Purchased the Radiola model 18

[funken]

Well guys I purchased the Radiola model 18 fo $40. The inside of the set looks to be intact. All 7 tubes are there. Just an eyeball inspection they appear to be
okay. The case has some repairable cracks.

I did not purchase the speaker. After inspecting it the orginal inside speaker had been replaced by a small piece of crap speaker.

I have a question. Would it be wise to plug in the set to see if the tubes function? Or would it be a better idea to send the set to a repair guy for an evaluation?

Any thoughts on where to purchase a speaker?

Funken

[funken]

I've been doing some searching for a RCA model 100 speaker on the internet without much luck. Do you think I should purchase the one I saw at the antique store and refurbish it? The case is in excellent shape but it would require the grille cloth and a replacement cone speaker. The shop is asking $35 but I might be able to get them down to $20.

Your thoughts

Funken

[tomwil]

Originally Posted by funken

I have a question. Would it be wise to plug in the set to see if the tubes function? Or would it be a better idea to send the set to a repair guy for an evaluation?

First, DO NOT PLUG THAT RADIO IN !!!! Please see http://www.radiolaguy.com/Dont-Do.htm .

I know it is a great temptation to try out an untested radio, but you risk irrepairable damage. Remember that if any part on your radio gets damaged, it is very hard to find replacement parts. On that link you will see what happened to a RCA Radiola 60 (similar to your Radiola 18) when plugged in without precautions first.

In that link is a way for you to safely test your radio, before determining if it need additional services. That website also has great information about your Radiola.

Congradulations on your purchase ... I hope you enjoy it and have great success with it.

[mhardy6647]

The speakers are not rare, and not that expensive in general. If you don't like the one you mentioned, scan eBAY for one (check completed auctions and see what they've gone for). I actually a Radiola 18 and a speaker for it, but I am planning to re-hab them someday (retirement project, most likely).

Note that the speaker housing is, I believe, cast "pot metal" and as such is rather fragile.

[funken]

Great article. It's very tempting to power up this puppy.
I'm glad I didn't. Instead I'll send it off to be tested.

Cheers!!
Funken

[tomwil]

Originally Posted by funken

Instead I'll send it off to be tested.

Just be aware that shipping and labor costs for diagnosing a radio can greatly exceed the value of your radio. You may never be able to recoup the costs you spend on the radio getting it repaired, so it usually done with that in mind.

The Radiola I purchased seemed to be already working, but I only use it for maybe an hour at a time, and make sure I am there listening to it in case something does go wrong. But with the other old radios I have, I used that light bulb test circuit (it is easy and inexpensive to make) in the link to initially test the radios, and from the results I could determine if the radio is worth repairing (if it is a simple cap replacement it is fairly inexpensive, whereas a major component replacement can be expensive). At least with that test, I could make a good decision on what to do next.

I myself purchased a NRI radio repair course on eBay, and am training myself how to troubleshoot and repair radios ... of course, the earlier radios have simple circuits and are easier to repair. I found getting the radios repaired by someone else was too expensive.

[funken]

Thanks for the information. You make perfect sense.
I paid $40 for the radio. Shipping round-trip would be around for.
This dosenot include parts and labor. I could easily have over $200 in the set.

I've attached the ino from radiolaguys website. I have a coulpe of question regarding this tester.

Below is a diagram of a simple device you can make that will enable you to power up your radio without destroying the power transformer or causing damage. You will need to be able to make this simple test jig using a light
bulb, lamp socket and AC receptacle.

Okay I have a lamp socket. The AC receptacle. Dose this mean a wall receptacle?

Do I need to have a spilt power cord from the radio. One wire to the bulb one to the AC?

Thanks for your help!!

Funken

[Chad Hauris]

The "what it's worth" only matters if you are going to sell it. Many times you will need to spend more on repairs than you could sell it for, but if you have it repaired what you are buying is the enjoyment of using a properly repaired set.

[dewickt]

Depending on how good it sounds I may make an offer of my RCA 100 speaker, speaker was restored many years ago and has been sitting on display in the dining room, it could use a good home....and a good dusting.

[tomwil]

Originally Posted by funken

Okay I have a lamp socket. The AC receptacle. Does this mean a wall receptacle?

Do I need to have a spilt power cord from the radio. One wire to the bulb one to the AC?

No, I would not split the actual power cord from the radio, although that would work if you chose to do so.

What I did was buy one of those heavy-duty extension cords (the "orange" 16 gauge outdoor extension cords used usually by electric weed wackers and such). That extension cord gives you both the plug and receptacle. I just split one of the wires (not the 3rd ground wire), and wired the light bulb socket in series with that split wire, as shown in the diagram. I left the other 2 wires (usually called neutral and ground) intact.



Also, follow the directions exactly, including removing your rectifier tube (the #80 tube) before plugging your radio into the test device for the first time. The directions gives you good steps to perform, and what to look out for.

Hope this helps!