Blaupunkt Arkansas deluxe: Project 2018.

[sobell1980]

Well I've been keeping this one a secret since summer 2016 and has been on the to do pile. Bought it for £30.00 from a working commune in the darkest part of Herefordshire. It was a lovely place to see. Badminton being played on the lawn in the hazy summer sunshine. They were renovating part of this grand hall and wanted to find this big old gram a new home. I didn't tell the wife and appeared home with it. We have just finished decorating our house and new carpet today. Kate said, How would you feel about dusting off that big old radiogram and having it on our landing. Didn't have to ask me twice and it's now in position. It doesn't work at the moment. But here it is ready to be brought back to life next year. Any pointers and info greatly received from previous experiences with such a beast.
Photos to come shortly.
Dave.

[Herald1360]

Now you need four of those bakelite carpet protector cup things!

Like these? (Not sure they genuine bakelite, though......)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CASTOR-LARG.../dp/B01H2SVYOI

NFI etc etc.

[sobell1980]

I've cut some square carpet off cuts for now and made them two layers thick, but thanks Chris, will be ordering those.

[Herald1360]

It was seeing them that prompted my suggestion!

[Edward Huggins]

These Arkansas units are a very popular model of 1960s Stereograms right now. Many will sadly just strip out the internals and just use them as retro-friendly cocktail cabinets.

What experience do you have of fault finding and servicing these vintage units? If you have already turned it on, what results did you get?

If not already tried out, iust leave off for the time being.

[sobell1980]

Hi Edward. I have previously repaired many valve sets and record decks including a couple if B and O decks and BSR. I have restored a Braun radiogram back to full working order that can also be seen in one of the photos. This is my pride and joy and is used daily. I had to rebuild the piano key switch mechanism. Other current projects this year have been two large Murphy baffle board sets. I love the hobby and only buy non working sets. I've learned alot since I've joined the forum. I read a lot of wireless books and like to align the repairs I do and use my oscillascope to confirm repairs and have a play about. I'm just very keen as the other members may or may not agree. By trade I was 15 years served as a Master technician in the motor trade for Toyota. Now I work for Jaguar as a classic vehicle heritage technician. I'm sure Edward you have previously kindly contributed to my threads.
Dave.

[sobell1980]

I won't be switching it on till I've done the necessary cold checks.

[Andrew2]

Wow, now that really is a beauty! There's something about lacquered woodwork that warms the heart. Good luck with the innards.

[AC/HL]

I remember seeing one of those demonstrated many years ago in a large radio and TV showroom in Leeds. This was before every home had a hi-fi of sorts, and it stopped the shop!

[Edward Huggins]

Thank you for your update in Post #6. Although I can't see from the photos - too dazzled by the shine! - I think this uses the Garrard 1000 deck, based on the Autoslim covered in the Stickys in the Audio Section and so should be a good performer.

[sobell1980]

Does anyone have any idea where I might find a diagram or service information for this beast?
Dave.

[dave walsh]

I've got a wife like that Dave. They seem to be rarer than Green Round Ecko sets and also need careful attention but perhaps I'm wrong about the scarcity of tolerant partners. As it's a cocktail cabinet model, you do realise that a bottle of rum and some reggae records should be a part of the restoration I wondered about the location but the later photos illustrate that it's a really good space on your landing-excellent!

Dave W

[simpsons]

Should you GOOGLE Blaupunkt Arkansas schematic and scroll down to GFGF-Schaltplansammlung - NvHR and below, you will find all that you need to put this well made and designed radiogram back to working order. The schematic illustrates audio equalisation aka speech, music and HiFi selected via user controls which some BVWS members have commented on.

Chris

[sobell1980]

I've had a look on the recommended site. Yes it does have a couple of ARKANSAS models. I noted my model number which is the BLAUPUNKT ARKANSAS DELUXE 43942 but is not shown on that site. Perhaps the other Arkansas have the same valve line up but different cabinets dependant on model?

Valve line up

[sobell1980]

But isn't she a beaut! I think this has the selenium rectifier C250/B150. I suspect this will need changing going with my previous experiences.

[sobell1980]

There are possibly two unidentified valves on the back panel which I have circled in blue, or possibly positions not used. If anyone can shed some light on valve line up and service info or a service info substitute ? Many thanks.
Dave.

[TonyDuell]

I suspect those are sockets (possibly of a valveholder type) for cables form the power supply unit (left hand one) and speaker (right hand one).

[sobell1980]

I know I need to get the thing apart and get involved and all will be revealed. Time is tight at the moment with family, festivities and new year . I'm just curious and getting prepared . I don't like to tackle things without being prepared with correct diagrams.
Dave.

[Station X]

Radio Museum shows several models with the same valve line up. For example:-

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/blaupu...ansas_434.html

It also has the rectifier you mentioned.

[ms660]

The Granada 23400 has the same valve line up, the circuit might be similar?

Lawrence.