[Boatanchors] restored radio question

[W4AWM at aol.com]

<< How often and for how long per session should these functioning radios be
turned on and used to preserve their functionality?  >>

Hi Gerry,

I am approaching the same total, but even in retirement, I have not had the 
time to work on as many of them as I had hoped since retirement has brought 
about a whole host of other time consuming opportunities. One day, maybe.....

That being said, I see no reason why a properly restored radio should not 
function for many years with a few basic precautions:

1.  I always operate these restored sets with a variac and keep an eye on the 
line voltage. Many early sets were designed with a 115 volt limit and as you 
well know, voltage out of the wall now runs near 125V and I have seen mine as 
high as 127V!

2.  I never leave a vintage set operating if I am not in the room or within 
constant earshot at any time, even for a bathroom break or to answer the door.

3.  I never leave any vintage set connected to the line when I am not using 
it. I disconnect the variac or other line feed when I will not be around. It is 
too easy to forget and leave things connected.

73,

John,  W4AWM



**************************************
 See what's new at http://www.aol.com