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1941 WE 302 Restored

Started by Ed Morris, May 13, 2017, 12:18:45 AM

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jsowers

Quote from: Ed Morris on May 13, 2017, 02:16:32 PM
I do keep most of my radios and use them frequently, and will do the same with phones.   The 302 shown above is going down to the house in the country where my wife grew up.  I have a Model 500DM from 1981 by the bed and a 2500 spare.  My wife doesn't appreciate the ringers, though, so I put on/off switches in the ringer circuit or disconnect it on the older ones.

I'm glad to hear it's going to be used. It's one thing to just collect them, but to really appreciate their quality and durability, they have to be used. I've got several phones that have been connected in my house for over 30 years, dating back to when I had rotary-only phone service. They still work as new and I even had a lightning strike hit my phone line. It fried a laptop modem and an electronic AT&T phone, but the 500s, 702 and 554s just said "huh?" and went on working.

As for the ringer being loud on the 500 set, yes it is. I wouldn't want that next to my bed either. You have a couple options if you leave the bell disconnected. There's the E1 external ringer used with 701 Princess phones, with only one gong, or the Bell Chime that can be located in a hallway or another room. It emits a pleasant "ding-dong" like a doorbell or you can switch it to loud or soft ring. But it's not right next to your ears when you're sleeping.

You may already use these ringers, but I thought in case you didn't that they were a nicer option than an electronic ringer. I've been able to find both kinds of ringers at yard sales over the years, especially when people renovate a 1960s home that's in Bell System territory.
Jonathan

Ed Morris

My wife has three cordless phones around the house, so no problem hearing a phone ring.  They have low REN numbers, but it wouldn't take too many old phones to go over the limit.
Ed

TelePlay

Quote from: Ed Morris on May 13, 2017, 02:21:08 PM
My bad!  Forgot about that one.  I will fix it.  The Renovated Radios site used to host that guide before I got unlimited storage.  The link on my Resource Page should be good:

Ed,

Thanks. I didn't connect the copy of that file that I first found and downloaded in 2015 to this one until used you link and found them to be identical, both created in 2012 and the file side is virtually the same.

That documented restoration made me put the planned restoration of my ZTO H500 on hold. That was quite an effort and while mine is in much better starting condition, I need time to think and plan before attempting to do it. I found this set at an antique mall two or so years ago and got it for $90 (no shipping so got a complete, clean H500 for $60 or so). The stag is in great condition, nothing to fix, it came with the suction cups, the manual and the complete WaveMagnet. Only get AM but other than a quick, safe, power up, that's all I did.  Here it sits on the top shelf in my den waiting for attention. Not the best picture other than showing the condition of the Stag.

Ed Morris

Quote from: TelePlay on May 13, 2017, 03:28:51 PM
Ed,

Thanks. I didn't connect the copy of that file that I first found and downloaded in 2015 to this one until used you link and found them to be identical, both created in 2012 and the file side is virtually the same.

That documented restoration made me put the planned restoration of my ZTO H500 on hold. That was quite an effort and while mine is in much better starting condition, I need time to think and plan before attempting to do it. I found this set at an antique mall two or so years ago and got it for $90 (no shipping so got a complete, clean H500 for $60 or so). The stag is in great condition, nothing to fix, it came with the suction cups, the manual and the complete WaveMagnet. Only get AM but other than a quick, safe, power up, that's all I did.  Here it sits on the top shelf in my den waiting for attention. Not the best picture other than showing the condition of the Stag.

Badrestorer, who created the guide, had a lot of issues with his 500, more so than typically encountered.  Those radios were rugged and well-built.  Often they were put away because a tube died after tubes were no longer carried at the local drug store, and a new tube will restore the radio to life.

If your radio plays on AM, then it doesn't need a lot of work.  All the SW bands go through the BC switch circuit, so a good bath of DeOxit or CRC electronic cleaner and working the band switches for about ten minutes will usually solve that problem.  The electrolytic caps should be replaced.  IIRC, the regular wax/paper caps in the 500 and 600 TO's may include Bumblebees, which tend to go off like a firecracker when they let go.

I had one pop and my dog wouldn't come out from under the desk for a week  ::), poor guy.  I may have spilled my drink, too.

If the radio plays OK, you can replace them or not, but just be aware they can cause some damage.  Recapping a TO is somewhat more difficult than a typical AC/DC radio due mainly to the crowded chassis and there are a couple caps in the coil tower, but not too hard to get to.

There's a ton of information on ARF on restoration of Trans-Oceanics, along with a number of experts who can walk you through any problems.  There's more stuff on my Resource page, too.
Ed

TelePlay

Thanks, Ed.

IIRC (and it's been two years), the zenier diodes and the sand resistor in the power supply section need to be replaced. Is that a mandatory thing to do or if it works, can I run the radio with them? I've read stories of these old components being a fire hazard.

I have a full set of replacement tubes and several of the very expensive wide range 1L6. And, yes, a lot of stuff out there on the ZTO. One is even shown for a minute or so in one of the early episodes of M*A*S*H which fits with the age, intent and use of these radios. Hard to believe that a tube sells for more than $50, give or take $10.

Anyway, nice to know you are out there and I'm sure there are many members inclulding myself who would gladly trade forum and phone help for radio help. There's got to be at least 10 members heavily into radios so welcome to the telephone-radio caucus.

Ed Morris

#20
No Zener diodes in a TO.  Were you thinking of the selenium rectifier?  There's an eternal debate on ARF about SR replacement.  Personally, if the voltage output is within specs, I leave them alone.  Over time, the voltage may drop too low for the 1L6 to oscillate, but that may not happen for years.

Same with the sand resistor.  If it is crumbling or cracked, I replace it.  If it looks good and is within tolerance, I leave it alone.

Always glad to share, and I will have many questions as I get more phones.  I have $9.95 5302G coming now, so you can imagine the shape it's in.
Ed

TelePlay

Quote from: Ed Morris on May 13, 2017, 05:05:35 PM
No Zener diodes in a TO.  Were you thinking of the selenium rectifier?

Yes, that's what I meant. I have several radio with selenium rectifiers and it was that ZTO restoration project that showed how to replace them, to get the right voltage for the 1L6 and other tubes.

Number, please!

A 302 is what got me started in old phones back in the late 60's.  I had that one as a daily user until 1988 when it disappeared during a large house addition/remodel!  Be careful, it's addicting.  But I can quit anytime I want!  ;)   
Stu