Superadio II Now Working Again
 

My mint condition Superadio II that I bought new in 1991 stopped working in 2000 when the AM stopped working. Since I mostly listen to AM the radio went back in the box and into the closet for "someday". Well with all the talk about these lately and the useful info online on how to service them, I decided it was finally time to get it going again. The problem was the RF amplifier transistor for the AM circuit. It turned out to have a base to collector short. I replaced it with an NTE-229 and it came to life again. I forgot just how good these radios sound. Although it sounds better than my CC Radio 2, it doesn't match the features and convenience of a digital radio. After 12 years on the shelf, it is now fully operational again. I was debating about keeping it but I just bought a new Sangean ATS-909 (one of the last available from Universal Radio) so I really need to let at least one go.

These are a bit tricky to work on as you can see from the pictures but I followed the directions and worked slowly thereby not breaking anything. Removing the knobs was the hardest part as they are glued on with a little contact cement. Overall, the radio is well constructed. I just would not want to work on it too often as I can see how easy it would be to break the power switch or cut the dial cord. Also, watch the antenna wires to the RF board and the external antenna terminals.

I have two of those things I have to work on. One has the problem you are refering to. The newer one has the varactor type front end. It acts real strange, when tuning across the dial.
It seems funny that the AM band is the only one that is a problem. The AM band is the one that sets this radio apart, from the rest of them.

This is the only radio I have had where a transistor has failed. Usually the only problems I have with portable radios are scratchy controls. I cleaned the set with some Novus 1 and put it on Ebay. Someone grabbed it up within the first hour. People love these radios. I almost wish I had another one to fix up and sell.

I have two original Superadios, two SRII's, and three SRIIIs (one working). I don't look for them, they seem to find me, ha-ha. The SRII is the best overall of the series, IMHO; good sound and sensitive tuning. The III's sound great when they work, but are prone to that weird tuning problem dieseljeep refers to above. If anyone wants a dead III to fix and re-sell for the cost of shipping it to you, send me a PM.