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Success Stories If you have successfully repaired or restored a piece of equipment, why not write up what you did and post details here. Particularly if it was interesting, unusual or challenging. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE!

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Old 25th May 2017, 11:23 pm   #1
Colin Ames
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Default Ever Ready Sky Casket

I saw this radio in an antique store in Cardiff when on holiday last year, and thought it unusual enough to take a gamble on it. It was in poor shape cosmetically, with the covering frayed at the edges, one knob incorrect, and just generally looking sad. When I removed it from its case I had a horrible feeling that the valves wouldn't be any good, because the HT and LT wires were twisted together. Sure enough, all four valves were bad. I purchased the service data from this site, and found earlier posts about this radio that helped to identify the power supply wire colours. I also asked a couple of questions in the relevant forum, and got some help, for which I am most grateful.

The electrical repair consisted of replacing all of the Hunts capacitors, plus the one electrolytic, and of course all four valves, which I was fortunate to find. I also cleaned the wave change switch. I connected 10 9 volt batteries in series for the HT, connected them to the radio along with a 1.5V LT supply, and it worked. Very pleased! I carried out an alignment, and that side of the job was done.

As far as the cosmetics are concerned, I scrubbed the case with a spray cleaner and toothbrush, and it lightened it up considerably. I glued the frayed edges with a white (PVA?) glue. I used Brasso on the metal fittings, and replaced all screws with new brass ones. I removed the speaker from the lid, and then removed the grill cloth from the baffle board. I tried to clean it, but it was stained too badly. it is better than it was, but not perfect.

All in all, I don't think it turned out too badly for my first valve portable project. I have attached photos showing the difference in colour before and after cleaning.
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Old 26th May 2017, 7:44 am   #2
Phil G4SPZ
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Default Re: Ever Ready Sky Casket

Well done, Colin. You've done a very good job on that cabinet. These battery valve portables are sensitive and can give very good performance.
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Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts
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Old 26th May 2017, 10:47 am   #3
kalee20
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Default Re: Ever Ready Sky Casket

Good effort!

A radio saved, a few hours of fun, and lots of listening pleasure ahead!

Agree Phil, the standard 4-valve battery superhet is a good, stable, sensitive circuit.
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Old 26th May 2017, 12:32 pm   #4
ajs37
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Default Re: Ever Ready Sky Casket

Well done Colin - I have a couple of these in the 'roundtuit' pile, which doesn't seem to be getting any smaller
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Old 26th May 2017, 3:32 pm   #5
Colin Ames
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Default Re: Ever Ready Sky Casket

Thank you all for the positive comments. It was a fun project, that's for sure.

Colin
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