Vintage

Special Pilot Issue September 1993

Electrical Safety For Restorers

Those of us who cut our assign to it quietly and teeth as electronic without incident. experimenters during the Yet most of us are also heyday of the aware that, improperly learned how to work safely insulated and fused, the around high voltages and household power line can currents as we acquired our lash out with powerful and technical know-how. The dangerous sparks or (perhaps dangers were made known to even worse) quietly overheat us by our advisors and the wiring within our walls teachers, the more until it reaches the point of responsible hobby writers of ignition. So here are the the time, and sometimes by first and most obvious sad personal experience. precepts of a.c. line safety: Today, though, a new (1) make sure that all of the radio hobbyist is unlikely to electric wiring in your home have that background. In Don't turn this one on until you get some knobs! Any is correctly fused or breakered for its current- this day of low-voltage, low metal surface on an a.c.-dc. radio should be considered current, carrying capacity and (2) aserious shock hazard. circuits, even people with make sure never to plug in expertise may be devices with known short- unaware of the hazards lurking within a tube radio the circuit hazards (such as having cracked or frayed moment its plug is inserted into a wall socket. line cords). Precautions us older types take automatically, without Besides being a fire hazard, the a.c. power-line can even thinking about it, really need to be explained to the also dish out uncomfortable, and even fatal, shocks. In new collectors and restorers so that they can enjoy our order to avoid being on the receiving end of one of hobby without jeopardizing their safety. And that's just these, it's important that you know a little bit about what Ihope to accomplish here. how power is distributed to your home. The key facts The shock hazards associated with a plug-in tube to keep in mind are that (1) one of the two wires in radio come from two sources: the a.c. power line and every 115-volt electrical circuit is connected to ground the high d.c. voltages developed within the set to operate and (2) that the ground, especially when damp, is an its vacuum-tube circuitry. Let's take a look at the excellent conductor of electricity. power line first. If even slightly damp, the concrete in your basement floor is also an excellent electrical conductor of Power Line Hazards electricity. And, of course, the floor is in direct contact For most people the familiar household wall outlet with ground. So if your workshop is in the basement, inspires little awe. It's aconvenient source of power for you have aspecial hazard to consider. lamps, vacuum cleaners, tools, or whatever useful Placing abare part of your anatomy in contact with appliances we feel like plugging in at the moment. With the floor (or with ametal chair or workbench frame that few exceptions, the power is always there when we want stands on the floor) is the same as touching it to the it, always goes where it is needed and does the work we grounded wire in awall outlet. If you now come in

Basic Information for the Radio Collector and Restorer contact with something connected to the very serious safety hazard. It meant ungrounded, or "hot", side of the line--say that the set's d.c. plate-supply circuitry Vintage Radio while probing the innards of aradio, your was no longer isolated from the power body will complete the circuit across the line. In fact, one side of the line Vintage Radio will be published monthly, beginning with thc January, line and you will experience anasty shock. became the negative connection for the 1994 issue, by Marc F. Ellis, P.O. Box If the parts of your body completing the plate supply and, as such, was usually 1306, Evanston, IL 60204-1306. wired directly to the radio's metal Annual subscription rates are as circuit are a foot and a hand, the shock follows: via surface mail $20.00 (U.S.), will pass through your entire body--which chassis. $21.50 (Canada--U.S.funds); via air to As aresult, depending on which way other countries, $35.00 (U.S. Funds). can be extremely unhealthy, or worse. Editorial content copyright 1993 by the radio's line cord was inserted into Marc F. Ellis, except as otherwise the wall socket, the metal chassis was noted. Vintage Radio and Marc F. Ellis are not responsible either for the either at ground potential (no great outcome of any transaction resulting problem) or connected to the "hot" from advertising in this publication or for any consequences of the application side of the line. In the latter case, the of our editorial content. Please note unwary user who touched the chassis, that subscription and advertising rates, or any metal part associated with it, as well as magazine format, are subject to revision at any time. while also touching agrounded object or surface would definitely receive a Classified Advertising Each subscriber may place one free serious shock. Trading Post ad up to 30 words long in Back in the 1930's, when any issue. Additional words are 15 cents each. Subscriber ads may run for transformerless sets were first up to two issues without resubmitting. Outlet with ground fault interruption is introduced, consumer safety was not Please indicate whether you wish your nearly as much of asocietal concern as ad to run for one or two issues. great safety feature, installs in place of Trading Post rate for nonsubscribers is it is today. It was considered adequate 30 cents per word. Only non- standard outlet. to provide the radio with aback cover commercial buy, sell or trade ads for radio-related items are eligible for protecting the user from contact with So the morals for the restorer are these: inclusion in Trading Post. the chassis. However that cover was Commercial classified advertising will if you have a basement workshop, try to usually made of a fragile fiber appear in our Yellow Pages section. place yourself and any metal benches or Yellow Pages space is priced at the rate material, and it's the exception, rather of $25.00 per quarter (three months) for chairs on an insulating surface such as a than the rule, to find one still intact an ad of up to 30 words. Additional rubber mat or wood platform. And as a words are 90 cents each. "Business today. matter of principle, avoid poking around card" ads will be run at the 30-word Before you plug in any radio for the rate. in aplugged-in radio with your bare hand- Vintage Radio reserves the right to first time, particularly if it is a small -unless you're using an isolation make minor editorial adjustments table model, check to see if it's without advance notification and to , which we'll discuss later. refuse advertising at our discretion. We equipped with apower transformer. If Another good precaution for any will reprint, without charge, any ad not, be yery careful once the plug goes containing typographic errors, but will workshop, basement or not, is to replace into the wall. There will be a strong assume no other financial responsibility the electrical outlet on the bench with one for losses due to such errors. possibility that the chassis, not to equipped with ground fault interruption. mention the control-knob shafts and Display Advertising Properly installed, such an outlet will Rates and size requirements for the chassis-mounting screws under the automatically shut off the power as soon display advertising will appear in the cabinet, arc now hot to ground with January, 1994 issue. as any current begins to flow (through the full line voltage. Actually, even your body or otherwise) between the "hot" How to Reach Us transformer sets should be treated with To order asubscription or send in an side of the line and any external ground. advertisement, write Vintage Radio, respect; their chasses can sometimes P.O. Box 1306, Evanston, IL 60204- Connect an ordinary power strip (properly become "hot" because of leaky bypass 1306. Please include full payment for equipped with a grounding plug) to this your transaction, including any fee for capacitors. extra words. Classified ads should be outlet to obtain additional protected The only way to work on an a.c.- submitted on a separate sheet from outlets. GFI outlets are available, at d.c. radio safely is to use an bolation other correspondence. We can be reasonable cost, at most hardware and reached by phone at (708) 869-5016. transformer. The primary of such a home-center stores. transformer is connected to the 115- volt a.c. line, and the secondary puts BE A CHARTER SUBSCRIBER! The AC-DC Set--A Safety Nightmare out 115 volts to the radio under test. We have great plans for Vintage Radio, And speaking of power-line hazards, the However the radio is now completely but we can't be successful without some common "a.c.-d.c." set represents one of isolated from the a.c. line, no matter regular readers. For that, we need your the worst. This type of radio is so named which way the plug is inserted into the help. So here's an inducement. If you because, in addition to operating on a.c., send in asubscription to Vintage Radio wall, because there is no direct between now and January 31, 1994 it could run on the d.c. power lines that electrical connection between the you're a charter subscriber. As such, were prevalent decades ago in the primary and secondary of a you'll receive two coupons, each downtown areas of our older cities. The exchangeable for one "look-up" of transformer. schematic and servicing information by dual operating capability was aside effect Isolation are still the Vintage Radio research service (sec resulting from the fact that the a.c.-d.c. available new from the larger our ad in Yellow Pages). This is a set, designed during cash-tight Depression electronics parts houses; they can also $10.00 value, equivalent to a rebate of days, gets along without a power half the U.S. subscription price. So let's be found used at electronic flea hear from you soon! transformer. markets and in surplus equipment But the elimination of the transformer catalogues. New ones arc expensive, had another side effect, one creating a but whatever the cost, you'd be foolish

