14-07-2011, 10:38 AM
David,
Yes, it is an interesting set, and easy to work on, but I thought it had anomolies which I thought didn't quite go with 'Cheap and Cheerful'.
It does indeed have a PCB, but it also has quite an elaborate chassis, not just a bit of bent tin.
The Autotransformer may well be there because the moulded case wouldn't stand the heat of a dropper, but surely it would with a suitable heat deflector. Mind you, I much prefer the transformer.
The moulded case itself must have cost a fair bit in tooling, so why not go the whole hog and get rid of (most of) the chassis?
The back is moulded as well. Could that really be cheaper than the usual cardboard or Elephanthide back? Perhaps so once you'd paid for the main tooling.
The knobs are moulded but have quite a hefty brass(?) insert for the grub screw - see attached. Why not just the usual clip?
On the cost reduction front there's no dial illumination, external aerial socket or means of rotating the Ferrite Rod. I suppose none of those things mattered on a 'Kitchen Radio'.
As far as mine is concerned the mains cable is Red and Black. It looks authentic but who knows. Anyway, the black goes to the chassis which keeps me happy.
My knob bright isn't very authentic really as it should stick out, and I did think of using a thicker piece of brass. However, I didn't in the end and I think it looks acceptable - it'll do for the Pit.
There was a previous discussion somewhere on when the last valve radios were produced. If I remember rightly it depends on where you are in the world. East Europe and China carried on long after us.
Finally, did they come in other colours or just this Red/Maroon?
Alan
Yes, it is an interesting set, and easy to work on, but I thought it had anomolies which I thought didn't quite go with 'Cheap and Cheerful'.
It does indeed have a PCB, but it also has quite an elaborate chassis, not just a bit of bent tin.
The Autotransformer may well be there because the moulded case wouldn't stand the heat of a dropper, but surely it would with a suitable heat deflector. Mind you, I much prefer the transformer.
The moulded case itself must have cost a fair bit in tooling, so why not go the whole hog and get rid of (most of) the chassis?
The back is moulded as well. Could that really be cheaper than the usual cardboard or Elephanthide back? Perhaps so once you'd paid for the main tooling.
The knobs are moulded but have quite a hefty brass(?) insert for the grub screw - see attached. Why not just the usual clip?
On the cost reduction front there's no dial illumination, external aerial socket or means of rotating the Ferrite Rod. I suppose none of those things mattered on a 'Kitchen Radio'.
As far as mine is concerned the mains cable is Red and Black. It looks authentic but who knows. Anyway, the black goes to the chassis which keeps me happy.
My knob bright isn't very authentic really as it should stick out, and I did think of using a thicker piece of brass. However, I didn't in the end and I think it looks acceptable - it'll do for the Pit.
There was a previous discussion somewhere on when the last valve radios were produced. If I remember rightly it depends on where you are in the world. East Europe and China carried on long after us.
Finally, did they come in other colours or just this Red/Maroon?
Alan
