on VHF than MW/LW even the one which trev757 put all new caps in and has had transistors replaced.

Howard

rigsby27 · 16th Sep 2006, 4:45 pm

Hi,

Thanks for all the comments, it would seem I don't have a fault then, I had a gut feeling it was normal but I thought I'd check.

So, I just need to get the foam cleaner and old toothbrush on the go.

Cheers,
Tony.

15th Sep 2006, 5:53 pm	#1
rigsby27 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 64	Bush VTR103 VHF volume question Hello all, I have just aquired my latest radio, a Bush VTR103 it's a bit grubby but it is complete including the rather long aerial (without any damage) I would guess that's rare. The radio is working well on MW/LW with good volume but on VHF it is much quieter, it's not distorted, I wondered if this is normal or am I looking at a fault? Thanks for your time. Tony. Last edited by Darren-UK; 15th Jul 2011 at 2:03 pm.

15th Sep 2006, 5:59 pm	#2
Robert Darwent Heptode Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK Posts: 990	Re: Bush VTR 103 VHF volume question Hi Tony, My VTR103 is exactly the same. Also read on this forum, but can't remember exactly which thread, that this is normal on VHF for this model compared to MW/LW. So shouldn't worry too much about it being due to a circuit fault. Regards, Robert

15th Sep 2006, 6:06 pm	#3
GJR 11L Heptode Join Date: May 2004 Location: Ellington, Northumberland, UK. Posts: 815	Re: Bush VTR 103 VHF volume question HI, I would expect VHF to be a little less bass-rich than the am bands, but only a wee bit quieter if the brace of VTR103Cs here are any guide. They're not quite so sensitive as a dearer, more modern or German/Danish/Norwegian FM receiver of the period though, though I'm blessed with great FM reception here in general terms. If your set does have an FM fault, then at least the module on these is an easy one to remove, repair and replace. Is the lower level on VHF accompanied by a background hiss, or is it just generally quieter? Regards, JPB

15th Sep 2006, 7:05 pm	#4
tivo Triode Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: High Wycombe Posts: 12	Re: Bush VTR 103 VHF volume question I've just tried my VTR103 and can confirm VHF does appear somewhat more quiet than either MW or LW. There is far less "interference" on VHF (which may account for some of the perception of quietness) but I find I have to turn the volume up a little to retain the same comfortable listening level as on LW.

15th Sep 2006, 7:20 pm	#5
howard Nonode Join Date: May 2005 Location: Godalming, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,593	Re: Bush VTR 103 VHF volume question Hello, I have six VTR103s and they are all quieter on VHF than MW/LW even the one which trev757 put all new caps in and has had transistors replaced. Howard

16th Sep 2006, 4:45 pm	#6
rigsby27 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 64	Re: Bush VTR 103 VHF volume question Hi, Thanks for all the comments, it would seem I don't have a fault then, I had a gut feeling it was normal but I thought I'd check. So, I just need to get the foam cleaner and old toothbrush on the go. Cheers, Tony.