Follow these general steps to restore your radio:
- Do not power on your radio. ...
- Find a service manual. ...
- Replace all electrolytic and paper capacitors with new ones of similar value and same or better voltage rating.
- Examine closely and replace anything that looks damaged, such as burned up resistors.
How can I Fix my Old radio?
How can I fix my old radio? How can I fix my old TV? First steps in restoration. Replacing capacitors in old radios and TVs. Powering up your radio safely with a dim-bulb tester. Powering your old battery radio. How to ship antique radios safely. Where can I find old radios? Would you like to buy my radio? Are your radios for sale? You can find more detailed advice in our Information and Restoration areas.
How to restore antique radios?
Your Original Radio
- Fully disassembled and cleaned
- Structural repairs are made
- We rebuild the radio tuning section so that the original controls can be used
How to restore an old radio?
What I need in order to do a proper restoration:
- Radio must be pretty much unmolested. If anyone has modified the radio I may not be able to restore it to its original condition.
- It must have all original knobs. ...
- Power Transformer working and not burned out. ...
- Speaker not badly damaged. ...
- I do not restore Philco models made in the 1940s that have rubber wiring. ...
How to repair and restore vintage valve radios?
Radios can be fixed using the general methods given in repair books, but many problems require specific answers, and the schematic may include other useful info, such as voltage and resistance charts for your radio. Schematics for US and Canadian radios typically cost a few dollars and can be obtained from the sources in my Parts page.
Can old radios be fixed?
Most antique radios will work once the capacitors have been replaced. If it does not work then signal trace through the circuit by injecting a signal at the IF or RF, replacing resistors or occasionally a tube where needed.
How much does it cost to restore an antique radio?
Estimates – We charge a flat labor rate for antique radio restorations of $18.00 per tube (i.e. labor for a 5-tube radio is $90). We also charge a 5% labor surcharge to cover the cost of small parts (nuts, bolts, springs, solder, wire, dial string, etc.).
Are old radios worth money?
Older radios tend to fetch somewhat more than newer ones, but only in a very general way. Age alone doesn't make a radio priceless. 1920s radios are old, but some manufacturers made cheap, junky radios in those days, as in all other times. Scarcity of parts can make certain vintage sets very expensive to repair.
What can you do with old radios?
Some centers might come to your home to pick up electronics, while others will want you to drop them off yourself. Load the box of electronics into your car and drive to the recycling center if it doesn't perform pick-ups. Drop off the electronics with a recycling center employee.
Do tube radios still work?
Even though they're ancient by today's standards, these old tube radios can almost always be brought back to life, and there's still plenty of broadcasts out there for them to receive!
Do valve radios still work?
Despite their appearance, they are all perfectly good valves. I've known people replace all the valves in their radio for one or more reasons I've mentioned and, to their surprise, and cost, the radio still didn't work. Even a valve which rattles can work perfectly well.
Are radio tubes worth anything?
Radio restorers are always on the lookout for 01A tubes ($10-$15) used in most 1920s radios. These tubes also used the numbers 201A and 301A depending on the manufacturer. Other early tube numbers to watch out for are 45 ($50-$70), 50 ($200+), 245 ($100+), 250 ($250-$350), WD-11 ($50-$135), and WD-12 ($30-$50).
What are old radios called?
A foxhole radio is a simple crystal sets radio receiver cobbled together from whatever parts one could make (which were very few indeed) or scrounged from junked equipment.
Does anyone collect old radios?
Collecting and restoring old radios and similar gear has become popular during the past several decades, and a number of clubs and associations exist in many states.
What did valves do in old radios?
Later known as the Fleming valve, the oscillation valve was developed for the purpose of rectifying radio frequency current as the detector component of radio receiver circuits.
How do you clean an old radio?
0:223:17Antique Radios | Cleaning & Schematics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI started by gently removing the dial pointer. And wrapped it in thin board to protect it I thenMoreI started by gently removing the dial pointer. And wrapped it in thin board to protect it I then removed the dial and bulb assembly. So I could access the friction wheel underneath.
What is the old radio made of?
