I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.

Jim

Hi Jim

Electrolytics can be brought from AES, www.tubesandmore.com , Radio Daze, www.radiodaze.com , and Just Radios, www.justradios.com . Some of these places also have power transformers.

You have to watch polarity on electrolytic caps. Modern ones have the negative terminal identified.

PTOP is a good plsce to find a power transformer. Their list can be found here:

http://www.oldradioparts.com/2a23efl.txt

Norm

:I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:
:Jim

:I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:
:Jim

As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.

If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.

::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::
::Jim
:
:As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
:
:If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.

:::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:::
:::Jim
::
::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
::
::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.

Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?

I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.

Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.

Jim

::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::::
::::Jim
:::
:::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
:::
:::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
:
:Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
:
:I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
:
:Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
:
:Jim

Jim:
I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.

:::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:::::
:::::Jim
::::
::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
::::
::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
::
::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
::
::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
::
::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
::
::Jim
:
:Jim:
:I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.

I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.

Thanks again for your help

Jim

::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::::::
::::::Jim
:::::
:::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
:::::
:::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
:::
:::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
:::
:::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
:::
:::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
:::
:::Jim
::
::Jim:
::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
:
:I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
:
:Thanks again for your help
:
:Jim

Jim,
Good luck finding a good replacement. Alan Douglas over at the ARF had offered at one time to provide a stock Radiola 60 power transformer but I opted for the aftermarket stuff. A number of places including tubesandmore.com (AES), Radio Daze and others sell poly caps in the 1-2.2 uF range. To remove the potted components, I left the can in my oven at 180-200 deg F for an hour or so and then started digging.

Jim,
I have saved a 4 page text document on the entire process the way I did it. Contact me by email and I'll send a copy.

marv

::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::::::
::::::Jim
:::::
:::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
:::::
:::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
:::
:::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
:::
:::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
:::
:::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
:::
:::Jim
::
::Jim:
::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
:
:I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
:
:Thanks again for your help
:
:Jim

:Jim,
:I have saved a 4 page text document on the entire process the way I did it. Contact me by email and I'll send a copy.
:
:marv

Marv

I appreciate the info. Seeing that I am new to this site, how do I get your email address? I would really like the info you offer, it will give me something to go by.

Thank you

Jim
:
:::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:::::::
:::::::Jim
::::::
::::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
::::::
::::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
::::
::::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
::::
::::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
::::
::::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
::::
::::Jim
:::
:::Jim:
:::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
::
::I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
::
::Thanks again for your help
::
::Jim

Jim,
Just clik on my name and email address should come up.

marv

::Jim,
::I have saved a 4 page text document on the entire process the way I did it. Contact me by email and I'll send a copy.
::
::marv
:
:
:Marv
:
:I appreciate the info. Seeing that I am new to this site, how do I get your email address? I would really like the info you offer, it will give me something to go by.
:
:Thank you
:
:Jim
::
::::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::::::::
::::::::Jim
:::::::
:::::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
:::::::
:::::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
:::::
:::::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
:::::
:::::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
:::::
:::::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
:::::
:::::Jim
::::
::::Jim:
::::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
:::
:::I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
:::
:::Thanks again for your help
:::
:::Jim

:Jim,
:Just clik on my name and email address should come up.
:
:marv

Marv

Well, I click on your name, but no email address shows. I do not know if I am suppose to, but here is my email address. It is jmssing3@aol.com. Thank you in advance for the info you are sending me.

