Sparton Radio
 

I was told I'd have better luck in here than the tuners forum (I didn't even realize there was an antique radio forum:o), so here it goes.

My dad recently picked up an old Sparton Radio from I don't know where, and he wants me to fix it up to operational condition. I looked all over the internet and found a lot of info about Sparton Radios, but nothing about this one. He looked all over it, but couldn't find a model number, maybe it got rubbed off somehow. Does anybody recognize it?...or better yet, have a schematic for it too? What kind of reputation does this one have?

I don't have it in front of me but will soon when he brings it up this weekend.

thanks in advance,
-bt

Deadly looking AC cord... looks like mid '30s, seven tubes plus eye tube. List the tube numbers and I may be able to find something. (If there are any octal tubes, change mid '30s to late '30s)

Performance-wise it should be pretty good, as I see a tuned RF amp stage. But don't expect too much above 15 MHz...

Will do Tom. Thanks for the help:thmbsp:

Console style radios became popular around 1932, and production went through WWII until around 1950.

Based on some books and photos I have, I would guess yours is into the '40's. Earlier models were a bit more ornate.

That chassis is in very nice condition. Definitely worth restoring. Do NOT plug it in. Not even with a variac. You must replace every capacitor in it before you turn it on, and at least check every resistor.

Greatest source of antique radio info on the planet is right here:

http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/

Post your picture and you'll have an ID in a flash. Tons of info and help on cabinet restoration as well.

Good luck!

Looks like a model 880 like this one.

There is a schematic on Nostalgia Air.

That's gotta be it! Thanks a ton:banana:

Dad will be excited too:thmbsp:

Glad to help out a fellow Floyd fan.

I would say it is a 1937 to 1940. The pushbutton assembly is identical to the one on my 1938 Sparton Console.

i'm a member at that site and have to agree with fisherdude about the expertise there.great site indeed:yes:

I am on my way there too. It is so depressing to see people tearing apart old pieces of electronic history, just to get one little piece of it, for their myopic desires. As I stated on another thread in the "Tubes" section, it's like taking apart an old girl's body, just to enjoy the boobs.

I can't stand much more of it. perhaps it is my age, and knowing that I am on the downhill side of life that does this, but it just assaults my sense of morality and wisdom.

No way will this guy be getting ripped apart.:thmbsp: With any luck it'll be around for another 50 years.

Got the radio working!!

I have to record the tuner now though, just wheeling it by hand for the moment. It's funny...the guy my dad got it from said 'It works, all it need is a new cord..." yea, right...there was more than few disconnections and bad solder joints, not to mention the whole tuner cord assembly is gone...I'm salvaging some parts from a philco console to get this together.:D

So far I replaced all the capacitors, put a new line cord, installed a fuse, and cleaned the potentiometers. Most resistors are still good. Alignment looks to be pita if i have to do that, but i think i have all the equipment necessary for it...

Outstanding!! Keep us posted.:yes: