Hello all,

For a long time I was interested in getting the first Australian transistor radio. I finally got one and it looks beautiful with the beige rawhide style leather case. However, I have encountered one problem in running the radio. The volume is very low. The stations are clear and audible just very low. So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as the problem and or have a copy of the schematic. I have cleaning the pots as they were crackly but it appears to make little difference. I have also tried running the radio off a DC power pack also with no difference. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Is it a 897P, 897PX, 897PY or 897PZ?

These early transistor sets use wax Ducon paper caps. These along with any electrolytic caps should be replaced. Be careful with the transistors as they don't take too kindly to rough treatment such as excessive heat and reversed polarity.

AWA 897P Circuit Diagram.
AWA 897PZ, PY, PX Circuit Diagram.

Thank you very much.
It is a 897PY.
Also, how many different styles and colours did these radios come in?

Thanks

There is no mention in the manuals of style & colours. However, the 897P series uses the same style leatherette case as the earlier 5 valve 581P series portables.