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General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc. |
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#1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK.
Posts: 595
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With the help of many on here, I will have completed the restoration of two Philips N4308 tape decks within the next couple of weeks (assuming the /85 plays tapes when put back together).
So my question is should I stick to restoring tape decks or should I try my hand at something different? All suggestions are welcome as long as the initial cost of the equipment is reasonable. I'm ok with the mechanical tasks but have very limited electronic experience but maybe I should at least try and be a little more adventurous ![]() Thank you. |
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#2 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,788
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You could try a 1950s AM radio. They don't cost much and you may even be able to sell it on at a profit if you don't want to keep it, though it won't pay for your time at anything like a commercial rate. You'll learn lots about valve electronics in the process. Forum members often have suitable sets for disposal for little money or even FOC if you can collect.
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#3 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 13,953
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Yes, I'd suggest something like a Pye P75. It's really simple and has a proper mains-transformer which means you're less-likely to kill yourself than with an AC/DC 'live chassis' radio.
[Problem is, once you've got it working to original-specification, there~s really not a lot of stuff on medium/long-wave worth listening to any more] |
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#4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
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Advice: avoid test gear. It’s a black hole of nightmares that should remain unseen
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#5 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,788
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Agreed, test gear of any sophistication is professional equipment which needs specialist expertise to repair and service. In particular, you should avoid vintage valve oscilloscopes which are very hard work indeed for a beginner. Vintage ex military comms receivers are another no-no.
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#6 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK.
Posts: 595
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I must admit that the valve radio's look interesting; just had a look at some on youtube.
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#7 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,191
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First of all, what _you_ repair depends on what _you_ are interested in. In my case, I have great interest in tape recorders, vintage computers, valve portable radios and test gear and no interest in vintage TV.
And I would give the opposite view on (high-end) test gear. Yes it's complicated but it is often well-designed and designed to be maintained. I would much rather work on an HP (say) instrument than an AA5 radio. In much the same way (and going off-topic for the forums) I find old film Leica and Nikon cameras much easier to repair than, say, Kodak. |
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#8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
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We tend to lean toward valve equipment on here, but a transistor radio will prove to be a safe and rewarding way to get into the hobby.
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#9 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 1,177
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Sometimes the best starter radio is the one you find closest to you. Have a look on eBay or Gumtree for valve sets locally to avoid postage. Make sure a service manual is available before you commit to buying anything.
Don't pay through the nose for a radio as they are rarely worth more than £10-£20 unrestored. Concentrate on finding something that is cheap, local and complete. Don't shy away from an FM set! They are a lot more usable than MW/LW only sets. |
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#10 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3,658
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There's a lot to be said for tackling something that appeals to you, was of good quality when new and remains useable now - perhaps a VHF transistor radio, which covers a fair amount of electronic ground? Or some simple but effective test gear, like an audio signal generator, maybe a Heathkit?
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#11 |
Nonode
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 2,583
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Bearing in mind the experience you've gained with transistorised tape machines a transistor radio from around the same era makes some sense. How about a Roberts from around about 1970? Most models have FM which makes them eminently useable today. Unrestored examples are affordable, easy to find, relatively straightforward to work on and perform well once sorted. They are cheaper to post and easier to pack safely than bulkier equipment so finding one that appeals to you personally should be easier. There are plenty of past threads covering the Roberts transistor range plus many forum members with hands on experience of these sets who would be only too willing to offer advice and answer questions. Finally you wouldn't have to worry about high voltages and things like a live chassis until you decide to move on to something different. Apologies for having drivelled on if you don't happen to like Roberts radios.
![]() Alan |
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#12 |
Octode
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Posts: 1,967
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Should be able to pick up a 50's woody radio off eBay local collection for about £5
They often come up, I have got a few. Just search on distance nearest and see what turns up. |
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#13 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK.
Posts: 7,639
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"In particular, you should avoid vintage valve oscilloscopes which are very hard work indeed for a beginner." Now he tells me : )
Andy.