Jim
:
:::Jim,
:::I have saved a 4 page text document on the entire process the way I did it. Contact me by email and I'll send a copy.
:::
:::marv
::
::
::Marv
::
::I appreciate the info. Seeing that I am new to this site, how do I get your email address? I would really like the info you offer, it will give me something to go by.
::
::Thank you
::
::Jim
:::
:::::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:::::::::
:::::::::Jim
::::::::
::::::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
::::::::
::::::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
::::::
::::::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
::::::
::::::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
::::::
::::::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
::::::
::::::Jim
:::::
:::::Jim:
:::::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
::::
::::I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
::::
::::Thanks again for your help
::::
::::Jim

Jim,
The doc will be on the wire shortly.

marv

::Jim,
::Just clik on my name and email address should come up.
::
::marv
:
:Marv
:
:Well, I click on your name, but no email address shows. I do not know if I am suppose to, but here is my email address. It is jmssing3@aol.com. Thank you in advance for the info you are sending me.
:
:Jim
::
::::Jim,
::::I have saved a 4 page text document on the entire process the way I did it. Contact me by email and I'll send a copy.
::::
::::marv
:::
:::
:::Marv
:::
:::I appreciate the info. Seeing that I am new to this site, how do I get your email address? I would really like the info you offer, it will give me something to go by.
:::
:::Thank you
:::
:::Jim
::::
::::::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::::::::::
::::::::::Jim
:::::::::
:::::::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
:::::::::
:::::::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
:::::::
:::::::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
:::::::
:::::::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
:::::::
:::::::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
:::::::
:::::::Jim
::::::
::::::Jim:
::::::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
:::::
:::::I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
:::::
:::::Thanks again for your help
:::::
:::::Jim

:Jim,
:The doc will be on the wire shortly.
:
:marv

Marv

Thank you for the info. Now I need to read it and try to understand it! LOL. Thanks again, and if I can ever be any assistance to you, just ask.

Jim
:::Jim,
:::Just clik on my name and email address should come up.
:::
:::marv
::
::Marv
::
::Well, I click on your name, but no email address shows. I do not know if I am suppose to, but here is my email address. It is jmssing3@aol.com. Thank you in advance for the info you are sending me.
::
::Jim
:::
:::::Jim,
:::::I have saved a 4 page text document on the entire process the way I did it. Contact me by email and I'll send a copy.
:::::
:::::marv
::::
::::
::::Marv
::::
::::I appreciate the info. Seeing that I am new to this site, how do I get your email address? I would really like the info you offer, it will give me something to go by.
::::
::::Thank you
::::
::::Jim
:::::
:::::::::::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:::::::::::
:::::::::::Jim
::::::::::
::::::::::As Norm indicated, AES is definitely a place to get replacement transformers. I restored a 60 a few years ago with a bad power transformer and ended up stuffing the original transformer can with a new power transformer and a smaller filament transformer to meet all the needs of the radio. The 27's are current hogs although there is a lower filament current substitute (can't recall which one). I wanted to keep mine relatively stock so I kept the 27's.
::::::::::
::::::::::If you want to go this route let me know and I will dig up my records and find out what specific transformers I used. I had pics at one time but computer problems wiped them out.
::::::::
::::::::Thanks Norm and Rene. I know all about electroytic caps, I have worked at the same TV repair shop for almost 30 years. I collect and restore old TVs from the 40's as a hobby. This is my first radio. As a matter of fact, the friend that owns the radio is the field service rep. for the whole south/east for Thomson (RCA). What my concern about the electrolytics was these filter caps in the radio right now, are they actually electrolytics? I do not think so. If not, then I must get the polarity correct or POW!!! I actually have some caps that I can use, but I really do appreciate the info about the transformers. If I understood correctly, you had to use a combination of transformers for this repair? I want to make sure that when the lid is opened, it looks completly original to the eyes. What would be my chances to find a good used one (exact replacment) for this unit? Also, were the transformers a common problem for the radiola model #60?
::::::::
::::::::I just found this site by accident, but I think I am going to like this place.
::::::::
::::::::Thaks for any help you can give me concerning this radio, and I would be glad to help out with the TV questions.
::::::::
::::::::Jim
:::::::
:::::::Jim:
:::::::I actually used 3 Hammond transformers: a power transformer AES # P-T363CX (with 180-0-180 HV windings and a 3A 5.0 vac filament winding that I used for the 80 rectifier), and two filament transformers, AES # P-T166MS and P-T166S2. The latter two were 5.0 and 2.5 vac CT respectively used for the 27's and 71's. I know I got two of the transformers in the power transformer can and I might have had to put the other in the capacitor/choke can. This set doesn't have any electrolytics. I don't know what they made them out of but I replaced them with those yellow polyester/polypropylene types. Restuffing the transformer and capacitor cans was a PITA but it worked.
::::::
::::::I have been told about the "tar-filled" cans. Is there a trick to removing the tar, or just sit down for the duration and get to it? I appreciate the part #'s, but I am hoping to find an axact replacement if possible. There was a Radiola model 60 on ebay I was bidding on for parts, but was out-bid. It is good to know that I will not have to use electrolytics. Who is your supply of the caps for the filtering? According to the schematic, there are (3)-2 mfd, and (4).5 mfd. used in the supply.
::::::
::::::Thanks again for your help
::::::
::::::Jim

