I'm glad I found this site. Have been struggling to find information, especially repairers, who can tackle my car radio issue. I purchased a secondhand MGA 1600 and rebuilt it to as close to original as possible. One of the items it possesses is an Astor diamond dot push button radio. When I bought the car in 2022, about the only thing working was the radio. After replacing the motor, fixing the brakes, doing up the suspension, recovering the upholstery and ... I think you get the picture, I'm now left with a radio that no longer works.

I checked the speaker (4ohm) and it measures 3.6ohms on my multimeter, so I am assuming it is still functional. The only identification on the metal case is a D 17130 on the main case. I worked in the repair department of Astor when Sir Arthur Warner was the CEO in South Melbourne. It's another reason why I want to resurrect this radio. However, apart from a very very faded 'Quality Assurance' stamp with an unreadable date, nothing else I can see identifies the model. It is a push button, with two transistors on the top, inset.

If someone tells me how to go about posting photographs, I will do so.

Being in Melbourne, the lack of professional repairers for such an ancient piece of history has led me to throwing myself on the mercy of your members. If anyone out there can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

To add photos, click on the "Contact Administrator" link at top right.

Have a search here:

https://www.kevinchant.com/astor--air-chief--eil--diamond-dot.html

Hi Rodney's,

My understanding is that the older MG's were brought into Australia as CKD units (completely knocked down) and that the Dealer added any accessories eg radios.

My ex- MGB 1965 Overdrive was assembled in Zetland Sydney and the Dealer added a Ferris AM radio. It didn't worked, but I was able to fix it.

A circuit diagram makes the job much easier, almost essential ... as are a Signal Generator and Scope ... in my opinion. Given your prior experience and that you cannot locate a professional repairer, I assume you intend to fix it yourself??

Cheers,
Ian (tinkera123)

Photos uploaded.

Have you tried Nostalgic Wireless in Eaglemont?

https://eaglemontvillage.com.au/stores/nostalgic-wireless/

Hi Rodneys,

Dug through my "stuff" and found an old Ferris Twelve Volumatic car radio ... probably a "backup" for my MGB radio. Seems to have all the parts; all controls seem to work except that the Push buttons don't move the Tuning dial. Inside, it looks to be all there, but it has been worked on, somewhat "agriculturally". It is a more sophisticated radio than the Astor ie. more PCB's, components and compact. I don't know its history.

If you want it for parts, or to refurb yourself, to practise on before tackling your Astor, then its yours, $0 .... pickup at Glen Waverley.

Cheers,
Ian

Radiomuseum lists quite a number of Diamond Dot models. You may be able to determine yours by checking the transistor line-up. Put Diamond Dot into the search box.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/

As well as having all the manuals for those Astors on his site (you may have to download quite a few to find the right one but it WILL be there) Kevin also fixes those radios

Thanks to all those who responded. Firstly, I am mechanically minded, but not electrically competent. When I worked for a company called Watson Victor, in the service department, they finally tossed me out after quite a few pole fuses blew. Not my best CV reference. I then spent a couple of years working for Smiths Car Radio in Smith St Collingwood. Primarily installing radios or adapting various models to fit. In those days, back in early 1960, cars had an engine, gearbox, seats and not much else, so it was an exercise in creativity. But, certainly not in the repair department.