1920s radios were typically housed in wood, although some tabletops came in rather plain metal cabinets. Bakelite and Catalin were the most popular synthetic materials during the 1930s and 1940s. Other early plastics, such as Plaskon and Beetle, predated the flood of new synthetics that came along during the 1950s.
Should I Fix It Myself, Or Hire Someone to Do It?
You don't need advanced electronics knowledge to fix most old radios.Tube-powered radios are simple in comparison to modern electronics.Most were b...
How Much Will It Cost to Restore My Radio?
Hiring a professional to restore your vintage radio might be expensive. A completeelectronic restoration is a labor-intensive job, requiring the re...
Where Can I Find Someone to Fix My Radio?
It's preferable to find a repairman within driving distance, to avoid the costand risk of shipping your radio long distances. Start by contacting a...
Is There A Book That I Can read?
Yes! Some excellent radio-repair books are listed on my page Antique Radio/TV Books.Your public library may have these, or they can be ordered thro...
Do I Need to Get A Schematic Diagram Before I Start?
Yes, especially if you're a beginner. Radios can be fixed using the generalmethods given in repair books, but many problems require specific answer...
Do I Need to Replace All The Tubes?
No! A common misconception about radio repair is that you shouldstart by replacing tubes. Like a light bulb, a radio tube is vacuum-sealed; it does...
What Tools and Equipment Do I Need?
The most essential tool is a soldering iron or soldering gun, availablefrom many sources. You'll also need a roll of electrical solder, of course.I...
What Equipment Is Nice, but Not Necessary?
Beyond a multimeter, there are a few pieces of test equipment that are occasionally niceto have, but not vital for a casual restorer. These include...
How Can I Refinish The Cabinet?
Refinishing wooden radio/TV cabinets is no different than refinishing any woodenfurniture. My favorite book on wood refinishing isThe Weekend Refin...
What's The Best Way to Learn?
The best learning method is to watch over the shoulder of an experiencedrepairman. If you join a local radio/TV collector's club, you might findsom...
What to do if your radio won't work?
If the radio won’t work, make sure the power is on at the outlet and test the electrical cord and replace if needed. If the station indicator won’t move, check the pointer (see below). Less expensive radios use a station frequency pointer mounted on a dial cord that’s moved by a small wheel on the side of the radio.
How to replace antenna on radio?
Replace a radio internal antenna: Unplug the receiver and open the housing. Typically, there are two to four screws accessed from the underside of the radio. Find and remove the internal antenna (or the internal base of the external antenna).
What to do if your antenna is damaged?
If the antenna is damaged, replace it . If no replacement is available, attempt to repair the antenna, which is not easy because of all the fine wiring, or replace the radio as a unit.
What to do if you find a broken circuit board?
If you find broken components on a circuit board, replace the circuit board. As a last resort before purchasing a new circuit board, you can use a soldering iron and electronic solder to attempt a repair.
What is a radio receiver?
A radio receiver is an electronic device that receives audio signals through an antenna, then amplifies the resulting sound and delivers it to your ears through speakers. The signals are either amplitude modulated (AM) or frequency modulated (FM).
Can radios be repaired?
Most modern radios are built on printed circuit boards that can’t be repaired by anyone but trained technicians. However, there still are tests you can perform and parts you can replace. Check your local Radio Shack or other electronics supplier for parts and tools. Here are a few tools you may need:
Do you throw away the owner's manual on a radio?
Don’t throw away the owner’s manual that came with your radio. It not only tells you how to maintain it, it also tells you where to get parts. In addition, it probably includes warranty information to determine whether you need to fix it yourself or return it.
What is tube radio?
Tube-powered radios are simple in comparison to modern electronics. Most were built to conventional designs and they use replacement parts that are still readily available. Fixing old radios can be an enjoyable hobby and you can also learn about a key technology of the modern era.
Can you get electric shock from working on electrical equipment?
On the other hand, working on any electrical equipment can pose a danger of electric shock. And botched repairs can make a problem worse, if you're careless. If you've never done such work, and you're not interested in learning how, it's best not to poke around blindly.
