Hi,
My first post, I just recently purchased a HMV 669 that is working, it’s had a capacitors and resistors changed at some stage, I was given a bag with all the old ones!
When trying to tune the stations I can receive nothing.
I have a basic antenna (speaker wire) connected to the “A” at the back, 12 feet long, hanging out the window, there is also an “E” and “ Ai” connection at the back, I think this is for a dipole antenna, it has a bridge connecting them, I believe when using just a single wire then remain like that.

There is also another hole at the back saying “E” , maybe for an Earth connection coming in?

I’m a total novice at this, learning each day as I go along, so forgive the very amateurish way I’m describing this
Would there be any help here to get me started on receiving stations?

Do I need a better antenna?
Do I need to have the earth connected?
I live in a second floor apartment so don’t know where to connect to.

When I turn the dial I hear no static or change in sound, I know the speaker is working fine

Thanks in advance

Your aerial connection is correct, connected to A, with the A1 to E link in place. 12 feet should be ample to get something at least.
A separate earth should not be needed.
So we need to do some basic testing, is the volume control turned fully up?
Is it set to the short wave position on the front panel switch?
If you touch the top Pick up terminal, do you get a burp from the speaker? This will tell you if the problem is in the audio end up to the speaker, or in the RF /IF front end.
Let's see what result you get here, before we dive in further.
Harold

Hi Harold,
Thank you for responding
Yes volume is up full volume, using the control panel “add on” as a reference , sold by a Ebay seller, which I don’t actually have, switch turned left is “SW” and turned right us “Broadcast”
I have tried both with same result, which should I use whilst testing?
Apologies but what and where is the “top pick up terminal”?
Thanks again

Use the Broadcast setting while testing.
The pick up terminals are on the back chassis just to the right of the hole marked Earth. The top terminal is insulated and you may need a wire or screwdriver tip to connect to it.
Harold

There is a port (hole) that says PU at the back , I have touched it with a wire and yes get a loud burp!

Ok, so some good progress, I took out cleaned and reseated the 6J8G valve, also moved cabinet to a different location plus added a long wire for the antenna, I can now get ABC radio plus 2GB, but very faint , just hear it if sitting beside it, and a little static.

Is there anything else I could do?

I’m not sure if it’s a factor, but with the 6J8G valve, inside the bulb , near the top , a metal plate seems to be misaligned , also don’t want to be giving any red herrings.

That is progress.
However, you are now at the stage where you need some test equipment, some knowledge of how to use it and some knowledge of how the radio works.
How are you placed with these three criteria? To dive in unprepared, with potentially dangerous voltages around is not a good idea.
Harold

Agreed, I thought this moment was coming, I have zero experience in those 3 criteria.

Could you give me an example of what is required?

Alternatively it may mean I go down the route of adding a piece of modern equipment like FM transmitters?
Are there any other alternatives?


Thanks
Joe

Not much point giving you a list of equipment you might need, as without the experience of using them and no knowledge of the radios working, not much will be achieved.
I can suggest a few options, based on why you bought the radio...
Did you just like the style and appearance of the cabinet? If so, spend some time on making it look as good as possible and not worry about it operating.
Did you want to listen to current AM radio programs? If so, you may get it professionally repaired, as it it is operating and this may not be an expensive job.
Did you want to connect some external device such as a CD player, iPod or an MP3 player? If so, you could feed a signal in to the pick up socket. From your "burp" test, the audio end is probably working, but it may need some work to ensure it is operating as it should. If it does need some technical attention, you might as well have it completely done, as above.
Do any of these options make sense?
Harold

Thanks Harold
Yes i've always wanted a vintage floor radio for the style but to also be able to listen to the warm sound of these radios.

I would say the main reason was to be able to listen to it.

I've had it about a week now and I have totally restored the cabinet and it looks like new.

It's good to hear that as it all appears to be working and it is only the stations that need attention it may not be an expensive job, so I may pursue that.

The person I bought it off said he was good at the electronics but not the radio part.

Interesting that the PU may work so along with getting the reception fixed I will look into that as I might get Bluetooth connected.

I suppose my next question would be whom could I contact in Sydney to work on the AM and maybe also add Bluetooth through the PU.

Thanks for your time on this, its been an enjoyable journey so far.

We could talk you through connecting a Bluetooth receiver to the pickup terminals.....

Hi Ian,
That would be great!
How do I begin?

Photos uploaded.

I’m now looking at AM receivers, which Bluetooth might be able to connect to the AM receiver.
Has anyone had good results with these receivers?
Or recommend one?
AMT-MW207 work?

The AMT-MW207 is an RF transmitter that would require your radio to be fully repaired, as the signal is received by your antenna.
A connection to the pick up terminals may work with your radio in its present condition, but requires a different device. Refer to Ian's post #11.
These are well outside my area of experience.
Harold