Well I bit the bullet and bought my first radio to refurbish. For awhile I was looking at all the nice polished refurbished wood cabinets but I realized that I'd rather put the money in the functionality. Actually I really like how the basic black cabinet looks; like it really means business!
And I was thinking pre-refurbished, but then, what's the fun in that? ;)
The seller says he's used it for years but the signal finally just slowly petered out. I'm new to radios so I'll undoubtedly have lot's of questions. So, what do you think, guys? The more I read up on these radios the better they sound. Real workhorses...er...workcamels? :)
Nice sets, but, several thing you should be aware of. Namely, the series string filaments for the tubes. DO NOT power the set up, and pull or install tubes. You can damage one. Hopefully you have the 1L6 osc tube, and hopefully it's still good. Now, this isn't what I consider a beginners set by any means. Email me and we can talk further about getting it going. I have an extensive T/O collection myself ;)
Thanks BDM. Glad to know you are familiar with these sets. Do you have a favorite T/O model?
I just ordered the set off Ebay today so it will be a few days in transit. I won't power it up without consulting you first. How will I tell if it has a 1L6 osc tube; just by the part/tube numbers?
Looking forward to getting it tuned up and running, and hope I haven't bit off more than I can chew for a beginner. I'll work slowly and patiently on it.
He means the radio came with a 1L6, but the tube is so valuable on it's own, that it's often found to be "missing."
The H500 is a great T-O. I have one, myself, and I love it. I should strongly warn you that as addictive as radios are, Trans-Oceanics themselves, seem to have even stronger addictive properties. Ask BDM... I think he knows. 8)
Glad to know you guys like the T-O sets. I can see how they'd be addictive. I'm already looking at the 600 series models. Are they much of an improvement from the H500?
http://www.transoceanic.nostalgiaair.org/
Bing summed it up! Some folks collect strictly T/Os(and T/O clones), and nothing else. As Bing stated, the 1L6 oscillator tube is expensive in it's own right. So more and more, we're seeing T/Os show up with 1R5 osc tubes substituted. While the 1R5 works, it will drop off in operation around 7/mHz. Yes, provided the tube hasn't been cleaned with Windex or the like, the tube number should be painted on the side. The 1L6 is the tube closest to the front of the dial face, next to the tuner gang. A pic would help, I'll try and take some later.
Now, you mentioned the previous owner said it just slowly died. While many things can cause this, by far the two most common causes are the osc tube 1L6 going weak or dead. Or even more common, the selenium rectifier. This is the heart of the 1950s AC/DC radios, and has been used on many models well into the 60s. If that's bad, it's an easy fix. Simply substitute a diode 1N4006 or 1N4007. Read further here
http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~postr/bapix/H500_2.htm
and here
http://www.angelfire.com/ma2/AdamVon/resto1.html
A good study of T/Os can be found here
http://www.antiqueradio.org/transoceanics.htm
Now, go through these links. Read them, and re-read if needed. It should give you a good basic understanding of these sets. Then, let the questions fly ;D
In answer to your question, yes . I once had the complete collection of T/Os except the first one, 7G605. I'm now down to the 8G005Y, through the transistor sets up to Royal 7000s. Not to be confused with the last series in the set, the R7000. My favorite tube model is the G500. Here is a vid of one of my G500 sets after restoration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kXKhBDvpWo
My favorite transistor versions are the Royal 1000 & 3000 series. Here's a vid of one of my 1000 sets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxoIAdwZPC4
Thanks for the good links and info, BDM. I'm studying them carefully. Funny, but I had already watched your videos, just didn't know they were yours. Any particular reason you like the G500 over the H500 or the 600 series?
Here are a couple shots of the T-O that I bought. I won't have it for a few days but it's a preview.
Looks good. On the cabinets, I scrub them down with a light cleaners like dish soap. Then I dry them off well, letting them dry further for 12 hours or so. Then I apply black shoe polish. The type that comes in those blotters, not the paste. Cabinets look really good after that.
I like the G500 for two things. The dial face is one of the best looking IMHO. Also, it's the first year for the miniature tubes. The earlier 8G005Y is basically the same with P-P output tubes. But there are slight differences which set them apart in the looks category. Plus, it's the most complicated of the tube types to restore electrically. The H500 and 600 series have better freq coverage, but that's not a big deal with me.
A very good choice, and my favorite T.O. is the H-500.
If your 1L6 is going bad, you most likely have lost ther upper bands, and the AM band may still work.
