Sparton Radio

[bricktop]

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), 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

[Tom Bavis]

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...

[bricktop]

Will do Tom. Thanks for the help

[Fisherdude]

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!

[sean]

Looks like a model 880 like this one.

There is a schematic on Nostalgia Air.

[bricktop]

That's gotta be it! Thanks a ton

Dad will be excited too

[sean]

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.

[radioactive]

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.

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

[John L]

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.

[bricktop]

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

[bricktop]

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.

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...

[Fisherdude]

Outstanding!! Keep us posted.