[Hallicrafters] SX-42 Hum(bug)

[Dave Moorman]

on 7/29/02 8:53 AM, Mike Smout at mikesmout at sympatico.ca wrote:

> I've completed the first part of the SX-42 restoration which is the cosmetic
> part. After sliding the chassis back into the cabinet I built up the nerve to
> power it up. I know what you're thinking, but I do not own a Variac and the
> temptation was great. Everything lit up, no smoke, no flames etc. All I got
> was a hum. My first thoughts are that the electrolytics are shot, so I
> purchased an entire set of caps *yikes what a job this is gonna be* and will
> proceed to replace them, at least the ones that I can get at. The chassis is
> super clean and it appears that there is no leakage from the paper caps. Also,
> it appears that no one has done any modifications to it at any point in its
> life. I have tested some of the tubes and a couple are testing border line.
> Assuming that the electrolytics gave up the ghost, could this have damaged
> some of the tubes if it were left on for a period of time. I would welcome
> your suggestions on what to, and what not, to do. Thank you in advance. I also
> looked at the bandswitch mechanism and switched it with the power on to look
> for any of the famous "shorting out" and it doesn't do this. Thanks, Mike
> Smout

It sounds like the radio has excellent potential, Mike.  I'd encourage you
to check voltages and see if the poser supply is functioning anything like
it should.  

If you have no manula, download the relevant sections from
http://bama.sbc.edu/.  Voltage charts would be helpful.

Let us know what you find out!

Dave