You can obtain a solid state 1L6 replacement on Ebay for about $30.00. I've not used one, being a purest tubes for tubes, but it is a less expensive alternative to the 1L6.
Enjoy the radio they are fun.
D/P
I'll vouch for BDM's knowledge of T/O's.
I too bought mine of Fleabay, yours looks a LOT better than mine, and more complete. Took two purchases from members of ARF, another Fleabay auction to acquire the missing parts, and another ARF member to bail me out on the restoration as I got in over my head on this project.
I, three years later have a still great functioning H500.
I ended up buying two T.O's to get the one I now have, plus extra parts on the side.
I recovered the cabinet myself, using a non-standard method. I used black denim cloth, contact cement to adhere it to the wood, then finished off with several coats of Deft semi gloss lacquer. The cover is now basically bullet proof, and I love the look. Very chaep and easy tro do. You can however buy the original cover material for about $20.00 a yard. I've lost the link, but I'm sure BDM has it.
D/P
I added a close up photo.
Dan/P your recovering job on the H500 looks great! And I may just go with the solid state replacement for the 1L6. Thanks for the pics and info.
Hobie, I have the SS replacement Dan mentions. Works well. I did notice I pic up FM station images from a nearby transmitter. This is in the higher end of the band. With the 1L6 tube, I lose them.
Joe, glad to hear it's still working ;)
BDM;
Did you have to do any realigninmg after you installed the SS replacement ?
D/P
Great recovering job D/P! And a really nice radio, looks showroom new.
Quote from: Dan/Panther on December 16, 2008, 12:01:36 AM
BDM;
Did you have to do any realigninmg after you installed the SS replacement ?
D/P
Yup. If I remember correctly, the higher bands went high. Of course all bands were effected. But the higher the frequency, the worse it was effected.
Are you happy with it ?
Any problems ?
D/P
No, no problems. Worked fine. I say worked because I removed it from the set I restored, now I can't find it >:(
Where do I get a decent SS unit to replace a 1L6?
On ebay the guy sells 3 models of it. the original small circuit board, one built inside a small tube, and one I suggested, inside a tube with a small under powered wheat bulb for an orange glow. About $30.00.
D/P
Like this?:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/eea101_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ
Yup, seems like cost has gone up a little.
http://tinyurl.com/5tqe8d ( dead link 05-18-21 )
The way I see it. Reasonable 1L6 tubes can still be had. Don't bother right now, especially if your tube is good.
(Note, I shrank the web address down with tinyurl as it was making the page too long- Mcheath)
If the 1L6 is causing the problem of dead shortwave as Dan mentioned, will the tube still test as good? I'm having that problem now. I cleaned the heck out of the contacts in the tower, but it didn't help at all. BC comes through like a champ, though.
Quote from: bingster on December 17, 2008, 10:08:56 AM
If the 1L6 is causing the problem of dead shortwave as Dan mentioned, will the tube still test as good? I'm having that problem now. I cleaned the heck out of the contacts in the tower, but it didn't help at all. BC comes through like a champ, though.
Are all the SW bands dead? Usually a weak 1L6 will stop oscillating as you go higher in frequency. Also, what is the filiment voltage (DC) between pins 1 & 7 of the 1L6 tube?
Part of the problem is that I'm hobbled when it comes to testing, right now. The leads on my voltmeter need attention before I can use it again, and my tube tester doesn't test miniature tubes. I was thinking that taking the tube to be tested might be worth the trouble, though.
The SW bands are all pretty much dead. Sometimes on the lower frequencies, the signal will break in, but it's rare.
Could be a possible alignment issue. More likely, it may be low B+ to the filaments.
Might want to revisit that "B+ to the filaments" idea.
Bill
Hey, just realized I have one of these too. Had it for years but I don't think mine works either. I'm not sure which model number it is. All I know for sure is that it's covered in brown material instead of black. I'll have to dig it out now and see what's up.
Best,
Greg
Whoa, if the brown material is leather, then you have a much more valuable radio! Not enough to change your retirement plans, but still very nice - and very expensive.
Bill
It could be brown oilcloth, too. :o
Brown leather 600 series T/Os aren't that un-common
Well, finally dug out the Trans-Oceanic. It is a model A600L, stamped inside the rear door. I'm not sure how to tell the date of this radio. Perhaps you can tell me BDM. I know it worked years ago but I plugged it in last night and now it does nothing.
