Historical 'Look' of old Radio Components! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2020, 12:35:12 pm
content: I LOVE the look of old components like Capacitors, when rebuilding old Tube Radios etc...We've all seen/done rejuvenations where the chassis underside is now full of bright blue Electrolytics,and various 'new' other types, that take away the authentic 'old/original' look, historically.It's clever, when people pull out the guts though, of an old 'Can' on thechassis top, and re-stuff itwith new capacitors, or even slice open the outer wrapping of oldPaper/Waxcaps, and hide the newreplacement onesinside, and re-seal them! I just worry though!....ONE day in the future, someone is going to see them, and say... "Oh... I better cut all this old crap out!"I hope people at least leave aNOTEinside, informing them of what's been done! haha...The WORST that some people do, (in Mains powered units), is replace the Rectifier Tube with a coupleof modern Diodes under the tube-socket. Argh... (The tube is generally a Duo-Diode, and works from acentre-tapped transformer, to attain Full-Wave rectification). Apart from the 'Looks', they do NOT behavethe same!! Amongst other things/reasons, the 'Cathode' in these are usually 'Indirectly Heated", so thatit takes longer fully come up to working levels, as opposed to the other tubes present, to reduce inrushcurrent, and over-voltage in parts, on start up. To me, they are all about the 'Looks' though!!

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2020, 01:19:53 pm
content: Many two-diode vacuum tube rectifiers in old equipment are directly-heated, including the popular 5Y3 (and old-style 80) and 5U4. Indirectly-heated units are the 6.3V heater 6X5, 6X4, etc. and the less-common 5AR4. The series-string (AA5) radios all use indirectly-heated 35Z5, etc. single diodes. The moral decision on restoring old radios is whether to replace the selenium rectifiers that were more modern than the vacuum tube units.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2020, 04:44:36 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on June 01, 2020, 01:19:53 pmSelenium rectifiers were invented in 1933, so while way newer than tube rectifiers, unless you work exclusively on 20s and ealy 30s sets there is a chance you may encounter one.

author: schmitt trigger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2020, 08:51:53 pm
content: The question you ask about restoring vintage electronics, is the exact same question that vintage auto restorers face.Of course, they would like to keep the product 100% original, but there may be instances where original components and/or original materials used in its fabrication are now unobtanium.Two choices her: either one faces the music and replaces the unobtanium component with its modern equivalent, or one actually "builds" the component from scratch.The second choice is easier in a mechanical apparatus than an electronics one.

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2020, 11:45:22 am
content: Quote from: schmitt trigger on June 01, 2020, 08:51:53 pmYes, you are right, about many 'unobtainiums'...However, I was mainly pointing out about restorations that 'look' original, by hidingnewcomponentsinside. And how that'sgood, unless someone in the future tries to rip them out again!!A lot of very old radios (mains & battery) also had a 'Vibrator' unit inside a chassis can. There is nothingwrong with a modern electronic cct replacement being used, but put it all in the original Can!!Just leave a 'note' inside, for future enthusiasts!!

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2020, 06:39:23 am
content: I'm not so sure that I want to see Electronic equipment restored to "showroom condition".Equipment in commercial service for many years may accumulate many updates & mods which are all part of the history of that device.Sometimes, with equipment running 24/7/365, there are components like thermionic rectifiers which have a history of limited life spans, compared to the rest of the device.With a piece of gear made in, say, 1955, many such mods may well have been made in the late 60's to early 80's, so are around 40 to 50 years old in themselves, older now than the device was when they were carried out!

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2020, 06:58:35 am
content: David Tipton in one of his restoration videos replaced the ancient batteries with pieces of wood cut to size, to which he glued printed battery jacket wraps. The original look of the components was preserved!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2020, 01:10:37 pm
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on June 05, 2020, 06:39:23 am(I highlighted in bold, a portion of your response, above)...You are 100% correct, about the 'lifespan' of various effective Thermionic Emissions, initially used at the time.I've often 'Agonized' (haha) over re-using say an ancient '201A' 4-pin, as in this link...https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_x201a.htmlin an old 1920's Regenerative Receiver, knowing that it's performance is Crap!, as opposed to using a 'slightly'more 'modern' equivalent, where various Oxides/Materials had much better Thermionic Emission, and have gonefor the 'latter', as they 'LOOK' the same visually, (4-pin teardrop), but actually perform better, so is now usable!To me, the looks is most important. 'Then' functionality today. "ShowRoom' condition is not always 'pretty'.Most of the time the Under-Chassis is a birds-nest of crap, (all point to point), but it's how it was done. SometimesI would actually like to have a clear perspex case, (if the outside was rubbish!), to show the insides!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2020, 01:13:57 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on June 05, 2020, 06:58:35 amYEP!! I'm glad his videos are reaching the rest of the World!! He is a very talented man...

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2020, 12:13:34 am
content: I also love the look of old equipment, but I don't care too much for what's under the chassis.I recently got a AZ1 rectifier knowing well how it is not as great as a more modern indirect heater, but it is one of the most beautiful vacuum tubes I've ever seen. It has become a spare to restore my grandpa's Philips BX462A.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2020, 05:50:31 am
content: I've restored a few vintage radios, I re-stuffed the capacitors just for the heck of it. At a glance it looks fully original but if you look closely you can tell they've been altered. Also I usually write up a little restoration log and tuck it away in the cabinet somewhere.

author: AlbertL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2020, 01:03:09 pm
content: Does anyone else love the smell of vintage electronics? I don't know what it is - probably the various waxes and varnishes used on the components, with some phenolic insulation - but the scent under the chassis of vacuum-tube equipment is a wonderful thing!

author: firehopper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2020, 12:28:24 am
content: smell of old dust?Quote from: AlbertL on June 06, 2020, 01:03:09 pm

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 11:11:20 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 06, 2020, 12:13:34 amGood on you mate. Yea, those old original style valves/tubes have a 'look' all of their own!!And the old 'Side-Contact' style base tubes are hard to find.As a side-note of interest...That radio always had an 'AZ1' Directly-Heated-Cathode dual-rectifier. The tube-line-up should be...ECH21, ECH21, EBL21,AZ1.Back then, the Electron Emission of Cathodes was poor, and had since been greatly improved.Later,In-Directlyheated tubes were used, as Emission was improved without the 'Cathode' beingso hot, but ALSO because they took slightly longer to heat up!The 'UP' sideof this, is that all theother tubes/loads could come up to voltage more gradually, without over voltage/current. I knowsome companies didn't factor this in, but many did!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 11:23:40 am
content: Quote from: AlbertL on June 06, 2020, 01:03:09 pmAbsolutely!!It's like opening/smelling an old 'book' in one of those old book-exchange shops!!I guess a 'young' person could not relate to it, as they have no 'reference' of old...Scent is a POWERFUL thing, to the Brain, when connecting to a historical place/time.But YES... that 'cabinet', 'chassis', 'transformer', 'solder/flux', 'component' smell, literallysends me back many DECADES in my brain, when I first open something up !!!I think that's half the thrill when working with a new project...

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2020, 02:37:12 am
content: Quote from: GlennSprigg on June 08, 2020, 11:11:20 amYes, the "Side Contact" base is a pain - worse contact reliability when compared to the other ones that are Loctal-8. All of them need a good cleanup when I start the restoration work.As for the lineup, I still have the four original ones very well worn - all Miniwatt. The ECHs are quite silvery through the anode grid, but the EBL is alright. I have spares for all but the EBL: another well worn ECH21 from Miniwatt and one barely used from Telam. I just bought two "NOS" ECH21 from Ultron and a used AZ1 from Philips (it turned out the NOS seem to have some mileage on them, though).On this set I did a lot of DX'ing as a kid in the 1980's, listening to the portuguese programs from BBC, RFI, Nederland, etc. in SW (22m IIRC). Unfortunately this set did not receive the tropical shortwave bands (<5MHz) but I recall at least once where I managed to get AM radio stations 1200km away from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo cities - the propagation on these days was pristine.Bringing back a bit to the topic, I still have the original glass but the silkscreen with the stations is almost completely gone. I need to find someone that can print on glass and I have a template, but my dad remembered different stations printed on it when the radio was new.Quote from: GlennSprigg on June 08, 2020, 11:11:20 amThanks for the short story about the rectifiers. I have a very soft spot for that warm glow.An interesting story about how the first very good pentodes (EF50) were saved from the heat of WWII.https://www.dos4ever.com/EF50/EF50.html

