As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...

The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.

So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

:As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
:
:The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
:I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
:
:So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?
Hi Don
On the RCA 9X561, I would start first with making sure the audio amp is working, have the unit on and touch the center pin of the volume control with the tip of a small screw driver or the tip of you finger, have the control turned up too a decent level, you should hear a hum, if so you have eliminated the audio amp, then its a matter of tracing back from that section as too where your losing the signal, hope this helps. On the other radio, since it was up and working for a time, I would be looking for shorted connections or polarity problems with the electrolytic capacitors, one question, does this Copely have a power transformer in it, if so, possibly a winding in that might have opened up. Hope this helps you out:)
Mark

Don,
Got the number off of the ballast? I am willing to share if I have what you need. Also, I faced similar challenge (I too am a semi-newbie)and I found that the mice really seem to enjoy the flavor of the varnish on audio transformers, test for continuity across the audio output transformer. There should be some continuity, and maybe even very little.Infinite is of course a bad transformer and if your lucky and have a big magnifying glass, you can unwrap a couple of turns and fix it. If it is bad and can't be repaired, you can buy a replacement from RadioDaze or Antique Electronic Supply.

Batman

As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
:
:The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
:I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
:
:So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

:Don,
:Got the number off of the ballast? I am willing to share if I have what you need. Also, I faced similar challenge (I too am a semi-newbie)and I found that the mice really seem to enjoy the flavor of the varnish on audio transformers, test for continuity across the audio output transformer. There should be some continuity, and maybe even very little.Infinite is of course a bad transformer and if your lucky and have a big magnifying glass, you can unwrap a couple of turns and fix it. If it is bad and can't be repaired, you can buy a replacement from RadioDaze or Antique Electronic Supply.
:
:Batman
:
:As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
::
::The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
::I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
::
::So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

You only have TWO? other radios DOA??? This novice has 8 or 9. :o) Some day I will get back to them and get them figured out.
But...The RCA 9X561....http://www.nostalgiaair.org/Resources/386/M0015386.htm I think there is an actual
"Fixit Book" you can buy that uses that exact model as
a reference for the whole book titled The All American Five Radio http://www.radiodaze.com/ The photo on the cover of the book is obviously not the
9X561 and I will have to check the book at home to see that it is indeed that model but it sounds very familiar. The problem we face is other techs who do repair for a living often do not want to touch a radio that someone has already tinkered with. So keep this in mind if you find someone who does repair work. Another good source of info is Brets Old Radios
DVDs http://www.bretsoldradios.com/ I have all four of his videos and they have helped me but like I said I still have 8 or 9 "waiting"... Good Luck

::Don,
::Got the number off of the ballast? I am willing to share if I have what you need. Also, I faced similar challenge (I too am a semi-newbie)and I found that the mice really seem to enjoy the flavor of the varnish on audio transformers, test for continuity across the audio output transformer. There should be some continuity, and maybe even very little.Infinite is of course a bad transformer and if your lucky and have a big magnifying glass, you can unwrap a couple of turns and fix it. If it is bad and can't be repaired, you can buy a replacement from RadioDaze or Antique Electronic Supply.
::
::Batman
::
::As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
:::
:::The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
:::I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
:::
:::So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

I understand your frustration having experienced a similar situation. I've gone from "replace all the electrolytics and paper/wax caps and hope it works"
to being able to diagnose and fix even the worst problem sets as well as build my own radios and tube amps from scratch. This and other forums are a great place to learn service tips, theory, find parts and documentation. If there is a antique radio club in your area join and attend their meetings and events.
If there isn't one, there are many very good websites out there full of helpful information.
Ask lots of questions and remember to walk away from the bench once in a while and get some fresh air.
Take some time and learn to read schematics and find out how each section of a radio works and how they all work together together.This makes troubleshooting a LOT easier.
:
:So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

:As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
:
:The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
:I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
:
:So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

Hi Don,
Look first at your Copley. All the tubes out indicates an open in the tube filament line, or a bad switch. DO NOT jump to the conclusion that the balast is bad. First check the tube filament continuity. It is easy with an ohm meter. Look up the tubes on this site. It will show what pins have the filament. Using an ohm meter check the filament pins for continutiy through the filament.
Usually octal tubes have filaments on pins 2 and 7, although common exceptions exist such as 6SQ7 and 5Y3. Miniatures are 3 and 4 for 7 pin and 4 and 5 for 9 pin. Lotals have filaments on 1 and 8.
I suspect you will find a tube with an open filament. Tubes are cheap. Replace it and odds are your radio will come back to life!
Be watchful of another tube failure. It could indicate that something is over-voltaging your tubes' filaments. We can help you with that if it happens.
With that one working you can then tackle the harder one. DO NOT tear apart the power transformer at this point. Your troubleshooting has not lead you to this.

All the Best,

Bill

Don,
I have checked that book The ALl American Fice Radio and it is indeed based on the RCA 9X561 and/or 9X562.
I have two of these radios in need of repair and my best intentions are to study the book with the chassis to learn more about servicing. The book when ordered new has several typos and and an Errata sheet was inclosed. But I did find more typos and mispellings in the book. It appeared to me that he may have dictated it to someone to type up because of the nature of the typos. Still he does a very good job with illustrating theory and explaining things I think. The author is Richard McWhorter and published by Sonoran Publishing, LLC Chandler, AZ 2003 ISBN 1-886606-19-6 Retails for $21.95. Again do not let the cover picture mislead you because it is a different radio than the 9x561

As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
:
:The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
:I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
:
:So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?

:Don,
:I have checked that book The All American Five Radio and it is indeed based on the RCA 9X561 and/or 9X562.
:I have two of these radios in need of repair and my best intentions are to study the book with the chassis to learn more about servicing. The book when ordered new has several typos and and an Errata sheet was inclosed. But I did find more typos and mispellings in the book. It appeared to me that he may have dictated it to someone to type up because of the nature of the typos. Still he does a very good job with illustrating theory and explaining things I think. The author is Richard McWhorter and published by Sonoran Publishing, LLC Chandler, AZ 2003 ISBN 1-886606-19-6 Retails for $21.95. Again do not let the cover picture mislead you because it is a different radio than the 9x561
:
:
:As i mentioned in a previous posting tonite, I have one project partially operating. I still have two other radios that are DOA despite my best novice efforts. I've tried finding other collectors in my local area (upstate NY) to no avail. Any ideas how a novice can get some hands-on experience with a fellow collector? The first project that I need help with is a RCA 9X-561 (atomic) radio.. received this one with no power cord, wax leaking inside the chassis. Replaced All caps, new power cord, had tubes tested (got one replaced), installed new bulbs. Powers up, tubes all light, no sound.. groan...
::
::The other is mystery radio that i found a picture of on radio attic archives listed as a COPELY, unknown model.
::I also replaced every cap, one at a time, had the tubes tested, and replaced two of them (i really need to get a tube tester, the local shop charges me between $3-5 each to test a tube). Played great for about an hour then everything went silent.. no tubes lighting, nada.. a mention was made to me that the ballast was probably shot.. an old 4 pin type.. not much luck finding one of these.
::
::So, needless to say, I have two that I put a lot of time and effort into that are now sitting in the closet..sigh.. This newbie is getting pretty discouraged, and helpful hints or suggestion?