Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

David001 · 27th Dec 2016, 6:21 pm

Hello everyone.

I bought the above radio today- opened the back and one of the capacitors looks to be covered in molten wax. Would I be right in thinking it's blown?

There are two outputs, 3.5mm and 6.35mm or 1/4". would these be mono outputs? I would like to use it as a radio, as I think the frequency bands for marine etc are all on higher frequencies now?

I gave it a good clean with a well-wrung out cloth with some hand soap- it does look very nice now; also gave the leather case a clean.

Bearing in mind it only cost £7, is it worth repairing? Also, is there a manual for it and circuit diagram.

Any advice gratefully appreciated, this is my first post.

Regards,

David.

Station X · 27th Dec 2016, 7:41 pm

Are you sure about the model number? Could it be a 410?

Pictures of the radio and the cap in question would help.

David001 · 27th Dec 2016, 8:28 pm

Hello!

Yes, it's a 410, but I can't seem to upload images?

Thanks for reply!

David.

Radio Tech · 27th Dec 2016, 8:58 pm

Hello David

Welcome to our forum, here you will find lots of members that have a vast experience of not only radio but television and other audio devices and sets. We are here to help new members like you and are very happy and obliging to pass on all the advice and help you will require, so do not be afraid to ask, even I have to at times. That said, Graham seems to think it is the model 410, it would be advisable to check the make, model and if possible put a picture of the set on here so that others can see. I do not know the model personally but is this a solid state set ie transistorised? or valve. If it is a mains driven valve set I would advise changing the smoothing capacitor which is the one after the rectifier, and if there are any waxie looking capacitors change these especially the ones that couple one stage to the next. But of course you will need the circuit diagram which can be obtained by clicking on the top right of this page.

Good Luck, keep going and searching for other makes, models and no matter how old they are.

Best wishes

Ken

Radio Tech · 27th Dec 2016, 9:04 pm

Hi David

Once you have got the picture on your computer, in replying, click go to advance and there is a tab which allows you to put an image once you have selected click upload, then close that panel then post reply, if I haven't got this right Graham can crown me.

Regards

Ken

David001 · 27th Dec 2016, 9:09 pm

Hello Ken.

It won't let me upload pics but I did send the moderator my email address as the pics might be available that way. The model is indeed a -410, the back of the case said 104. Also, on the leather case and the bottom of the radio was an inscription 'Ayles' and the 'White Idler'- I wonder if that was the name of the boat?

David.

David001 · 27th Dec 2016, 9:11 pm

It is a transistor model, works off 4 AA batteries, grey finish.

Battery pack is reading 5.54V, all I get is a slight hiss. No LED indicates.

David.

Wellington · 27th Dec 2016, 9:15 pm

Is it one of these?

David001 · 27th Dec 2016, 9:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wellington

Is it one of these?

Yes, but it's a grey finish.

Station X · 27th Dec 2016, 9:46 pm

This thread gives details of how to post pictures:-

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=77650

Station X · 28th Dec 2016, 10:02 am

Here are the OP's pictures.

Cobaltblue · 28th Dec 2016, 11:08 am

Normally the first place to look for service information is top right

However in this case its not available.

I can however be found on Radiomuseum

http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/novatech_nova_pal.html

Guests can download a limited number of pages.

Do not publish the circuit on this or any other forum you will end up getting barred from radiomuseum.

Cheers

Mike T

David001 · 28th Dec 2016, 11:36 am

Thanks to the moderator for uploading my pics

I wonder if anyone on this forum knows where I could get it serviced? Or, if anyone on the forum would be interested in fixing it, I'm happy to pay for the repair.

Regards,

David.

GeoffK · 28th Dec 2016, 1:06 pm

The wax on the capacitor is probably just that, wax to hold it in place. The hiss from the speaker shows the audio stage is working, if the capacitor was faulty, a short circuit would show up as extra drain current from the battery, and an open circuit capacitor of this type in this position would not stop the radio working. The waveband switches should be looked at for dirty contacts or broken wires. A common cause for these types of radios not working is the detector diode failing, often a transistor junction is used instead of a diode and bridging the junction with a germanium diode, or another germanium transistor junction, base-emitter or base-collector, can fix the fault.

David001 · 28th Dec 2016, 1:17 pm

It's a very quiet hiss but thanks for the above reply. I think it needs properly looked at- can any forum member recommend a repair service in Glasgow?

Station X · 28th Dec 2016, 1:33 pm

Try posting in the "Repair and Restoration Services Wanted" section.

David001 · 28th Dec 2016, 3:12 pm

Great idea!

crackle · 29th Dec 2016, 9:10 am

I think the Radio Museum has stopped the free for all downloads now.

