09-03-2022, 12:44 PM
Hi RST, welcome to the Phorum. Lots of expert help to be found here.
Not to be a bummer, but the 89 and several other of that generation are somewhat notorious. the 2 biggest issues with this radio are open windings on the RF Amp output transformer primary (This transformer is between the RF Amp and 1st Detector), and the oscillator (tickler) winding of the 1st detector transformer. The other issue is the "Autodyne"1st detector circuit itself. This is not the very stable "Pentagrid Convertor that was released by RCA around this time, it is an older style, that is very finicky IMHO. leakage caused by moisture, dirt, etc. in the coils, trimmer caps and the tuning cap itself will stop the circuit from oscillating. Lots of good info, especially by Ron Ramirez on rewinding these coils and troubleshooting failure of this stage to function.
To the best of my knowledge, no one makes a specific "Kit" of caps specific to that radio, but the vendors already recommended to you are great sources.
Good luck with the radio and keep us all posted on your progress. I just got one of these working, but listen to the experts before me because I am still mad at the blasted thing!
Best Regards,
John, MrFixr55
Not to be a bummer, but the 89 and several other of that generation are somewhat notorious. the 2 biggest issues with this radio are open windings on the RF Amp output transformer primary (This transformer is between the RF Amp and 1st Detector), and the oscillator (tickler) winding of the 1st detector transformer. The other issue is the "Autodyne"1st detector circuit itself. This is not the very stable "Pentagrid Convertor that was released by RCA around this time, it is an older style, that is very finicky IMHO. leakage caused by moisture, dirt, etc. in the coils, trimmer caps and the tuning cap itself will stop the circuit from oscillating. Lots of good info, especially by Ron Ramirez on rewinding these coils and troubleshooting failure of this stage to function.
To the best of my knowledge, no one makes a specific "Kit" of caps specific to that radio, but the vendors already recommended to you are great sources.
Good luck with the radio and keep us all posted on your progress. I just got one of these working, but listen to the experts before me because I am still mad at the blasted thing!
Best Regards,
John, MrFixr55
"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
Best Regards,
MrFixr55