2 not to invest in one if you expect to do "ground" means the chassis and other much work on a.c.-d.c. radios. metal parts of the set you are working on, WELCOME! At the risk of being repetitious, here which are always connected to one side This pilot issue of Vintage Radio are afew specific cautions that will keep (the negative one) of the d.c. power marks the beginning of abrand-new you from causing some spectacular short supply. If you happen to be touching the monthly publication for the radio collector and restorer, a publication circuits when working with a.c.-d.c. sets. chassis as you contact one of the many designed to fill a very real need. Never attempt to improve reception by positive high-voltage points in the set, As antique radio columnist for attaching aground lead (unless there is a you're going to get zapped! Popular Electronics Magazine, I've specific connection labeled for that Actually, you also need to be just as received hundreds of letters from purpose). Never replace the a.c. cord careful to avoid earth ground. A radio enthusiastic readers. These letters with one having a safety ground pin. chassis can easily become connected to tell me not only that interest in our And (unless an isolation transformer is earth ground, either through a leaky hobby has never been higher, but being used with the radio), never connect bypass capacitor as already noted or via also that a great many of the folks apiece of test equipment having apower the shield lead of apiece of test equipment now involved in vintage radio are avid for very basic information on plug with such apin. equipped with aplug having agrounding radio history, theory and restoration If your restored a.c.-d.c radio is to be pin. practice. used regularly, don't leave any metal Vintage Radio will be devoted to exposed. Make a replacement back, if providing that information in a needed, and don't operate the set with regular and systematic manner. missing knobs. It might also be agood Every month, we'll publish a idea to put a small square of plastic detailed, clearly-written feature electrical tape over each of the chassis article covering some basic aspect of mounting screw-heads. radio collecting or restoration. The content of these articles will be Power-Supply Hazards carefully planned so that the regular In addition to the safety problems reader will gradually acquire a knowledge base that will enhance his associated with the a.c. line, the restorer or her understanding and enjoyment of tube sets must also be concerned with Home-made console contains isolation of our hobby. the hazard potential connected with the transformer for safe servicing of a.c. We'll also be offering free radio's high-voltage d.c. power supply. radios as well as charging circuit for classified ads for our readers, free Relatively high d.c. voltages are small storage batteries. club listings and an open forum for necessary for the operation of vacuum- the discussion of questions and tube circuitry, and these are obtained by answers relating to the vintage radio Positive high-voltage points may be hobby. rectifying and filtering the a.c. line present anywhere in the radio, even in voltage directly (in the case of a.c.-d.c. Vintage Radio comes to you areas where you least expect them. For punched for insertion into a sets) or after it is stepped up by the example, the if. transformer adjusting standard three-ring binder. Save radio's power transformer. screws in older sets frequently are "hot," every issue, and you'll build up an The d.c. voltages you'll encounter though this is not aproblem if the proper invaluable encyclopedia of radio lore when working on tube radios will range non-metallic screwdriver is used to and data. From time to time we'll from about 150 (for a.c.-d.c. sets) to a perform the if. adjustment. High-voltage publish indexes that will help you high of about 350 (for sets having power can also appear in other surprising places access this valuable information transformers). It should also be noted through failure of bypass and/or coupling whenever you need it. We hope you enjoy the article on that the power transformer of a set capacitors within the radio. basic electrical safety in this pilot operating in the 350-volt d.c. range is To fully protect yourself against issue. It's a subject that no radio usually delivering about 800 a.c. volts to accidental shock, it's best to assume that restorer can afford to ignore. Watch the radio's rectifier circuit. high voltage points might be found for our first regular issue (January, All of these voltages are dangerous, anywhere in the set. Make sure that any 1994), which will begin a series even though they may be delivered at tools you may use to probe around in a detailing the evolution of the currents measured in tenths of an powered-up chassis have insulated handles, broadcast radio. By showing how ampere. The effects of an electric shock and don't touch any part of the wiring the design of radio receivers depend on a person's individual with your bare hand until you've checked developed and changed over the susceptibility, his or her skin resistance it first with a voltmeter. years, these articles will help you (determined by surface moisture and Just one final suggestion. Even though relate to the "universe" of old radios you'll be likely to encounter on your other factors), and the path of the you may have shut off a radio and forays to flea markets, garage sales electric current flowing through the removed its plug from the wall socket, the and swap meets. body. But under the right conditions, a set is still capable of giving you a shock of 150 volts or less can interfere memorable shock. That's because the Good luck and happy collecting! with heart action, causing complications filter capacitors in the high-voltage power that could lead to death. supply are capable of retaining a hefty Marc Ellis, Publisher and Editor The basic principle of avoiding power electrical charge for some time after power Vintage Radio supply shocks is similar to that for is turned off. avoiding line voltage shocks: avoid These capacitors are easy to identify contact with ground. In this case,

3 because they are physically and electrically from the other terminal, in turn, to larger than the other capacitors in the each positive terminal of each filter radio. Look for a large cardboard or capacitor. Touch all the terminals if metal cylinder, or possibly a couple of you are not sure, keeping the lead in them, mounted on end above the chassis contact with each one for a few or sideways underneath it. You can seconds. remove the danger by discharging the Now your filter capacitors should be capacitors. discharged and safe to handle. By Connect a resistor having a value of a discharging them slowly, through a few thousand ohms or so to a pair of clip resistor, instead of via a direct short leads. Use the fairly high wattage resistor circuit, you've protected the capacitors Even a set that's unplugged can give -- 5watts or better would be nice -- if you from possible damage. You've also you a nasty shock If you don't can. Attach the clip lead from one of the avoided the unsettling snapping spark discharge filter capacitors before resistor terminals to any point on the that usually accompanies a short- working on it. radio's metal chassis. Touch the lead circuit discharge.

MARC F. ELLIS

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

Need information about some aspect of our hobby? Ask your question here free. Got the answer? Please send it m! All correspondence will be conducted through this column so that it can be shared with other interested readers.

Answers to Questions Questions Awaiting Answers

Q Anyone care to share some information on how to Q The volume of many antique a.c.-operated radios replace broken or missing radio dials? (Marc Ellis, will abruptly increase or decrease when a lamp Evanston, IL) or appliance is turned on or off elsewhere in the house. Can anyone explain? A If you need to replace acelluloid or paper dial and (S. Weller, Skokie, IL) can borrow asimilar one in good condition, have it copied at a color Xerox shop. The copy will Q Iknow that the filament voltages of early battery duplicate all of the colors that may be on the tubes (such as 5volts for the 01-A and 1.1 volts original, as well as signs of age such as yellowing. for the 11 and 12) were designed to be Have your copy laminated to give it stiffness and a compatible with auto storage batteries or various bit of sheen, then cut it to size. combinations of dry cells. But how were the operating voltages for the heaters or filaments of Black-and-white glass dials can be duplicated by early a.c. tubes determined? Many seem to have photocopying the original onto plastic overhead unusually low values (such as 1.5 volts for the transparency stock. The result, now black on clear, 26; 2.5 volts for the 24A and 27) others (such as can be backed with white paper and sandwiched the 71-A and the 80) operate at 5volts like the between two pieces of 1/16" glass cut to size. 01-A. The reason can't have much to do with Purchase hardware to clip the glass sheets together the power source, since transformers can be at an art-supply or framing store. made to give any desired voltage. And, in any case, why didn't the set designers make it easy Incidentally, if you're looking for areplacement dial on themselves and set all these tubes up for a glass, try suppliers of clock parts. Clock glasses are single, standard voltage? similar, or identical, to those used in radios and (Harry Benzinger, Tampa, FL) come in avariety of diameters. (Paul Bourbin, San Francisco, CA)

4 VINTAGE BOOK REVIEWS Books from the era when vintage radios were new! Look for them at swap meets, flea markets and used book stores.

