'Figaro Special'

[Yorkie]

Egg on face time - I might as well own up!

I unplugged the radio to look further into the auto-transformer problem and the resistance readings looked in order, as did the new flex I'd fitted, and the13A  plug, and the double pole switch on the set. I plugged the set into a different 13A socket and it set came to life. Tried my soldering iron in the socket I'd been using and it didn't heat up. The live terminal inside the twin switched socket had come loose. So, everything is back on track.

Furthermore - I've discovered what was causing the hum level to be higher on this set than the other one. In addition to the ferrite rod antenna, it has about half a Metre of wire which - when the set is in the cabinet, is pinned around the inside to give additional pick-up. While I've been restoring the set it's been draped round the chassis. Ideal for picking up 50Hz Hum!  I've move it away from the chassis, and the hum is minimal. The other set with the plastic cabinet doesn't have the wire aerial - just the ferrite rod.

I must be losing my grip!

Encouraged by this change in fortunes, I've fitted the new magic eye, which works nicely, but there isn't much swing in AGVC voltage, except on very strong stations, but neither is there on the other set.

So, I'll check the alignment next and see about casting some knobs.