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Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far. |
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#14 |
Pentode
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Maldon, Essex, UK.
Posts: 182
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It might be obvious, but there is probably no harm in mentioning the BVWS Harpenden Swapmeet, Auction and AGM on 8th March 2020 which could provide lots of ideas and opportunities to win lots at reasonable cost.
I understand that you can join BVWS on the day if not already a member. David |
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#15 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,803
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The moment you go shopping for something specific, then that makes it expensive. Bargains are to be had if you're looking for a general class of thing and are aware of the specific ones best avoided.
It's a personal decision, so it needs to align with your interests. You'll inevitably learn things by doing it, so one guide is to ask yourself what do you want to learn. It may be a stepping stone to whatever you want to do next. I don't bother with TVs (they just don't excite me and the one in the lounge hasn't been on for three years). I don't bother with AC/DC sets that have live chassis. I do bother with communications receivers and have a small collection. I bought my AR88 when I was about 13 and learned on it. It wasn't a bad start. A year later I started collecting bits and made my first oscilloscope using bits of designs from various places. It IS possible to learn on these things. Yes they have more components, but also circuit functions are better separated and the designers were less inclined to try to make one part do several jobs. You may find them clearer to understand. You'll likely learn more. Whatever you pick, there's plenty of guidance available on here, pocket radios through to professional test gear. Just look around and you'll see. David
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Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
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#16 |
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK.
Posts: 6,824
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Neutrino's idea is a good one you're only 1 hour or 40 miles away.
The BVWS welcomes visitors on a guest basis so if your unsure you don't have to commit to being a member on the day (in case that was a worry). You can't bid in the Auction if you don't become a member but you can buy from the very many stalls. There is a great bring and buy at Harpy which is usually stuffed full of restoration candidates at keen prices. (Pamphonica will likely be on that with his usual friendly good humour) The only downside is your likely to be hooked once you see all that kit ![]() Cheers Mike T
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Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to ![]() Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk Last edited by Cobaltblue; 1st Feb 2020 at 11:31 am. Reason: spacing |
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#17 |
Octode
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Posts: 1,897
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Whilst not as cheap as some wood radios from the 1950s I would suggest considering a Bush DAC90A . (but not a DAC90!) The Capacitors are all in a line on a tagstrip bar two or three which makes replacing them easier than on some sets. The capacitors are easy to "re-stuff" as well for added fun!
I know set is "live Chassis" but that's OK so long as you take sensible precautions. You can disconnect the reversible plug arrangement and fit a mains lead with a moulded mains plug, this makes it impossible to accidently plug it in the wrong way 'round. One of these was the first valve set I restored and I lived to tell the tale! If you only want it to work on and keep and don't intend selling it on, one with a broken or cracked case can usually be bought cheaper. Then you have the added fun of repairing the case and possibly a custom colour, No offence is caused to originality if the case is broken anyway IMHO... Be careful though... once the bug bites you can end up with a houseful ! ![]() Rich Last edited by slidertogrid; 1st Feb 2020 at 11:55 am. |
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#18 |
Octode
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK.
Posts: 1,477
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If you're coming as far as Harpenden I've got an HMV1122 you can have FOC. Rescued it from a forum member , another member sent me the missing knobs and it's got no further.
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=150160
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Regards, Richard, BVWS member |
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#19 |
Hexode
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Posts: 254
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Althought it is a long way from you, I suggest that you might enjoy the learning experience offered by the Radiophile Workshop to be held next weekend at Wistanswick. Details are in the "Clubs, meetings and Societies" Section.
If you require contact details you could PM me and I can put you in touch with Mrs.Jo Miller.
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Geoff. (BVWS Member) |
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#20 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK.
Posts: 595
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Well, well, well, no way did I expect such a great response to my post; so many interesting options...…..thank you all.
Do these posts stay on the forum, as lots of information for future reference? |
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