RADIO TROUBLESHOOTER'S HANDBOOK, by Some of these problems could be quite perplexing, Alfred A. Ghirardi. First Edition (1939) and Second eluding detection by normal servicing techniques. By Edition (1941) published by Radio and Technical looking up a problem radio model in the book and Publishing Co. Third edition (1943) published by Radio (hopefully) finding the symptoms, the serviceman could and Technical Division, Murray Hill Books Inc. 700+ immediately apply the cure, saving much valuable time. pages, Hardbound. The remainder of the book, much of it in tabular form, This book was written as a companion piece to presents a wealth of valuable reference information Ghirardi's very widely read Modern Radio Servicing. covering resistors, ballasts, tubes (including substitution The bulk of the book is devoted to "case histories" information), color codes, etc. There is also data on documenting typical repairs made to thousands of magazine and book publishers, manufacturers and their radios (and even television sets) manufactured from the products, auto radios and radio "modernization." beginning of the a.c. era almost to the time of publication. The case histories were gleaned from a Besides providing valuable clues to the troubleshooting large number of radio servicemen who had experienced of problem sets, this book will give the present-day recurring problems in the repair of certain sets. restorer an insight into the types of modifications typically made to improve aradio or overcome adesign The philosophy behind the book was that many radio flaw. When encountering such modifications, the models contained typical manufacturing flaws (such as restorer will be in abetter position to decide whether or weak components, unreliable wiring or poor circuit not to return the set to its original configuration. design). Such flaws eventually would cause similar problems in agreat many examples of agiven model. Contributed by Paul Joseph Bourbin Copyright 1993 by Paul Joseph Bourbin

CLUB DIRECTORY Send us basic information about your vintage radio club for free inclusion in our permanent directory. The directory will appear in Vintage Radio from time to time as space permits. Be sure to contact us when your listing requires updating!

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Oregon Antique Radio Club of America (ARCA). Quarterly Northwest Vintage Radio Society (NWVRS). Monthly publication: The Antique Radio Gazette. Regional meetings; monthly newsletter. Dues $15.00. Contact chapters, regional and national conventions. Dues the Society at P.O. Box 82379, Portland, OR 97282- $12.00. Contact ARCA, 300 Washington Trails, 0379. Washington, PA 15301. Texas Antique Association (AWA). Quarterly Vintage Radio and Society (VRPS). publication: The Old Timer's Bulletin. Regional and Monthly meetings; monthly and quarterly publications; national conventions. Dues $12.00. Contact AWA, annual auction, convention. Dues $13.50. Contact Box E Breesport, NY 14816. VRPS, P.O. Box 165345, Irving, TX 75016.

REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Wisconsin California Western Wisconsin Antique Radio Collectors Club. Bi- California Historical Radio Society (CHRS). Two monthly meetings; five newsletters, two swapmeets and journals, one audiotape, membership directory and two mall shows yearly. Dues $12.00. Contact Dave occasional newsletters yearly. Regular swap meets, Wiggert, 1611 Redfield St., La Crosse, WI 54601. exhibits and open houses. 24-hour hotline (415) 978- 9100. Dues $15.00. Contact CHRS, P.O. Box 31659, ATTENTION CLUB OFFICERS San Francisco, CA 94131. WE'D LIKE TO MAKE BOTH THIS LIST AND Maryland THE FOLLOWING "CALENDAR OF EVENTS" AS Mid-Atlantic Radio Club (MAARC). Monthly COMPLETE AS POSSIBLE, SO BE SURE TO SEND meetings; monthly newsletter. Dues $15.00. Contact US YOUR CLUB INFO AS WELL AS Joe Koester, 249 Spring Gap South, Laurel, MD 20724. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF ANY UPCOMING FUNCTIONS!

5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR SALE E.H. Scott Model 800-B in nice original-finish Chippendale Planning an auction, swap meet, convention or show? Send cabinet, 24 tubes, AM/FM/Phono, very good chrome, us a brief rundown for a free announcement Be sure to completely restored with all new capacitors, plays well, good include date, location and contact information for the event. record changer and cartridge. The last of the "real Scotts," Plan on getting the information to us two months in advance $500 or comparable trade; Pre-war Midwest console, 17-tubes, for timely insertion of your item. 5-bands, electric motor tuning, phono under top lid, multi- colored dial, good condition; 1938 Zenith model 12S266, robot dial, motor drive; 1939 Zenith Model 9S367, great art October 15-17. Vintage Radio and Phonograph deco styling, louvered bottom; 1940 Zenith Model 7S462, rare Society/Antique Wireless Association Annual Convention '93, bookcase cabinet, with 6shelves and 2drawers. Joe Koester, Holiday Inn DFW South, Irving, TX. Contact VRPS, Inc. 249 Spring Gap South, Laurel, MD 20724. (301) 725-4229 P.O. Box 165345, Irving, TX 75016. Tubes: 26 -$5, 27 -$4, 24A -$3, 71A -$9, 80 -$9, 81 -$5, November 6. California Historical Radio Society swap meet, 112A -$10, 807 -$7, 1625 -$3, 120 -$12, DUD 201A's $1.50 Ampex parking lot, Redwood City, CA. Contact CHRS Box ea., DUD 99's UV & UX -$1.00 each. George Potter, 2069 31659, San Francisco, CA 94131. Sienna Trail, Lewisville, TX 75067. (214) 315-2553

1923 Martian "Big 4" crystal set on tripod base, good condition, $325 OBO. Richard Kelly, 1945 Sugar Hill Rd., TRADING POST York, SC 29745. (803) 684-7433 A Clearinghouse for Buyers, Sellers and Swappers Edison Upright Gramophone. Has some structural damage but plays fine. Paid $225, but open to reasonable offers. Bob WANTED Ewing (503) 649-8695 Rectifier and output tubes for early 30's German "Volksemfanger" VE301w. Requires (6)354 and L41605/164. TO SWAP Also need RENS 1284 for 3tube Mende. Would appreciate Majestic Charlie McCarthy, completely restored in excellent help in identifying and dating Mende and obtaining working condition, for Emerson Snow White or Mickey schematic. Set is very similar to Volksemfanger in Mouse radio; 1921 Kennedy Model 281 for early Scott. Joe appearance and size only made of wood. Other tubes are Koester, 249 Spring Gap South, Laurel, MD 20724. (301) RGN1064 and RES964. Would like to hear from pre-war 725-4229 German radio enthusiasts. Don Nordenholt, 1509 Clifftrook Dr., Plano, TX 75075. (214) 423-9175 (home); (214) 783-2784 radio collectors (not novelty)! I have been (work). collecting for a couple of years and have lots of extras and duplicates. Iwould like to get together with other collectors and do some trading. Sonny Clutter (503) 254-9296 Arvin "Hoppy radio" any condition, "as is" is fine; type 80 "junior" cathedral. Scott MacGregor (503) 661-1294

Black Kurtz-Katch vernier dial (need the knob and shaft); Jewell pattern 135 d.c. voltmeter 0-5 or 0-8 volts, or any other YELLOW PAGES two inch hole rear mount d.c. voltmeter. Paul Bourbin, 25 Products, Publications and Services Greenview Ct., San Francisco, CA 94131.

