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 General Electric Model 409 My next recap
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 Return to top of page · Post #: 1 · Written at 8:33:48 PM on 14 May 2026.
Tallar Carl's avatar
 Tallar Carl
 Location: Latham, ACT
 Member since 21 February 2015
 Member #: 1705
 Postcount: 2247

Hey guys

Long time between recaps. this is a amazingly simple but interesting set I obtained today in the local ACT market place.

Yes I tested it safely and it still works after 75 years and nothing touched.

The FM antenna is connected via Capacitor to the line and yes its a hot chassis set. I think its a interesting set.

GE Model 409 Circuit Diagram

GE Model 409 valve radio
GE Model 409 valve radio
GE Model 409 valve radio
GE Model 409 valve radio
GE Model 409 valve radio
 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 2 · Written at 5:30:06 AM on 19 May 2026.
Brad's avatar
 Brad
 Administrator
 Location: Naremburn, NSW
 Member since 15 November 2005
 Member #: 1
 Postcount: 7643

Photos uploaded.


‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
A valve a day keeps the transistor away...

 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 3 · Written at 7:51:52 PM on 19 May 2026.
Tallar Carl's avatar
 Tallar Carl
 Location: Latham, ACT
 Member since 21 February 2015
 Member #: 1705
 Postcount: 2247

Thankyou Brad
 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 4 · Written at 1:07:22 PM on 20 May 2026.
Marcc's avatar
 Marcc
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5733

I would be looking at caps, live to chassis and antenna to ensure they are approved mains type.
 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 5 · Written at 1:13:08 PM on 20 May 2026.
Tallar Carl's avatar
 Tallar Carl
 Location: Latham, ACT
 Member since 21 February 2015
 Member #: 1705
 Postcount: 2247

Marcc I actually supply the approved line caps. I will be taking this one cautiously
 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 6 · Written at 9:28:51 PM on 20 May 2026.
Marcc's avatar
 Marcc
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5733

It is usually recommended to work on them with an isolation transformer; That will need a stepdown transformer, but ensure it is a proper transformer, not an auto-transformer. A Variac (tm) aka Slide transformer is an auto-transformer. The primary and secondary are connected to each other.
 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 7 · Written at 2:38:46 AM on 6 June 2026.
Tallar Carl's avatar
 Tallar Carl
 Location: Latham, ACT
 Member since 21 February 2015
 Member #: 1705
 Postcount: 2247

Marcc all my repairs are done with a isolation transformer/ variac/ dimbulb. I wont be looking at this one for a few weeks yet though.
 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 8 · Written at 8:32:11 PM on 6 June 2026.
Marcc's avatar
 Marcc
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5733

I have never used a dim bulb in decades and never seen cause to. One always starts with an assessment first, before giving any thought to powering it.

I often start a refurbishment with the isolation transformer, as it has a kill switch fitted and a down rated CB on its secondary, to stop it being damaged. I will also, for known problems with "B" voltage; Power it (not the heaters / filaments) to see if it has not got issues like dud caps.

The PSU for that has its own protection. If I use the reformer part which is stepped voltage, at around 20mA, the LR8 will lock up.

I don't see many of those "hot chassis" sets, albeit that we made them as well as Europe & USA.

Marc
 
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