I just purchased a GE model J-62 radio. I see it has a ballast. I have never done one of these before. It is not a tube as such. It does go into a tube socket though. Can i check it? What are the possible problems with it? Sure could use some clear schematics too! The original loop antenna assembly is missing. Wish i could find another. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Andy

Hi,
Your radio is old enough that it probably did not have a loop antenna, just provisions for you to add a longwire.

The ballast you should be able to test with a VOM, DMM, etc, it will read just like a resistor. If you are not sure of the basing, look on the chassis for the filament string of the other tubes, and you can determine which pins will be connected internally. There may be a voltage tap for pilot light. All that really goes wrong with them is burning out.

Also, if you click on the schematic that first shows up, you will get a larger schematic that will fill the page when you go to print it from the saved file on your disk.

: I just purchased a GE model J-62 radio. I see it has a ballast. I have never done one of these before. It is not a tube as such. It does go into a tube socket though. Can i check it? What are the possible problems with it? Sure could use some clear schematics too! The original loop antenna assembly is missing. Wish i could find another. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
: Thanks, Andy

hi john,
I will do as you suggest. The ballast is BL42D if thats any help? This is a really great looking radio. It also needs the original knobs replaced.

Thanks, Andy

Hi Andy

BL42D drops 42 volts @ 300 ma. The resistance will be around 140 ohms. A ballast is used in series with tube filaments. If your tubes light ballast will be ok.

Norm

: hi john,
: I will do as you suggest. The ballast is BL42D if thats any help? This is a really great looking radio. It also needs the original knobs replaced.

: Thanks, Andy

Norm,
It looks like this radio has the third leg on the power cord for the heaters. My print is really very bad. Got it off this site. Would you have a good clear print you would send me? It isn,t in my Radio Archives CD either. This radio had a loop antenna didn't it? I am unclear about it.
Thanks, Andy