At last,some radios to restore!

[Geaney]

A mate just dropped these off  - found in a friend's attic.   So far all I have is the maker - one is a Paillard, one an Albis, and the third one says Mediator.  More to come once I open them up and have a look.   Looking forward to messing with valves again - it's been a while!  The dials all look to be in good condition which is always nice.

Cheers,   John

[tiv48]

I have never heard of any of them .
so will be very interested in the restores
Rob T

[Geaney]

I had a quick look inside the Mediator.   This is a first for me - a set with a wooden cab but the chassis is Bakelite!   Alas all the wiring is rubber so I'm facing a major re-wire on this one.   I found a circuit diagram and component list on Radiomuseum so I have enough to be getting on with when I get to it.   Plenty of dust inside so hopefully untouched since it was bought.

Cheers,   John 

[Radio Fixer]

Looks a bit Philips to me ... they might have had a hand in the design. Would make some good BVWS articles John !

Gary

[Radio Fixer]

M162A and it says made in Switzerland. I had never thought of that country having a radio industry but you have turned up other models from there before John. Do try to write something as most of your sets, including this one have never had an article. Be good to find some company history to include. I will certainly offer to Proof read anything you write and I'm very gentle if that helps.

I wonder if it was modular construction so different sets could be made up from them?

Gary

PS Found this with the radio:

Mediator (trademark of Philips in La Chaux-de-Fonds): From the start manufacturing fabricated CH Philips also Médiator brand. Sale by Medialux AG, Zurich. End radio production CH 1955 for the end of January 1973. For TV History [1-164] As an import brand remains mediator be used for years. Starting in 1950, the brand itself writes the way without accent on the e.


There are some Médiator models that were produced for the French market (possibly produced there). Service documentation for these models were first published by the French CCR, and later by Philips and Radiola (F).

Goggle translate

[Geaney]

Hi Gary,

I'm taking loads of photos as I go.  This one is definitely a challenge so I'll do my best to keep a record of everything and write it up.   All this assumes I'll get the thing going again  .  With all this rubber wire to replace I'm not so sure.   

Cheers,   John

[Radio Fixer]

Well as you will have read in my articles don't just rely on photos. Make diagrams even if only pencil drawn. Use colours it helps. Photos hide lots of things behind others. And get some coloured hearshrink tubing, to put as small rings on the wires as needed. Its the best way as it should never fall off and doesn't get in the way like pieces of paper.

Do hope we see a successful restoration and a first article in the BVWS.

Gary

[Geaney]

So far so good.   All wires in the AF section are either replaced or re-covered.   Working with these vertical tag strips is definitely a challenge since it means four layers of components and you have to start at the furthest away layer to avoid having to disturb work already done.  Still, as I become more familiar with it, it's becoming less daunting.

The set was most likely used for many hours as most of the valves are either dud or very weak.   One of the ECH21's is fine, the other is weak, likewise the EBL21 audio output valve.  The rectifier is dead and so is the magic eye.    Luckily I have an ECH21 and an EBL21 in stock but the rectifier and magic eye are on order.

Regards,

John

 

[Radio Fixer]

Thanks for the pics John. Looking like its coming along nicely.

Gary

[Geaney]

The main sections are completed and re-fitted to the sub-frame.   Powered up without incident - contrary to all expectations.   Audio quality through P/U input is excellent - no hum so those electrolytics have survived in very good condition.   RF reception is weak but it's still daytime so I'll hook up a decent antenna and try again later this evening.

At least now I know it's worth continuing with the rest of the restore.   Plenty left to do.

Cheers,   John