Missing tube. Is there any way.....
 

Hi All,

I just picked up a little AM/FM radio at St. Vincents this weekend. Upon closer inspection it looks to be a kitbash of sorts, like someone seriously cut down an AM/FM/Phono console and then remounted the only the radio section back into it.

Right now it only plays AM. I noticed that one of the tubes is missing off the chassis and wondered if maybe that could be why it doesn't play FM.
The problem is that the tube placement sticker on the chassis is torn and tattered to the point where I can't identify what tube should be in that recepticle.

Is there any way one can determine what tube is missing based on the other 7 tubes that are still in the chassis and what little info is readable on the tube placement sticker?

Also, there is no readily apparent brand name or model # info anywhere on this thing. I think maybe the faceplate is original to the unit. Maybe that would give someone a clue as to what brand or model it may be.

R/

Jim

If the tube is missing in the FM tuner module it is likely a 6C9, 6DT8 or 12AT7...if it is a detector tube missing it may be 6AL5...some pictures would help give some more clues.

It also could be a 6AQ8. That is the FM tube in my am/fm 1959 or 60 receiver. If you give a list of what else (tube wise) you have it might give some more hints of what should be in their.

Thanks for the replies!

Installed tubes are:
6K6GT - matches tube plot on sticker
6V6GT - doesn't match tube plot, should be 6K6GT IINM
5Y3GT
6AV6
6AL5
6AV6
6AU6A
6BA6
12AT7 - matches plot

I'll work on getting a front and rear picture ASAP.

R/

Jim

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...e/DSCF0084.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...e/DSCF0083.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...e/DSCF0081.jpg

7 pin? Maybe another 6AU6?

I don't think that's a kit...Pretty high tube count.

Kitbash is just a term that came to mind at the time.

No I believe someone decided that thier console could use a makeover and just got down to business. There's just enough real parts in it to make me think this way. The antenna for instance.

See what I mean about the tube plot sticker?

A 6AU6? Or a 6AL5?

Just shopping for good info right now. Can't touch it until I finish my wifes bookcase kit. She doesn't often give me 'the look' but I got it on this one.
"Vacuum it, clean it but don't get into it until.......(pointing)"

R/

Jim

A monster has arisen from the slab....ITS A FRANKENRADIO!!! http://www.websmileys.com/sm/aliens/hae18.gif

If you can find a model number or other identification, we might be able to find service info. Any brand name on the tubes? (ignore the 6V6) Numbers on the transformers? Number(s) on the chassis?

There won't be a second 6AL5 - most likely another amplifier stage (6AU6 or 6BA6 - interchangeable to a degree...) or an AM converter (6BE6). How may sections to the tuning cap?

That chassis looks to me like it was built by Wells-Gardner, they contract built radios for companies such as Montgomery Ward, Gambles, Western Auto...etc. From the location of the tube I'd say it's an IF or limiter tube. My guess would be either a 6AU6 or 6BA6. These tubes have the same pin out and will substitute for each other but it's best to use the right one.

Lots of times the Wells-Gardner sets would have a number in the fine print somewhere like "WG&C 1234". Could be on that tube chart? It is a good mystery! There were books that listed all the tube layouts of common models-I have seen them for prewar radios and postwar tv sets, but not sure if anyone did postwar radio that way. Sams might have.

I have several chassis' which I pulled from side-by-side combos with a great plan in my head for one day building a nice looking table model cabinet. I have a lot of cabinet making skills to learn yet.

The 6K6GT is a CBS, as is the 6V6GT.
Without pulling the chassis from the cabinbet, the only info available is on the side we can see.

Punched or embossed on the chassis-
334
9A92
117342

Stamped on the chassis-
1063 in paint or ink.

I'm looking at making a very plain Murphy (open) Baffle style radio out of this one.

R/

Jim