VOLUME 13                 JUNE 1996                NUMBER  6

RADIO MISCELLANEA -- June 1996

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

Seeking Akradyne Information
Dear Editor:

A few years ago, I purchased at an estate auction a 1920s cabinet radio which I am unable to identify. It is a battery model enclosed in a drop-front desk with a speaker built in the top. The only markings are in script on the Bakelite panel as follows: AKRADYNE Pat. Pend., Model S. R. 2, Built with Akracy (last word enclosed in a triangle). I would like to restore it to play using a converter. If anyone has information about the origin and operation of this set, please forward it to A.R.C. at P.O. Box 2, Carlisle, MA 01741.

--Bill De Vries, Dixfield, ME

A.R.C. the Key in Set Restorations
Dear Editor:

At the first 1996 NJARC meet this year, I spotted a Radiola III in almost pristine condition with two WD-11 duds at a price no one would believe. Were it not for A.R.C. I would not have been able to get this unit working.

First, I answered an ad on page 47 in the April 1996 A.R.C for repair wafers for assorted tubes, including WD-11s. I ordered two of these and received them in three days.

Of course, the audio transformer of the set was open, both input and output. Dale Davenport's article in A.R.C. (August 1995) showed the use of RC circuits to bypass the open transformer sections. I did it and it worked.

A great article by Dwayne Stevens (June 1995) on transistorized tubes mentioned using a 9V battery to operate his radio. I applied his directions for the battery connections and now have a Radiola III that operates on a 9V battery.

Without A.R.C. and the articles so freely contributed, my little treasure would have been only a pretty display piece. It is now a functional part of the history of radio. A.R.C. I thank you for the fabulous work you do.

--Joseph Burke, Weehawken, NJ

Dear Editor:

I have been receiving A.R.C. for about two years, and I enjoy every one. I can't find a more efficient and swift way to find stuff for restoration projects. I also gave a friend a look at an issue. He became excited, subscribed, bought stuff, and came to me to show what he had found. I got to help him restore his Crosley 52, and you should have seen his smile when music came blasting from the horn speaker. Thanks A.R.C.

--Ken Gooding, Twin Falls, ID

Sample Copy Pays Off
Dear Editor:

I got the sample copy you sent me a couple of weeks ago. From an old ad I was able to get in touch with the New Jersey Antique Radio Club, and I went to my first meeting and joined the club. I didn't realize what I was missing! Enclosed is my check for a subscription. Thanks.

--Ed Ledner, E. Brunswick, NJ

Magnet Wire Sources
Dear Editor:

In response to a telphone inquiry from Matt Endicott of Schaumburg, Illinois, regarding sources of the magnet wire mentioned in my article "Rewinding 1920s Transformers" (A.R.C. November 1995), I have located several manufacturers. A good starting point is the Thomas Register (green books) found in many libraries. Here is a list representing different geographic areas:

MWS Wire Industries, 31200 Cedar Valley Dr., Westlake Village, CA 91362, (800) 423-5097; Brim Electronics, P.O. Box 336, Fairlawn, NJ 07410, (201) 796-2886; Essex Group, 1601 Wall St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802, (219) 461-4000; Magnetek, 1430 Wall Triana Hwy., Madison, AL 35788, (800) 541-9997.

Hope this info is helpful to others who want to wind a transformer following the procedure in the article.

--Stephen Imms, Wakefield, RI

Play Things of Past Catalog
Gary Schneider, founder of A.R.C., continues to run Play Things of Past, a radio retail store and mail order business in Cleveland, Ohio. He has recently announced the availability of Play Things of Past Catalog #5, an 88-page publication covering 6 basic areas: transformers, tubes, parts, literature, books, and magazines. An index makes the catalog easy to use. The price is $4.50 ppd. U. S.; $5 Canada; $8 foreign. To order a catalog, send a check, money order, or cash/stamps (no credit cards, please) to: Gary B. Schneider, Play Things of Past, 9511-23 Sunrise Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44133.

SASEs Sent to Canada
Dear Editor:

Since the Canadian postal system does not accept American stamps for postage sent from Canada, American collectors should not send SASEs with American stamps on them because we cannot use them. How about a short reminder to your readers. A solution would be to send the cash equivalent or international reply coupons. Thank you.

--Michael Herman, Victoria, B.C., Canada

A U.S. dollar bill enclosed is convenient and more than adequate substitute for stamps. (Editor)