[Collins] Restoring a Collins 32V-3

[Bruce H McIntosh]

On Thu, 2005-12-15 at 22:23 -0600, Gerald wrote:

> Very likely, every paper capacitor (whether waxed or molded) will have a
> lot of leakage current. They will need to be replaced. Every
> electrolytic capacitor will be even worse and will need to be replaced. 
> 
> Resistors of that age will have drifted so each should be checked
> (taking into account circuit connections that modify the resistance
> reading) that its within the original tolerance. Age, humidity, and heat
> makes carbon composition resistors rise in value.
> 
> Depending on storage conditions, transformers can have excessive leakage
> from moisture absorbed in the paper insulators. They can be dried gently
> in ovens or by running current at low voltage through the windings. If
> wet insulation breaks down from applied voltage, it has to be replaced.
> Drying won't remove the carbon tracks from that arcing.
> 
> Then there will be raspy potentiometers and variable capacitor wipers.
> Cramolin makes products that help them. Some will be too bad to be
> helped and will have to be replaced.
>  
> And the most fragile components, the tubes. Some will be weak, some
> worse.

So, from this litany of woe, one can surmise that, unless someone else
has already done the restoration before one buys it, the purchaser of a
boatanchor is essentially purchasing a chassis, wiring harness, and if
lucky a properly-strung dial cord. :-)  Makes this whole "old radio"
thing just a trifle off-putting, doesn't it? :-)

(Thomebdy pleeth hand me tht cwobrar; my tongue ith thutck in my cheek!)

-- 
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    Bruce H. McIntosh  scotsman at afn.org  www.afn.org/~scotsman  WA4UF
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         Network geek with a strong affinity for Telecasters