Jim,
I restored a Majestic 90B a couple years ago and the power supply filter condensers were not electrolytic, but the field coil (which I had to rewind) was a high inductance related to the DC resistance of 4500 ohms. As I recall they were 2.5mfd, 1.5mfd and 1mfd/450V paper/foil buried in a large can filled with pitch. I replaced them with modern equivalents, but inside the original can without the pitch. Still have them, and maybe repair them for some purist that would only use the originals.

marv

:I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:
:Jim

:Jim,
:I restored a Majestic 90B a couple years ago and the power supply filter condensers were not electrolytic, but the field coil (which I had to rewind) was a high inductance related to the DC resistance of 4500 ohms. As I recall they were 2.5mfd, 1.5mfd and 1mfd/450V paper/foil buried in a large can filled with pitch. I replaced them with modern equivalents, but inside the original can without the pitch. Still have them, and maybe repair them for some purist that would only use the originals.
:
:marv
:

I appreciate the info. I was hoping that there would be enough room for the caps in the can. Were these caps mounted on some sort of terminal strip or something, or just loose inside before the pitch was poured? Its funny, I work all day on the new HD TVs, and come home to the past! What a life!

Thanks for your help

Jim

::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
::
::Jim

Jim,
They were just placed inside the can with the leads aimed in the right direction for the bottom cover with terminals, and the pitch was poured in, with the hopes that the cooling process didn't destroy their connections. The end result was really a flat ovate shape, so stacking was relatively easy. Just the way they did it in those days. Foil extended out both ends, and a copper strip was layed in contact with the foil, then flexible leads were soldered at each copper strip to the outside.

marv

::Jim,
::I restored a Majestic 90B a couple years ago and the power supply filter condensers were not electrolytic, but the field coil (which I had to rewind) was a high inductance related to the DC resistance of 4500 ohms. As I recall they were 2.5mfd, 1.5mfd and 1mfd/450V paper/foil buried in a large can filled with pitch. I replaced them with modern equivalents, but inside the original can without the pitch. Still have them, and maybe repair them for some purist that would only use the originals.
::
::marv
::
:
:I appreciate the info. I was hoping that there would be enough room for the caps in the can. Were these caps mounted on some sort of terminal strip or something, or just loose inside before the pitch was poured? Its funny, I work all day on the new HD TVs, and come home to the past! What a life!
:
:Thanks for your help
:
:Jim
:
:
:::I am restoring this radio for a friend. What I am looking for is the power transformer. Also, can elec- trolytics be used for the filter caps? How about the polarity? I would appreciate any assistance.
:::
:::Jim

Marv has a good point about not taring them in. If you're going to replace the originals with new non-electrolytic units, you may tar them in if you wish (though it's better not to for repair sake). However, if you use electrolytics, definitely don't tar them in. Modern electrolytics are extremely reliable, and will probably last for 50 or 60 years. They do fail more often than poly caps, though, and should be left accessable. Dress all leads well if you're worried about shorts.

