Armstrong 600 series, model 625. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

PaulR · 9th Jul 2005, 2:31 pm

Has anyone any experience with the Armstrong 600 series. I've acquired a 625 recently but it is now completely dead and the mains switch is O/C on all three poles (I am not sure yet quite what the 3rd pole does).

Does anyone know anything about the reliability of the mains switches on these sets and whether replacements are available?

Thanks

Paul

ppppenguin · 9th Jul 2005, 3:00 pm

I have an Armstrong 625 amplifier/FM receiver though I have not used it for some years. It certainly worked well when I last used it. It's in its original box, almost as new except for the cover over the tuner presets which is damaged. I may have service data somewhere if I can find it. I don't really want it any more and if anyone is interested I'm open to offers. Maybe £40.

AC/HL · 9th Jul 2005, 9:17 pm

Some info here if it helps. No reference to a 3 pole switch, but there is a thermal delay circuit.

http://www.st-and.demon.co.uk/Audio/600/600faq.html

PaulR · 10th Jul 2005, 9:30 am

Thanks Bill,

I had actually seen this site, and I got a full set of circuit diagrams with the set. Neither mentions the third pole. I think it must cut off the output from the power supply, possibly to give a quiet switch on and off.

I took the switch to pieces last night ( and finished it off in the process). The outer slider was connected to the circuit breaker slider by a small hook which had broken off so there was never any chance of repairing it. I have seen a couple of possible replacements in CPC and will get them next time I am in Preston. Then we will see about the faulty channel!

Paul

PaulR · 15th Jul 2005, 9:57 pm

A total of four solder joints came apart. Fortunately I could see where three of them came from but the fourth stumped me until today. Anyway I have fitted the switch and it all now works. The third pole was not apparently fitted to all examples and it shorts the DC when switched off to give an instant cut off; just a little extra from Armstrong!

I remember these when they were originally on sale. They had a reputation for being of a sophisticated design but unreliable. I can see why this is. The soldering is very poor and the general build quality is not at all good. I suppose they are another example of British manufacturing standards in the 1970s.

There is no comparison with a valve Murphy radio!!!

Paul

Nickthedentist · 15th Jul 2005, 10:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulR

They had a reputation for being of a sophisticated design but unreliable. I can see why this is. The soldering is very poor and the general build quality is not at all good. I suppose they are another example of British manufacturing standards in the 1970s.

I remember mending a similar vintage Sugden A48 (see picture of one here: http://www.danny.mcnulty.btinternet.co.uk/audio.html) for my piano teacher when I was at school. He had paid quite a lot for it, and it really sounded special with his Linn Sondek and Tangent speakers.

But the quality of the soldering was really very poor indeed, as if it had been assembled by unskilled amateurs

Nick.

9th Jul 2005, 2:31 pm	#1
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,233	Armstrong 600 series, model 625. Has anyone any experience with the Armstrong 600 series. I've acquired a 625 recently but it is now completely dead and the mains switch is O/C on all three poles (I am not sure yet quite what the 3rd pole does). Does anyone know anything about the reliability of the mains switches on these sets and whether replacements are available? Thanks Paul Last edited by Darren-UK; 4th Jun 2007 at 6:58 pm. Reason: Dubious reference to ebay removed and title made more appropriate.

9th Jul 2005, 3:00 pm	#2
ppppenguin Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North London, UK. Posts: 6,168	Re: Armstrong 625 Receiver I have an Armstrong 625 amplifier/FM receiver though I have not used it for some years. It certainly worked well when I last used it. It's in its original box, almost as new except for the cover over the tuner presets which is damaged. I may have service data somewhere if I can find it. I don't really want it any more and if anyone is interested I'm open to offers. Maybe £40.

9th Jul 2005, 9:17 pm	#3
AC/HL Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 9,642	Re: Armstrong 625 Receiver Some info here if it helps. No reference to a 3 pole switch, but there is a thermal delay circuit. http://www.st-and.demon.co.uk/Audio/600/600faq.html

10th Jul 2005, 9:30 am	#4
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,233	Re: Armstrong 625 Receiver Thanks Bill, I had actually seen this site, and I got a full set of circuit diagrams with the set. Neither mentions the third pole. I think it must cut off the output from the power supply, possibly to give a quiet switch on and off. I took the switch to pieces last night ( and finished it off in the process). The outer slider was connected to the circuit breaker slider by a small hook which had broken off so there was never any chance of repairing it. I have seen a couple of possible replacements in CPC and will get them next time I am in Preston. Then we will see about the faulty channel! Paul

15th Jul 2005, 9:57 pm	#5
PaulR Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southport Lancashire, UK. Posts: 3,233	Re: Armstrong 625 Receiver A total of four solder joints came apart. Fortunately I could see where three of them came from but the fourth stumped me until today. Anyway I have fitted the switch and it all now works. The third pole was not apparently fitted to all examples and it shorts the DC when switched off to give an instant cut off; just a little extra from Armstrong! I remember these when they were originally on sale. They had a reputation for being of a sophisticated design but unreliable. I can see why this is. The soldering is very poor and the general build quality is not at all good. I suppose they are another example of British manufacturing standards in the 1970s. There is no comparison with a valve Murphy radio!!! Paul Last edited by Darren-UK; 4th Jun 2007 at 6:53 pm. Reason: Edited to comply with removal of previous, unnecessary, post.