G'day All,

I came into possession of an on old radio today and I couldn't get it working, so I started searching and came across this site. I have done a little reading here today, but thought I'd sign-up try my luck seeking some advice.

The radio is a Kriesler model 11-81. so far I've learnt that is from about 1960 and an Australian brand.

When I plug it in and turn it on, I get a soft humming noise, some orange glowing inside, but nothing else. If its not already obvious, at this point I should admit I know practically zero about old radios. But I'd love to get it working if possible, so I was wondering whether there are some basic checks (for dummies) that might at least help me verify whether this might ever work, or be too far gone.

For example, I don't even know where the antenna is meant to connect? On the back there is a red and black wire (labeled A & E respectively) and a metal loop labeled PU, and a hole next to that labeled E.

Any advise would be much appreciated!


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Looks like I mucked up insterting the pictures, I'll give it another go.

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G'day,

PU stands for Phonograph Unit and simply allows you to plug in a record turntable from the same era and use the radio as an amplifier. The antenna and earth leads don't need to be plugged into anything. They just flop freely behind the radio although if reception is a problem you may want to make the antenna lead a little longer.

The humming simply means that the amplifier section of the radio circuit is working though if it is more than just noticeable it may be that some condensers have dried out and require replacement. If the humming is very soft you may find that in a radio if this young age (by comparison) will just require a new valve.

The next question you need to ask yourself are:

1. Are you confident working on circuits that produce high voltages?
2. Do you have some previous experience with electronics?

If the answer to both questions is yes then you shouldn't have any problem removing the back, putting the radio on a safe footing and then firing it back up to see if one of the valves isn't heating up.

If you don't feel confident with working around high voltages and doing-so safely then you may wish to check out the Services Directory here or pay a visit to a TV serviceman who has experience working on the older valve equipment and he should be able to help you out.

I'll fix up the broken links for you.

Hi Brad, thanks for your reply.

I do think the humming sounds like a 'something is working' noise rather than a 'something is wrong' noise, However unfortunately my answer for both of you qestions is no.

I was hoping there might be something simple that even a non-electrical person could check, but I guessed that would be a long shot. I do have a couple of friends though who might be able to help so I'll see if one of them can take a look for me. So, if they dont know where to start (hoepfully one of them will) I'll tell them that might be looking for a valve that isn't heating up.

Thanks again.

Hum is usually a warning that something is wrong. If the orange glow is coming from the rectifier valve something in the HT circuit has most likely shorted out.. Expect the rectifier to be stuffed.