Hello everyone. In order for the volume to decrease to zero in my Radiola 18, I have to remove the ground. If I leave the ground connected, the volume will reduce 90 percent but not all the way. There is also a small increase in volume without the ground. Connecting ground decreases volume by small amount. Other than that the control works well. So I left the ground unconnected. Any hints as to why,
or suggestions.

Thank's to all
Jim

Do you still receive signals if you remove the first RF tube? If so, then signals are getting in after this tube. These radios are poorly shielded, and unless a volume control is provided that will control multiple stages, you still may get reception through successive stages.

Since the 1st stage is unlikely to be overloaded, you are better off with the volume control on the next stage.

You can also try lining the bottom of the inside of the receiver with foil, and then allow this to connect to the radio chassis. It will shield all of the coils underneath (if the Radiola 18 is designed how I think it is).

T.

Do you still receive signals if you remove the first RF tube? If so, then signals are getting in after this tube. These radios are poorly shielded, and unless a volume control is provided that will control multiple stages, you still may get reception through successive stages.

Since the 1st stage is unlikely to be overloaded, you are better off with the volume control on the next stage.

You can also try lining the bottom of the inside of the receiver with foil, and then allow this to connect to the radio chassis. It will shield all of the coils underneath (if the Radiola 18 is designed how I think it is).

T.

Hi

Radiola 17, 18 and 33 have a problem with todays stronger stations. Since the volume control is in the antenna circuit a signal can be picked up by later stages.

Here is what I do to correct the problem. Mount a pieve of metal between the bottom board and RF chassis. This will act as a shield keeping out unwanted signals. In very strong signal areas you might want to form the metal in an "L" to better shield coils.

These radios have a problem with hum using a modern speaker. Hum isn't a problem if you use a RCA 100A speaker. It can't reproduce the low hum frequency.

Norm

:Do you still receive signals if you remove the first RF tube? If so, then signals are getting in after this tube. These radios are poorly shielded, and unless a volume control is provided that will control multiple stages, you still may get reception through successive stages.
:
:Since the 1st stage is unlikely to be overloaded, you are better off with the volume control on the next stage.
:
:You can also try lining the bottom of the inside of the receiver with foil, and then allow this to connect to the radio chassis. It will shield all of the coils underneath (if the Radiola 18 is designed how I think it is).
:
:T.
:

:Hi
:
: Radiola 17, 18 and 33 have a problem with todays stronger stations. Since the volume control is in the antenna circuit a signal can be picked up by later stages.
:
: Here is what I do to correct the problem. Mount a pieve of metal between the bottom board and RF chassis. This will act as a shield keeping out unwanted signals. In very strong signal areas you might want to form the metal in an "L" to better shield coils.
:
: These radios have a problem with hum using a modern speaker. Hum isn't a problem if you use a RCA 100A speaker. It can't reproduce the low hum frequency.
:
:Norm
:
:
:
::Do you still receive signals if you remove the first RF tube? If so, then signals are getting in after this tube. These radios are poorly shielded, and unless a volume control is provided that will control multiple stages, you still may get reception through successive stages.
::
::Since the 1st stage is unlikely to be overloaded, you are better off with the volume control on the next stage.
::
::You can also try lining the bottom of the inside of the receiver with foil, and then allow this to connect to the radio chassis. It will shield all of the coils underneath (if the Radiola 18 is designed how I think it is).
::
::T.
::
:
Thank you for the response Norm and Tom
When I remove the first Rf tube (26) I still recieve a signal,just weaker. When i connect the ground wire to a water pipe the volume decreases and the volume does not decrease to zero.Unhook the ground and everything is fine. Seems a little strange that it works much better without connecting to ground.I also shielded the detector tube (27) and that got rid of the small amount of hum that was present.
Thanks again
Jim

You could also have a problem with the "volume" rheostat - it's been a while since I've worked on an 18, but I believe the wiper is prone to coming loose and moving about in that particular series and yours could be incorrectly indexed. If the rheostat has been replaced by chance, it may be of the wrong value or construction. Modern carbon-type replacements don't seem to work well in place of the original wire-wound version. Ultimately however - if the radio functions more to your likings without a ground - simply don't use one.

:You could also have a problem with the "volume" rheostat - it's been a while since I've worked on an 18, but I believe the wiper is prone to coming loose and moving about in that particular series and yours could be incorrectly indexed. If the rheostat has been replaced by chance, it may be of the wrong value or construction. Modern carbon-type replacements don't seem to work well in place of the original wire-wound version. Ultimately however - if the radio functions more to your likings without a ground - simply don't use one.
:
Thank You for reply.
It is the original and seems to be in great shape. It has not been replaced. The radio has been in the family since it was bought new by my grandfather. I think I will leave the ground off.
Thank You
Jim