Author Archives: jwk

Best IoT Dev Board?

Posted on October 13, 2019 by jwk

I’m looking into getting started with my own IoT project — in my case, I’m interested in building a security system which takes a few different inputs into account – potentially including some ML image recognition – before deciding what … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Bose® Wave Radio AWR1-1W Repair

Posted on January 18, 2017 by jwk

From the Rain City Audio Repair Blog: A Bose® Wave Radio, model AWR1-1W, just came through the shop for a repair. The radio had been working okay all these years but had recently stopped receiving any stations and instead was … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Bose, Electronics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

1938 General Electric G-56 Repair

Posted on December 27, 2016 by jwk

From the Rain City Audio Repair Blog: Rain City Audio recently had the occasion to work on a 1938 GE radio, the model G-56. Since these are rather large floor model radios, the owner removed the chassis and speaker from … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Radio | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Surprise in a Re-Stuffed Capacitor

Posted on October 18, 2016 by jwk

I was recently re-stuffing some capacitors for a radio. It’s not something I do often, but I’ve accumulated a pile of pulled vintage caps over the years so I have some on hand if a customer requests the most detailed … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

1930 Crosley Arbiter Radio Repair

Posted on October 12, 2016 by jwk

From the Rain City Audio Repair Blog: This 1930 Crosley radio came through the shop for a repair recently. The owner dropped off the chassis and turntable, then took the cabinet for professional refinishing. At some point in this radio’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Radio, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Music Minder Automatic Power Controller for Hi-Fi Systems

Posted on August 24, 2016 by jwk

Mixed in with some other gear I’m servicing, I found this old Music Minder power box. It’s not all that obvious what it’s for at first glance! Some digging around found an explanation in the June 1958 issue of Popular … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Gadgets, Hi-Fi, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reviewing the Gemtune APPJ PA1501A 6AD10 Stereo Tube Amplifier

Posted on August 17, 2016 by jwk

I recently picked up an interesting little tube amp via a group buy on Massdrop, the Gemtune APPJ PA1501A stereo tube amplifier. Try saying that three times fast! It’s a cute little single-ended stereo tube amp using a pair of 6AD10 … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Commentary, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Stereo, Toys | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Fisher 400 Wide-Band FM Multiplex Receiver Overhaul

Posted on August 16, 2016 by jwk

From Rain City Audio: The Fisher 400 is a very well engineered, and very collectible, vintage stereo receiver with an iconic champagne faceplate and prominent bank of controls. This one came through the shop after being stored in a garage … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Bose® 901 Series VI #181070 Repair

Posted on August 12, 2016 by jwk

From Rain City Audio: This Bose® 901 Active Equalizer, Series VI, came into the shop recently. These are some of the most recently produced Active Equalizers, although they’re still potentially a few decades old at this point in time. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Bose, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Would you look at that!

Posted on August 9, 2016 by jwk

It’s pretty, but this 12BA6 tube has amplified for the last time. Vacuum failure has led to a gas intruding into the vacuum, and it makes a great light show when it’s being tested! As cool as it looks, this would cause … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment