Category Archives: Vintage

Repairing Antique Radio Electrics from Start to Finish (2) – Grunow 589

Posted on April 22, 2011 by retrovoltage

Update: The series is complete. For more articles and information, visit these other posts. This dates back to 2011, when I was pretty new to this hobby – I’d probably do a few things differently now! Part 1: Identification and … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Repairing Antique Radio Electrics from Start to Finish (1) – Grunow 589

Posted on April 20, 2011 by retrovoltage

Update: The series is complete. For more articles and information, visit these other posts. This dates back to 2011, when I was pretty new to this hobby – I’d probably do a few things differently now! Part 1: Identification and … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Stromberg-Carlson 520-PG: After Action Report

Posted on April 18, 2011 by retrovoltage

My Stromberg-Carlson 520-PG (previous parts 1 2) is finally finished! The radio came out ahead of my expectations, even, and was delivered to its new home yesterday where I expect it will continue to serve for years to come. See … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Stromberg-Carlson 520-PG Nearing Completion

Posted on April 13, 2011 by retrovoltage

My current main project, refurbishing my Stromberg-Carlson 520-PG radio (which has been a fair amount of fun so far) is nearing completion. I’ve just completed an IF alignment, which greatly improved the sound quality and volume and general performance. Radios … Continue reading →

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EICO 221 VTVM Dial Scale

Posted on April 7, 2011 by retrovoltage

In a fit of clumsiness, I sent my EICO 221 VTVM flying off my bench and it struck the ground pretty hard. Not bad for its first major accident since 1959. Everything survived…except the sensitive meter movement, which snapped a … Continue reading →

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Refurbishing Vintage Sansui SP2500 Speakers (Crossover Repair)

Posted on April 5, 2011 by retrovoltage

A look at refurbishing the crossovers in a pair of Sansui SP2500 speakers to improve their muddy sound weak highs from early in Retrovoltage’s history with audio repair. Includes links to buy the required parts from Parts Express. Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Projects, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Seeking Information: 1941 Stromberg-Carlson 520 Radio

Posted on February 16, 2011 by retrovoltage

If anyone reading this has information about a Stromberg-Carlson 520-PG from 1941, I would appreciate if you contacted me. I’ve been trying to find a photo of one that someone else owns, or even a picture of one in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Antique Capacitor Color Code Chart

Posted on February 16, 2011 by retrovoltage

I’m working on restoring another radio, and it has antique capacitors with color code markings that are different from the commonly used 3-digit codes found today. It took a bit of searching to find a good chart with these, so … Continue reading →

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

Found: His Master’s Voice (HMV) 444 Radio

Posted on February 3, 2011 by retrovoltage

I’ve added a new radio to my collection, and I think I have a new favorite. This 1934 His Master’s Voice model 444 is a small 5-tube console with Medium-Wave (MW, also known as AM Broadcast) and Long-Wave bands in … Continue reading →

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Refurbishing a Capacitance Tester

Posted on January 20, 2011 by retrovoltage

Parts Express sent me an advertisement for a $45 capacitance meter today. This actually a pretty good deal, and it’s a useful thing to have around if you’re doing electronics work. I’d probably have bought one myself, if I didn’t … Continue reading →

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