A Nostalgic Japanese Silver Brand Radio Model 5S626 Restored
This Radio lying neglected for many years in the attic was brought to me by a recently added regular customer. The set was lying in a haystack storage room, until the memory of it dawned and interest got aroused for a possible reconditioning. Surprisingly, it was found working! This radio used Germanium transistors and more details can be had from the following link:
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/silver_acbatt_5_band_5s626.html
The antenna was broken into two. But set was working with weak pick up and sound quality. Having experienced my way of servicing, the customer requested me to do what best I can do to bring it back to original working condition. Well, not only the nostalgic antique model intrigued me, but the support given by the customer was also very rare to get.
Customers generally are of the nature of getting the work done well, but showing stingy behavior at the time of bill settlement. But this customer was different and belonged to a class elevated from the rest. OK, having briefed about the background, let us look into the inside of this lovely set:
As you can see from the pictures, the mains cord was found inserted inside the side cover made of hard cardboard and any attempt to remove it would have torn it off. The power supply could not be taken out for work without disconnecting it and there was no way of accessing the bottom, as the board was fixed with screws on top of the transformer. So, I cut the mains cord and added a snap on two way connector, picture of which can be seen later in the article. I did not remove the PCB from the chassis, as that would need disconnecting the dial cord, which was a complicated and time consuming work. After removing the dial, I could access the bottom of the board, which surprisingly had capacitors fixed. The boards were not having the plus and minus marks, because of which I had to mark the terminals on the board with sketch pen before desoldering.
Anyhow, any work can be finished if we venture to start it and I began it from the bottom of the board. One by one, I replaced all the electrolytic capacitors as the values were out. I did this dismantling for cleaning thoroughly as it had a lot and lot of cockroach eggs stuck all over the inside. Then I retouched the board as there were dry solder joints. Then replaced the tank caps in the power supply and cleaned all the boards thoroughly using IPA ensuring that it does not enter into the coils. After all these works, when the set was powered, it worked like a new one and I was very happy to hear the powerful and melodious sound output. Stations were picked up very well. The set did not require any re-alignment, as none of the semiconductors were changed. I joined the broken antenna before fixing it back. He had brought a spare one requesting me to replace it. But the type was not suitable for fixing in this Radio. So, I returned it.
I sent a video of the play to the customer; he and his wife, whose late father was the owner of the set, were very happy to see the performance like how it was in her childhood.
Mission accomplished with multiple satisfaction, which found its way to the collection bag as usual.
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 72 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Waleed Rishmawi
November 18, 2023 at 3:25 pm
for that long and it was still working? good old stuff built to last long. you revived the spirit of this device and of course the joy of replacing capacitors was beyond any imagination...LOL. thanks for sharing and have a blessed day.
Parasuraman S
November 18, 2023 at 10:08 pm
Many thanks for your comments and encouragement, dear!
Albert van Bemmelen
November 18, 2023 at 3:54 pm
https://www.radiomuseum.org helped me to find older devices previously too. Although schematics often are missing on this websites it is still one of a kind in providing information that often no where else can be found after many years.
Parasuraman S
November 18, 2023 at 10:09 pm
Many thanks for your comments, dear!
Imoudu.O
November 18, 2023 at 9:17 pm
Good repair work sir, unfortunately in my country on one cares about old stuff like this, attics doesn't have value to any one here.have a nice day
Parasuraman S
November 18, 2023 at 10:10 pm
Many thanks for your comments! Sad to learn about people not caring for old stuff! Hope that is not the case with old parents too!
Yogesh Panchal
November 20, 2023 at 11:13 pm
Good to see restoration of an antique Radio.
Parasuraman S
November 23, 2023 at 12:00 am
Many thanks, dear!
AdamS
November 21, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Excellent job, Parasuraman. Another classic radio saved!
Parasuraman S
November 23, 2023 at 10:40 am
Many thanks for your comments and encouragement, dear!
Mendis
December 19, 2023 at 4:01 pm
Sir you mostly attended for antique equipments.good luck