Schematic prints and information on early 30's GEM Reproduction knobs: Zenith, Philco, Crosley, Atwater Kent. cathedral set, 5tubes (80, 24, 24, 45) sold by Meier & Frank. Send business size SASE for price list. Bill Harris, 1513 Field coils and output transformers missing too. Gordon Bellechase Dr., Roanoke, TX 76262. Phillips (503) 234-3517 Regency TR-1 radio schematic. Reproduction of the original Chassis and speaker for a Lyric Model S-7 cathedral. Ihave factory blueline. $3.75 postpaid in tube. Paul Bourbin, 25 a great cabinet and need the innards; Escutcheon and glass Greenview Ct., San Francisco, CA 94131. (415) 648-8489 dial cover for E.H. Scott Philharmonic; Scott cabinet for all wave 23 Imperial or Philharmonic; Sparton chassis for my The Collectors Guide to Transistor Radios will be ready to "Bluebird." Joe Koester, 249 Spring Gap South, Laurel, MD ship in October. Provides complete descriptions and current 20724. (301) 725-4229 values of over 2,000 models. 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" soft cover; 256 pages; over 400 full color photos. Special offer: save shipping If you can't mail me a Crosley 52 schematic or an AK33 charges by ordering directly from the authors ($15.95 cabinet, bring them to this October's VRUS Die Harder meet postpaid). Marty and Sue Bunis, RR1 Box 36, Bradford, NH in Greensboro, NC. Thanks. Steven Vanderfmder, 03221. KC6YRB, 2123 Elizabeth Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. (919) 727-1247 Schematics and servicing information for most radios through the early 1950's. $5.00 per set, postpaid. Include Promotional plastic car/AM radios from the mid-60's. Jerry make, model number and tube complement with your inquiry. Becker, 3331 Larry Drive, Plover, WI 54467. (715) 341-7610 Vintage Radio Research Service, P.O. Box 1306, Evanston, IL 60204-1306. Freshman radios, Polydyne radios and any related advertising. Will pay a reasonable price for nice sets. Dave Wiggert, 1611 Redfield St., La Crosse, WI 54601. (608) 784- 2096 RECEIVING TUBES 1 OVER 3000 TYPES IN STOCK! Early transistor radios. Regency TR-1, TR-1G, TR-4, Sony Also hard-to-find transformers, capaci- TR-55, TR-63, TR-72, TR-86. Raytheon T-100, T-150. tors and parts for tube equipment. Toshiba 6TR-186, 8TP-90, 9TM-40, 6TR-92, TR-193, 5TR- Call or write for 32 page catalog. 193. Also any solar powered . Iwill pay book price or trade for radios in good condition. Marty Bunis, RR1 Box 36, Bradford, NH 03221. (603) 938-5051 6221 S Maple Ave •Tempe AZ 85283 •602-820-5411 DeForest D-7 receiver, not needed. George Potter, 2069 Sienna Trail, Lewisville, TX 75067. (214) 315-2553

6 TM

August, 1994

Collecting Radio Peripherals Part 2 -Service Literature (continued)

Last month, we kicked off our Rider's manuals. It's quoted new series, Collecting Radio almost verbatim from a letter Peripherals, with afirst install- sent in by A.G. Tannenbaum ment on radio service literature. who, as acommercial provider It featured the well-known and of service data (see boxed ad eminently useful Perpetual on last page), is in a position Toubleshooter's Manuals pub- NiOet Ofte 11 - to speak with authority: lished by John F. Rider. Before - ". . .The original Rider's we move on to other sources of manual was sold as the 1931 service information, there are a "Troubleshooter's Manual." At few more points to be made some point in 1931, the manual about the Rider series. cover was marked "Perpetual." Updates to the "Perpetual" Roadmaps to Rider's manual were sent out to monthly subscribers. To quote Over the years, Rider pub- iî o rogation John Rider directly from the lished indexes to various indi- Ro reicin 9 11 vidual volumes and groups of (Olt . September, 1931 "Service Digest": "There shall be no volumes in the Perpetual Trou- First volume in Supreme 's "Most Often needed" series is announcements of yearly edi- bleshooters series. But these commonly available, good starter book for beginners. don't seem to turn up as often tions of the Perpetual Trouble as the books themselves. With- Shooter's Manual by John F. out an index, you are reduced to a of information not included in the Rider. The manual shall be the basic trial-and-error search for your radio Rider's index: the i.f. peak--if the book for YEARS to come and will be of interest. The sets are alphabetized receiver is a superheterodyne-- and kept up to date by means of the by manufacturer in each book and, by the tube complement. The latter is Monthly Supplementary Service." guessing the year of manufacture of very useful in tracking down receivers Apparently this policy lasted only two your set, you can estimate the correct with missing model number identifica- years. In 1933, the material was volume by from its copyright date. tion. Isuspect that the Rider's refer- reorganized for publication via period- However, this is aponderous, and not ences are from the Rider index to ically-released volumes. always successful, procedure. Volumes 1-15, which appeared in The pages in the 1931 edition were Reproduction Rider's indexes are 1947. numbered consecutively from 1 to available, one source being Antique Some time after purchasing the 804. The first supplement of about 50 Electronic Supply, 6221 S. Maple Mallory book, I acquired a pages was included with the manual. Ave., Tempe AZ 85283. If you don't serviceman's assortment of Mallory These pages had to be numbered 2-A, already have an AES catalogue drop controls housed in a special metal 24-A etc. for insertion into their them aline and request one. storage cabinet. The cabinet has a appropriate locations in the book. If you can get your hands on acopy rear compartment just the right size to Some time later, Rider abandoned this of The P.R. Mallory Radio Service accept the 6th Edition, which must clumsy consecutive numbering Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition (1948), have been included with the control scheme. Instead, service data was you'll have a very useful substitute deal. By the way, the Rider's Manual grouped by manufacturer and assigned for the official Rider indexes. This references may not be included in all a composite number consisting of a publication provides avery complete editions of the Encyclopedia. A 1937 volume number and a sequential alphabetical listing of the radio re- First Edition in my possession does document number. This method was ceivers produced up to its publication not have them. used right up to the end of the ser- date. A recommendation is provided vice. for the correct replacement Mallory Early Rider's: Caveat Emptor Additions to the 1931 manual con- controls, capacitors and/or to Before moving on to other sources tinued monthly for at least a year. be used with each one. of service data, I'd like to pass on Ultimately, more than 700 pages were The proper Rider's reference is also some very interesting, and not com- added. Since it was up to the "trou- shown for each set, as are two pieces monly known, information about early bleshooter" to insert the pages in the

Basic Information for the Radio Collector and Restorer manual, and the binder did not have the years and is not hard to find at antique capacity for the additional pages, updates radio meets. It's certainly a good starter Tm were rarely entered. book for the newcomer, but will soon be The Radio Collector During 1933, Rider went back and re- found wanting once its purchaser becomes organized the original "Perpetual" manual aserious collector. To visualize how much Volume 1, Number 8 for periodic release in volumes. Some of Volume I doesn't contain, keep in mind the data from that manual was put into that this half-inch-thick book covers atime The Radio Collector is published volume Iand some was put into volume II span represented by perhaps three feet of monthly by Marc F. Ellis. Editorial along with newly released material. Ac- Rider volumes. content copyright 1994 by Marc F. cording to information published in volume Another well-known source of at least Ellis, except as noted. The Publisher V, a complete Volume Ishould have at occasional interest to the antique radio is not responsible for transactions least 1000 pages. Volume H should have collector is the Sams Photofact folder resulting from advertising published 800 pages and volume III should have collection, a service that went into opera- herein or for any applications of 1185. A complete 1931 perpetual tion in 1946. Each Sams folder contains editorial content. Subscription and troubleshooter's manual with all updates the information for asmall group of unre- advertising rates, as well as magazine will have approximately 1600 pages. lated radios or TV's. To identify the prop- format, may be revised at any time. The 1931 perpetual, without updates, er folder, you need a copy of the annual contains only 80% of the material in index. Collecting these folders isn't practi- How to Subscribe: Rider's I. If all updates are included, you cal, but the service is still offered by the Annual subscription rates are as fol- will receive all of the Volume Imaterial Sams Company through distributors (usual- lows: via surface mail $20.00 (U.S.), and 70% of that contained in Volume IL ly electronic supply houses) or direct. $21.50 (Canada--U .S. funds); via air When assessing the completeness of a1931 To obtain an index from Sams, send to other countries, $35.00 (U.S. Perpetual, remember that the page num- $6.95 plus your local state tax to the Funds). Make out checks or money bers cannot be used as a guide because Howard W. Sams Co., 2647 Waterfront Parkway East Drive, Suite 300, Indianapo- orders to The Radio Collector and update pages referenced the original page lis, IN 46214 (price includes shipping). mail to our post office box (see number. The only way to check is through estimates based on the measured thickness The index will tell you whether the folder "How to Reach Us" below). you want is still in print. If it is, that Back issues, when available, are of the volume." folder will cost you $17.95 plus a $2.50 $2.50 each. postpaid. handling charge. UPS and local tax. If not, Sams will send you a photocopy of the Classified Advertising information on the specific set you want Subscribers may place classified for $24.95, plus handling. UPS and tax. ads in The Radio Collector at no cost. For most of us this would be a service of See classified section for instructions last resort, since schematics are usually and limitations. available for much less from almost any other source. Display Advertising Rates and size requirements for dis- COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR play advertising are posted elsewhere in this issue. Radiofest 1994

