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General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc. |
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9th Jan 2016, 5:40 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 2
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Repairing a broken tuning cable
Hello, I'm trying to find out if it is possible to get repairs these days, on the tuning pulley cable inside a portable radio. I apologise for being uncertain of the technical term for this item, but it is a kind of pulley system inside the radio, for moving the tuning dial through the wavelengths, when the control knob is turned.
Many years ago, when I opened the back of my late 1970s ITT Polo 109 radio (http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/itt_gra..._52131017.html) I accidentally snagged the cable and broke it. Although I managed to glue it together, it has always struggled to move past certain points, especially when the weather is cold. I'd like to have the radio repaired, as it was given to me on my 11th birthday in 1978 and has been through life's ups and downs with me. What concerns me however, is whether I'd find anyone who is actually skilled at doing this work, as more recent radios don't appear to contain this system. Thanks. |
9th Jan 2016, 5:43 pm | #2 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,784
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Re: Repairing a broken tuning cable
Are you looking for a repairer in Thailand?
You can replace the tuning cord with monofilament nylon fishing line. |
9th Jan 2016, 5:59 pm | #3 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 2
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Re: Repairing a broken tuning cable
Thanks for replying. I'm not too keen on having the radio touched in Thailand, as service standards and the perception of what counts as acceptable standards, are generally extremely low here. So no, it would go back to Europe.
From what I can remember of the time that I repaired the tuning cord, it felt rather like a form of fibre-glass material. And I also remember that when glued, it bonded extremely well. That was back in 1985. I recall that it was quite a tricky thing to get it right. I think that the dial was incorrect, in relation to the actual frequency for some time until I had another attempt at it. So, it's perhaps not best that I attempt it myself! |
9th Jan 2016, 8:12 pm | #4 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Repairing a broken tuning cable
They can be a bit tricky but it is all visible, and with a bit of care and patience you can do it. Don't get frustrated though, have a cup of tea and return.
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