Hi,
I recently found and purchased a 1936 Stromberg Carlson model 466 battery receiver. I have found the circuit on Kevin Chants website and it originally use a 2 volt battery for the valve filaments and a 135 volt battery for the B+ voltage.
I am writing to ask if anyone has restored a similar battery receiver and if so what did you use for a power supply?
I already have a laboratory power supply that will provide 2 volts DC for the filaments, but I am curious to know if anyone has built or purchased a power supply that can provide 135v DC for B+ voltage.
To try the radio after restoration I was thinking of using x15 9 volt batteries connected in series to provide the B+ voltage.
Kind Regards,
Sam

For testing purposes, I have used a batch of cheap 9V batteries. These can be stacked one up one down & taped as they will interlock. Splitting the top of a dead one, e.g.replace the one in the smoke detector & use the top of the old one.

Harold Sheeran in Wodonga (refer Radio Waves) makes them in a kit, and I believe assembled as well. I have used two of his kits and made several. But not the same as his. Depended on the set I had fixing. All are still in service. All mains battery savers.

Both of us are on the same page with one significant item. Unless the antenna primary coil is, or can be, isolated electrically from the rest of the set when powered by a mains fed, regulated Solid State PSU.

Under no circumstances earth it directly to any form of grounding / earth. I.e. mains, or other.

If it is to be grounded via either a negative, or positive chassis, or wire, because of the way certain mains systems are wired, the regulator/s will go out of control & damage will result.

The grounding must be via a 0.01mfd HV capacitor. Mains approved "X" type High capacitor preferred. The Sheeran kit has such a blocking cap within.

There was also another listed in "Radio Waves" as well and it is an inverter, should you wish it to remain "Portable".

Marc.

There are some battery eliminators around, but the ones I have seen usually have a max of 90 volts for B+.

Here's a circuit from Silicon Chip 2003 that provides up to 135 volts, based on a re-purposed power supply from a "derelict" radio. A simple regulated 2V DC supply could be provided from the 6.3 volt winding. Ought to be sufficient heater power available if the PS comes from a multi-valve radio.

http://archive.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_30674/article.html.

Meantime, I see that Marcc has mentioned a kit. I've not heard of that one, so it might be just the thing.

Note here that I am only taking an abridged part of an add in April 2014 "Radio Waves" for forum interest.

This may be quicker & more cost effective than chasing parts, especially if making PSU's is not you.

Apparently there are 6 kits (Unipower) from Howard Sheeran. 3 Mulqueeny St Wodonga 3690 ph /fax(02) 6024 4558

It would pay to make sure that Howard has or is given access to the circuit, to accurately assess the correct unit for the set, should you want to go that way?

Apparently there are 6 kits (Unipower) from Howard Sheeran. 3 Mulqueeny St Wodonga 3690 ph /fax(02) 6024 4558.

Has anyone been talking to Howard of late? I have tried to ring and fax numerous times. I also sent a letter with a return envelope/stamp with no luck.

One would think that if he is advertising in HRSA "Radio Waves" that he is still with us? I have a local radio club member in Wodonga, that may be in the right job to be able to find out, if there is a problem.

Marc

One would think that if he is advertising in HRSA "Radio Waves" that he is still with us?

Not necessarily the case.

There have been a few reports of no response from Radio Waves advertisers lately.

HRSA doesn't automatically cull the ads after a specific period of time, although IMO that ought to be done at least annually whereupon service type advertisers ought to have resubmit.

I've made enquiries about items in Radio Waves only to be told it was sold months previously. The same advertisement has then run unchanged in the next two issue.

I was referring specifically to service type ads, but it's a pain and a time wasting experience when casual item sellers don't delete their ads.

I don't think Harold is casual, he was selling these all over the world, and has been for quite some time. He did not strike me as being older than me when I met him last, but..........?

he was selling these all over the world, and has been for quite some time

So, I'd classify him as a service type advertiser, i.e. regular. However, those are among the ones that haven't been responding to inquiries.

I have sent an inquiry to one club member here, albeit there are other contacts for Wodonga. On that if you are expecting replies from me, and they do not turn up I am having a hospital visit for some repairs soon.

Date will not be mentioned on an open forum. Albeit the place will not be empty.

Marc

...I am having a hospital visit for some repairs soon.

G'day Marc, I hope that goes well and hope it's nothing too serious.

Bit of chopping & repairing, should slow me down until mid November.

Marc

While they have you opened up, make sure they replace any leaky capacitors or resistors that have drifted off spec

Maven