Hi,

First post, new to forum, recently acquired a vintage radio - Fisk Radiola. Unable to locate any information or photos of it online. Can email some of our radio if need be, but have the below information from it.

R183/Z

F 60998

ART S & P stamp says 5

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you

Jeanette and Ben

Welcome to the site!

For an appetiser click on the ' search forums' on the top of the Discussion page.

Click on all boxes and type in 'fisk radiola' in the search box.

Theres quite a few comments on the subject in those for starters.

Cheers, Fred.

Is the radio a console, or mantel type?

Wooden or bakelite case?

What valves does it have?

R183 I believe is the model number, however a google search produced nothing.

Photos please. Outside, inside, underneath.

Thank you for the info so far. It’s big so I would say Console type and it is wooden, has 2 “curtains” on the front. I have emailed photos to admin to be added to forum post.

If F 60998 is the ARTS&P number the F indicates a 1939 radio. 5 means probably 5 valves. Searching on the net comes up with these possibilities:
https://www.antiquesreporter.com.au/index.cfm/lot/273482-awa-fisk-radiola-radio-circa-1939-wooden-case-height-93-cm-x-wid/ (this one may well be more than 5 valves)
https://radio-guy.com/product/fisk-awa-radiola-skyscraper-radio/
https://radio-guy.com/product/fisk-awa-radiola-skyscraper-radio/
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/amalgamate_fisk_radiola_53gw.html

As you will see AWA made a range of products so a detailed description and photos are essential for identification. A list valve types, which may be marked on the chassis, or read from the valves (careful - valves easy to damage removing from the chassis and numbers easy to rub off the glass) will allow possibilities to be guesssed from the 1939 circuit book.

Ideal is a list of the valves and at least a photo of the rear of the chassis. Do Not pull the tubes out via the envelope. lever them out.

This is it, but no pics.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/amalgamate_radiola_183z.html

It is p89 of 1939 AORSM. Will scan the circuit and submit to Brad for posting.

AWA Radiola R183Z Circuit Diagram

Hello Jeanette and Ben, The scan has been submitted to Brad. If you open your email I will also send it that way.
Regards
Graham

PS The component numbers on the left hand side are indistinct because the page goes into the binding. Because these are in order it should not be a problem.

So it's a 5-valve octal set plus tuning indicator. Probably quite similar to the one I have - especially if the valve shields and the transformers are painted blue.

AWA made a few versions of this model, including with shortwave and I am pretty sure that a pushbutton model was available too.

She is from 1939.

My apologies for the late response with the photos - I am on annual leave at the moment and am only on the 'Net when I have Starlink unpacked.

Photos uploaded to Post 1.
Document uploaded to Post 8.

Thanks for the photos. It is somewhat similar to mine, but unpainted and a big space in the middle.

Before removing the chassis you'll have to unscrew the bracket that holds the tuning indicator valve in place, and also the big bolts that hold the chassis in. When sliding it out be careful not to hit the dial mechanism against the cabinet, as damage can result.

Once you've got it out, you'll probably have to replace every electrolytic and paper capacitor.

The speaker is a dynamic one, which will most likely be ok.

Looks like the plastic dial cover has died with age. It can be replaced with stiff plastic cut from a shirt box.

I used to have one of those before The Move.
It had been fully overhauled in the mid 60s, blue Ducon polys, new can electros, new pots.
Sounded magnificent.

Robbbert How do I get the Knobs off as I do not see a locking scew (Grub Screw) As I want to get it all apart withour braking the bakerlite ..... As you see in the Pix above there are 2 sets of knobs The outer knobs and the Inner ones. I have looked all around the knobs and to no aval for a grub screw. The only thing I can think of is a clip on the shaft, But Will will need to get a torch in to look.