Well I have done it again, started another "Little General" but this time 30 years on from my last "1946" model.
I'm using TV type valves and some silicon diodes in this one, allowable in the 70's.
As usual I am scratch building, using junk and my wits.
This first part covers knocking up a chassis, fettling the power and output transformers and sorting out some tuning coils, RF and IF.
I'll send the usual PDF to Brad to tag to this post.

Fred.

Little General 1976 - Part 1

Document uploaded.

Wow I wish I had your patience.

Wish I had your knowledge. How do you unwind and rewind that fine wire without breaking it ? Do you do it by hand ?

Hi, yeah patience...………..I do like making intricate things and worrying them into working.
Probably because I don't quite understand how things work so get a better idea by making something.

The coils do have fine wire but that litz wire is surprisingly strong and can take a bit of jerking without breaking.
As I need a counter I use my little transformer winding machine fixture.
On that I can wind small transformers using a centre spindle to hold the coil former tight.
An IF transformer or tuning coil is a bit tricky as I cannot put a 3/8" spindle through those so just tape them to a block and wobble around.
The wire can sit on a bobbin and unthread onto the new coil. I may also be unwinding off one transformer direct to the next.
Old IF's with wax coverings are a blessing as the wire comes off easily.
No I cannot "honeycomb" wind but I just pile the turns on and wobble a bit to get a bit of cross weave!
I could make up a taper spindle auto feed honeycomb wind machine but I am not going to!!!!!
This radio thing is just a hobby not a business, I gave up running a business decades ago...………..

Fred.

Any chance of a picture of your little transformer winding machine fixture ?

I'll take a few photos of the winder and post those in the workshop section.
Might also take a few photos of the workshop and post those as well.

Fred.