Can you put your hands inside an old radio?
The repair books explain how to do this work safely. Never stick your hands (or anything else) inside an old radio if you don't know what you're doing.
Is a tube reliable?
Tubes are comparatively reliable, and there are other ways to check them. My article First Steps in Restoration explains how to perform a simple dud/not-dud test on a tube using an ohmmeter. You can also substitute a known-good tube in place of a suspect tube, to see if the radio or TV plays better.
Can you get radio repair books?
Yes! Some excellent radio-repair books are listed on my page Antique Radio/TV Books . Your public library may have these, or they can be ordered through a local bookstore or online. Many other out-of-print repair books can be found through used-book sources.
Can you fix a radio?
Yes, especially if you're a beginner. Radios can be fixed using the general methods given in repair books, but many problems require specific answers, and the schematic may include other useful info, such as voltage and resistance charts for your radio.
What happens if you plug in a radio without refurbishing it?
This generally means a burned out transformer and a dead radio , and is one of the most common outcomes if you plug in a radio you've found without refurbishing it first.
When did radios start to grow?
Radio's listening audience grew rapidly in the early days (Radio Retailing, March 1928 via "Radio Manufacturers of the 1920s" by Alan Douglas). Stacks of batteries disappeared and radios went from being pieces of lab equipment with many controls to adjust independently to the format we've retained today.
How many oscillator coils does a radio have?
This radio has three oscillator coils total: one on its own coil form beneath the chassis, and two wound on the same coil form and mounted up next to the variable capacitor on the top. Measuring the lower oscillator coil. The other two oscillator coils sharing a common coil form on top of the chassis.
How many tubes are in a project radio?
Finally, if you've found a project radio to start on with more than six or seven tubes, you might want to find a smaller model to practice on before diving in — especially if the radio has any sentimental value to you.
What are the signs of a radio?
Bite marks and chewed wiring are a major warning sign. Generally, a radio that's been infested isn't worth even attempting to fix due both to the damage that may exist and the fact it's a serious health hazard. A vintage radio chassis infested with mice. Not a good candidate for repair!
When was the vacuum tube invented?
The first practical vacuum tubes were invented in 1907 by Lee DeForest, who developed the "Audion" — the world's first triode capable of amplification. This ushered in the radio age, but it wasn't until about 20 years later that radio finally left the lab and made it to consumer's homes.
Is a tube radio a brute force device?
Electronics of the era were really brute-force devices, and tube radios were no exception. It is incredibly important you follow proper safety precautions while working on any tube radio as they present some different hazards than most other hobbyist projects which run on a dozen or so volts.
Why is my tube radio bad?
Often a bad stage in a tube radio is due to a resistor that has increased in value to the point of biasing the tube into cut-off. Tubes are usually not what caused the radio to be put out of service. The quickest way to find bad resistors is to probe the tube pin voltages.
What was the radio in the 1950s?
By the 1950’s radios were everywhere. FM broadcasting started to gain popularity with its high fidelity. Table top radios such as this one provided both AM and FM broadcast bands in a compact package with 1950’s styling much like automobiles, jet aircraft, rockets, tail fins and chrome, and other exciting technologies of the day. This radio in particular uses negative feedback in its audio output providing booming high fidelity audio. Unfortunately, it is a Hot Chassis radio, where the line cord is tied directly to the metal chassis inside so an isolation transformer must be used in-line with the power cord while servicing.
What capacitors decay with age?
There are several flavors of capacitors but the ones that typically decay with age are the electrolytics (usually found in power supply and on audio output circuit) and the wax-paper coupling capacitors. Find a service manual. Most are available online.
Why are TRF radios so expensive?
TRF architectures are expensive because to maintain a narrow 10 KHz band pass filter across one full octave is challenging and requires more precision than using only one fixed filter that can be mass-produced and is at a lower frequency. Example of a TRF radio architecture used in the mid-to-late 1920’s.
When was the console radio invented?
Here is an example of the iconic American Console Radio. This radio, manufactured in 1937, was witness to much history: the Great Depression, the Second World War, and probably the Korean war War as well before it was put out of service. This generation of radio was the first to leverage heterodyne receiver architecture.
