Hacker Sovereign II , model rp25

[tim.54]

trying to source AC 128 Transistor (T4) and suitable replacements /spec for BC 148 Transistors (T1 and T2) for the audio board , anyone know of a source ?
regards, tim.

[Mark Hennessy]

BC148s are pretty unreliable, and I wouldn't bother obtaining NOS replacements - just use BC108 instead, as that's what the earlier sets used. Alternatively, there are countless modern replacements in a plastic TO92 case if you're not bothered by originality - the BC548 being the obvious one.

Beware - a lot of the AC128s available on eBay and other places use a smaller encapsulation, so there might a need to "alter" the heat sink.

[Refugee]

I bought a hand full of AC127 and they were reproductions.
I dug out the can of the old one and with the paste it had in it I was able to slip the old can over the new part and fit it into the heat sink. The set has been fine ever since.

[tim.54]

thanks for the info re unreliable bc148`s and the possible mods for the heatsink .
regards, tim

[tim.54]

Used a couple of Bc 108`s and modified the heatsink to fit the smaller diameter replacement ac128. now up and running , a great sounding radio .
regards, tim.

[Mark Hennessy]

Great news! Yes, they are nice sets. Try a Hunter RP38A next - it's impossible to own just one Hacker

[tim.54]

Thanks Mark , along with the Marconi (see seperate post ) i got a HMV Diplomat ,looks similair to a Hacker but doubt that it will sound the same ?
regards, tim.

[Refugee]

Good news on the successful repair.
Did you slip the new transistor into the old can like I did?
Old transistor sets with wooden cabinets always sound better than there modern counterparts.

[tim.54]

Treid to remove the guts from the old can but it was rock hard so modified the heatsink instead .
regards, tim.

[Refugee]

I think I got the guts out with a hot soldering iron and a pull.