[MrFixr55]

Hi apERNA,

The antenna likely needs to be one that was used with a 10-365 pF (mmf) cap for the broadcast band. The vast majority of "AA5" Radios used this capacitor value for the convertor. Your set is the 6 tube variant with a tuned RF stage. This stage also used a 10-365 uF section of a 2 gang tuning capacitor. The convertor stage is not tuned by this capacitor. ("AA5" is what collectors call the "All American 5 Tube" radio as the vast majority of radios designed between about 1940 to the end of tube table radios used this circuit). If you can find a loopstick that was used on an old 5 tube or 6 tube set, this should work.

Remember that any loop antenna, (actually any antenna except a vertical one) and especially a loopstick antenna are extremely directional. When using, turn the loopstick (or the entire radio) till the signal is strongest and the noise is weakest. Some radios and many of the 1970s era stereo receivers had the loopstick mounted so it could be rotated without rotating the radio. Your set was designed for a loop antenna which was fixed into the cabinet, and you had to rotate the radio for best reception.

This radio has an antenna transformer in series with the loop antenna. This transformer allows for the use of an external antenna. If you are substituting a loop or loopstick from another set, you may have to remove this from the circuit.

Radios were sold based on location of use. In cities, the 5 tube version or even a 4 tube superhet (Convertor and tuned IF transformer bit no IF tube), Detector / AF, Output and Rectifier. were sold. In fronge areas, the 6 tube version (RF Amp, Convertor, IF, Detector / AF, Output, Rectifier) are sold. Your set should be more sensitive than the standard AA5 such as a 42-PT94

One advantage of a loopstick over the regular loop antenna is that it may be less susceptible to some of the more recent radiated noise from all the electronic pollution that exists from switching power supplies, CFLs, LEDs, the Internet of Things (IoT), etc.