From: SDOGGETT@cmsa.gmr.com
Newsgroups: rec.antiques
Subject: Re: Old radio w/phono player/recorder
Date: 12 Nov 92 12:32:28 GMT
Organization: GM Research Labs

In article <1992Nov11.194459.24428@cbnewsd.cb.att.com>
knudsen@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (michael.j.knudsen) writes:
>Years ago I had a Radiola console with the power/amp/speaker as in the R-35.
>This must have been a stock Victor module, used in most of their TRF and
>superhet consoles.  Had a rather harsh sound that I tired of.
>
It's hard to say why yours sounded harsh.  My R-32 is quite a performer.  It ha
d plenty of bass and volume.

>This Radiola was a TRF of 27s with a unique 5-gang tuner -- each capacitor
>section was like a butterfly whose wings were pushed farther apart as
>a large wheel revolved.  The tuning knob slid fro left to right in a 6" slit,
>and you could roll it along the bottom of the slit for vernier tuning.
>But it took less than a second to go from one end of the dial to the other--
>neat system.  Spencer, could you tell me what model number that set was?
>I had to leave it in Boston back in '68 :-(
>
Of course, it's always easier to look at pictures, but lets try it the hard way
!  The R-32 series had nothing over the grill clothe, it was just a rectangular
 piece goldish in color.  The R-35 series used repwood trim over it (the stuff
that looks like carved wood, but is actually pressed).  Also, if you were to lo
ok straint down from the top of the set the R-32 series used a dial escutcheon
made of solid walnut.  It bowed out from the set, the tuning shaft/knob followe
d the arc.  On the R-35 series, this arc was recessed so from a top view it
could not be seen.  I can't remember all the variations but the 32 & 35 were ba
se models, both being lowboys.  The next step up was a taller set with doors
then a combo w/ record changer.  I can't recall the 4th variation, but therre w
as one!  I've heard of others so there may be more.  The Victors with record ch
angers used prefix RAE (or was it REA).

>> Back to the WR-7; After determining it uses the 84 or 86 chassis, it sheds ne
>> light on the situation.  I believe this is the series that uses a 746-0-746 Vl
>> t power transformer.  It was the weak link in the set and frequently failed.
>
>Whooey!  I believe you, but what did they do with all those volts?
>Even a type 10 tube used only 450 V on the plate, I think.
>And that required a pair of 81s to rectify.
>
I don't really know why!  Did it possibly use a 50, or 2 50's for output?  I di
dn't look at the schematic when I looked it up.

>> If you find a chassis be suspect of this condition.  You will probably never i
>> nd a replacement transformer if you need one.
>
>I have this big 750-0-750 xformer, built for a radio transmitter,
>never used, that I'd be glad to sell cheap, plus shipping (!).
>
The problem comes in when you need all the other voltage taps.  If you let me k
now the others, and all are there (in the one trans) I may be interested in it.
Please let me know.
>Can I mail order the Rider's?  And is there a radio collectors' club
>in Chicagoland?
It's the Beitmans that in reprinted, not the Riders.  For Riders you just keep
your eyes open at meets or buy them in the ARC.  Most can be bought in the $12
price range.  The 1st 5 will cost more.  Volume one goes for $40 to 50.  The la
st volume is also extemely expensive (vol 23), yet I could care less, because S
ams are available and easier to work with.
   " Is there a radio club in Chicagoland?"  You happen to have the worlds larg
est swap meet in your backyard.  2nd week in Aug @ the Elgin Holiday Inn.  The
guy to call for more info on the club is Dave Johnson (708)  484-2743.  They al
so have smaller meets throughout the year.  Look into it, you'll be glad you
did.  Spencer Doggett
Newsgroups: rec.antiques