AK 308 getting there

[ed731pdh]

The only "standardisation" and I use that loosely that I have seen is in the Bush range of sets where the same tagstrip layout of components is used amongst different models of sets.

[Refugee]

It is a nice set.
It must have been expensive in its day and is as well advanced as many post war sets.
It looks like many hours have gone into it too.
Well done.

[Radio Fixer]

Al said:

"Those under-chassis Pictures put a whole new complexion on the term 'Rat's nest'.
I'm glad it wasn't me. Well done."

Well, I cheated a little Al, it was actually easier (still not easy though) than the under - chassis pics before make you believe. I don't think they, or me, could have wired it without a sub-chassis that comes out or goes in (in AKs case) afterwards.

   
   

Gary

[pwdrive]

I like the pro drawings Gary, very good.

Lawrence.

[Radio Fixer]

The drawings done in CorelDraw, which is the Home / School version, is pretty much the same as the Pro package Lawrence at a fraction of the cost. It takes some learning, but support from its Forum is excellent. I enjoy using it.

The drawings really did help in getting it back together again. I checked the diagrams, every wire and component, against the circuit diagram and only found 2 values that were not the same. The components were original so which is right ? One I think is obviously the build and the other isn't that critical so I will probably go with the circuit.

Gary

[Yorkie]

I like the pro drawings Gary, very good.

Lawrence.

Makes my humble efforts using MS Paint look rather pathetic.

Really, for the sort of sets that Gary tackles, a drawing of the layout is essential. I know that people often say 'just follow the circuit' or 'take some pics' but even on the relatively simple AC77 that I'm on with, it's easy to lose track of things. What's more, with rarer and complex sets it's not like getting stuck with a problem on commonplace simple set like a DAC90A. (Post a query - get 20 answers). Get stuck on a set like an AK308 - who are you going to ask? Talk to the wall!

I'm not sure how many forum members are BVWS members or get to see the Bulletin, but those that do only have to look at Gary's 11-page article in the Winder 2013 Bulletin on restoring a 1935 'Integra Model 36' to realise that without a detailed drawing it would be a hopeless task. Gary made two detailed drawings of the chassis layout and the wiring of the switch, coils and trimmers.

As to 'Corel Draw v lathes' Gary, all I can say is that 'a man's gotta know his limitations' - you keep drawing - I'll keep turning, but if push came to shove, I think your efforts on a lathe would trump my efforts at drawing! I keep thinking I might invest in the 'Home & Student' Corel Draw package, but after dabbling with other CAD packages, I fear that it would be yet another indication that I probably suffer from as yet undiagnosed ADHD, or the early onset of something I'd rather not think about!

[pwdrive]

I Reckon Gary ought to do a wiring and component drawing for the R1155 receiver with his skills, now there's a rats nest.

Lawrence.

[Radio Fixer]

I wouldn't recommend buying the CorelDraw package for you David. For me, I needed to be fired up by a specific task: that was taking the dial glass out of the HMV 650 and then with minimal soft brush treatment seeing the letters fall off. A friend used to say "I washed the dial and ended up with letter soup". It was a huge learning curve for a beginner but having used other drawing packages in the distant past worked out really well.

It is fun but after I you have made various Christmas cards and the like what are you going to do? For me I have now done more dials, for me and friends and of course circuit diagrams and layouts. It can be used as part of post - processing on radio pics adding magnified sections (you will have seen some of these in the Bulletins.

Pass on the 115 Lawrence !

Gary

[Retired]

Hi,

Now that is what I would call a gorgeous set Gary; the cabinet is stunning in its beauty and is far superior to Bakelite cabinets which I believe to be dull by comparison. What a truly wonderful addition to your growing collection. Restored to perfection which over the years has become your trademark; very well done indeed Gary it just couldn't have turned out better. You will be hard pressed to better this in future restorations?

It was your exemplary restorations in "The Bulletin" which started me off on radio restoration Gary and I wonder how many more novices you inspired to have a go?

Taking digital images is fine and obviously better than nothing but these images do not give a 3D view which is so important when components cross or bury each other; detailed sketches and notes as work progresses is the better way to go and once stripped it's quite easy to follow the sketches and notes in reverse order once re-assembly begins?

An inspiration to us all Gary thanks for sharing.

Kind regards, Col.

[Radio Fixer]

Thank you Colin for your profuse praise

Gary