The original condensers were paper insulated. These get leaky, but don't often change capacitance. If they aren't leaky, then they're still good. Paper condensers always go leaky at some point or another, though, so it's probably a good idea to replace them. If you wish, use higher value electrolytics. Use, say, 20 MFD units. If you use these, you probably will not want any condensers ACROSS the chokes. The original power supply was a tuned power supply. With a more modern power supply, condensers across the chokes will allow hum to pass through.

Good luck with finding an identical transformer. Unless you find a real junker set or happen to run across just the transformer, you will be removing a transformer from another good set, and this set happens to be a rather desirable one (and they aren't made anymore). If your RCA friend wants this radio for an in depth perfect display piece, then I guess you should get an exact replacement transformer. If not, though, I strongly suggest that you get new, non-original transformers.

I don't know what the transformers look like in the 60, but perhaps there is a slight chance that you might even be able to put the bells of the original transformers over the new ones. If they're potted cans, though, this might not be possible. At very least, with the new transformers, you may be able to open them up and run original looking wires out of them.....that is, if the originals didn't have terminals instead.

Thomas

:Marv has a good point about not taring them in. If you're going to replace the originals with new non-electrolytic units, you may tar them in if you wish (though it's better not to for repair sake). However, if you use electrolytics, definitely don't tar them in. Modern electrolytics are extremely reliable, and will probably last for 50 or 60 years. They do fail more often than poly caps, though, and should be left accessable. Dress all leads well if you're worried about shorts.
:
:The original condensers were paper insulated. These get leaky, but don't often change capacitance. If they aren't leaky, then they're still good. Paper condensers always go leaky at some point or another, though, so it's probably a good idea to replace them. If you wish, use higher value electrolytics. Use, say, 20 MFD units. If you use these, you probably will not want any condensers ACROSS the chokes. The original power supply was a tuned power supply. With a more modern power supply, condensers across the chokes will allow hum to pass through.
:
:Good luck with finding an identical transformer. Unless you find a real junker set or happen to run across just the transformer, you will be removing a transformer from another good set, and this set happens to be a rather desirable one (and they aren't made anymore). If your RCA friend wants this radio for an in depth perfect display piece, then I guess you should get an exact replacement transformer. If not, though, I strongly suggest that you get new, non-original transformers.
:
:I don't know what the transformers look like in the 60, but perhaps there is a slight chance that you might even be able to put the bells of the original transformers over the new ones. If they're potted cans, though, this might not be possible. At very least, with the new transformers, you may be able to open them up and run original looking wires out of them.....that is, if the originals didn't have terminals instead.
:
:Thomas

Thomas

I was looking at a model 60 on ebay. The lid was missing, so it was not a complete unit. I am one that does not want to destroy an item, for the sake of another. Unfortunatly,I was out-bid at the last second, and the radio went for $66.00. Such is life. I appreciate the info on the radio. It looks like I will probably have to go with new replacments for the transformer. I have sent out a pile of requests from various sites and sources, but no bites. I am now a little uncertain as to the type of caps to use. As far as the new electrolytics go, I disagree with you about how long these new electrolytics will last. At the shop I work at, I have to replace the "new" electrolytic caps all the time. They don't seem to be made nearly as well as they used to. And yes, you are right about "taring" them in. I want to make sure that if ever in need of replacement, I wiil not have the tar to contend with. If I use electrolytic for the caps, then I will need to get the polarity correct. I would rather keep the values the same as the original.

Thank you for your input, I really do appreciate all you have to say.

Jim

Jim: Please amplify on your remarks vis a vis the reliability of new electrolytics as opposed to old. Think everyone on here is surprised by your remark. I thought that with the advances in technology the new caps are quite superior to the old. Could it be curcuit design and low ratings that (over taxing cap) could cause premature failure? Sometimes manufacturers skip to save money and end up with planned obselescense. PL

Jim: Please amplify on your remarks vis a vis the reliability of new electrolytics as opposed to old. Think everyone on here is surprised by your remark. I thought that with the advances in technology the new caps are quite superior to the old. Could it be curcuit design and low ratings that (over taxing cap) could cause premature failure? Sometimes manufacturers skip to save money and end up with planned obselescense. PL

Well, it's quite true that there are a lot of things to-day that are made to break. Computers, for one, are made this way.

