[Boatanchors] restored radio question

[jeremy-ca]

It appears that some old wives tales and other myths never die.

New electrolytics, once reformed from a long rest, can be left alone for 
many years again. Some of my collection doesnt get turned on for 5 years or 
more after restoration and they suffer no ill effects. If an electrolytic is 
an ancient original it was already starting the breakdown process when the 
radio was stored, no amount of turning on will do anything except hasten its 
demise.

Receiving type tubes, if not gassy when stored, wont be gassy in another 10 
years or more. Some also attribute the glow from some beam tubes as gas when 
in fact it is simply charged electron flow.  It is a different story with 
some transmitting tubes that have an established reputation of having seal 
problems.

Rubber insulation deterioates over time so be sure to check AC line cords at 
every use.

Carl
KM1H



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J Forster" <jfor at quik.com>
To: "Gerry Steffens" <gsteffens at pitel.net>
Cc: <Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:23 PM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] restored radio question


> IMO, I'd run each a few hours (say 4) every month or two. Here's my 
> reasoning:
>
> Electrolytic capacitors need to be kept formed, and after reforming, a few 
> hours
> a month should be enough to keep them in good shape.
>
> Tubes need to operate a bit to prevent gas buildup. For this to happen, 
> they
> need to be operated with BOTH filament and plate voltages applied.  BUT, 
> I'd not
> run then so long that they get 'used up'
>
> FWIW,
> -John
>
>
>
> Gerry Steffens wrote:
>
>> OK Anchorites, what do you think about the following?
>>
>>
>>
>> I have approaching 300 radios in the collection.  Many work fine to 
>> adequate
>> for now.  Many others have been fully restored.  Hopefully, more will be
>> restored after retirement in a few years.
>>
>>
>>
>> How often and for how long per session should these functioning radios be
>> turned on and used to preserve their functionality?
>>
>>
>>
>> Gerry
>
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