[Hallicrafters] S-53A

[Harrison, Bob M]

In attempting to align the S-53A I had started 2 years ago and then set
aside until yesterday I found that two of the IF transformer adjustment
point slots are so worn that it is impossible to get an alignment tool
or any other type of tool to engage and turn it.  Beyond replacement of
the entire IF transformer unit is there a way to fix or repair it so
that it can be adjusted?  I am sure that this must be a fairly common
occurrence in many radios of this era.

 

A second dumb question, the alignment procedure says to adjust the
signal generator so that a reading of 50 mw is detected at the voice
coil of the speaker.  Would this be the same as detecting the dc voltage
drop across the speaker terminals then using the formula P = V * V / R
to determine power dissipated.  Since the speaker is 4 ohms this would
give a voltage drop of about 0.45 v for about 50 mw of output.  I expect
this is too simple an explanation.

 

And thirdly, the instructions say to turn the volume control to maximum
and that creates a very load output from the speaker, enough so that I
am force to reduce the volume to keep ear damage.  Is it ok to reduce
the volume control to maybe half way without affecting the alignment?

 

Thanks for the lists help.

 

Bob KG6TGI