Regarding electrolytics, I do believe that most 'lytics that you buy for your own use are made fairly well, regardless of whether the ones in your computer or DVD player are made well or not. What I have noticed is that a lot of radios from the late 1940s on through the 1970s just keep on going. There are plenty with bad electrolytics, but not as reliably as radios from the 1930s and prior. In the 1930s and prior, poor materials were often used for seals. Also, the wet electrolytic seems to like to build up pressure and dry up (squirt out its contents). The dry electrolytics don't seem to do this as often, though there are plenty of electrolytics from the late 1940s that have dried up. Electrolytics sealed with tar are a mixed bag. If the tar cracks, they're done in a year or less. If not, they last forever. I have several Zenith portables from the 1940-42 era that still have their original electrolytics, and still play well (after replacing leaky paper condensers). I have also seen quite a few on eBay that still play music. Good electrolytics seem to be a thing for Zenith, perhaps.....not necessarily by other brands.

There are a lot of radios, though, especially from the 1960s and 1970s, that still work perfectly to this day. I believe that, at least by that time, electrolytic manufacturing techniques had improved.

Thomas

:Well, it's quite true that there are a lot of things to-day that are made to break. Computers, for one, are made this way.
:
:Regarding electrolytics, I do believe that most 'lytics that you buy for your own use are made fairly well, regardless of whether the ones in your computer or DVD player are made well or not. What I have noticed is that a lot of radios from the late 1940s on through the 1970s just keep on going. There are plenty with bad electrolytics, but not as reliably as radios from the 1930s and prior. In the 1930s and prior, poor materials were often used for seals. Also, the wet electrolytic seems to like to build up pressure and dry up (squirt out its contents). The dry electrolytics don't seem to do this as often, though there are plenty of electrolytics from the late 1940s that have dried up. Electrolytics sealed with tar are a mixed bag. If the tar cracks, they're done in a year or less. If not, they last forever. I have several Zenith portables from the 1940-42 era that still have their original electrolytics, and still play well (after replacing leaky paper condensers). I have also seen quite a few on eBay that still play music. Good electrolytics seem to be a thing for Zenith, perhaps.....not necessarily by other brands.
:
:There are a lot of radios, though, especially from the 1960s and 1970s, that still work perfectly to this day. I believe that, at least by that time, electrolytic manufacturing techniques had improved.
:
:Thomas

Planigan & Thomas Dermody

About the reliability of the new electrolytics,all I can go by is what I see in the field. Not all caps are created equal. I see a number of Tvs only a few years old, with bad electrolytics. I have noticed for instance, the mitsubishi's from the early to mid 90's, that the electrolytics have leaked, and caused major carosion through out. I assume that their supplier at the time of manufacture was manufacturing sub-quality caps. I am sure that some caps in some circuit areas have a tendancy to go bad more often (higher current, voltage etc). About a year or two after the small sat. recievers came out, I customer who had bought a unit from us had problems with the reciever box. I could not believe what I saw. On the ckt. board, they used surface mount electrolytics, and many of them had leaked and caused carosion all over the board. I think you nailed it by saying about "planned" breakdowns. They CAN make a better capacitor, but they usually don't. Now adays, it is how many can you make, how fast can you make them, and how cheaply can they be made. NOT how good the quality is. It is not even in the equasion.

I know that by re-capping the TVs from the 40's before ever firing it up, lessons the bad transformers, burned resistors etc. Hear again, only by my own experience. I have NO experience with a radio from the 20's. This is all greek to me. Talk about going back in time!!

Jim