Contributions Mallory Radio Service Encyclopedia (6th The Radio Collector welcomes the Edition) slips into slot behind metal "con- submission of articles, tips, and/or trol deal" box. photos covering any phase of radio collecting. We are particularly inter- ested in contributions that will assist Other Sources of Manufacturer's Data those who are just entering our Other recently-received notes (from Alan hobby. Submissions will be printed at Douglas and Dick Mackiewicz) suggests our discretion and may be edited. that you should also keep an eye out for a Unless special arrangements are series of manuals (about seven) published made, submissions will not be re- by Gernsback that parallel the Rider's turned and, if printed, become the material, but sometimes contain additional property of this publication. information. Yet another series out there to be discov- Editor Ellis relaxes at R. C. booth during How to Reach Us ered is the "Most Often Needed" collection Elgin show. (Courtesy Bob Bakelz) To order asubscription, or place an marketed by Supreme Publications. Su- advertisement, write The Radio Col- preme, like Rider, published anew volume each year. But the Supreme books don't Last month, we reported on our adventures lector, P.O. Box 1306, Evanston, 11.. at Extravaganza 94 (The MARC-AWA 602041306. Please include full pay- provide the exhaustive coverage offered by the Rider volumes. The relatively slim meet at Lansing, MI), and this month we ment for financial transactions, hit the road again to exhibit at Radiofest including any fee for extra words. soft-cover Supreme books included only those sets considered by the editors to turn 1994, the big Elgin, IL meet sponsored by Classified ads should be submitted on The Antique Radio club of Illinois. Things up most frequently on the radio a separate sheet from other corre- serviceman's workbench. started off a bit slowly at the R.C. booth spondence. We can be reached by The first volume, Most-Often-Needed since we hadn't registered early enough to phone at (708) 869-5016 (answering 1926-1938 Radio Diagrams and Servicing obtain a spot in the main flea-market area machine picks up after 4th ring). Information, bears a 1941 copyright date. and had to locate on the outskirts of the After that, a new manual was published action. By the middle of the second day, though, every year, at least into the late 1960's, with a gap during World War II. Volume (continued on p. 4) 1 was reprinted several times over the

2 PLAY IT AGAIN!

A No-Nonsense Course in Radio History, Evolution and Repair

TYPICAL VACUUM TUBE PROBLEMS

Prior to the coming of transistor sets, materials on the glass and is harmless. have tried it countless times with little the average radio owner blamed most Gassy tubes are dangerous because they success. When Idid succeed, the rejuve- malfunctions on weak or dead tubes. In draw excessive current and may damage nation lasted only a few hours. reality, tubes were at the root of only transformers and other components. Do about 35% of the problems. Those of us not use them under any circumstances. Tube Testers in the repair business replaced weak tubes because the customer wanted and expected Noise and Microphonics The first step in restoring or repairing a us to and there was profit in tube sales. In radio is to test the tubes. You can't pro- reality there is hardly any audible differ- Tubes can develop frying or crackling ceed until you know the tubes are work- ence between new and weak tubes unless noises. You should try resoldering the ing. If you plan to repair many radios, the latter are nearly dead. With tubes base pins and grid cap to see if the tube you should have a tube tester, otherwise becoming scarce, we cannot now afford to can be salvaged. Also clean the base pins you may locate someone who will let you discard usable ones just because they test and tube socket contacts. use theirs. There are two types of testers: weak. A microphonic tube is sensitive to vibra- one measures transconductance and the tions. Its elements are loose and the other emission. The first type is expen- Fatal Defects change in their spacing due to vibration sive, but it tests the tube under dynamic modulates the electron stream. Some conditions. The emission test is a static Tubes can develop the following defects: microphonic tubes are so sensitive that the test, however, emission testers are cheap- open filaments, short circuits between set howls from acoustic feedback between er, more available and perfectly satisfacto- elements, gas, noise or microphonics and the tube and speaker. Early tubes are ry for servicing work because emission low emission. The first 3 are fatal. more apt to have this problem more often and transconductance are related. However, sometimes an apparently open than modern ones because their elements The emission tester measures plate cur- filament is caused by poor connections at are not well-braced. rent under afairly heavy load and displays the base pins. It is worthwhile to try Don't discard amicrophonic tube if it is the result on an arbitrary 0-100 scale. The resoldering the filament pins of such a good otherwise. The tube may work fine division between Good and Bad is usually tube. If that doesn't cure the problem. the in another position or another set. The at 50. Both types of tester will test for tube is useless. detector stage is especially sensitive to shorts and gas. If you buy atester, get an Another variety of open filament is the microphonic tubes, and many manufactur- older model that has the 4 and 5-pin sock- "blinker". Such atube has a broken fila- ers provided "shock mounting" for the ets and lists the settings for antique tubes. ment which makes contact when cold, but detector tube socket on rubber cushions or Some testers made in the 1950's or later opens when hot and thus cycles on and springs. considered these tubes obsolete and didn't off. Some claim the break can be welded provide for testing them. Be sure you get by applying aheavy current, but I've had Low Emission the operating manual also. no luck with this technique. Don't skip any tests, especially the Short circuits usually occur between The oxide coating on the filament or shorts and gas tests. If atube tests weak, filament and grid or heater and cathode. cathode eventually becomes exhausted and don't discard it. The best test is to replace The first results when the filament sags can no longer emit enough electrons to the suspect tube with aknown good one to into contact with the grid and often shows form aspace charge. When this happens, see if it makes adifference. If not, use the up only when the tube is hot. This defect the tube is worn out. Power and weak tube. is common in certain early tubes like the rectifier tubes are more critical in this In fact, you should make a practice of UV199. regard because their emitters must supply saving all your bad tubes, even those that The heater-cathode short is due to a large currents. Small voltage amplifier can no longer be used in radios. Some breakdown of the insulation between these tubes are less affected by low emission older ones make interesting displays, and two elements. It seems to be most com- problems. the bases are good for making adapters mon with tubes in ACTDC sets and usual- Early tubes used tungsten filaments and plugs. ly appears only when the tube is hot. activated with thorium. When the emis- Next time we will discuss the rest of the Never use a shorted tube in any radio. sion declined due to depletion of thorium equipment you will need to get started in Power output audio tubes seem to devel- at the filament surface, more could be radio repair. op gas more frequently than other types. brought up by briefly applying an Gassy tubes often exhibit a blue glow overvoltage to the filament. These tubes within the elements. Don't confuse this could be rejuvenated quite successfully. Conducted by Ken Owens with the blue glow sometimes seen on the Many articles have been written claiming 478 Sycamore Dr. inner surface of the bulb. That is caused that oxide-coated filaments and cathodes Circleville, OH 45113 by stray electrons striking fluorescent can be rejuvenated in similar fashion. I

3 CORRESPONDENCE FROM OUR READERS Letters may be paraphrased, shortened, or otherwise edited so that everyone gets a chance at the floor!

