Replacement resistors: Recommendation sought - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

radiozero · 4th Nov 2021, 5:05 pm

Hi. I think I should replace all the resistors in my radio. The originals are like Allen Bradley type (if there is such a type) to look at, but they will, I'm sure, be of a Japanese manufacture, because the set is a Japanese made radio. If I do go ahead and replace, but not with the original type, (probably the exact type not made new now) - and my emphasis is on quality - what modern resistors does one go for in the 1/2W & 1/4W catagory? As an aside, are NOS carbon composition resistors reliable? Thanks.

EDIT: I added a picture of the resistors in the set.

barrymagrec · 4th Nov 2021, 6:21 pm

Have you measured any of these resistors? Are far out of spec?

JonSnell · 4th Nov 2021, 6:46 pm

I wouldn't touch NOS anything unless it is a valve.
0.6W MO or MF are nice and reliable but 1/2W carbon film are cheap.
I use RS as a prefered supplier; https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/passi...029,4291103517

GrimJosef · 4th Nov 2021, 8:59 pm

The low value originals might still be OK. But I would measure all of them before changing any of them.

If you are interested in sticking with carbon comps then Arcol, who are Japanese I think, are still making them and they're fairly readily available.

cheers,

GJ

Uncle Bulgaria · 4th Nov 2021, 9:04 pm

I would go with any from a reputable supplier (look on the 'recommended suppliers' sticky thread for ideas) - I usually get metal film varieties as they are just as cheap as carbon types and very stable. I also get higher wattages than required as the parts are then a better size match to any originals (and easier to handle...). An old 1/4W is a lot bigger than a modern 1/4W!

Herald1360 · 6th Nov 2021, 12:28 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrimJosef

The low value originals might still be OK. But I would measure all of them before changing any of them.

If you are interested in sticking with carbon comps then Arcol, who are Japanese I think, are still making them and they're fairly readily available.

cheers,

GJ

Wasn't ARCOL originally the Ashburton Resistance COmpany Limited?

They still have a UK office in the South West but in Truro rather than Ashburton.

4th Nov 2021, 5:05 pm	#1
radiozero Hexode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 444	Replacement resistors: Recommendation sought Hi. I think I should replace all the resistors in my radio. The originals are like Allen Bradley type (if there is such a type) to look at, but they will, I'm sure, be of a Japanese manufacture, because the set is a Japanese made radio. If I do go ahead and replace, but not with the original type, (probably the exact type not made new now) - and my emphasis is on quality - what modern resistors does one go for in the 1/2W & 1/4W catagory? As an aside, are NOS carbon composition resistors reliable? Thanks. EDIT: I added a picture of the resistors in the set. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by radiozero; 4th Nov 2021 at 5:23 pm.

4th Nov 2021, 6:21 pm	#2
barrymagrec Octode Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Morden, Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,557	Re: Replacement resistors: Recommendation sought Have you measured any of these resistors? Are far out of spec?

4th Nov 2021, 6:46 pm	#3
JonSnell Hexode Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Weymouth, Dorset, UK. Posts: 475	Re: Replacement resistors: Recommendation sought I wouldn't touch NOS anything unless it is a valve. 0.6W MO or MF are nice and reliable but 1/2W carbon film are cheap. I use RS as a prefered supplier; https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/passi...029,4291103517 __________________ Valve equipment repairs since 1968 https://jonsnell.co.uk

4th Nov 2021, 8:59 pm	#4
GrimJosef Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oxfordshire, UK. Posts: 4,311	Re: Replacement resistors: Recommendation sought The low value originals might still be OK. But I would measure all of them before changing any of them. If you are interested in sticking with carbon comps then Arcol, who are Japanese I think, are still making them and they're fairly readily available. cheers, GJ __________________ http://www.ampregen.com

4th Nov 2021, 9:04 pm	#5
Uncle Bulgaria Nonode Join Date: May 2016 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 2,330	Re: Replacement resistors: Recommendation sought I would go with any from a reputable supplier (look on the 'recommended suppliers' sticky thread for ideas) - I usually get metal film varieties as they are just as cheap as carbon types and very stable. I also get higher wattages than required as the parts are then a better size match to any originals (and easier to handle...). An old 1/4W is a lot bigger than a modern 1/4W!