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2020, 04:42:59 am
content: Quote from: Bud on June 05, 2020, 06:58:35 amActually it was Glasslinger, I came across that video again todayhttps://youtu.be/k_Gv7hBU58c?t=2417

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2020, 12:55:52 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 09, 2020, 02:37:12 amIn Ref to what you said, that I madebold, above...I have links to 'Aussies' who make/supply replacement glass screens, but not for the U.S. Incidentally, thePhilips 'BX462A' is the Dutch version, of the Australian Philips Model115. Different printed stations of course!...http://www.siliconchip.com.au/Issue/2012/October/The+Philips+twins%3A+the+Dutch+BX462A+%2526+the+Australian+model+115(This is only a non-member glimpse!, and you may have to accept the Adobe 'Flash' version to see the result).HOWEVER, as you say that you have a 'Template' on file? simply print it (pref-Laser!) onto a sticky CLEARsheet, and transfer it to glass. It works a treat!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2020, 01:00:53 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on June 09, 2020, 04:42:59 amAahh... Ok. Yep, he does it too!! I love watching that old guy work too, but... "he is different!".He knows a shit load, but he is a bit rough & ready at times. Not quite "Mr. Carlson"

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2020, 04:11:18 pm
content: Quote from: GlennSprigg on June 11, 2020, 12:55:52 pmThanks for the suggestion; I should have thought of that. I will pursue that route and see if I can find a good match to the original yellow printout (most templates I saw were white).

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2020, 04:26:47 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 11, 2020, 04:11:18 pmCan you not EDIT the 'Template' that you have, to indicate the Info/Colour etc that you want??If you can't I will gladly do it for you! if you PM me with the needed info/dimensions...EDIT: I don't know if your 'Template' is a .PDF or just a .JPG image. Doesn't matter. I will returnto you a sharp detailed scaled .PDF ready for printing. Hope you have a great day!!

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2020, 04:46:31 pm
content: Thank you very much for the offer; I am alright on the editing department.I have this file in the other computer, but I will post it here for posterity (I can't find its URL anymore)

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2020, 11:45:30 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 11, 2020, 04:46:31 pmRef inboldabove. I'm glad you are ok with that! A lot of people aren't.Look forward to the photos!!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 11:10:30 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 11, 2020, 04:46:31 pmHey, 'rsjsouza'... Just by100% coincidence!, a virtually 'local' guy (in Perth over here), has thesame radio you were talking about, but the Aussie version, when going through his on-line stock today.He said it's been pulled apart, but ALL the parts are together. I don't know the condition of the protrudingglass station indicator yet, but can re-make that myself, if needed. (Aussie stations etc.)Your European BX462A is shown below...Here's the Aussie version I'm looking at. (Not 'THE' one)...I'm going to offer $30-$40 and see what he says!Mainly because I like the Glass Protrusion. Not seen before. Sort of a 1940's Heads-Up-Display !! haha..

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2020, 01:18:10 am
content: You are very lucky if you can get it. This radio had a great sound (large speaker).You want to be sure the capacitor and the switch are in good condition - common things on radios of that era. Also, if I recall correctly from my dad's first restoration in the 1980s, the dial string is a dog to get it right. Let me know if you need some photographs from the insides (it will take a bit as I need to get it, unpack, open and nothing will "jump" at me)

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2020, 11:54:57 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on June 16, 2020, 01:18:10 amThank YOU for your offer too, mate!! Yes, even before I've purchased it, I have all the techinfo, including the dial-stringing!! Will get back to you when/if I get it & need help!P.S. ...I will generally replace all old caps, and were possible make them 'look' old hahaha!...It amazes me when 'restorers' (although generally important!), make the VERY lastthing they do to check the Valves/Tubes?... It's a pedantic point that gripes me!.YES!... those old caps need replacing, and some resistors go way high etc., but to methe initial stumbling block is the tubes. So often, their unchanging oxide coated pinsare the initial 'problem'. How can one do 'voltage' measurements when the cct is nonfunctioning due to the Tube base connections!! YES!.. change caps etc, but do NOT botherwith voltage measurements until all Tubes/Bases bedded in !!YEARS ago, I had a Tube tester. All gone!! I'm going to rebuild my own, for performingthe basics at least, on common tubes. Now if I lived in the U.S. then WooHoo!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 12:37:58 pm
content: Quote from: GlennSprigg on June 17, 2020, 11:54:57 amDear 'rsjsouza' (and anyone else interested!!!)Well myself & the 'missus' drove nearly 200kms to Perth, to meet the guy who had the 'Aussie' versionof your Philips EuropeanBX462A, and did a cheap deal with the 'Aussie' one, '113A' shown here...It IS in pieces, but every part is there in the box, and the protruding glass band/station piece is in pristinecondition! (Although for Aussie Stations!).HOWEVER, while I was there, I was 'Sucked-in' to a few other purchases !!!...(Damn... more stuff to repair/use)...SO we also loaded in the car an English Philips Radio, model B3G75U, inpristinecondition!!!...Here's a pic of the Bands...There is NO mains transformer inside!! and It runs on 230/240/250v AC or DC!! It has 3 Bands of operation.What they call on the dial 'VHF', which is basically 'FM' from about 88 to 100 Mhz. A typical 'Medium' wavefrom about 200 to 550 Metres, (aprox 1700 to 530 Mhz), And a LONG Wave from about 1100 - 5000 Metres,(about 153 to 279 Khtz). Theweirdestthing about the 'mechanics' is this!!... (Re: this diagram)...Regarding theABOVEphoto, as noted by a repairer...Switch (A) moves a rod (B), swinging arm (C) that turns the gear (D) which rotates gear (E)at 90 degrees and finally operates the waveband switch (F).Let's not get into the 'Stringing' of the dials!!! (I haveallthe tech data now, haha...)OK, this guy ALSO had a power-supply, that I wanted as a Battery Replacement for old radios, and althoughI'll re-build it ENTIRELY inside & out, the majority of the physical construction is now done for me!!!...It won't look like that when I'm finished!!!!DAMN it... when we were going out through the Garage... we found an ancient 'chassis' that may need anew lease on life!! It was a throw-in with the deal, though yet we know NOTHING!!! Be it 'parts' or anotherunit for restoration?? Right now, it is a 'Hotpoint', (seemingly 9 valve?), with 6 ShortWave Bands. At themoment, (tonight) I know NOTHING about it!! It is very much on the Back Burner...My ONLY further purchases in the near future, are replacement capacitors & resistors. P.S. This guy also hasboxes & boxes of many hundreds of Valves/Tubes... We will meet again!!!! Drool-drool

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 04:49:11 pm
content: Congratulations, Glenn! You are a very lucky person! Very nice items, including the 113A.I love the V.H.F. band and the "Hotpoint" display, which shows nicely several radio stations.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2020, 01:26:06 am
content: By the way, I caved in and got an EBL21 replacement from Bulgaria. Supposedly NOS. The guy also had some cheap Nixie Russian tubes (the same model used by everyone that has been making clocks these days) and I put in the same package. I almost got an AZ4 (almost identical to the AZ1) but the cost would be excessive. Maybe another time.

