Category Archives: Electronics

Getting Started With Vintage Radio and Electronics: Basic Tools for the Hobbyist

Posted on September 18, 2014 by retrovoltage

This page is outdated, but I’m keeping it up for SEO reasons. Here’s the current version:

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HP 1405A Plug-In Mystery: Which Is It?

Posted on September 1, 2014 by retrovoltage

I’m fixing up an HP 143A Wide-Screen Mainframe Oscilloscope, which has a very big selection of plug-ins to provide a variety of functions. The oscilloscope has symmetrical vertical and horizontal circuits, so it can be used as an X-Y amplifier … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Gadgets, Photos, Test Equipment, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Wanted: Vintage HP 1400-Series Vertical Amplifier Plug-Ins for Oscilloscope

Posted on August 21, 2014 by retrovoltage

I’m looking for plugins for my HP 143A Wide-Screen Mainframe Oscilloscope which I’m in the process of restoring. I’d love to run it as a 15″ high speed X-Y display, and to do so needs matched vertical amplifier plugins in … Continue reading →

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New Toy: HP 143 Wide-Screen Oscilloscope Mainframe Restoration – [Part 1]

Posted on August 14, 2014 by retrovoltage

At the risk of becoming a test equipment collector, I am picking up a few pieces of vintage test equipment that need some work, but will be very useful pieces of shop gear as well as interesting pieces of history … Continue reading →

Posted in Collections, Electronics, Hardware, Projects, Test Equipment, Toys, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

1931 Westinghouse WR-8 Columaire Antique Radio Repair

Posted on April 14, 2014 by retrovoltage

I recently got to work on another beautifully reconditioned Westinghouse WR-8 Columaire radio all the way from Bellingham. It was originally in for service with the SPARK Museum, but the repair technician reportedly suffered some health complications and was unable to … Continue reading →

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1938 Zenith 5-S-220 eBay Tune-Up Special

Posted on March 26, 2014 by retrovoltage

I’ve had the opportunity to work on several very nice Zenith radios lately and this one is especially interesting. It’s the Zenith 5-S-220 Cube. This is the first time I’ve seen one of these in person, they’re somewhat uncommon. Electrically, it’s a … Continue reading →

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Craigslist and eBay Antique Radios – Be Careful!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by retrovoltage

It’s not uncommon to run across antique or vintage radios on Craigslist, eBay and other sales site which are advertised as “working”, “repaired” or “restored”. Many times these are in fact professionally reconditioned items – just like you read about … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Electronics, Photos, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

For Sale: The KN0CK and KF7LZE RTLSDR for HF Rev. 5!

Posted on January 28, 2014 by retrovoltage

I’m happy to announce that Rev 5 of the KN0CK and KF7LZE RTLSDR for HF is now available for sale in its 5th iteration – now featuring Direct Sampling, while still keeping the familiar wide-band pre-amplifier! On account of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Gadgets, Hardware, Radio | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

1977 Yamaha CR-2020 Vintage Stereo Receiver Repair

Posted on January 26, 2014 by retrovoltage

The Yamaha CR-2020 drives 120W/channel into an 8 ohm load and supports 3 pairs of speakers (but only plays 1 or 2 pairs a time), dual phono inputs supporting both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) pick-ups, tape-copy functionality … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Music, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

1948 Motorola 99-FM21 Console Radio Back to Life

Posted on December 23, 2013 by retrovoltage

I recently had the chance to work on this beautiful Motorola 99-FM21 from 1948, currently owned by the granddaughter of its original owner. It’s been in the family since its purchase new in 1948 and was lovingly cared for the … Continue reading →

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