Superadio II Now Working Again

[compucat]

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.