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2020, 12:52:31 pm
content: Good on you. It's contagious isn't it!!For anyone interested, I found out about the 'Hotpoint' Chassis...It's a "Hotpoint Bandmaster 19SGZ" which is exactly the same as...the "AWA Radiola model 805GZ". (Another crossover of Companies).It has10 Tubes, (including a 'Magic-Eye' if wanted)...6U7G 6J8G 6G8G 6AU6 Y61-or-Y63 6AU6 6J5GT 6V6GT 6V6GT 5Y3GTIt WAS part of a Cabinet, including a record player, but I'm not worried about that part!!I'm going to make a nice polished timber escutcheon for the front, and a perspex backing box, that willshow off a highly polished metal chassis & top components!! way beyond the original 'look'. (And obviouslyrebuilding it electronically). The old 'Phono' input will be put to NEW use!!!(Down the track).P.S.I just thought I would explain better about my 'use' of the Power-Supply unit, shown above...Firstly, as a replacement for 'Batteries' for some VERY old Valve Radios. (Back to the 1920's).Typically about 1.5v for Tube heaters, and -45v 0 +45v for Anode voltages etc. (And higher!!).But ALSO for Testing numerous Tubes/Circuits, where the 'Heater' varies from1.2v to 12v, and manyDC high voltage outputs from/through35v, 45v, 78v, 90v, 135v, 200v & higher, for some Tubes. Includingvarious voltages for screen/grid bias etc. I 'initially' wanted a Centre-Tapped transformer, just to use aDual-Diode Tube as a rectifier (for part of the circuit), with the Tube protruding, for an authentic look!!Most of the 'Voltage' variances will be via strings of Zener Diodes, although the Heater voltages will beusing a more modern Voltage-Regulated output from say 1.2 to 12v. I'll even probably include an output,for the generally rare 'C' Battery!!, needed in REAL old sets that I have!!My PRIORITY though, is this Power-Supply first.Then finishing touches & testing of my 'Crosley model-51' 1920's Radio/Amp.Then repairs/testing of my Battery powered 'Breville' Tube radio.Then repairs/testing of my Battery powered 'Tecnico Aristocrat' (ugliest radio! post..).Then all these 'latest' acquisitions!!I'm as happy as a 'pig-in-shit' now... hahaha...

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2020, 02:47:18 am
content: Are you sure there are 6AU6s in that lineup? The others are all octals, but the 6AU6 is 7-pin miniature.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2020, 06:41:50 am
content: Use gas regulators (or even full regulator circuits) for high voltages, way more stable than gross "zener strings"(unless you can find good HV zeners).

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2020, 11:26:12 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on June 25, 2020, 02:47:18 am7 pin miniatures were certainly available in that era, & AWA had their own tube factory, so that combination may have fitted well with their excess inventory.The tube factory considerably increased its manufacturing capacity during WW2, so they may have had large quantities of particular types which were made for the military, but were no longer required due to the end of that conflict

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2020, 11:32:58 am
content: Quote from: TimFox on June 25, 2020, 02:47:18 amHi Tim. Yes, they are actually the7-pinminiatures, which surprised me!ALLthe other tubes are larger 'GT' Octal bases...Maybe what 'vk6zgo' said above, explains it...P.S.TheY61-or-Y63Magic Eye isNOTinstalled, in my version? Although itISwired to a 'base'hidden behind the dial-face, with a blanking plate that can just be seen in the center/left (whitish circle) in my photoof the glass face. I will put one in though, all the same!!THAT radio, when I get to it, will be the HYBRID one, with glossy/shiny/visible parts inside that I've always wanted.Now can I SOMEHOW save/reproduce that 'smell'...

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2020, 01:03:21 pm
content: That is a surprise. The 6SH7 octal is a close equivalent to the 6AU6 miniature.

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2020, 01:34:33 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on June 26, 2020, 01:03:21 pmI will review those differences, out of interest!! Thanks mate!Oops, the 'missus' wants me to come to bed... That's ok.Now I have to 'eat' too!!... Garlic KingPrawns!!! xoxP.S.What Americans call 'Shrimps' are NOTPRAWNS!!'Shrimps' are tiny things about 1 to 1&1/2" long. PRAWNS are about4 to 5"long!!!When the likes of 'Paul Hogan' years ago, was selling 'Australia' with comments like..."Come to Australia & put a 'shrimp' on the barbie', it was PURELY aimedat the American market!!! We never did any such thing!!! Least ways, with tiny 'shrimp' thatthe likes of a 'Whale' might eat!!haha...

