I.ve got a two-gang variable condenser like that. When I tuned the dial, the radio would be making a "scratching " sound between the stations One gang is used, and the other is not. I did not know that you could bend the vanes like that to fix the shorting. I'll have to remove it completely to do that. Thanks for the tip!
Great vid! For me it could of helped me more if you would have left in more of when you straightened the fins of the tuning cap. Thanks for sharing your time! John
Thanks for another informative video. I have a question on these tuning capacitors. How freely should the rotor shaft/plates rotate. I am cleaning one from a Motorola portable "Suitcase" radio. The string driven type. I can turn it manually, but it seems rather snug. Not quite tight though. I think it may put too much stress on the string and pulley mechanism. Any ideas on how to adjust this. Cleaning and light oiling had almost no effect. This is my first restoration so I am not sure what is normal. Thanks again for your series.
Ideally, the variable condenser should turn with ease. I’ve never run across one that I’d consider difficult to turn after removing rust, residue and grease. I would look for dried-up grease on the ball bearings. Use a good degreaser to break it down and flush it out. Degreaser is the key. Once everything is moving freely, add some white lithium grease to the bearings. If you’ve already done this, look for a nut or bolt on the shaft. Some variable condensers use them to keep the shaft in place and loosening this a bit may help. Congratulations on restoring your first radio and welcome to the hobby!
I.ve got a two-gang variable condenser like that. When I tuned the dial, the radio would be making a "scratching " sound between the stations One gang is used, and the other is not. I did not know that you could bend the vanes like that to fix the shorting. I'll have to remove it completely to do that. Thanks for the tip!
No need to apologize for going slow and over-cleaning. That is what it means to be a craftsman. I am learning a lot from your videos. Great job.
Thanks so much, Rick. I’m happy to hear that the videos are helping. If you have any questions just leave a comment and I’ll be happy to respond ASAP.
I have great respect for objects like this radio that were produced before the widespread use of plastics. Real works of science and art.
Great vid! For me it could of helped me more if you would have left in more of when you straightened the fins of the tuning cap. Thanks for sharing your time! John
Good luck sir 🎉
Very strong
Thanks for another informative video. I have a question on these tuning capacitors. How freely should the rotor shaft/plates rotate. I am cleaning one from a Motorola portable "Suitcase" radio. The string driven type. I can turn it manually, but it seems rather snug. Not quite tight though. I think it may put too much stress on the string and pulley mechanism. Any ideas on how to adjust this. Cleaning and light oiling had almost no effect. This is my first restoration so I am not sure what is normal. Thanks again for your series.
Ideally, the variable condenser should turn with ease. I’ve never run across one that I’d consider difficult to turn after removing rust, residue and grease. I would look for dried-up grease on the ball bearings. Use a good degreaser to break it down and flush it out. Degreaser is the key. Once everything is moving freely, add some white lithium grease to the bearings. If you’ve already done this, look for a nut or bolt on the shaft. Some variable condensers use them to keep the shaft in place and loosening this a bit may help. Congratulations on restoring your first radio and welcome to the hobby!