This N' That A. Dubois, Jr., Queensbury, NY. realm of "antique" radio, but it is a won- Ijust received the June '94 issue of The derful insight into another field, of an era Radio Collector and read the answers to The sample Alton enclosed is a little over when one could almost fee the circuitry my questions. Thanks to those who an- 2" in diameter and seems to be a begin to work. -- Bob Zinck, Halifax, swered and gave their experiences. somewhat heavier gauge than that of the N.S., Canada Ken Owens said that my Philco could not usual headphone diaphragm. Though I be a 1926 model as the company did not didn't test it myself, Iwould guess that the News Group manufacture radios until 1928. Using his disk might work as an emergency replace- In another note received just before going tube chart published in the May issue, I ment -- most likely with some loss in sensi- to press, Bob Zinck informs us that a gen- now believe it to be a 1929 model. It is a tivity or volume. tleman named Bill Robie is attempting to floor-model 7-tube TRF set Model #77A. form an antique radio news group on Any further information will be much Info Needed on All American N.T. on the Internet. Those with appreciated. Internet access can E-mail requestsfor info Regarding Ken's chart, Iwonder if he to robieeumbc.edu could provide the "obsolete date"? For example on page 6 he says that the Type 26 was first used in 1927 and nearly obso- lete by 1929. COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR More on volume level changes. Just after (continued from p. 2) Isent you my letter last month, my wife had one of my 60's vintage transistor thanks to some no-shows who hadn't portables out in the garden. It was located claimed their spots, we were allowed to about three feet from the house. Over a move to a high-traffic area right opposite period of time the volume levels changed. the Antique Electronic Supply table. This Ithen moved the radio farther away from not only greatly improved the action at the the house. The volume level remained booth, but also gave us an opportunity to steady from that time onwards. Ibelieve renew our friendship with outgoing AES this to be further evidence of what Idis- owner George Fathauer Sr. and meet two cussed in my previous letter. (Note: Here, of the new principals, Joe Campanella and Allan is referring to his theory that volume son-in-law Greg Cravener. changes can result from variations, some- During the proceedings, we enjoyed the times caused by varying load demands of Can anyone help reader opportunity of chatting with subscribers household appliances, in the magnetic field Humphreys find info on this very Larry Horvath (Milford, MI), Don Hauff (Minneapolis, MN), Bob Baketz (Elgin, generated by the house wiring. Ed.) -- neat looking All American IL), Bruce Tjaden (Louisville, KY) and Allan Brown, Woodlawn, Ont., Canada. Products Corp Model # N.T.? Dr. Aaron Field (Chicago, EL). In addi- According to acatalogue of radio receivers tion, we were pleased to welcome several printed in my "RCA Radiotron complete" new subscribers who signed up during combined version of Rider's manuals one Stewart Humphreys, 600-C Brookwood Radiofest 94: Bill McGowan (Costa Mesa, through three, the Philco 77A was released Ct., Blue Springs, MO 64014 is looking CA), Mrs. Don Colbert (Dearborn, MI), in 1930. Taking it upon myself to answer for schematic and servicing information for Peter Nauseda (Palos Hills, IL), Ed an All american Products Corp. All Wave the tube question meant for Ken, "obsolete Huether (Oak Park, IL), Bill Miedema dates" for tubes are pretty hard to pin Model # N.T as pictured here. Tube com- (Tower Lakes, IL), Ed Bell (Raleigh, NC), down. In the first place, set manufacturers plement is 5Z3, 6K7, 6L7, 6N5, 6B6, Edward Eddy (Tempe, AZ), Daniel Carey 6D6, 76(3), 75, 6U5. The set is apparently didn't necessarily stop using a tube type (Glendale Heights, EL), Ty Gregory not listed in Rider's. (Elkhart, IN), Bill Timoszyk (Livonia, MI) after it was superseded by a better one -- especially if they could purchase surplus and J. Kolpa (Woodridge, IL). stock or overruns at an advantageous Clandestine Radio Book Other high spots for me were getting to Iam presently reading afascinating book meet legendary Hallicrafters collector price. For another, tube manufacturers regarding "secret" radio apparatus as Chuck Dachis and to visit with my good continued to turn out "obsolete" types for replacement purposes long after progres- supplied to the French resistance during friend Brother Patrick Dowd. I also en- sive set designers had ceased specifying WW2 by the Brits. Includes transceivers, joyed Chuck's slide show, featuring his , radar, cryptography, etc. It might remarkable collection, as well as Brother them in new radios. be of interest to WW2 radio buffs. Title is Pat's slide show on his world-famous SECRET WARFARE by Pierre Lorain, vacuum tube exhibit at Manhattan College. Surrogate Diaphragm published by Orbis Publishing of London The exhibit of Atwater Kent radios and In looking through my "junk" for some- England, 1984 (English language edition) artifacts was impressive indeed, and there thing else, Icame across astack of those was the usual lively activity at the auction. metal disks used by roofers to nail down ISBN # 0-85613-586-0. It is very hard to locate. Igot mine via Of personal interest to me was the sale of tarpaper underlayment. They looked so much like headphone diaphragms that I an inter-library loan from the University of an International Kadette (the pioneering Saskatchewan in western Canada, but Iam a.c.-d.c. set that has stimulated some lively tried some as replacements in headsets sure there are other copies around. The discussion in our last couple of issues) for having dented or missing ones. They fit book even has schematics of some of the $350.00 and aMengel crystal set like that neatly, being almost the exact same diame- ter. Most hardware stores and lumber gear. I realize this is somewhat outside the (continued on p. 6) yards used to carry these disks. -- Alton

4 INFORMATION EXCHANGE

This is an open forum for interaction among our readers. Here you can ask questions about some aspect of our hobby, answer aquestion that's been posed or pass along other information of general interest. Send your questions, answers and information to The Radio Collector, P.O. Box 1306, Evanston, IL 60204-1306. Submissions may be edited or paraphrased.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS QUESTIONS AWAITING ANSWERS 310 ohm resistor mounted on back of chassis for heater supply drop. Tube Cement Tip Mystery of the Dead S-38 (b) Used type KR-1 mercury vapor Regarding Tony Jacobi's question on ce- Ihave a real problem that has baffled rectifier tube with 310 ohm resistor. ment for loose tube bases and grid caps: me for days. My Hallicrafters S-38 sud- crazy glue seems to work very well. It is denly quit on me, so I made various (c) Used type IV rectifier tube and quite thin and easily runs down into small checks and here is what Ifound. resistor line cord. spaces. The filters are all o.k. The bypasses are To re-cement a tube base, make a all o.k. The tubes test o.k. The voltage on (d) Connected to power source(s), via a "stand" for the tube by punching holes in the 35Z5 cathode is nil. After much lifting socket, by aresistor line cord for power a small cardboard box to match the pat- of feeds and capacitors from various line operation or by alternate power tern of the tube pins. After cleaning the circuits, I isolated the problem to the cord to vehicular or marine source with tube, insert it into the "stand" in an up- 35L6 screen. (B) batteries for high voltage. right position. Then allow the glue to drip With all the leads except the lead from into the space between the tube and the the 35Z5, which consists of a 22 ohm The problem with the heater dropping base, rotating the box so that the level of resistor in series with a680 ohm resistor power began here. Almost 3( vans of the glue rises evenly. If excess glue runs that goes to the screen of the 35L6, the power had to be dissipated with uy four down the side of the base, allow it to dry voltage is still nil. When the two resistors 6.3 v. /300 ma. tubes in the circuit. That overnight--then scrape it away with an X- are lifted off the screen terminal, the made for avery hot radio after continued acto knife. voltage jumps to 150 v. There is nothing operation. The resistor line cord made the When re-cementing a grid cap, find a else attached to the screen terminal except radio less hot, but the hot cord was anoth- cardboard box just large enough to hold the tube itself. er bag of worms. The need for higher the tube upright when the tube is placed in Ichecked the resistance on the screen plate voltage than was available with the a corner. Hold the tube upside-down in terminal without anything attached to it adapted rectifier began here and the your hand and allow the glue to run into and without the tube in the socket. Ialso KR-1 mercury vapor type was the initial the space between the glass and the cap. substituted new resistors for the 680 ohm solution for that problem. That was fol- Rotate the tube, as necessary, to obtain and the 22 ohm resistor. The screen pin lowed by the 1V and 12Z3 types and then even distribution. Try to avoid applying reads in the high megs from the pin to the 25 volt or higher types came along. excess cement. Now place the tube up- ground and the other pins in t' socket. The circuit shown last month was for the side-down in the box; the weight of the Something is pulling down thi tage at second version. tube will hold the grid cap against the that point. There are some interesting solutions now glass until the cement is thoroughly set. My only other alternative is to drill out available for the line cord and ballast Then any excess can be scraped off with the rivets and replace that socket, which I resistor problem, and these should be an X-acto knife. am reluctant to do because it doesn't read discussed when appropriate. -- C. Orval Although most crazy glues adhere well defective. What happens? -- Alton A. Parker, Pocono Summit, PA in just a few seconds, Iallow cemented DuBois, Jr., Queensbury, NY tubes to sit overnight before moving them. Ihave heard that the crazy glue bond may GENERAL INFORMATION deteriorate after afew years, but it is still strong in tubes Irepaired at least that long More Kadette Info ago. Another preparation that might work Ray Larson's letter on the International well is watch crystal cement. This is Kadette in last month's Radio Collector available in small tubes from: S. LaRose, caught my eye. Iwrote an article on the Inc., P.O. Box 21208, Greensboro, NC private ind versions of the Kadette in 27420. Their general catalogue is $3.00, the February, 1990 issue of the MAARC what and contains mostly watch and clock newsletter, in response to a reader inqui- adds so much to radio supplies. However, there are several items ry. Some of the information on power satisfaction—at so little that are useful for old radio restoration, supply variations among various versions cost—as MAR-CO Dials? including round dial glass in several sizes of the Kadette may be of interest to RC handsome, responsive, at very reasonable prices. Was there ever readers. supremely accurate—put acommercial cement especially made for It should be noted that there seemed to them on your set tonight. grid caps? Absolutely! Unfortunately, that be four versions of that radio during the has gone the way of the buggy whip! -- over-one-year production. 4/AAR:CO DIALS Dick Mackiewicz, Coventry, CT (a) Used type 37 tube for rectifier and

