08-07-2011, 08:54 AM
The Westector may have been used due to the shortage of a suitable double-diode triode or pentode valve; note that the AGC circuit is odd to say the least, as the diode for this (clamp diode) is formed by V2 suppressor grid and cathode, with no control grid coupling cap but rather with direct connection to the secondary of the aerial input transformer, the bottom end of which being supplied with AGC voltage and decoupled by a 0.005uF cap. An unusual arrangement and one which could cause some head scratching in the case of 'no signals'. Although the Trader sheet is representative there are variations in form and connection of these front-end components from maker to maker, not to mention 'modifications' carried out by 'fixers' desperate to keep sets working through component shortages.
I see your point, David, about the cost anomalies. The transformer alone makes up a sizeable proportion of the chassis cost, I would have thought. It seems as if the set was quite deliberately 'styled down' to look economy in form, a political statement of the notion of belt-tightening austerity that was extant at the time. The cabinet is a good example of something cut down to the basic: made in rough, poor quality timber with just the two fluted verticals in a basic hardwood, it looks like a secondary school woodwork project!
As far as that chicken-head knob goes, the spindle surely must hsave been extended in some way to accept the knob? It does seem like a spot of overkill. The cord is a simple replacement job, after all.
Joe, the main point about a replacement loudspeaker apart from impedance and cone size is the way of fixing it. I'd guess you need one with a standard rim with four fixing holes. The Philips one mentioned by Chris is likely to have no such flattened rim, being fixed by clips or pressure plates. If you can, go for the standard type. Watch for woodworm in that softwood, too.
Interesting sets, these, and capable of surprisingly good performance.
-Tony
I see your point, David, about the cost anomalies. The transformer alone makes up a sizeable proportion of the chassis cost, I would have thought. It seems as if the set was quite deliberately 'styled down' to look economy in form, a political statement of the notion of belt-tightening austerity that was extant at the time. The cabinet is a good example of something cut down to the basic: made in rough, poor quality timber with just the two fluted verticals in a basic hardwood, it looks like a secondary school woodwork project!
As far as that chicken-head knob goes, the spindle surely must hsave been extended in some way to accept the knob? It does seem like a spot of overkill. The cord is a simple replacement job, after all.
Joe, the main point about a replacement loudspeaker apart from impedance and cone size is the way of fixing it. I'd guess you need one with a standard rim with four fixing holes. The Philips one mentioned by Chris is likely to have no such flattened rim, being fixed by clips or pressure plates. If you can, go for the standard type. Watch for woodworm in that softwood, too.
Interesting sets, these, and capable of surprisingly good performance.
-Tony
