Hi,
I have just acquired a 1946 5 valve Pacific timber mantle radio as part of my collection.
Although it lights up ok I am getting no sound from unit.
The Station needle string has broken as well.
This radio was working before being posted to me from overseas.
I am looking for a repairer in Sydney can anyone help with advice.
Many thanks
Stephen

This radio was working before being posted to me from overseas.

I note that one of these was sold recently on eBay in New Zealand. Is that yours?

If so I note that the seller waxes lyrical about his packaging expertise so I guess it was indeed well packed when it arrived?

He also implies that it was working well, so something seems to have gone awry in transit.

A valve may have become displaced from its socket. Can you see anything like that?

It would be hard to visually determine if a valve has actually failed as 3 of them have dark or painted envelopes. The quick touch test for heat would be one thing, however unless you are experienced with this sort of thing I'd recommend against putting your finger in the back of the radio. (Never do any such thing while the plug is in the power point.)

There's a handful of fellows in Sydney who do repairs, but none that I know in the Kingsford area. How far are you prepared to travel?


PS: If that is your set pictured on eBay, then the power cord needs attention. A figure 8 cable entering the chassis through a sharp hole is unsafe practice. At the very least the hole requires a rubber grommet, but the preferred solution would be a securely-anchored three wire cord with earth. Your repairer should address that issue, too.

Hi GTC,
Yes that was most likely my one on Ebay NZ.

I think this one had a rough trip across the ditch.

I removed the chassie from the cabinet and checked all valves etc. You are correct that some have the black covering.
All however seem to light up as you can see top of the valves light up. Not sure if this means the valve actually works though.
I am getting sound from the speaker but this has no volume and is only noise from the transformer I think.

And yes the power flex needs attention.
I know very little about fixing these radios but am enjoying collecting and hope to learn more as time passes to try my own repairs. Be nice to get this going as its the only non starter in my stable of radios.

Travelling to find a repairer is no problem as finding a good one would be worth its weight in gold as I bet I'll need one in the future.

Thanks for the reply and your suggestions most helpful.
Steve

I am getting sound from the speaker but this has no volume and is only noise from the transformer I think.

I think what you may be describing is rectified mains hum, in which case the electrolytics in the power supply may have failed -- a very common problem with old radios that haven't been used for a long time.

And, if that's the case, it certainly doesn't accord with the "big rich sound" operational description given by the seller -- unless he thinks mains hum is big and rich!

It's a bit of a hike along the M5 from Kingsford, but you could try Duncan McDonald at Bringelly 02 4774 8118 or 0427 015 662 Email: oldvalveshotmail.com

I've had a recent good report about his work.

I might be stating the obvious, but have you connected an aerial and if the dial string is broken how are you tuning it? These old radios need an aerial, in Kingsford you'd probably only need a few feet of wire. Without the chassis being earthed it'd probably need an earth wire as well. I'm not familiar with this radio but the dial string more than likely tunes the radio as well as moving the dial. Hopefully there's nothing too seriously wrong, it did work before and that seller has a good reputation.

I have just received an email back from seller. Bob has provided a contact for repair and offered to cover costs of any parts required. Once fixed will ask repairer if they would like their details put on this site as other's may also need repairs. (for those of us who are unable to DIY)

I am lucky Here in Kingsford all my radios can pick up about 5 stations without needing aerials extending. But will look at making an aerial that I can link all sets to? But would need to be easily disconnected for storms etc. Ideas on how to do this would be appreciated. Wondering if I I could use an old set of TV rabbits ears? Whats the best thing to do with the earth wires? I am running all sets for about an hour each month to maintain them is this enough running time for these? Pics to come as well.

Great site and very glad I found this and the help has been great. Hope to return the favour sometime.

Bob has provided a contact for repair and offered to cover costs of any parts required

Good seller. Although this is not part of what the seller is covering, please do get that mains cord attended to as mentioned earlier. That will deal with your earth question, too.

Once fixed will ask repairer if they would like their details put on this site as other's may also need repairs.

Yes, as it's a question that comes up form time to time.

I am running all sets for about an hour each month to maintain them is this enough running time for these?

Except for my small collection of radios, that's what I do with my electronic gear. I have a reminder set for the 1st of the month in Outlook.

The radios get used for a few hours each day, on rotation.