5 DICK'S CORNER Tips and Tidbits from the World of Antique Radio Collecting and Restoring

New Book Explains 1920's Technology Put a piece of masking tape--to be used to record the type number--on the base of the tube. Slowly rotate the tube under a BEHIND THE FRONT PANEL (The Design and Development of strong light as you examine the surface under a three-power 1920's Radios) by David Rutland. 158 pages. Many black-and- magnifying glass. If there's a number there, you should find it. white illustrations and schematics. Available from Wren Publish- Use a fine-tip felt marker to note the number on the masking ers, P.O. box 1084, Philomath OR 93750. $18.95 plus postage. tape. (ISBN 1-885391-00-500). NOW it is safe to clean the tube. Warm water applied carefully with aclean, soft rag should do the job, though some people use This book covers the technical details of early radio receivers, commercial glass cleaners. As Isee it, using adetergent or other from crystal sets to eight tube superhets. If you've ever won- cleaning agent only increases the likelihood of removing the dered what the diferente was between aTRF and aNeutrodyne, number. In any case rub very lightly where the number is located this book will tell you. Regenerative. Reflex, even Calimityplex (Note: I usually leave the area where the number is with the sets are covered!! original dirt, cleaning all around it -- Ed.) Please don't think you have to be a graduate engineer to If the number should disappear during cleaning, you might like understand this book. The author explains the various circuits in to scratch it permanently into the base with a sharp awl and terms that even a beginning collector can understand! This is remove the temporary tape. In the case of miniature tubes, which NOT another "pretty picture book." It IS awell written text that have no base, the tape needs to stay on permanently. For this condenses agreat deal of technical history into abook that never reason, use very narrow tape (such as the 1/4" size) on miniature becomes boring. A few mistakes, such as listing TUSKA in New tubes. York, rather than Hartford, Connecticut, and the statement that If you accidentally wipe off the tube number before recording a "cat's whisker should have a sharp point" can be forgiven. it, or if the number had disappeared before the tube came into (FINE wire is o.k. A fine POINT will ruin acrystal!) your possession, you can try some of the often-recommended All in all, this book fills a void in the collector community as methods for bringing it out again. Two of these are rubbing the yet not addressed by any other publication. Ihighly recommend tube briskly through the hair and dabbing the surface with it! rubbing alcohol. (A third one is breathing on the tube so that moisture condenses on its surface. -- Ed.) I've tried most of the Don't Wash Off Your Tube Numbers! recommended methods with little success. Much better to find the number before you lose it! Most collectors will, sooner or later, acquire alarge box of old In afuture column, I'll discuss ways of identifying certain pre- tubes--all covered with several layers of dirt, dust and grime. octal tubes even if they have lost their type numbers. So don't Many times, the tubes in anewly-found radio will be in the same toss a tube out just because its number is missing! condition. DON'T obey your first impulse to immediately clean such tubes. Cleaning will often remove the type numbers! Conducted by Dick Mackiewicz

COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR MONTHLY MINI QUIZ (continued from p. 4) Match wits with our quiz editor! See next month's issue for the answer, as well as the names of all readers who responded correctly. featured on the cover of our first issue for over $200.00 (I should have written down the exact figure). Never thought I'd see another one like it! A cheesy-looking palm-sized Japanese The terms "Iconoscope" and "Kinescope" may not mean much to today's generation of TV viewers, but these devices started a transistor set changed hands for a 4-figure sum, but my neigh- revolution after World War II. The "Ike" was the television bors and Iagreed that this was probably aprearranged buyback camera tube and the "Kinescope" was the picture tube that sale set up as ajoke. Of course, we could be wrong. ..! displayed the image. Both were the work of a Russian-born It was also much fun to get to know Mr. and Mrs. Phil engineer who studied at the Leningrad Technical Institute and in Anderson, and daughter Rebecca Hewes, who were promoting 1912 joined the faculty there. The Xtal Set Society. The fates marooned us side-by-side on the Ln Leningrad, he was involved in research aimed at translating fringes of the action for the first day and ahalf, so we had a lot electronic impulses into pictures, but took time out Miring World of opportunity to talk. War I--when he turned his efforts to wireless communications. Phil started the Society, and its newsletter for members, as a Aft-r the war, he traveled to the U.S., settling here in 1919. He hobby about four years ago. Since he's in a high-tech business went to work for Westinghouse, won a Ph.D., and resumed his (the manufacture of modem equipment for the amateur radio interest in picture transmission--applying for a patent on the community), Phil finds a lot of relaxation in designing and Iconoscope in 1928. But the patent was held up by various writing about the much simpler products of an earlier technolo- legalities. gy. Since its inception the Society has grown steadily, and the In 1920 he joined the RCA research staff, and finally obtained Andersons decided to put it on a more businesslike basis. the Iconoscope patent in 1938. He went on to work on the Daughter Rebecca signed on to handle production and marketing electron microscope and other devices. at the beginning of this year. Membership in the Society, which includes asubscription to the Conducted by Julian N. Jablin bi-monthly newsletter, is $9.95 yearly (somewhat higher outside Answer to last month's quiz: Aleksandr Popov. Correct answer the U.S.). For more information, write Rebecca Hewes, PO Box sent in by Alan Douglas. 3026, St. Louis, MO 63130.

6 VINTAGE BOOK REVIEWS

Books from the era when vintage radios were new! Look for them at swap meets, flea markets and used book stores.

RADIO HANDBOOK, Compiled for The International Correspon- The book closes with some radio experiments and the usual dence Schools, Published by the International Textbook Company, collection of charts, codes and definitions that concluded many Scranton, PA. 1924. 514 pages. Small format. Hardbound. texts of this era. This volume was meant to serve as a textbook for those with This small book appears with avariety of covers and title pages, little or no knowledge of electronics or radio. Since it was written but all bear the International correspondence School name. by an electrical engineer, the presentation stresses general electri- Apparently the volume was packaged in different ways for cal principles. Much of the material is not directly related to radio. different types of distribution. The many line drawings and schematics are, for the most part, Its first few chapters, like those of many books written during the generic in nature and (except for the section on commercial infancy of radio, deal with basic electrical terms, circuits and receivers) do not deal with practical applications. equipment. Then follows a chapter which deals with "Miscella- The text is easy to read and understand, involving minimal use neous Radio Devices," covering apparatus such as thromocouples, of math. Since it's small enough to slip into a shirt pocket, this is mineral and eletrolytic detectors, spark gaps, generators, keys and a nice book to carry around and read whenever you have a few buzzers, telephone apparatus and horn speakers. The next chapter minutes. covers electron tube theory and discusses various types of tubes. Radio Handbook accurately reflects the state of the art at the A section on transmitting stations covers spark, arc, buzzer and beginning of the broadcast era. It is recommended to anyone vacuum tube equipment of the types popular in the early twenties. looking for an easy-to-read book from that period. Those seeking The chapters that follow deal with radio- and audio-frequency a more technical presentation should look elsewhere. circuits and . Next come interesting sections on the use For those of you who would like to communicate with me via E- of filters and on powering transmitters and receivers from the AC mail, my address is [email protected]. mains. After ashort section on wave meters, there is afairly long one devoted to the theory and operation of some of the then- Conducted by Paul Joseph Bourbin popular commercial receiving sets. Copyright 1994 by Paul Joseph Bourbin

