First Recap Project

[Outland]

Does anyone have recommendations for a good first recap project? Perhaps a clock radio? I don't have any prior experience.

[init4fun]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-194...gBxh7&LH_BIN=1

Something like this would be a good starting point.


Not my radio, I don't know the seller, the usual disclaimers ......

[zeno]

Do a few plain AM, AM/FM, & clock radios first. IMHO they must be
tube radios. Go slow & every time you change a cap recheck your radio.
Dont change disc type caps, they almost never go bad.

When you feel confident move on to a B&W tube set. BEST sets for that
are the old metal cabinet Zenith 19" sets from the early to mid '60's.
They are almost indestructable & usually still work when found.

73 Zeno
LFOD !

[Outland]

Thanks! Can't wait to get started.

[SpaceAge]

I would honestly avoid clock radios. To get started you want a bare bones 5 tube radio without a clock mechanism complicating things. My first project was a basic mid-50s Motorola radio that I got for <$20 on eBay. I have some pictures of it in an album in my profile if you want to see.

The funny thing is I moved on to TVs, but nowadays I’m mostly back to radios. They’re less work and take up less space.

Have fun.

[Popester]

Can’t stress enough for any electronic device with a metal chassis to buy, have, and use an isolation transformer if your running juice to it with the back removed.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by Popester

Can’t stress enough for any electronic device with a metal chassis to buy, have, and use an isolation transformer if your running juice to it with the back removed.

You mean any device with a hot chassis. Sets that use transformers for both heaters and B+ usually have sufficient isolation built in.

[Kevin Kuehn]

Be aware that many modern isolation transformers have their secondary neutral wire bonded to the center earth ground on the input plug. Isolation transformers intended for servicing TV and radio were used to float the chassis from earth ground so you could connect grounded service equipment to the devises hot chassis, but the isolation alone will not remove the potential for electrocution if you put your hands in the wrong place.

[Kevin Kuehn]

Originally Posted by init4fun

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-194...gBxh7&LH_BIN=1

Something like this would be a good starting point.


Not my radio, I don't know the seller, the usual disclaimers ......

I find those radios with the loop antenna glued into the case a real pain to work on. In most cases you need that loop connected to the radio in order for it to receive stations. I'd much rather have the loop attached to a removable back cover.