Old Radio Question

[Dee Woffaz]

No, not Wagoners Walk or Hancocks Half hour........... I have been given an old square bakelite radio. I cant get any reception on it, am i being a total technodunce? It makes crackling noises when the tuning (LW &VHF/MW) button is turned. It has a VHF antenna socket in the back (2 small holes set horizontal one a little bigger than the other) however i dont have the antenna. I would like to get this working as it has great sentimental value for me. Any ideas, oh and i am a bit of a technophobe so go easy on me you techies.

[Chick]

Send me your phone number and will see what I can do.

[ianr]

For testing you can improvise an aerial by sticking a length of two-core electrical cable in the socket[*]. Secure one bare core in each of the socket holes. Ideally, separate the two parts of the other end of the cable and make a T-shape with each arm roughly 75cm long. Orientation (horizontal or vertical, probably the former iirc) of the T-arms may have a significant effect. I used to bluetack them to the wall. But I think we're close enough to Crystal Palace for you to get a good idea of whether you just need an aerial or whether work on the innards is also needed.

[*] This is making the conventional assumption that the radio hasn't been interfered with by a deranged person who has made the aerial socket live. If in doubt test first, or get Chick in to do the frontline stuff.

[Dee Woffaz]

Thanks ive PM'd Chick.

[Loz]

ianr Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

>

> [*] This is making the conventional assumption

> that the radio hasn't been interfered with by a

> deranged person who has made the aerial socket

> live. If in doubt test first, or get Chick in to

> do the frontline stuff.

I found out the hard way that tv's can run a voltage out of the aerial socket. I had an cable running out of the back of the tv and was trying to attach the other end to an indoor aerial. I put the exposed wires of the cable in my mouth to hold it...

I am *never* going to do that again.

[Dee Woffaz]

That'll learn you (sic)

mind, ive always wanted curly hair.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

If all else fails, the tv repair chap in Forest Hill Road is happy to do radios.