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2020, 01:08:10 am
content: Quote from: TimFox on June 26, 2020, 01:03:21 pmAbout a decade later, surplus 6SH7s were very cheap as surplus components, but probably when that radio was made, most such tubes were still in service, & it was just AWA's spare inventory which determined what they used.I remember, back in the day, seeing radios where a circular metal "patch" was placed over the old large tube cut outs, with a miniature tube socket mounted in the middle.These were quite obviously factory modifications, as the workmanship was too good for an aftermarket "bodge".

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2020, 01:31:57 pm
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on June 27, 2020, 01:08:10 amThank you 'vk6zgo' (and others).It seems that it is a '1949' model. I'm still not sure why it is wired to a base for the 'Magic-Eye', but not included.Maybe it was just a 'cost' issue, but when I re-build it, it will have one!!

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2021, 01:07:47 pm
content: Glenn, sorry to reopen your old topic. I finally found time to work on my BX462A and I was able to recap it and put it to sing again. Now, on to eternity of service - apart from the tubes and the three electrolytic capacitors.I documented the journey in a series of videos - if you are interested take a look below and hopefully the automatic subtitles work well enough.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2021, 08:13:13 pm
content: I knew someone who would take apart the "cans" in old radios and stuff in modern capacitors. His customers paid a good price for that.

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2022, 11:34:33 am
content: Dearrsjsouza... There was no problem with you opening an 'old post', as I'm JUST answering you now, after 'another' year!! hahaha...I really appreciated your Video in your reply, and will view others too!!! Thank You friend.I've been off-line on the Forum for a long time, mainly due to my medical probs, but have a temp new lease on life, hahaha...I intend to get back to my old Radio Projects shortly, after a grueling 2 years gap. Thank you, and others, again!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2022, 11:40:59 am
content: ToWallace Gasiewicz... Yes, that is quite often done, for nostalgic 'looks' internally. Including many other smaller (non-can)capacitors, by stripping off the old paper (etc) outers, and re-fitting them over the top of 'new' Caps etc. !! The only problem, is thatyou should leave a note inside, as to what you have done!!, or the next person to ever 'work' on it will cut them out again!!

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 12:29:42 am
content: Glenn, I wasnreally wondering what happened to you, but was afraid to ask...Since the video was lauched I got to my attic to put a ~20m monopole antenna and the BX462A sings like never before - I just need to repaint its glass dial, but there is a person in Holland that has these things for sale.Also, since the video I had a multiplication of "troubles" for restoration: one heavily modified Philips 614 and three all american five (Bendix, RCA and Emerson)

author: quadtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 11:18:20 am
content: Hi RSJSouza ,I just saw part 1 of your Philips BX462A video and will check out the other parts soon.Hope you saw David Tipton's wonderful Rose Metal thermal fuse for his Philips radio transformer - seearound Minute 30 in his video -https://youtu.be/qdRkWhT-1ic

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 05:44:30 pm
content: Quadtech, thanks for your audience and I hope the videos are interesting for you (I tend to talk too much, sorry).I will check the video you suggested. Thank you!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 10:53:43 am
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on September 06, 2022, 05:44:30 pmDon't put yourself down, my friend! 'Talking' is where the real information to pass on comes from!!

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 12:00:25 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on September 06, 2022, 12:29:42 amI've been agonizing about 'off-topically' replying or not, to that. I've decided to get it off my chest, and move on!!I'm pretty much house bound now, due to major physical damage/pain &increasingother life threatening medical issues.Last year wasreallybad, but there seems to be some temp 'remissions' to date. Since then, Parkinsons has been addedto my 'fun', as well as numerous falls with injuries. Now my 'Mobility Scooter' is the only way I can get 'outside', and leave thehouse from 1 or 2 months to the next!! However, I accept all that, and still desire to at least continue with my old Radio equip!What else have I got to do!!It's hard to feel 'motivated' these days, but having something to do, is a great distraction,as well as feeling like I have/amachievingsomething, and keeping my 'brain' (haha) active. In the past here, on this ForumI have often mentioned various specific old valve/tube radio equipment & hopefully being future Projects!!... That desire has NOTdiminished, although my current abilities have. I just wish to get back to my 'Projects', for multiple reasons! Please forgive me....