Stromberg Carlson 1500 radio

[Kelsey]

Last Friday, I was given a STROMBERG CARLSON 1500 radio. The case was slightly dirty so I washed it with soap and water. After washing it, the case appears to be in great condition but it needs a good polishing.There aren't any cracks or chips in the case. In the near future l will buy some NOVUS Plastic Polish and go over the case with it.

The speaker's cone is torn in several places and the frame is slightly bent. There are 6 off yellow wax capacitors and there is one that is visibly burnt. Also, there are two black capacitors that are the same and they appear to be parallel. Their color bands are: A wide red, a narrow red, a narrow brown and a narrow silver. A vacuum tube appears to be black and its base that plugs into socket is cracked. The dial string is broken and the dial face is broken and missing a third of it

This will be my first restoration project and I have purchased the Antique Radio Restoration Guide for help and I am waiting for its arrival. Also, I have read " Replacing Capacitors in Old Radios" from www.antiqueradio.org. Also, I have been using this site as a constant reference.


1) Is there a chance for an electrical shock from this old radio?
2) I do not have a schematic. Can I buy one somewhere?
3) What are the values for the 2 black capacitors?
4) Is there a company where I can purchase the tube that appears to be broken along with the capacitors?
5) Can I purchase another dial face?
6) Where can I find how to restring the dial string?
7) Is there a way to test the transformor?
8) should I spend some money and have the speaker reconed or is there an after market speaker I should buy?

Again, this will be my first restoration project and I want to take my time but it's imperative that I am using a safe approach to this wonderful hobby.

Thank you in advance.

Kelsey

[Tom Bavis]

The Sams folder (schematic, dial stringing, parts list) for this radio is on my website: http://www.audiophool.cjb.net/MadeInRoch.html You'll need to get the DjVu plug-in from Lizardtech.com or get a copy of IRFANVIEW (free) and it's DjVu plug-in.

This is a transformerless radio and if you intend to run it out of the case for testing, you MUST use an isolation transformer for safety. Is it a field coil speaker? PM speakers are easy to replace. I have the tubes, but there are many other sources online. The dial glass (or plastic cover) is unique and will have to come from a junker. I may be able to find one at the Antique Wireless Association flea market on Thursday. The transformer is probably OK if the resistance readings check out per the schematic.

[Kelsey]

Originally Posted by Tom Bavis

The Sams folder (schematic, dial stringing, parts list) for this radio is on my website: http://www.audiophool.cjb.net/MadeInRoch.html You'll need to get the DjVu plug-in from Lizardtech.com or get a copy of IRFANVIEW (free) and it's DjVu plug-in.

This is a transformerless radio and if you intend to run it out of the case for testing, you MUST use an isolation transformer for safety. Is it a field coil speaker? PM speakers are easy to replace. I have the tubes, but there are many other sources online. The dial glass (or plastic cover) is unique and will have to come from a junker. I may be able to find one at the Antique Wireless Association flea market on Thursday. The transformer is probably OK if the resistance readings check out per the schematic.

Thank you Tom for the great information from your website and answering my questions. Again this is my first restoration project and I know I am going to enjoy this.

The speaker does appear to be attached to a transformer. The speaker's cone is broken and torn in several places. Can I purchase a newer speaker to replace the broken one? Also, the V5 power output tube has a crack in its base. Can you recommend an online source for a replacement? I will gladly pay for the dial face should you locate one.

Again, thank you Tom for your help.

Kelsey

[Tom Bavis]

The ouput tube runs hot - it's not uncommon for bases to crack on them. Likely to work fine - if it's loose, a FEW drops of super-glue will retain it.

You may be able to get a replacement speaker to fit, but the transformer may have to mount elsewhere. What size?

[Kelsey]

The speaker measures 5-1/2 inches from one side of the frame to the other or 4-1/2 inches for the cone itself.

[Phil Nelson]

Glad you found my website helpful.

There is a page (http://antiqueradio.org/parts.htm ) that lists popular sources for parts such as capacitors and tubes.

Once you have the schematic in hand, you should be able to identify the values of the capacitors. My recapping article also has a section on identifying values.

If the speaker cone does not have big pieces missing, you may be able to repair it yourself. Tea bag paper and fabric glue (or any flexible glue) provide an easy way to patch a tear or small hole. There is also a special speaker repair glue called "service cement," but I wouldn't buy that just to fix one speaker.

The dial face may be difficult/impossible to find unless you locate a junker with a good one. However, it might be worth contacting http://www.radiodaze.com/ , which does make repro dials.

Most tuners can be restrung using braided fishing line from a sporting goods store. Be sure to get braided line, not the slippery monofilament kind.

Have fun!

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

[Kelsey]

Phil,thank you for your input and link to the radiodaze website.

Will a car speaker that is in the same physical dimension work as a replacement? According to the schematic, the speaker cone is 5-5/16".
I have an idea on how I can fabricate the broken dial face.