I've done a little research on-line and I understand the batteries have not been available for quite some time. Is there any type of replacement battery one can use?
Best,
Greg
Hi Greg,
I don't know about new batteries for the Trans-Oceanic Radios, but that's an interesting question that Bud and others might answer.
Meanwhile I must admit that I cheated over the Hollidays and I bought an inexpensive refurbished T/O H500. The problem with it of course is that they either speak in foreign languages or they speak the dreaded American. As much as I love my country...I mostly listen to the BBC during the evenings.
My cat basically couldn't care less. ;)
Still, it a very nice radio.
You're getting the BBC World Service? I thought they stopped all broadcasting on shortwave to the Americas years ago, except to Cuba.
BDM, Those brown 600 are common, but they still bring high bucks.
Matt;
How much did you pay for the restored 500, I've not seen any go under $400.00.
Greg
They make reproduction batteries for the T/O, you put 9 Volt transistor radio batteries in them, You can also put in rechargeables if you want., the empty battery runs some where in the area of 30 to 40 dollars, if I remember correctly
Do an Ebay search for Transoceanic, you'll be amazed at the stuff they have.
Does your T/O work on AM, but not the upper bands? If it does it most likely a bad 1L6, if nothing works you may need a recap, or maybe just the Selenium rectifer is bad, replace it with a 1N4007 Silicone diode, and a resistor to obtain the correct voltage.
Jump over to ARF, they have muych archived about the T/O, and how to get them going again.
D/P
When we watch the 5 o' clock news the BBC broadcast is on our local PBS station. I usually skip them as they spend way too much time talking about boring things like world events and complex multinational problems, and not nearly enough time talking about Lindsey Lohan, Brittany Spears, and the latest medical/social/steroidal/gambling/sex scandal to hit baseball/football/basketball/the military/colleges/hollywood.
;)
Dan,
I was replying to someone who said they're rare. Whomever posted that, must have deleted it?
Greg,
I have a battery pack I bought from "abbattery" off Ebag. He makes a quality product that uses 9 D cells or a 10th cell for the lamp used in the 600 series sets.
Also, check this out. Many different options as well as building your own.
http://home.comcast.net/~morrised2006/radios/radio6.htm
Hey Dan,
No AM, no upper bands, nothing.
BDM,
Thanks for the link. Can you tell me how to correctly date this particular T/O?
Thanks again,
Greg
Quote from: PSGreg on January 07, 2009, 02:39:18 AM
Hey Dan,
No AM, no upper bands, nothing.
BDM,
Thanks for the link. Can you tell me how to correctly date this particular T/O?
Thanks again,
Greg
Look at this link. This is the best way to date it, depending on which 600 you have.
http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/tubedto.htm
Quote from: Dan/Panther
Matt;
How much did you pay for the restored 500, I've not seen any go under $400.00.
/quote]
Dan, I only paid $125. plus $25. shipping for my completely restored re-capped and re-aligned T/0 H500. He even re-shellacked the brass. Basically it looks and runs like new.
I don't have the fellows name whom I bought it from, but it was a buy-it-now price on Ebay, and I think he sells them from time to time. In speaking with him he just sounds like he does the work for the love of the radios, not for profit.
I had already bought an un-refurbished H500 that needed a new 1L6 tube. By the time I paid for the radio, shipping, and a new SS 1L6, I was in at about $135, and it still needs re-capping, aligning, etc..
I'm a total amateur with radios, so if anyone asks about how to buy a good T/O, I just recommend from my little experience that they do a buy-it-now search on Ebay for a good reburbished job and be patient.
To bad that radio programing quality these days doesn't compare with the great quality of the old radios. For that I go online to http://www.otrcat.com/
-Matt
Matt;
'I have what is called an SSTRAN 3000 am transmitter. I hook it to my computer and braodcast Old Time Radio shows to my AM radios.
You can buy a kit, for about $100.00 from the internet.
At least you used to be able to.
D/P
Thanks for the link BDM. Looks like it's a 1958 (same as me :D)
Quote from: PSGreg on January 07, 2009, 02:39:18 AM
Hey Dan,
No AM, no upper bands, nothing.
BDM,
Thanks for the link. Can you tell me how to correctly date this particular T/O?
Thanks again,
Greg
Is the set completely dead, or you just can't receive a station?
Make sure the incoming AC is working, the cord may be bad, is the power switch O.K., are the tubes lighting ?
