I have an old console stereo that I inherited from my grandfather. It’s a Zenith in a beautiful wood cabinet (I’m estimating about 3 feet high and four feet wide or so) with a turntable and AM/FM tuner. But it has lately developed an AC hum. I tried replacing one of the vacuum tubes I thought might have been the problem, but that didn’t work and, frankly, I have no idea what I’m doing. The thing is too heavy to take anywhere, and besides, where would I take it?
So, my question is, anybody out there know of a good electronics repair guy who makes house calls?
I’m jealous of your radio- sounds neat.
Isn’t there a TV repair shop on Main Street next to the basketcase? I don’t have any experience with them, but may be worth a try.
Watch eBay listings for console radios. There is a guy up in the Chicago area if I recall correctly, who restores antique radios and then sells them. His listings seem to indicate he does it for others as well.
Also… I am on the lookout for a 1938-1945 zenith console radio… that works or whose cabinet is in pristine condition.
Is this a “radio” or a “crystal set?”
I thought a crystal set was a homemade radio you put together for science fair…. As far as I know it’s a “radio.”
If you are receiving or hearing a hum, then it is a leaking capacitor. These type of radios usually have two and are rated in micro-farads and voltage. When one of these fail, hum from the 60hz ac will filter through to the amp. They look like a roll of quarters in size, but again, that depends on the age of this unit.
CJ – if you get a line on a repair source off line please post it on here. I have an old Philco console that belonged by my grandparents. Hasn’t worked for years. I’ve owned for over 20 years and moved it five times across many states. I keep planning to get it repaired – just haven’t found the time / individual to do so (it’s beyond my capabilities).
http://www.justradios.com/links.html
Is the hum there all the time or only when tuned to a station?
If all the time, then it is probably the power supply filter capacitor(s). However, (less likely) it could be a filament to cathode short in the power output tube. I used to repair these things many years ago, but I live in Wheaton so not handy.
That is exactly what has happened. The power supply filters, usually two capacitors, have “leaked” causing hum. I used to replace these all the time also but good luck finding ones rated for this radio. They are getting rarer all the time.
Yes – the TV repair on Main Street next to The Basket Case.