rca: 26; Radiola 26 Restoration

Friedrich Weber of Germany had aquired a Radiola 26 in an internet auction and restored it in commendable cooperation with our member Richard Fairbanks, USA.

Although pretty distant from each other the internet enabled quick and efficient exchange of correspondence in word and image. Let him tell his story:

-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------

After a three weeks travel across the pond and 19% import duty the radio was unpacked.

Being rather unexperienced in this old technology I searched for information and found
Richards report. I contacted him asking for help. He assisted willingly.

Checking the overall condition of my aquisition it looked not too bad 

I found a homebrew power supply in the battery compartment.

No information attached, so I refrained from a test or use. Later I made my own power sources for all the different voltages.

All six tubes were placed in their sockets, cushioned by wrapped newsprint. No damage, thank goodness!

Red powder distributed seemed to be the remains of deteriorated absorption material against effects (e.g. howling caused by acoustic feedback from the speaker).

The catacomb and the terminal strip were bent. Probably caused by a hard drop sometimes in the past.

The potting compound was already removed. But the wires to the catacomb were brisk, breaking apart after slight bending. Inside wiring displayed extremely thin wires.

To replace the wiring the terminal numbering was a puzzle first. Based on a schematic diagram from Alan Douglas a new diagram was drawn with all information related to my set. Richard did the final drawing check.

Both audios had open primaries, a defect not uncommon with such old stuff. Anyway they were not original parts. Somebody had them already replaced. The originals used formerless windings. For the new ones I had to use cardboard coil formers. AWG 42 = metric 0.063 Cu; primary 3500 turns (820 Ohms) and secondary 10500 turns (10500 Ohms) give a ratio of 1:3.

   

The loop antenna lacked continuity: a defect door contact was the culprit. Repair with copper braid for the hinges provides a safer contact than the original litz wires did.

The horn speaker is fixed on three elements. All three were brittle and broken. A new rubber element plus some transparent silicon rubber did the job.

The big 2µF cap was leaking and had to be "refilled" with a modern component which is well hidden.

Before firing up the set a continuity test is advisable, without tubes, battery cables disconnected (there are relevant tables in the schematics/technical documentation).

After successful test, tubes replaced und power connected the Radiola 26 plays like new.

I am happy! Thank you, Richard!

-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------

Editors remarks:

This is a comprehensive issue of Friedrich Webers results. Congratulations!

I would like to add that this early Superheterodyne family employs two special features to be noted:

1) the first tube is reflexed. It amplifies RF and IF simultaneously.

2) for transposition the 2nd harmonic of the oscillator freqency is applied. Consequently the oscillator frequency is far below the signal frequency where the loop antenna is tuned. This prevents radiation of oscillator through the aerial.

To thank the Author because you find the post helpful or well done.