Efforts To Save Lovely Radios From Dump Continues
All the four cases described below are such that the customers wanted to just check whether it can be brought back to working condition, before discarding it to scrap yard.
Case (1) KN Star Model RX-608ACW: This set was brought by a lady working in the Bakery, opposite to my house. Set was found intermittent, volume control making crackling noises, and band switch not getting engaged properly and the ROD antenna (TRA) was found hanging. The set was Opened and cleaned thoroughly. The controls and switches were lubricated.
The Antenna Rod was fixed in place with fresh screws and bonding the mounting place with superglue and fixing dust. Set worked perfectly after that qualifying for delivery and further use by customer. Following are some images (advance bail: a few pictures are taken before cleaning):
Case (2) Nameless Car Radio CD1036B used in Volkswagen: This was referred by an auto mechanic known to me stating that there was no display. On Opening I found that the Diode at the input of B+ had dry solder. I just retouched it without even dismantling the set, as bottom and top plates could be slid out. The set started to work very well then.
Case (3) Onix USB Radio-MelodyPlus: This Radio along with the next one was brought by my schoolmate and a regular customer to check whether it was worth keeping. After opening and cleaning and lubricating the set and also fixing the TRA properly, the set was working in all modes; USB, FM and AUX.
Even the battery got recharged properly when the switches were cleaned. The on/off switch in the Volume Control had collected fungus, which worked very well after cleaning and lubricating.
Case (4) Winkor USB Radio-WT3100: The work was more or less same like in the above. The on/off switch in the Volume Control was the culprit in this Radio also plus the dirt collection inside switches and controls. A thorough cleaning and lubrication brought the set back to perfect working condition in USB, FM & AUX. The Radio pick up was damn good in this set and I was a bit coy to ask whether I can keep it, though in fact, I never had time to listen to it and it would only get added up to several unused sets lying around in the house, a few of which was already found defective or dead. When will I ever get time to look into my own collections is still remaining as an unanswered question! I am sure; this could be the case with many other Technicians!
The first case was done free of charge. In the rest, I just collected nominal charges to cover the cost of one soldering, cleaning and lubrication. These works would not fetch us monetary benefits, but will save E-Waste and such satisfied customers would bring many more and be an indirect marketing man!
Missions accomplished and satisfaction in quadruple jumped into the bag, and I allowed the impact to settle down slowly! (LOL)
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 74 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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You may check on his previous article on Saved A Lovely Antique Cassette Radio Model SONY CFS208S From Dump
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Albert van Bemmelen
February 19, 2024 at 12:24 am
Good work dear Parasuraman! I only had to look up the abbreviation TRA, which apparently stands for Tapered Rod Antenna. Still not really knowing how that looks like, because I didn't seem to find any clear explaining picture of it in Google.
Parasuraman S
February 19, 2024 at 8:51 pm
Telescopic Rod Antenna is the correct full-form. Perhas searcing with this in Google would fetch you useful results. Many thanks, dear!
Yogesh Panchal
February 19, 2024 at 1:17 am
Good Job! Sir
Parasuraman S
February 19, 2024 at 8:51 pm
Many thanks, dear!
Imoudu.O
February 19, 2024 at 5:31 am
What is TRA? I never knew just lubricating switches can restore some radio.
Parasuraman S
February 19, 2024 at 8:52 pm
Telescopic Rod Antenna is the full form. Many thanks dear!
DONALD OKUKU
February 19, 2024 at 9:01 pm
Good work senior.
Parasuraman S
February 20, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Many thanks!
Waleed Rishmawi
February 20, 2024 at 5:17 pm
that is a good success repair stories that make our hearts glad. thanks for sharing my friend. keep up the good work and be blessed.
Parasuraman S
February 20, 2024 at 9:09 pm
Many thanks for your encouraging comments!