Hallicrafters T-506 scored

[jr_tech]

Could the 25Z6 and 6X5 be swapped? one picture caption sez 25Z6 is on an extender, but the tube near the selenium is extended... on my Hallicrafters the 6X5 is next to the selenium.

jr

[bandersen]

You're right I did have them swapped at first - the 6X5 really lit up!

I did find another problem though. I screwed up and connected the black lead on one of lytics to ground. It should be connected to the AC line.




That brought the voltages back up to the proper levels and the picture improved quite a bit


My victory was short lived though. I had the set running for a while and it was working well when I saw a bright flash from the 6X5 I tested it and the filament is blown. Could be the brief time I had it in the wrong socket damaged it. I popped in a good one, but it's not working. The filament doesn't glow. Which is bizarre because all the other tubes are lit and it's a series wired set
Maybe the socket has developed a short ? Time to do some more investigating.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

Fast work. You should stop over here and clean up some of my neglected projects. I have two of these in the waiting line: a metal T-54 that I got last year, and one in the leatherette "luggable" cabinet that a guy gave me because he had too much stuff that doesn't work. Now, I have too much stuff that doesn't work.

I didn't really plan to get all three cabinet styles, but now that I do, it would be fun to (some day) take a photo of the three sets playing together.

Phil

No thanks - I have more than enough projects already
I know what you mean. I have 5 electrostatic Motorola sets and have restored 3 so far. Someday, I hope to do a group photo too.

[bandersen]

I got it working It turned out the replacement 6X5 wasn't making good contact. A little cleaning of the socket and tube pins took care of that.

Curling anyone ?






I've cleaned all the crud off the knobs. First, hot soapy water. Then, a toothbrush and Brasso. Next, I used a toothpick on stubborn areas. Finally, a little Novus #1. I wonder how long until the crud returns ?

[leadlike]

6x5's have a bad reputation in the radio world for being prone to shorting out. Especially in those attractive Zenith consoles of the late 30's that used two of them, they would commonly take out the power transformer when they failed. Perhaps you just had a bad one.

I'd like to know what the rephased tag is in reference to as well. Perhaps it was made in '47 and sat on a shelf until the whole channel one mess was worked out, and then in '49 had the push button for ch. 1 hacked out and put up for sale.

[marty59]

Not to sidetrack from your post, I make a point of using the 6X5's that have the "X-Plate" style of design, like a 6X4 does.

But I'm sure that 25Vac filament voltage didn't help... I'm glad no damage occured as a result!!

[Hemingray]

I'd love to have one myself, but lack of room kinda stops me

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by leadlike

6x5's have a bad reputation in the radio world for being prone to shorting out. Especially in those attractive Zenith consoles of the late 30's that used two of them, they would commonly take out the power transformer when they failed. Perhaps you just had a bad one.

I'd like to know what the rephased tag is in reference to as well. Perhaps it was made in '47 and sat on a shelf until the whole channel one mess was worked out, and then in '49 had the push button for ch. 1 hacked out and put up for sale.

Could be. Notice it says T-54 too. That's the older model I believe.

Originally Posted by marty59

Not to sidetrack from your post, I make a point of using the 6X5's that have the "X-Plate" style of design, like a 6X4 does.

But I'm sure that 25Vac filament voltage didn't help... I'm glad no damage occured as a result!!

SO am I, I hate to think what might have happended if it had a power xfrmr.

I wonder if I should put the dead one back in for appearance sake and install some diodes below. I'd need to stick a resistor in place of the filament too

Originally Posted by Hemingray

I'd love to have one myself, but lack of room kinda stops me

They're fairly small - as vintage TVs go anyway. I bet you could squeeze one in

[John Marinello]

Very nice job.

I have to say that I like the "bubble-headed booby" shot the best.

[bandersen]

Thanks!

I uploaded a 10 part video series of this restoration project to YouTube.

Here's part 1

and here's part 10 if you'd just like to see it playing

[bandersen]

Now for the fun part - cleaning and refinishing

I'm using acid follow by Simichrome on the chassis and the speaker frame.






Now the the cabinet. It has a only one bad area where the veneer has separated and chipped.


A little soaking softened up the veneer.


A little glue, wax paper and weight.


It turned out well.


I used a scrapper to get off most of the old finish without damaging the front panel. Sandpaper got rid of the rest.



Now some shellac to fill the grain.


Next up a little stain and lacquer.

[bandersen]

Using shellac as gain filler work out very well - smooth as glass

Time for some stain. I used Minwax oil based red mahogany.


I'm really happy with the results.


I'll let that dry for a few days then I'm going to use some Deft gloss lacquer.

[Reece]

Good job on that veneer repair. 20,000 volts of ignition transformer weight!

[electronjohn]

Once again, kudos for your resto play-by-plays...gives plenty of inspiration!!!

[peverett]

Banderson, you mentioned the 6SH7 tube in the first part of your video. If you ever need some, I have them. I also have a case of NOS 12SH7 tubes. I think the 12SH7s were originally for some military contract as the box appears to be labeled that way.