Do radios have high voltage?
Yes, these radios have very high voltage potentials inside. Many even tie the hot end of the line directly to their metal chassis (known as Hot Chassis radios), notably most of the post-war table top radios.
Who developed the heterodyne receiver?
For this reason many listeners resorted to building their own. Edwin Armstrong developed the heterodyne receiver that used frequency multiplication to shift the desired signal down to an intermediate frequency where it was filtered and detected resulting in reduced costs and increased access to radio technology.
How long does Joe's Classic Car Radio last?
Most radios reestablished by reputible operations like Joe's Classic Car Radio for instance, is come back with a 5 year guarantee. On the off chance that your radio ought to neglect to work in that time, they will repair it at no expense.
What to do if station marker won't move?
If station marker won't move, check the pointer. Less costly radios utilize a station recurrence pointer mounted on a dial rope that is moved by a little wheel in favor of the radio. Better radios utilize a computerized recurrence readout that can't be balanced.
What is a radio receiver?
A radio recipient is an electronic gadget that gets sound signs through a receiving wire, then opens up the subsequent sound and conveys it to your ears through speakers. The signs are either abundant adjusted (AM) or recurrence balanced (FM).
How long is a radio tube guaranteed?
The guarantee covers all electronic and mechanical parts of the radio except for tubes, belts and 8 track components. Tubes are secured for 1 year and following 1 years the, deficient tubes will be traded for expense of the tube as it were.
Where is the stereo jack on a FMR-1?
The FMR-1 comes with a 1/8" female stereo jack installed on the side or back of the case. You will need to buy a cable with 1/8" stereo male connectors; these are readily available at Radio Shack etc. and are typically available in various lengths.
Do radio tuners have simple tuners?
Most tuners now are advanced, yet numerous more established radios still being used have simple tuners. Advanced radios have few effortlessly serviceable parts. Advanced radios are very dependable, yet in the event that a section fails, take the radio to an approved repair center–or reuse it.
First, A Short History Lesson
Caution!
- Electronics of the era were really brute-force devices, and tube radios were no exception. It is incredibly important you follow proper safety precautions while working on any tube radio as they present some different hazards than most other hobbyist projects which run on a dozen or so volts. Even an entry-level radio from the '20s or '30s might have as much as 500V DC (with 50-10…
So, What Do I Need?
- For most radios, you don't need much at all. It's entirely possible to do a full radio restoration with nothing but a multimeter, a soldering iron, and your standard assortment of screwdrivers, pliers, and clippers. If you're working on a "hot chassis" radio which lacks a main power transformer, you'll want to use an isolation transformer. If you'r...
Basic Visual Inspection
- If you've already found a radio, now it's time to check it out a bit. I'll be using my DeWald 618 as an example. The rear of the DeWald 618, with the rare original back intact. First, take a good look at the back of the cabinet. Do you see any signs of smoke damage? If so, that would be a big red flag. Fortunately, it's pretty rare to find one that's been on fire previously, so most of the time you'…
Principles of Operation
- The DeWald 618 is a superhet. In this five-tube AC/DC radio, the antenna picks up the transmissions and couples them through a set of antenna coils which are switched depending on whether you're listening to mediumwave broadcast signals or one of the shortwave bands, and help to pre-select the signal going into the next stage of the radio to reduce interference and und…
In-Depth Intake Checks
- Before getting started with the labor of replacing components, it's useful to check the status of all the coils and transformers. These parts are all called out on the schematic. Components as marked: (1) Antenna coils; (2) IF transformers; (3) oscillator coils; (4) filter choke; (5) field coil; and (6) output transformer. After pulling the chassis and speaker from the cabinet, the first step is t…
Conclusion and Next Steps
- These checks took me about an hour to complete, although if you're starting out on one of your first tube radios to repair, it could take quite a bit longer. At the end of all my checks, it turns out this radio is in great shape! All the antenna, oscillator, and IF coils tested good, as did the output transformer, field coil, and filter choke. Not too bad at all! Top of the chassis, ready for work! If s…