[JMS] Several more comments on the National SW-54

[Sherrill Watkins]

Friends of the James Millen Society:  I have several more comments and
recommendations on the National SW-54 receiver:

1. Replace ALL the paper capacitors and the electrolytic filter capacitor
with modern units. If they are original, there is about a 100 percent chance
they are shorted or open. Do this BEFORE attempting to apply AC power to
prevent burning up other components! I also recommend replacing ALL the
resistors, just to be on the safe side. 

2. Be sure to replace the ac power cord with a new polarized cord!

3. I recommend installing a 10 ohm, 10 watt resistor in series with the ac
supply line, right at the ac power socket underneath the chassis. This will
reduce today's high line voltage down to approx. 110 -115 vac range. This
will permit operating the SW-54 without using a Variac. (If one operates
vacuum tubes on today's high line voltage, you will shorten their life. The
line voltage in my neighborhood is 126VAC. I understand this is quite common
in most areas today.) Don't forget, this also causes the tubes to operate
hotter because this will also raise the B plus in addition to causing the
filaments to run hotter than designed.)

4. I also, recommend installing an a.c. line fuse, properly sized. National
failed to include one; shame! 

5. When powering-up the radio the first time, bring it up very SLOWLY with a
Variac, but you already know this.

-73- Sherrill, k4own