[Boatanchors] My Heath VF-1

[Richard Knoppow]

     Congratulations! The mica caps are likely OK. There was a 
time when silvered mica caps developed a peculiar problem where 
the silver would migrate around the edges of the mica plates but 
it is a limited problem and depends on the sort of casing. I 
think it is due to moisture getting into the Bakelite case. 
Depends on the exact kind of Bakelite and probably manufacturing 
processing and also on what sort of storage environment the thing 
has had. I would leave the mica caps alone unless you have reason 
to think one is defective. Generally, mica caps are very reliable.
    The caps that require some attention are electrolytic caps, 
which can have limited lifetime and paper caps. It was known when 
they were new that paper caps became degraded with time but how 
much depended on how much voltage was on them and exactly how 
they were made and packaged. Many paper caps can reach a very old 
age in good condition. Nonetheless they need to be checked 
carefully. Modern plastic film caps have better performance than 
the paper ones did when new and have virtually unlimited life.
    Your VFO may be perfect with a little cleaning.

On 3/5/2022 12:19 PM, Dave Sublette wrote:
> Encouraged by your unanimous advice to leave the VF-1 in original form, I
> decided to open it and see what condition it is in.  I am very pleased with
> what I have found.  The unit is dirty, dusty, but the copper chassis parts
> are almost pristine.  There are a couple of dozen very small
> black dots indicating some corrosion, but all areas where parts are bolted
> together are absolutely clean, no corrosion.
> 
> I measured the resistance of all four resistors and they were well within
> tolerance.
> 
> Bsed of what I have read about old parts, I expect to replace the small,
> square silver mica capacitors and the 4.5-25 pfd npo trimmers.  The
> trimmers will probably be replaced with air variables.
> The tubes are both there. All connecting cables and the connectors are
> there and are in excellent condition.  The 4 .005 disc ceramic capacitors
> look clean and unstressed. The wiring is neat.
> 
> I haven't plugged it in yet, but the dial appears to be undamaged.
> 
> The unit is just in great condition.  A little washing with mild soap and
> water and it should look almost new.
> 
> The box is perfect.  There are no dents or scratches.  The fine lines are
> all there on the front.  The unit is marked Heath by Daystrom.  that would
> probably help to determine the age of it.
> 
> I am not going to convert this to solid state.  I am looking forward to
> having a working unit with a minimal amount of restoration. It is a real
> gem.
> 
> Thanks for your advice.  I'll let you know when I get it on the airf.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Dave, K4TO
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-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL