HMV 1115 dropper - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ManxDave · 8th Dec 2017, 11:47 am

I was asked to repair a snapped drive cord and lamps on this HMV. I also changed critical caps and noticed the mains was on the 210V tag on the dropper. I moved it to 240V ( my mains is 246V ).
This is my first AC/DC repair and was wondering if the stressed looking winding on the dropper is safe to leave, see photo? The radio is working fine.

Nickthedentist · 8th Dec 2017, 12:27 pm

Not really, IMHO.

I'd replace all connections to the dropper with modern, heat-resistant wire. Silicone-insulated stuff is readily available in a range of colours and is quite good in this respect, as well as being nice and supple and looking more authentic than PVC.

Nick.

Boater Sam · 8th Dec 2017, 1:02 pm

It will be as 'safe' as it ever was. Do you mean will it last? Mmmm, how long is a piece of string?
Its probably better than a stack of polo mint resistors hanging in fresh air.

HamishBoxer · 8th Dec 2017, 1:06 pm

The dropper will no doubt be fine but not the rubber wiring.

Nickthedentist · 8th Dec 2017, 1:22 pm

I'm not sure I like the blue PVC wire going to the third tag up either, but it really depends how hot it gets - I'm not familiar with this set.

ManxDave · 8th Dec 2017, 1:43 pm

Thanks to all. This small set gets very hot. I'll replace all that wiring with appropriate heat resistant wiring.

8th Dec 2017, 11:47 am	#1
ManxDave Tetrode Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Isle of Man Posts: 86	HMV 1115 dropper I was asked to repair a snapped drive cord and lamps on this HMV. I also changed critical caps and noticed the mains was on the 210V tag on the dropper. I moved it to 240V ( my mains is 246V ). This is my first AC/DC repair and was wondering if the stressed looking winding on the dropper is safe to leave, see photo? The radio is working fine. Attached Thumbnails

8th Dec 2017, 12:27 pm	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,854	Re: HMV 1115 dropper Not really, IMHO. I'd replace all connections to the dropper with modern, heat-resistant wire. Silicone-insulated stuff is readily available in a range of colours and is quite good in this respect, as well as being nice and supple and looking more authentic than PVC. Nick.

8th Dec 2017, 1:02 pm	#3
Boater Sam Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Middlewich, Cheshire, UK. & Winter in the Philippines. Posts: 3,897	Re: HMV 1115 dropper It will be as 'safe' as it ever was. Do you mean will it last? Mmmm, how long is a piece of string? Its probably better than a stack of polo mint resistors hanging in fresh air.

8th Dec 2017, 1:06 pm	#4
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,935	Re: HMV 1115 dropper The dropper will no doubt be fine but not the rubber wiring. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

8th Dec 2017, 1:22 pm	#5
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,854	Re: HMV 1115 dropper I'm not sure I like the blue PVC wire going to the third tag up either, but it really depends how hot it gets - I'm not familiar with this set.

8th Dec 2017, 1:43 pm	#6
ManxDave Tetrode Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Isle of Man Posts: 86	Re: HMV 1115 dropper Thanks to all. This small set gets very hot. I'll replace all that wiring with appropriate heat resistant wiring.