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 Assistance with an Electrosound radiogram
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 Return to top of page · Post #: 1 · Written at 4:15:30 PM on 4 June 2019.
CuriousNewbie's Gravatar
 Location: Sydney, NSW
 Member since 4 June 2019
 Member #: 2355
 Postcount: 2

Greetings all,
Please bear with my newness and ignorance.

Also, I don't have any decent pictures and posting them here seems a little bit complex.

I have come across an Electrosound radiogram that appears to have a 63P receiver. It looks the same as the one identified in this discussion:

https://vintage-radio.com.au/home.asp?f=1&th=868#6378

It is built into a large cabinet with a phonograph (no details to hand) and bar compartment. To my inexperienced eye, it all looks to be original. The cabinet is shedding some veneer but seems solid and is not missing anything.

I know next to nothing about these things but it didn't feel right just to get rid of it. That said, I am not sure what to do with it.

Are these sought after? Or does their size mean that only parts are in demand?

Next time I am at the house where it is, is there any information to look for that might be significant? Are there turntables that are of more interest than others?

Suggestions from you knowledgeable folk would be greatly appreciated.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 2 · Written at 11:07:20 AM on 6 June 2019.
Jimb's Gravatar
 Location: Kanahooka, NSW
 Member since 18 November 2016
 Member #: 2012
 Postcount: 712

Hello Curious Newbie and welcome .This is my second attempt went to post and lost the post bit at the bottom and lost the lot.
Not knowing your background this is difficult to answer.Firstly in my opinion if your sole purpose is to sell this, its value as it is is close to zero even in working condition with no lifted veneer but basically unrestored its value would be somewhere between $50.00 and $100.00
Radio grams and console radios are just too large and bulky for most people and unless they are very old late 20's early 30's or for some other reason are highly collectable they fetch next to nothing. On the other hand if it is a starting piece for a new hobby in restoring old radios it will be great.
I mentioned your background if you have no electrical or electronic knowledge BEWARE! ,these are lethal unless you take extreme care.
I am no trying to discourage you,many on this site had no prior knowledge and are turning out great restorations. There are hundreds of people on this website with knowledge far greater than mine very willing to give advice.
I am offering you some starting safety tips and advice assuming you have no prior knowledge. Firstly with radio unplugged form power source remove chassis and inspect powercord and underside wiring for perished and missing broken insulation . If all is in order replace. Chassis and make up an extension test lead with a 60W or 100W old type incadescant light globe (old filiament type ) not the modern LED or Fluro type placed in series with the active conductor .I use a battern type lamp holder for this mounted on a piece of wood.
So what I m saying is the neutral of the test lead continues unbroken through the extension lead however the active will have the lamp connected through it in series. It would have been preferable for saftey sake to have replaced the old radio power cord first with a 3 core type if the original was a 2 core making sure the earth wire is firmly connected to the chassis. You can now power up the radio through your test lead. I should have mentioned the reason for doing this is to protect the radio.Had you just plugged it in without this test lead it is possible you could burn it out or cause unrepairable damage due to faulty shorted components . With the test lead in place power it up.The lamp will initially glow bright but should dull down to a soft glow. If after 20 seconds or so if it remains at full brightness you have a major fault and it needs to be disconnected . If it appears ok leave running for 5 mins to allow the electrolytic capacitors to reform then remove test lead and connect normally and see if it works. Really all the old paper/wax type capacitors along with the electrolytic capacitors will have to be replaced anyway even it it does work because they are at risk of going short circuit burning out the radio.You should use an isolation transformer between the mains supply and the radio IE 240v to 240 v .for added saftey others on this forum with greater knowledge than mine might want to correct or add to what I have said this is ment as a starting point peace keep in mind bad saftey procedures can lead to ELECTROCUTION ! Keep children away they are curious .Kind Regards Jimb.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 3 · Written at 6:00:16 PM on 6 June 2019.
CuriousNewbie's Gravatar
 Location: Sydney, NSW
 Member since 4 June 2019
 Member #: 2355
 Postcount: 2

Thank you for your reply Jimb,

As I suspected, it would seem I am not sitting on a gold mine.

I did look at the idea of restoring it but I don't have a room big enough to put it in unless I plan on sleeping on top of it.

While I am not likely to delve into checking the electrics I enjoyed reading about how to do so.

If there is any way to get in touch with any members who may be interested in a donation to their collection, perhaps some can let me know.

I would love to hear from anyone particlularly or even slightly enthusiastic about Electrosound units.
I hate the idea of throwing something out that someone might have loved.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 4 · Written at 6:05:58 PM on 6 June 2019.
Jimb's Gravatar
 Location: Kanahooka, NSW
 Member since 18 November 2016
 Member #: 2012
 Postcount: 712

Hi again from Jimb.
I am sure it will be of interest to someone on this forum. It is good of you trying to save it from the tip.
Kind regards Jimb.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 5 · Written at 7:19:57 PM on 6 June 2019.
Tallar Carl's avatar
 Location: Latham, ACT
 Member since 21 February 2015
 Member #: 1705
 Postcount: 2149

Hi CuriousNewbie you can join my facebook group called The Real Bakelite and Antique Radio Page, you would be welcome to advertise it there. I am sure someone out there would love it.


 
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