[R-390] OT: Low-voltage tubes

[Barry Hauser]

Like '390's, the tube TO's are very hardy.  Zenith promoted the fact that
they were treated with moisture proofing.  Many were purchased for use on
boats or at the beach - or in a foxhole, maybe.

I'm always amazed at the quality of the speakers.  They've really held up.
The combination of those speakers, which are suspension mounted or
isolated -- and the very well made wooden cabinets makes for very listenable
sound quality.  I've been tempted to use one in "phono" mode as a sound
system for a '390 or '392.

Anyway, the "stag" covering can usually be restored with some glue and ..
black shoepolish.  Just glue down the areas which have become loose.  Any
frayed or missing small areas, like the corners can be detailed with some
black paint or black "liquid rubber".  Work it in and duplicate the pattern
as the stuff  sets.  Clean the surface with a brush.  Use only the mildest
of cleaners, if any.

Polish as you would a good pair of shoes -- Kiwi paste applied with a soft
applicator brush to work it into the pits in the stag.  Then use a good
quality shoe brush -- better if it has been broken in -- with soft natural
bristles, not the stiff plastic type.  If too stiff, the bristles may damage
the stag finish.  Brush in several directions to clear the excess out of the
pits.  Then buff with a soft buffing cloth.  This increases the gloss on the
raised part and brings back the look of the stag.  As with shoe-polishing,
let it set, come back and buff again.  The shoepolish aroma will dissipate,
and no, it won't come off on your hands.  The shoepolish treatment restores
the black and also helps preserve the cover.  It is suggested in at least
one of the owner's manuals.

If it's bad enough, someone sells a close match to the original stag
covering, but that's usually not necessary.

There are some TO lists which are pretty good.  One is
"Transoceanic-Fanatic" on yahoo.

Barry


----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott, Barry (Clyde B)" <cbscott@ingr.com>
To: "R390 (E-mail)" <R-390@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 3:51 PM
Subject: RE: [R-390] OT: Low-voltage tubes


> At first I thought this one was going to be a real dog but after a closer
> examination, I think it will clean up very nicely.  I may have to recover
it
> as the original fabric is very dirty and doesn't want to come very clean.
> Also, the adhesive is wanting to let go in places so it may just have to
be
> done.  Otherwise, it seems in good shape for its age.
>
> It should be a fun little diversion.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Barry(III) - N4BUQ
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tbigelow@pop.state.vt.us [mailto:tbigelow@pop.state.vt.us]
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 2:40 PM
> To: Scott, Barry (Clyde B)
> Cc: R390 (E-mail)
> Subject: Re: [R-390] OT: Low-voltage tubes
>
>
> Scott, Barry (Clyde B) wrote:
>
> >I recently had to have a Zenith TransOceanic.  This is the H500 model so
it
> >is still tube stuff (except for the selenium rectifier).
> >
> >My question is do these low-voltage tubes glow very much?  These are
types
> >1U4, 1U5, 1L6, and 3V4.
> >
> Fun little radios, a lot of the guys (any girls?) on the list have them.
> Incredibly good sound and sensitivity when they're working right. Tubes
> don't glow like most others due to the low voltage. You'll enjoy it a
> lot. Try to find some spare 1L6s, though. Although not really rare, most
> of the NOS JAN surplus was bought up by a few dealers who now charge
> 'RARE' prices, mainly due to the interest in TOs over the last decade
> (IMHO). Like anything else, it depends how good you are at digging
> around and how impatient you are.
>
> Tip: Look for junkers at hamfests, flea markets, yard sales. You can get
> a complete unit pretty cheap, usually with the 1L6 included. I've found
> one at a yard sale, one at an antique shop, and a chassis with all tubes
> (and an R-390 S-meter) in a box of 'stuff'. Got my H-500 back in 1980
> (before they became 'sought') for $10, love it!
>
> Enjoy -
>
> de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ
>
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