01-23-2012, 08:51 AM
Hello,
I am new to this forum but a long time fan of tube radios. I own several tube radios (a Zenith Console from 1946, and a 1942 Philco PT94). I have had both electronically restored (recapped) by a professional several years ago.
I am interested in learning how to recap and generally repair these types of radios. I have recently purchased several candidate radios, all from the Philco Family (PT-25, 48-200, 42-PT95, 46-200, 41-221) and would like to know which one would be the best to start with. Some actually work, some are dead, some the tubes glow.
I have a healthy respect for electricity, and the last thing I wish to do is to electrocute myself or catch the house on fire. I am mechanically inclined, but not necessarily electronically inclined (I have had no EE training, but can rewire a light switch etc.). My other main hobby is vintage telephones and have much experience with them, tearing them apart and putting them back together (but alast, they have very low voltages and little electrocution risk).
In any case I have read books on antique radio repair, read various articles on http://www.antiqueradio.org about repair and recapping etc.
I would like some guidance on where to begin, what are some good references, which radio might be a good one to start with, and who are reputable dealers to purchase supplies from. I am not opposed to letting experts handle the radio repairs (and I can tackle the case restoration), but I would like to see if I can safely give it a try.
I am new to this forum but a long time fan of tube radios. I own several tube radios (a Zenith Console from 1946, and a 1942 Philco PT94). I have had both electronically restored (recapped) by a professional several years ago.
I am interested in learning how to recap and generally repair these types of radios. I have recently purchased several candidate radios, all from the Philco Family (PT-25, 48-200, 42-PT95, 46-200, 41-221) and would like to know which one would be the best to start with. Some actually work, some are dead, some the tubes glow.
I have a healthy respect for electricity, and the last thing I wish to do is to electrocute myself or catch the house on fire. I am mechanically inclined, but not necessarily electronically inclined (I have had no EE training, but can rewire a light switch etc.). My other main hobby is vintage telephones and have much experience with them, tearing them apart and putting them back together (but alast, they have very low voltages and little electrocution risk).
In any case I have read books on antique radio repair, read various articles on http://www.antiqueradio.org about repair and recapping etc.
I would like some guidance on where to begin, what are some good references, which radio might be a good one to start with, and who are reputable dealers to purchase supplies from. I am not opposed to letting experts handle the radio repairs (and I can tackle the case restoration), but I would like to see if I can safely give it a try.
