Re-awaking a radio

[big band heaven]

Just a quick question - I have had in storage a 1937 HMV valve radio. Its been about 2 or possibly 3 years since I last powered it up. Are there any checks I should undertake before powering it up apart from a close visual inspection. It had a full overhaul (not by me) by a chap called Phillip Knighton about 6 or 7 years ago.

Richard

[Shaman]

Hi Richard, check Electrolytics, any suspect looking caps, test for shorts, best to put it on a variac and introduce voltage slowly, if you dont have a variac, a lamp limiter, will do....regards...Alan.

[Steve_P]

The one thing that you didn't tell us is how it has been stored. If it's been in the dry, i.e. Indoors, then I'd plug it in and listen. You may be surprised.

If it's been dry but cold, put it by the radiator for a day and then bring it up the same way.

If it's been in a varied temperature environment such as a shed, garage or loft, then look it over and then variac it.

Cheers,

Steve P.

[big band heaven]

Thanks for the replies. It has been stored for a very short peiod in an attic but was quickly removed and stored in a more even temperature place. I have had a look inside and all seems ok.

[tiv48]

if its been restored not just repaired go for it,i dont know what mains volts you have in nz but in uk where its 230 mains filter caps
tend to go bang after long storage a mate from usa said they dont get that problem on there115 volts
rob t

[Steve_P]

230v +/- 6%.

Go on, go for it...

Cheers,

Steve P.

[big band heaven]

Well, I flicked the switch on this evening. The dial lit up but as there was a crackling noise from the back of the set it got switched off again very quickly. There was no burning smell just the noise. I'll get it checked I think before I attempt to turn it on again.

Richard.

[Yorkie]

Well, I flicked the switch on this evening. The dial lit up but as there was a crackling noise from the back of the set it got switched off again very quickly. There was no burning smell just the noise. I'll get it checked I think before I attempt to turn it on again.

Richard.

Rectifier flashover due to duff smoothing caps or a duff valve, or decayed rubber insulation leading to a short somewhere? A detailed visual examination might reveal something.

Best of luck with it!


David