Can anybody tell me about my new old radio?

[Young fogey]

 

[John in Covina]

I really don't know much about them but your best best is to see if there are any model numbers or other markings and numbers on the radio. Check the back panel maybe. List any info or if you can post a clear readable photo here it may help.

 

[brspiritus]

That's a sweet Zenith YF, does she work?

 

[AtomicEraTom]

All I know about it is, she's a beaut!

 

[W4ASZ]

Zeniths are good. Zeniths with shortwave, very good.

 

[Young fogey]

Thanks, everybody. I'm too tired to move it off its shelf right now but might take a picture of the back later.

That's a sweet Zenith YF, does she work?

Yes but not very well.

 

[martinsantos]

Beautiful piece!

Zenith radios are a kind of legend; wonderful sound and sensibility (specially with short wave).

Probably you will need to replace the tubes. A lot of people, in old days, used to get the most from the tubes until it was generating more light and heat than trully amplificating power.

 

[Young fogey]

Beautiful piece!

Zenith radios are a kind of legend; wonderful sound and sensibility (specially with short wave).

Probably you will need to replace the tubes. A lot of people, in old days, used to get the most from the tubes until it was generating more light and heat than trully amplificating power.

Thanks!

 

[airgrabber666]

I wouldn't just go and replace all the tubes. Usually leaky and drifting paper capacitors contribute greatly to issues such as the dreaded loud hum. I'm going to guess that this radio is from either right before or right after the war and also might have rubber-covered wiring. In any event, it would help to know what sort of problems are you having with the radio.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I'm not a Zenith specialist by any means, but those knobs were the style popular in 1942 and 1946, so that dating of just before/just after the war would seem to be just about right. That being so, it would definitely have rubber covered wiring, and if you replace capacitors, you need to be very careful of crumbling insulation.

Zeniths also tended to use smaller power transformers than other makes -- and they were fond of using a 6X5 rectifier tube that tended to short out. That combination means that Zeniths are very prone to spontaneously burning up their power supply sections. I don't know the circuit of this particular model -- and it might very well be a transformerless AC-DC set, in which case that wouldn't be a problem. But if you see a 6X5 on the tube diagram, step very carefully.

 

[ScionPI2005]

That's a nice one Young Fogey! Where did you find it?

 

[Young fogey]

I thought it was from the '40s and was right! Thanks again, everybody.

The sound's muffled (the hum's not too loud) and I can't hear shortwave.

So if I wanted to, it might need its tubes replaced or some reconstructive surgery as has been suggested here.

Found it at a secondhand toyshop in a bazaar/flea/farmer's market. Hooray for haggling: for less than the radio's asking price, walking around the market I got it, a black Model 500 phone (with a metal dial so it's probably older; don't know if it works), a wool topcoat and a trench coat.

 

[brspiritus]

sounds like you had a good day.

 

[dhermann1]

If you can find a professional get them to look at it. The caps should definitely be replaced.
I have a big Zenith from 1941 and I love it. And let me suggest you check out the SSTran AM3000 low power AM transmitter. It enables you to take the signal from your PC (Internet radio, etc.) or a CD player, and send it to your AM radio. An old tube radio like that is the ONLY WAY to listen to vintage radio shows and music, of which there is more and more available nowadays.

 

[Young fogey]

If you can find a professional get them to look at it. The caps should definitely be replaced.

I have a big Zenith from 1941 and I love it. And let me suggest you check out the SSTran AM3000 low-power AM transmitter. It enables you to take the signal from your PC (Internet radio, etc.) or a CD player, and send it to your AM radio. An old tube radio like that is the ONLY WAY to listen to vintage radio shows and music, of which there is more and more available nowadays.

Wonderful idea! Thanks.

 

[randooch]

My brother just brought his 1960 Plymouth radio to some local radio whiz for a rebuild, and was shocked to find himself in a vintage radio wonderland: the man has hundreds of oldies all over his house representing radio production from day one onward.

Perhaps you can find a similar enthusiast in your area. Their knowledge and expertise could be priceless, not to mention availability of parts. Best of luck with a fun project!

 

[ScionPI2005]

And let me suggest you check out the SSTran AM3000 low power AM transmitter. It enables you to take the signal from your PC (Internet radio, etc.) or a CD player, and send it to your AM radio. An old tube radio like that is the ONLY WAY to listen to vintage radio shows and music, of which there is more and more available nowadays.

I second this. I've had an AMT 3000 transmitter for several years now, and use it frequently to broadcast to my old radios. It truly is the best and only way to enjoy old time radio broadcasting on a vintage radio. Check out http://www.sstran.com/

 

[W4ASZ]

My brother just brought his 1960 Plymouth radio to some local radio whiz for a rebuild, and was shocked to find himself in a vintage radio wonderland: the man has hundreds of oldies all over his house representing radio production from day one onward.

Perhaps you can find a similar enthusiast in your area. Their knowledge and expertise could be priceless, not to mention availability of parts. Best of luck with a fun project!

I agree. I don't think I'd make this radio your first attempt at pulling a restoration on your own. Too nice !

Things can go horribly wrong ... :eeek:

By the way, if the set works at all, and it does, do not make the mistake of replacing the tubes. I have remarked elsewhere that I run my tube radios on lower than standard line voltages by way of variable transformers or step-down isolation transformers.

 

[brspiritus]

I love this place, the AM transmitter is fantastic, I've been looking for something like that for a long time now.

 

[Mr. Hallack]

Check these links here regarding your radio:

www.antiqueradios.com http://www.radiosupply.com/

First one is an antique radio forum, tons of advice and help. 2nd is where you get parts for your radio. Likely it's the wax caps in your radio.