Mike

27th Dec 2016, 6:21 pm	#1
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. Hello everyone. I bought the above radio today- opened the back and one of the capacitors looks to be covered in molten wax. Would I be right in thinking it's blown? There are two outputs, 3.5mm and 6.35mm or 1/4". would these be mono outputs? I would like to use it as a radio, as I think the frequency bands for marine etc are all on higher frequencies now? I gave it a good clean with a well-wrung out cloth with some hand soap- it does look very nice now; also gave the leather case a clean. Bearing in mind it only cost £7, is it worth repairing? Also, is there a manual for it and circuit diagram. Any advice gratefully appreciated, this is my first post. Regards, David.

27th Dec 2016, 7:41 pm	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice Are you sure about the model number? Could it be a 410? Pictures of the radio and the cap in question would help. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

27th Dec 2016, 8:28 pm	#3
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice Hello! Yes, it's a 410, but I can't seem to upload images? Thanks for reply! David.

27th Dec 2016, 8:58 pm	#4
Radio Tech Nonode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Bocking, near Braintree, Essex, UK. Posts: 2,071	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice Hello David Welcome to our forum, here you will find lots of members that have a vast experience of not only radio but television and other audio devices and sets. We are here to help new members like you and are very happy and obliging to pass on all the advice and help you will require, so do not be afraid to ask, even I have to at times. That said, Graham seems to think it is the model 410, it would be advisable to check the make, model and if possible put a picture of the set on here so that others can see. I do not know the model personally but is this a solid state set ie transistorised? or valve. If it is a mains driven valve set I would advise changing the smoothing capacitor which is the one after the rectifier, and if there are any waxie looking capacitors change these especially the ones that couple one stage to the next. But of course you will need the circuit diagram which can be obtained by clicking on the top right of this page. Good Luck, keep going and searching for other makes, models and no matter how old they are. Best wishes Ken

27th Dec 2016, 9:04 pm	#5
Radio Tech Nonode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Bocking, near Braintree, Essex, UK. Posts: 2,071	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice Hi David Once you have got the picture on your computer, in replying, click go to advance and there is a tab which allows you to put an image once you have selected click upload, then close that panel then post reply, if I haven't got this right Graham can crown me. Regards Ken

27th Dec 2016, 9:09 pm	#6
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice Hello Ken. It won't let me upload pics but I did send the moderator my email address as the pics might be available that way. The model is indeed a -410, the back of the case said 104. Also, on the leather case and the bottom of the radio was an inscription 'Ayles' and the 'White Idler'- I wonder if that was the name of the boat? David. Last edited by David001; 27th Dec 2016 at 9:21 pm. Reason: Typo

27th Dec 2016, 9:11 pm	#7
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice It is a transistor model, works off 4 AA batteries, grey finish. Battery pack is reading 5.54V, all I get is a slight hiss. No LED indicates. David.

27th Dec 2016, 9:15 pm	#8
Wellington Hexode Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cheshire, UK. Posts: 363	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice Is it one of these?

27th Dec 2016, 9:46 pm	#10
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. This thread gives details of how to post pictures:- https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=77650 __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

28th Dec 2016, 10:02 am	#11
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. Here are the OP's pictures. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

28th Dec 2016, 11:08 am	#12
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,866	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. Normally the first place to look for service information is top right However in this case its not available. I can however be found on Radiomuseum http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/novatech_nova_pal.html Guests can download a limited number of pages. Do not publish the circuit on this or any other forum you will end up getting barred from radiomuseum. Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk

28th Dec 2016, 11:36 am	#13
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. Thanks to the moderator for uploading my pics I wonder if anyone on this forum knows where I could get it serviced? Or, if anyone on the forum would be interested in fixing it, I'm happy to pay for the repair. Regards, David.

28th Dec 2016, 1:06 pm	#14
GeoffK Heptode Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Essex, UK. Posts: 602	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. The wax on the capacitor is probably just that, wax to hold it in place. The hiss from the speaker shows the audio stage is working, if the capacitor was faulty, a short circuit would show up as extra drain current from the battery, and an open circuit capacitor of this type in this position would not stop the radio working. The waveband switches should be looked at for dirty contacts or broken wires. A common cause for these types of radios not working is the detector diode failing, often a transistor junction is used instead of a diode and bridging the junction with a germanium diode, or another germanium transistor junction, base-emitter or base-collector, can fix the fault.

28th Dec 2016, 1:17 pm	#15
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. It's a very quiet hiss but thanks for the above reply. I think it needs properly looked at- can any forum member recommend a repair service in Glasgow?

28th Dec 2016, 1:33 pm	#16
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. Try posting in the "Repair and Restoration Services Wanted" section. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

28th Dec 2016, 3:12 pm	#17
David001 Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Posts: 83	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. Great idea!

29th Dec 2016, 9:10 am	#18
crackle Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Basildon, Essex, UK. Posts: 4,100	Re: Nova PAL 104 advice. Actually a 410. I think the Radio Museum has stopped the free for all downloads now. Mike