Make sure the switch that disconnects the battery section is not stuck, it's in the back where you plug the ac line cord into the chassis to get battery power.
Then check or have the tubes checked.
If that doesn't do it, have the selenium rectifier checked, while at it, change it to Diodes. 1N4007 with a resistor to get proper incoming voltage.
If still no go, a recap may be in order, all of the paper and Electrolytics will need to be changed.
If that don't do it, send it to me.
D/P
Quote from: HobieSport on January 07, 2009, 02:26:26 PMTo bad that radio programing quality these days doesn't compare with the great quality of the old radios. For that I go online to http://www.otrcat.com/
OTRcat is a nice little site, but if you want some serious OTR, head over to OTRplus.com. It's an OTR trading forum I run with a guy from Toronto. It takes a free registration to see the goodies, but once you're in, you'll find countless thousands of radio shows to keep your radios busy for the rest of your life.
Thanks for the tip Bingster, I just went ahead and joined OTRPlus. That's going to take some serious exploration as I know next to nothing about the OTR classics.
[/quote]
If that don't do it, send it to me.
D/P
[/quote]
This sounds easiest :D
When I plug the radio in it does absloutely nothing. No tubes light up. Nothing hums. It's as though I hadn't plugged it in.
Best,
Greg
Here are some pics to show you the very basics of these sets. This is my bench test set. It's a perfectly good 500 series that I like fiddling with on the bench every so often. It came to me with very low B+ due to well worn selenium rectifier.
Here is the all famous selenium rectifier in these sets.
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82452-1/pic2.jpg)
Next, I connected a diode, anode is fed the AC, cathode emits the DC. Remember, these in effect are half wave rectifiers, 60/hz ripple.
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82454-1/pic3.jpg)
Next, the DC dropping resistors. I generally start off with about 150/ohm 5 watts power resistors. From that value you can tweak it to achieve about 8.2 - 8.4 DCV at the condom resistor. Look at the next two pics to see what I mean.
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82456-1/pic4.jpg)
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82468-1/pik1.jpg)
Next, I confirm voltage at the tubes. You must check across pins 1 & 7 of each tube to see what voltage it is seeing. In this next pic, I'm checking the all powerful, desired, famous, and expensive 1L6 osc tube. I like to see the 1.4v tubes right around 1.3 to 1.4 volts, no more no less. Some run the 1L6 tube as far down as 1.2 volts. I find they don't oscillate reliably at the higher freqs around that voltage. Also, some tubes will oscillate fine, while others that may have greater mileage will not oscillate at all. Personal preference here.
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82470-1/pik2.jpg)
Here is the main electrolytic filter can. I prefer to cut these open and stuff the new caps inside. Remember, these aren't standard by-pass caps, but electrolytic capacitors with a negative/positive connection. They also are "floating ground", meaning they don't directly connect to the chassis ground.
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82464-1/pic8.jpg)
I keep the removable antenna from a 600 series T/O handy for bench work. Makes things easy during alignments. Remember, the T/O antenna is part of a tuned circuit. Operating these sets without one causes not only weak reception, but hum, degraded/distorted audio also. I've read post from folks in the past that actually tore their T/Os apart thinking something was wrong, when it was nothing more than a poor antenna connection. The antenna connections in the lids of the G500 & H500 sets are famous for poor and intermittent contact issues. WATCH OUT FOR THAT! A good sign is distorted audio and weak reception.
(http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/82466-1/pic9.jpg)
Last. These are "hot" chassis sets. Meaning they chassis is hot, not isolated like on a transformer operated set. If you're touching the chassis, and somehow touch something that is grounded to an AC outlet, you'll regret it!! I like to use isolation transformers when working on AC/DC sets with hot chassis. I also try and use the "one arm" rule. Meaning one arm is kept off all thing electrical whenever possible. Having suffered a 300/dcv ZAP that knocked me on my butt, and caused a severe burn to my fingers. I can't say enough about electrical safety!! I'm serious, had I had a weak heart in any way, I probably would have been a statistic.
QuoteHaving suffered a 300/dcv ZAP that knocked me on my butt, and caused a severe burn to my fingers. I can't say enough about electrical safety!! I'm serious, had I had a weak heart in any way, I probably would have been a statistic.
Yikes!! :o
I don't know anything about radios, but I see your ready for anything. 12 ga, switchblades, and brass knuckles. hands off my T/O bad guys!
