Subject line pretty much says it all. If you were beginning to collect - and going to have to begin to repair as well - would the Emerson line be a good place to start? I have an affection for the cabinet styles in the 1940's - 1950's range. Not so sure about the radios yet. 8-)

I'll be able to do some work on them, but don't have the equipment to perform alignments. Besides "Fixing up Nice Old Radios!" do you have any other suggestions for beginner repair reference books?

Thanks

Radios from the late 40's though 50's are a good choice for beginners. most are about the same in circuit design and operation. Emerson brand are as good as any. You can do a lot with just a simple digital volt ohm meter.

Hi,
While Romney's book "Fixing Up Nice Old Radios!" is good, for your purposes it too expansive (and for me a little to disorganized). He covers lots of territory, much of which you won't go into for ahwile, if ever (TRFs, regenerative sets, Hi Fi, transmitters, etc.) In my 'not so humble' opinion, the best beginner book is Richard McWhorter's "The All-American Five Radio." It concerns only the AA5 (5-tube superhet) most popular in small radios of the late 40s and 50s. McWhorter is concise and direct in explaining theory and taking you through each stage using an RCA 9X561 (1950)as his example. Good, simple chapters on evaluating/repairing and tools/testing. Next one to get is David Johnson's "Antique Radio REstoration Guide." More in-depth but still very clear and easy to follow. Finally, as you get more familiar with the basics, Joseph J. Carr's "Old Time Radios! Restoration and Repair" is a very good text providing much more detail on every aspect of radio restoration. Good luck, it's a hobby you'll never tire of!
Stephen

:Hi,
:While Romney's book "Fixing Up Nice Old Radios!" is good, for your purposes it too expansive (and for me a little to disorganized). He covers lots of territory, much of which you won't go into for ahwile, if ever (TRFs, regenerative sets, Hi Fi, transmitters, etc.) In my 'not so humble' opinion, the best beginner book is Richard McWhorter's "The All-American Five Radio." It concerns only the AA5 (5-tube superhet) most popular in small radios of the late 40s and 50s. McWhorter is concise and direct in explaining theory and taking you through each stage using an RCA 9X561 (1950)as his example. Good, simple chapters on evaluating/repairing and tools/testing. Next one to get is David Johnson's "Antique Radio REstoration Guide." More in-depth but still very clear and easy to follow. Finally, as you get more familiar with the basics, Joseph J. Carr's "Old Time Radios! Restoration and Repair" is a very good text providing much more detail on every aspect of radio restoration. Good luck, it's a hobby you'll never tire of!
:Stephen
: