Hi everyone. thanks for adding me to the site, I believe to have a HMV 1954 A1-42, it was my mums, I have had it in storage for awhile, its in bad shape, thinking of restoring it over time, just the radio, I don’t have the record player for it and just want the radio to work, I’m also missing the speaker, the components are in a bad way as you can see from the pics, I have a basic knowledge in electronics, own a soldering iron, multimeter s, a trio 35MHz scope, any advice on where to start how do I find out model numbers, schematics, will it be worth doing.

Thanks Robert

Welcome to the Forums.

You already have the model number which is a good start.

Here is the service manual & model sheet for the A1-42.

HMV A1-42 Service Manual

I've got a radio just like this one, but with a single output valve.

The main problems I found (once the components had been updated) were

- Shortwave was very deaf because the aerial coil was connected in reverse (from the factory it seems)
- Sound keeps cutting out because the band-switch is worn out.

Apart from that it's very clean and I'll post a photo one day.

I bet my bottom dollar you will want to make it complete. No use just fixing the radio.

You don't have to bet twice Carl. $1 should do it.

File uploaded.

Welcome to the forums Robert.

Thank you all for the input, did not think I would get a response so fast, MonochromeTV wow do not know how I can thank you, with out that manual I would be stuffed, even if I happened to replace all the components did not realise how much setup/configuration goes into it.
Robbbert thanks for the heads up / tips. How can I test for the coil issue induction meter? also would be interested in seeing your picture, sorry for the amateur questions, what do you mean by single valve output.
your probably right Tallar Carl would be nice one day to get the vinyl player installed start keep my eyes open. in the manual it said a Garrard RC110 not sure how I will go finding one, even then most likely will need belt and needle, do people fit them out with different players.

Hopefully ABC774 will still be broadcasting by the time I finish it
Thanks for the Add Brad and getting the pictures up so fast

I wonder if its worth making a PCB for it with the old daylo pen and etching tank

I wonder if its worth making a PCB for it with the old daylo pen and etching tank

Don't bother. Just cleanup the underchassis and replace the dud components and wiring. All of those capacitors look like basket cases.

Don't get any moisture near coils and transformers. Although there seems to be quite a bit of rot there, you might be lucky that moisture hasn't affected the coils.

Don't be in a rush. Aim to do things once.

Speakers can be found, as can grille cloth.

I agree, the PCB option will be a giant pain, and will only introduce its own bunch of problems.


Basically, replace every one of those large capacitors such as those horrible-looking ones in the photo, including the mouse-chewed ones.

Clean out the dust, rust and any spiders and cobwebs. Look for any burnt-out resistors and replace.

The coil issue was a tricky one, basically one end of the shortwave couldn't receive anything. After making sure the local oscillator was working, then a bit of pondering, I figured the coil connections were most likely wrong, and tried a swap, with satisfactory results. It's a rare mistake, yours is probably fine.

what do you mean by single valve output.

Your radio has 2x 6M5 valves, mine only has 1. Therefore your radio can produce twice the volume, everything else being equal.

Thanks heaps guys, any tips on just setting it up into position to work on it. Can pressure be placed on tuning capacitor with drum hanging of the table?

Speakers can be found, as can grille cloth
was not even going to try, thought it would be to hard, would be really happy if I could replace the grill cloth where can I find that material

i will test transformers see if the voltage outputs are correct, worth load testing them? I hope the coils are ok,,
think I might be out of my depth

Please keep in mind that the equipment you are proposing to work on operates at LETHAL voltages. NEVER attempt any replacements with the power connected, and be aware that many of the components you will need to replace are voltage designed to operate at very high DC voltages, while most modern components are not. You will not be able to walk into your local Jaycar store for example, and purchase replacements for the capacitors (which, incidentally, are those brownish tubular items dipped in wax, with a wire protruding from each end and marked DUCON) nor will you be able to readily source replacement valves should any of them turn out to be faulty. They ARE all available, but you need to know where to look.

Your idea to restore the radio yourself is a good one, and we need "new players" to enter the radio restoration game to keep these old radios alive. BUT, because of the very real dangers involved (and I am well positioned to know, having repaired Radio's and TV's for nearly 50 years) both for your safety and for guidance and help when you need it, could I respectfully suggest that you consider joining the Historical Radio Society of Australia (HRSA) who have a major chapter in Melbourne, and who will have members, perhaps even in your area, that would be only to happy to assist you. HRSA's details can be found at www.hrsa.asn.au/. I am not myself a member, but am aware of the great job they do. Members will be able to help you locate parts for your radio as well, including the commonly used Garrard record changer. Styli are still readily available for these, and since they are not belt driven no belt will be needed. Usually just lubrication and cleaning of the rubber tyred wheel that transfers drive from the motor to the turntable {:o)