[Boatanchors] Restoration

[Rodger Singley]

Lee,

I update with three wire power cord, fuse and power switch in hot side, modern line rated bypass caps with the hot side cap after the fuse.  I generally use inline fuse holders under the chassis.

Running gear without a fuse is just a bad idea, especially since one can be added cheaply without drilling holes or other irreversible modification.  If you want to stay with a traditional two wire cord then follow the old advice that the ground lead should be the first connected and the last disconnected.  

Of course transformerless (AC/DC) receivers must be treated differently and plug orientation for these receivers often has a major impact on hum.  

If you plan to leave vintage gear plugged in constantly make sure it is properly fused.  I have a lot of vintage gear, the main basement radio room has a separate breaker panel controlled by a shutoff switch for the vintage gear and only the lighting and a couple of marked outlets for the test/repair bench are fed by the main panel.  On the ground floor I have a Collins S line and KWM-2 with 30S-1 and 30L-1 amps, Drake 7 line with L-7, BC-610, Johnson Ranger/Desk KW and Viking 500.  The high power stuff is fed by a separate fused 240 volt circuit with a shutoff switch and the remainder is fed by easily switched off outlet strips.  I really don't care to rely upon 30-60 year old switches and primary wiring when I am not around.

Rodger WQ9E 

-------- Original Message --------
> From: "L L bahr " <pulsarxp at embarqmail.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 12:42 AM
> To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Boatanchors] Restoration
> 
> When you restore an old receiver with a 2-wire line cord and the receiver has no fuse, are you installing a 3-wire line cord and fuse?  I'm thinking it would be a good idea these days with transformers being 40 to 50 years old. (I'm referring to receivers with power transformers.)  A block fuse holder under the chassis would be easy to incorporate. I'd be interested in hearing from those who are restoring old boat anchor receivers.  What are you doing along these lines?
> 
> Lee, w0vt
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