emerson: Ch= AX; AX217 (AX-217)

Hello to you all,

I presently own this Emerson Model AX 217 & am in the process of repairing/restoring it.

I did discover a mistake in the existing listing. The rectifier is NOT a 25Z5 ! It is a 25Z6. The actual dimentions are 9 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches high & 3 5/8 inches deep( there is also an additional 1/32 of a inch for the louvers over the speaker.

I will be glad to send you a picture of the chassis which does show the tubes except I have the dial face off & am working on the insides & will submit the weight of this tiny set when I am done.

Thanks you 

Marvin J Glassman 

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Hi Marvin,

thanks for you hints! You are correct, the schematic in Rider's Vol 9 shows the 25Z6. Appropriate changes on the model page have been initiated. Thanks for your hint!

Regards Goetz Linss

RMOrg page now shows the new data!

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Hello!

I am restoring a small wood-cased Emerson AX chassis from 1938-1939. The resistance line cord has been replaced with a large 25 watt two section wirewound power resistor. The radio plays great but the resistor reaches over 205 degrees celsius--- in my opinion, far too hot to stuff into a small wood case. Any advice how I might reduce excess heat or heat-sink the resistor in such a small space? Are these radios designed to handle this kind of heat?

Thanks!

Steve

• Emerson AX chassis line resistor (178 KB)

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A heatsink makes no real difference, the extra power is inside the cabinet. It's probably too small or they would have used a dropper resistor and not a line cord dropper in the first place.

I would restore the radio to original and then have an external box with the dropper in it. Big enough that it doesn't matter if it's covered up. Perhaps mount the dropper on ceramic stand off pillars on 30cm (12") long  of alloy angle about 3mm (1/8") thick by 15mm to 20mm ( about 3/4") to spread the heat in a 50mm (2")  PVC waste pipe with glued on end caps with cable out either end.

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Steve, If you haven't done so already, check the resistance of the wirewound. Ideally, it should be equal to the 190 ohms of the original line cord.  Also check the voltage across the resistor - it should be about 50 volts.  If those values are off, your resistor could be dissipating more power than 13.7 watts and generating more heat.

Best Regards,

Howard

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Thanks for the idea, Michael! It's becoming clear that this little radio has had a lot done to it over the years. An external dropper box might do the trick. I'm finding evidence of other attempts. At least the radio plays well---  good starting place!

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Hadn't thought about that, Howard. It checks out with 54 volts, and 210 ohms--- a little more than spec resistance. That would account for some extra heat. I may try a new resistor with a closer number.

Thanks for your help!

Steve

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No, wiith higher resistance there is less overall current, and less heat in total.

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Thanks for the help! Right now, I have the power resistor mounted on the back of the chassis with a standoff. The case back will certainly have to be well ventilated...

Cheers,

Steve

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