01-28-2012, 05:33 AM
I agree with Kevin. Start with the Menassa CDs, then the couple of books I suggested. On the caps, yes, replace all but the mica ones. If you do have to test one, one end has to be unhooked from the circuit and you'll need a capacitance tester, available online for not much money. In a few places, you'll replace the large electrolytics with new electrolytics, and those -are- polarity-sensitive. If you put one in backwards it will explode. The film caps you'll use to replace the paper ones are not polarity-sensitive.
Read up on the safety issues before beginning. A mistake can be lethal. The old series (AC/DC sets without a power transformer) are especially hazardous, as its easy to have 110V running through the entire chassis and knob posts. An isolation transformer is a great thing to have if you can find or make one.
I've reworked 35 or so table radios, all AC/DC sets so far. Most of them only required a recap and testing resistors, or changing a couple of resistors, a good cleaning and oiling the tuner variable cap and an alignment. But watch out for flaking wire insulation. Suspect wiring must be replaced or sleeved with spaghetti insulation.
Join a local radio club - it's a good source of information and help, and for such things as tube testers (nice to have your own). The Radio History Society in Bowie, MD is a great resource for diagrams and tubes.
Welcome, and don't hesitate to ask questions. I'm still learning and asking questions.
Clarence
Read up on the safety issues before beginning. A mistake can be lethal. The old series (AC/DC sets without a power transformer) are especially hazardous, as its easy to have 110V running through the entire chassis and knob posts. An isolation transformer is a great thing to have if you can find or make one.
I've reworked 35 or so table radios, all AC/DC sets so far. Most of them only required a recap and testing resistors, or changing a couple of resistors, a good cleaning and oiling the tuner variable cap and an alignment. But watch out for flaking wire insulation. Suspect wiring must be replaced or sleeved with spaghetti insulation.
Join a local radio club - it's a good source of information and help, and for such things as tube testers (nice to have your own). The Radio History Society in Bowie, MD is a great resource for diagrams and tubes.
Welcome, and don't hesitate to ask questions. I'm still learning and asking questions.
Clarence