COMPANY CHRONICLES

Brief Biographies of Classic Radio Manufacturers

of an Armstrong license. Sets manufactured during this period carried the Tri -City name and an Atchison, Kansas address. 1926 saw the introduction of a pioneering a.c.-operated set utilizing series-string '99 tubes. This popular radio went through three revi- gteinit sions, selling so briskly that the Company opened aChicago sales office the following year. ELECTRIC RADIO Things continued to move quickly for Mr. Stein's little company. In 1928, an RCA license was acquired with the help--so the story In the year 1922, Atchison, Kansas resident Fred W. Stein goes--of fire-eating Missouri Senator Jim Reed. Reed is reported formed the Atchison Radio and Electric Company to engage in the to have bearded a reluctant General Sarnoff in the latter's office, sale of galena crystals. The crystals, marketed under the name refusing to leave until a license was issued. The license made it Steinite, hit the market in 1923 -- complete with advertising possible for Steinite to market, that same year, a state-of-the art puffery claiming 1000-mile reception. Mr. Stein, whose formal a.c.-operated set (which was priced a couple of dollars less than education had ended with the eighth grade, had been in the the competitive Atwater Kent Model 40). Also in 1928, the Steinite electrical contracting business prior to World War Iand served in company was sold to Chicago capitalists Jacob Abelson and Oscar the Navy during that conflict. Gertz. Soon after going into the crystal business, Stein progressively In October of 1928, the Company purchased control of the Leslie expanded F. Muter his line to THE RADIO C OLLECTOR Co., a radio parts manu- include Display Advertising Dimensions and Prices crystal facturer. By detector TYPE H" x W" 1 MONTH 3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 1 YEAR early 1929, assemblies, stepped-up complete 1 page 9 0/0 6 3/4 $65.50 $177.00 $319.00 $574.50 merchandis- crystal sets, 1/2 page 9 0/0 3 1/4 33.00 88.50 160.00 288.00 ing efforts raised sales and one- 1/2 page 4 3/8 6 3/4 33.00 88.50 160.00 288.00 to new tube radios. 1/4 page 4 3/8 3 1/4 16.50 45.00 81.00 145,50 peaks. These sets 1/8 page 2 0/0 3 1/4 8.50 23.00 42.00 75.00 Steinite soon were all Bus Card 1 1/8 2 1/8 12.00 21.50 38.50 sold acquired an through the additional mail by means of newspaper advertising. plant located in Auburn, Indiana and built a third one in Fort In mid-1925, the entrepreneur purchased Tri -City Radio Electric Wayne. By October of that year, the Company employed almost Supply Co. (Tresco) which, though foundering, was the possessor 1200 workers and was turning out areported 2,000 sets per day.

7 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Subscribers may place one free classified ad, up to 30 words long, in each issue. Count your name, ham call (if desired), complete address and one phone number as six words. Additional words are 15 cents each per issue. Non-subscribers pay 30 cents each per issue for all words. Free ads will be automatically run in two issues, but expire after their second insertion unless renewed by mail or phone. Those wishing to run the same ad for extended periods of time may want to use a "business card" space (see Display Advertising Dimensions and Prices table elsewhere in this issue). This is aboxed area in which we can print your business card or any advertising message that will reasonably fit (no charge for setting type). We reserve the right to make editorial adjustments in classified ads without advance notification and to refuse advertising at our discretion. We will reprint, without charge, any ad containing typographic errors, but assume no other financial responsibility.

Wanted Red dial pointer for Airline 62-274 as Wanted Buyers and sellers of WWII military For Sale/Trade McMurdo Silver and Scott illustrated in Bunis II. Samuel Zuckerberg, 578 radio sets and accessories. America's WWII parts, brochures, etc. Don Hauff, Box 16351, Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10036. radio surplus leader. Sam Hevener W8KBF, Minneapolis, MN 55416. 1-800-769-9980. "The Signal Corps," 3583 Everett Rd., Rich- Wanted Antique radio . Also want field, OH 44286-9723. (216) 659-3244 before Capacitor Sale Filters: fresh, clean, prime - any junk Tuska radios or parts. Highest prices 8PM. 20mfd/150v (3/8 x 113/16" tubular); Mallory 2 paid. Dick Mackiewicz, 1549 N. River Rd., mfd/450v (1/2 x 1 3/8" tubular); 68mfd/200v Coventry, CT 06238. (203) 742-8552. For Sale Transistor novelty radios. Send along (5/8 x 1" radial) -use two to replace dual 150v for today's higher line voltage. Plastic molded Wanted McMurdo Silver radios and brochures. SASE to Gary Arnold, 615 Oak St., Marion, Sprague "Black Beauty" .2 mfd/600v; Aerovox Zenith or Scott chrome chassis radios. Don NC 28752. (704) 652-6893 "Duranite" .25 mfd/600v (both 11/16 x 2 1/8" Hauff, Box 16351, Minneapolis, MN 55416. 1- tubular) - plastic somewhat dusty/dirty from 800-769-9980. For Sale first user-friendly circuit on early BC- open bin storage, easily wiped clean. Any of 348's. Send $2 and three 29-cent stamps. Ray above 5 types $1.00 each (10/$9). High voltage Wanted Circuit diagram for Hallicrafters Model Larson, 12241 1/2 Gorham. W. Los Angeles, (replaces .005/6000v in small screen TV's): S-200 "Legionnaire" BC/SW set. Alton A. CA 90049-5214. DuBois, Jr., 67 Peggy Ann Rd., Queensbury, prime .0047 mfd/6000v butterscotch disc (3/4 x NY 12804. 1/4"), long 1 3/4" leads, moistureproof epoxy For Sale Vintage radio parts, test equipment, dipped $2.75 ea. (10/$25); Sprague .0068 Wanted Old radio headphones. Iwill buy one crystal detectors. We have a new open type mfd/8000v-10% mylar (3/8 x 1 7/8" tubular) set or ahundred! Please send list and your price. adjustable detector! SASE for list. Dick $4.75 ea. (5/$23). Shipping $3 (over $25 post- Dick Mackiewicz, 1549 N. River Rd., Coventry, Mackiewicz, 1549 N. River Rd., Coventry, CT paid). Don Dien, 4276 North 50 St. Dept. RI. CT 06238. (203) 742-8552. 06238. (203) 742-8552. Milwaukee, WI, 53216-1313.

SERVICE DATA Radio Parts -New and Used Tubes PROCLAIM YOUR INTEREST HARD TO FIND PARTS Test Equipment -Service Data to the world! Wear our distinctive logo print- Original SAMS photofacts, TSM, CB, MHF, ed in deep blue on aHanes Heavyweight 50- TR and AR. Manufacturer's Data, FREE 1000's of parts. Write your wants. SASE for 50 T-shirt (XL only). $12.50 (or $7.50 with Catalogue. A.G. Tannenbaum, P.O Box 110, reply. Krantz, 100 Osage Ave., Somerdale, new subscription or 1-year extension) post- East Rockaway, NY 11518. NJ 08083-1136. paid. The Radio Collector, P.O. Box 1306, Phone (516) 887-0057 Evanston, IL 60204-1306. 24 hour (516) 599-6523. Phone (609) 783-0400.

COMPANY CHRONICLES (continued from previous page) Alan Douglas' three-volume encyclopedia "Radio Manufacturers of the 1920's," published by The Vestal Press, Ltd., Vestal, NY However, as with most companies of that era, the Depression and copyrighted 1988, 1989 and 1991 by Alan Douglas. eventually took its toll. Steinite was reorganized at the beginning of 1930 with Jim Tully (formerly of Bremer-Tully) in charge. By CALENDAR OF EVENTS April, the Company was in receivership, with debts of 1.3 million. Magnavox bought the Fort Wayne plant in May; Steinite Sept 21-24. Antique Wireless Association 33rd Annual Confer- reorganized again in October to make private-brand radios, ence. Thruway Marriott, Rochester, NY. (reached from Exit 46 lasting another couple of years before going out of business. of I-90, The New york State Thruway). Flea market, seminars, contest, auction. This year's themes: Radio in WWII and 150 The information for this Company biography was obtained from Years of the Telegraph. Watch for The Radio Collector Booth!

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