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A Marconi model 86 - Printable Version

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A Marconi model 86 - Dan Walker - 02-21-2025

I am picking up this radio today. The seller tells me it is all there and working.including the tuning eye.
It has 13 tubes and the Marconi cabinets are always very nice. I will recap it . It is a model 86.
Dan in Calgary

RE: A Marconi model 86 - jrblasde - 02-21-2025

Ooh, very nice!

RE: A Marconi model 86 - morzh - 02-21-2025

An imposing-looking radio, for sure.

RE: A Marconi model 86 - Paul Philco322 - 02-21-2025

My back hurts already, you could build a house with all the wood. Paul

RE: A Marconi model 86 - morzh - 02-21-2025

Yeah. I am dreading the thought of what to do with all my consoles when I will no longer be able to move them around.
I'll bequeath them to a museum...

RE: A Marconi model 86 - Arran - 02-21-2025

Dan;
I've seen some Marconi sets like that before, one was a console though I'm not sure if it was a model 86. It's almost like they had the cabinets made up already, and at the last minute decided they wanted to use a slide rule dial on the chassis rather then an oval one. https://jproc.ca/marconi/home_ent/086_087.html Apparently the set has double conversion, and squelch, so you might want to go a little more in-depth then just recapping the set, also changing out any drifted resistors, and find someone who knows how to re-align a double conversion set.
Regards
Arran

RE: A Marconi model 86 - Dan Walker - 02-21-2025

Thanks Arran;
I don't even know what a double conversion is, but i do have a good friend In Nova Scotia
that would know.
So for now , need to get my neighbor to help me get it out of my truck.
It weighs as much as my Rogers 10-12.
Dan in Calgary

RE: A Marconi model 86 - morzh - 02-21-2025

Dan

Double conversion is using two IF converters instead of one. This improves the image response.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superheterodyne_receiver#Multiple_conversion

RE: A Marconi model 86 - Arran - 02-21-2025

I should add that the double conversion may only be used on the shortwave bands, but I haven't looked at the schematic to confirm. Basically you have two oscillators and two sets of IF transformers, set to different frequencies, it's to improved selectivity, and as MIke said to improve image rejection. Canadian Marconi used to build a lot of radios for military and commercial use, as well as domestic stuff, so they may have done this to create an economy of scale for production purposes. Some also have variable IF bandwidth, but unlike the Rogers sets it was done electrically rather then mechanically, as in the Rogers 10-12. I'm not surprised that the model 86 is heavy, the chassis has 13 tubes, and the cabinet is probably 1'' thick on the sides.
Regards
Arran

RE: A Marconi model 86 - GarySP - 02-21-2025

Icon_e_biggrin What a behemoth!  I hope the final result is as much a quality sounding example!  Keep us posted on your progress.  Take care and BE HEALTHY!   Gary

RE: A Marconi model 86 - morzh - 02-21-2025

>>What a behemoth!

A Juggernaut.

RE: A Marconi model 86 - Paul Philco322 - 02-21-2025

A backbreaker.....Paul

RE: A Marconi model 86 - morzh - 02-21-2025

I have a Stromberg, one of the early ones, seems early 30s.
This is what I call a back breaker. None of the early Philco "...boys" with pan chassis even come close. My wife and I were carrying it together, and she dropped it. This is about twice the weight. I have it for over 10 years, and still have not been able to take upon it.
One day, shouild I live long enough, one day...