Quote from: Dan/Panther
Matt; I have what is called an SSTRAN 3000 am transmitter. I hook it to my computer and broadcast Old Time Radio shows to my AM radios. You can buy a kit, for about $100.00 from the internet. At least you used to be able to. D/P
That's perfect for what I want to do and with my, er, "modest" skill level. Thanks D/P. Here's the link to the product and the company for anyone interested: http://www.sstran.com/index.html
Quote from: Steve...12 ga, switchblades, and brass knuckles. hands off my T/O bad guys!
Hmm. Yes. Interesting set of tools you use there. ;)
Quote from: Steve on January 12, 2009, 03:14:35 PM
I don't know anything about radios, but I see your ready for anything. 12 ga, switchblades, and brass knuckles. hands off my T/O bad guys!
LOL...Didn't even consider that until I posted the pics. Now, believe it or not, I have a good excuse ;D The switch blade belonged to my great uncle who was a Detroit police officer back in the bad old days. He took that off someone many moons ago. I would imaging in the 50s or 60s. It's an American made blade of all things(imaging that). It is without a doubt, one of the best letter/box openers I've ever owned. The blade is actually quite dull from years of opening boxes with it.
The knuckles I recently found at my mothers home. I honestly can't remember were they came from. She recently passed away and I've been going through stuff, and that was one of many things I've found. The lighters get used for wire stripping ;D
My brother needed shells recently for trap shooting. I'm loaded with years of shells I've collected. I used to be a big trap shooter myself. Anyhow, he needed bird shot of course. Not #4 shot high power shells. So I pulled'em out, and threw them on the desk.
Sure, sure, good stories all but we know the real story is that you are not about to let anyone take that Trans-Oceanic baby without a stiff fight!
;D
Quote from: BDM on January 13, 2009, 09:04:04 AM
Quote from: Steve on January 12, 2009, 03:14:35 PM
I don't know anything about radios, but I see your ready for anything. 12 ga, switchblades, and brass knuckles. hands off my T/O bad guys!
LOL...Didn't even consider that until I posted the pics. Now, believe it or not, I have a good excuse ;D The switch blade belonged to my great uncle who was a Detroit police officer back in the bad old days. He took that off someone many moons ago. I would imaging in the 50s or 60s. It's an American made blade of all things(imaging that). It is without a doubt, one of the best letter/box openers I've ever owned. The blade is actually quite dull from years of opening boxes with it.
The knuckles I recently found at my mothers home. I honestly can't remember were they came from. She recently passed away and I've been going through stuff, and that was one of many things I've found. The lighters get used for wire stripping ;D
My brother needed shells recently for trap shooting. I'm loaded with years of shells I've collected. I used to be a big trap shooter myself. Anyhow, he needed bird shot of course. Not #4 shot high power shells. So I pulled'em out, and threw them on the desk.
Good stuff.
I work in construction, and it's funny that we have a similar tool kit :)
Detroit P.D. you say? they used the nickel plated S & W model 10's. there's a bit of a cult following for those. does he still have it?
Quote from: Steve on January 15, 2009, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: BDM on January 13, 2009, 09:04:04 AM
Quote from: Steve on January 12, 2009, 03:14:35 PM
I don't know anything about radios, but I see your ready for anything. 12 ga, switchblades, and brass knuckles. hands off my T/O bad guys!
LOL...Didn't even consider that until I posted the pics. Now, believe it or not, I have a good excuse ;D The switch blade belonged to my great uncle who was a Detroit police officer back in the bad old days. He took that off someone many moons ago. I would imaging in the 50s or 60s. It's an American made blade of all things(imaging that). It is without a doubt, one of the best letter/box openers I've ever owned. The blade is actually quite dull from years of opening boxes with it.
The knuckles I recently found at my mothers home. I honestly can't remember were they came from. She recently passed away and I've been going through stuff, and that was one of many things I've found. The lighters get used for wire stripping ;D
My brother needed shells recently for trap shooting. I'm loaded with years of shells I've collected. I used to be a big trap shooter myself. Anyhow, he needed bird shot of course. Not #4 shot high power shells. So I pulled'em out, and threw them on the desk.
Good stuff.
I work in construction, and it's funny that we have a similar tool kit :)
Detroit P.D. you say? they used the nickel plated S & W model 10's. there's a bit of a cult following for those. does he still have it?
Don't know as he died many years ago. My cousins received much of what he owned. But, I seem to remember his revolver and it was nothing more than a blue .38... I can remember it in the closet. If he had another gun, I wasn't aware of it.