Hi,

I am brand new to this site so thought I would introduce my-self. My husband and I live in Townsville Qld and I restore old furniture as a weekend hobby.

Quite a few years ago we were cleaning out the old family farm house near Taragla NSW and found an old Radio. It’s a floor standing (tombstone?) model made by Oceanic. I’ve restored the cabinet some years ago but am at a loss with the electrics. I know it needs re-capping but I’m having almost no luck find any information. Which is what lead me here…

I would love to restore this unit fully, but with my limited knowledge I have a feeling I might be better off paying a professional restorer, rather that then risk damaging the radio, or my-self.

The unit is an Oceanic, Model# V4BD. Chassis #18713 with an ARTs&p sticker #E86780 (1938?). If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be forever grateful.

Cheers,

Neata

Hello Neata

Your radio is not listed in Australian Official Radio Service Manuals of the period (which have circuit diagrams). V4BD is however listed in http://www.hws.org.au/ under Zenith brand (http://www.hws.org.au/RadioHistory/manufacturers/Zenith.htm) and Ambassador brand (http://www.hws.org.au/RadioHistory/manufacturers/ambassador.htm).

Both give V4BD as a "Vib. DW Con." which means vibrator dual wave console. Vibrator means the device that enables alternating current to be produced from low voltage battery power, so your radio could be a battery model. If so it wouldn't have a 240V 3 pin plug, but would have other leads to connect to a battery. Dual wave means the normal broadcast AM stations plus short wave. Console means a floor standing radio.

It is important not to try to connect up the radio to any sort of power, battery included as there could be faults which would damage components of the radio that are hard to replace like transformers. Valves are obtainable, but can be pricey depending on the type.

If you or your husband have no electrical or electronic knowledge then you are right to seek professional help.

Hopefully someone on the forum will know your radio.

Good luck and welcome to steam radio.

Thank you so much STC830. I was hoping I was in the right place.

I'll keep reading the forums.

Cheers

Hi Neata
As it is a vibrator set, STC830's comment about the transformer is spot on, as it would operate at the vibrator frequency of 100 to 120 cycles per second and would be difficult to find a replacement.
I have just restored an Airzone vibrator set and rebuilt the vibrator with a solid state module inside the old can and it works brilliantly. There are replacement vibrators available, as the original, if present, will have died of old age.
These sets were made for remote locations, well away from mains power and and my experience is that they are generally very good performers.
Good luck!
Gandhn