VOLUME 20            FEBRUARY 2003                NUMBER  2

RADIO MISCELLANEA -- FEBRUARY 2003

From Antique Radio Classified for February 2003
(Copyright 1996-2002 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

"Antique Radio Classified" invites its readers to contribute letters and information for inclusion in "Radio Miscellanea" and elsewhere in the magazine. "In The Marketplace" is based on information submitted by the businesses themselves. All topics should be of general interest and sent to A.R.C., P.O. Box 2, Carlisle, MA 01741. All material submitted should be verified for accuracy and may be edited for publication, which is not guaranteed. See the masthead for more details.

Happy Valentine's Day

Dear Editor:

I found this old comic valentine entitled "Radio Bug" at the famous Canton, Texas, flea market. The paper is fragile, and there is nothing on the back of the original. Since it was radio-related, I had to buy it and am sending a copy to you in case you find it interesting enough to print for other A.R.C. readers. Perhaps in the February issue?

I am still enjoying A.R.C. Thanks and best regards.

--Ed Adrion, Shreveport , LA

This is certainly a unique valentine in that there is no evidence of hearts or pleas to "Be mine." Handwritten on the card are the words "To Mrs. Sommers" - who, if she was a teacher, would hardly be inspired to give an "A" for sentiments like "Your head is just a peanut tube." (Editor)

Resistance Line Cord Correction
In the December 2002 issue of A.R.C., Ted Rogers describes a solution to the problem of replacing bad resistance line cords. However, Murphy struck. As several readers informed us, the schematic diagram for the modified filament circuit contained errors. Ted's solution is a good one, but should only be incorporated as shown in the corrected schematic shown here:

The on/off switch must be rewired to switch the hot side of the AC line. Also, the correct polarity of the 1N5347 zener diode is also shown in the revised schematic.

Our thanks to Donald Borowski, Fred Crews, and Charlie Rhodes for their constructive comments. (Editor)

More On the RCA 8X-545 Series

Dear Editor:

I have some additional information to pass on to Richard Arnold and fellow collectors regarding the RCA 8X-541 radio series. RCA actually made this radio in some additional models/colors which I have in my collection: 8X-546, 8X-544, and 8X-545. These are faux wood finishes on Bakelite and are real attention getters. Upon researching copies of old RCA brochures and ads, I found that these models were decor-oriented and sold for about $5 more than the maroon or ivory siblings. These models are extremely hard to find, especially in excellent condition.

The 8X-546 is a faux blond (light butterscotch wood tone) wood pattern. It is a very cool looking radio and my favorite. You can see a picture of this model at the Old Radio Pictures Web site at www.geocities.com/old_radio_pictures/index.html under the RCA Victor section. The 8X-544 is a faux red mahogany wood pattern, and the 8X-545, a faux brown walnut wood pattern. They are all great looking radios. Also, RCA made some other styles/models during this same 1948-1949 period in these same faux wood color finishes, including an AM/FM model.

--Paul M. Preuss, Houston, TX

Kudos for A.R.C.

Dear Editor:

Thanks for your help in finding a transformer and reactor for my GE-155 and also a transformer for the Radiola III.

--Bob Hoppe, Waverly, NY

Dear Editor:

Just a note to let you know that I think you folks at A.R.C. are maaaaaaaaaaaaarvelous!!!!

--Bob Snively, Richmond, IN