To learn electronics in a very different and effective way, and gain access to Mr Carlson's personal designs and inventions, visit the Mr Carlson's Lab Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/MrCarlsonsLab
Longest 📹 video I've ever 👀 seen ya do. This looks 👍 like a pretty fancy radio. The green "eye" was a feature that a lot of these tube type 📻 radios had. It was probably just simply an "On" indicator. It must have dual purposed as a service indicator as well. If the eye stayed on solidly, and only a certain percentage of the light stayed on (similar to 😉 winking), the tubes are 👍 good. That means if the major portion of the light remains dark. When the whole green 👀 eye is 👍 lit, or about 75% lit, indicates, that a tube (or several tubes, capacitors, or resistors) are 👎 bad. I don't 👌 know if this "eye" is the actual indicator of 👍"good", or 👎"bad", but it sure shows with test equipment hooked ☝ up to the 📻 radio. Rapid 📸 flashing of the "eye", also indicate 👎 bad tubes, resistors, or capacitors, which have drifted ☝ up in value. Dial cords in these old 📻 radios are pretty hard to fix, but 👎 not impossible. Get pictures of the dial cord, if de-stringing, and re-stringing the dial cord. Get it done in the SAME day, this is when your mind is the freshest. If the dial cord is 💔 broken, join the two broken ends by ✋ hand, and follow the above. If the dial string is completely missing, try all the dial string re-stringing diagrams your mind can think of, because I'm pretty sure you'll come to one that works. Take videos of each dial cord re-stringing diagram. GET ☝ UP, and TAKE A BREAK, if anger, or frustrations ⛰ mount. I have 👂 heard of metal dial cords, which may have been somewhat common, back in the day of these wonderful, American built 📻 radios. I don't 👌 know if a regular dial cord will work to replace these metal dial cords, if ya have to. However, if a dial cord re-stringing is going to frustrate ya, just 🚶 WALK AWAY, and come back later. Also,when replacing the dial cord, also replace the dial pulley springs. These tend to stretch out, or break. 📻 Radiotvphononut addressed the frustrations he had with one of his record player 📻/ radio combinations that 👌 kept going wrong with every repair he tried(except for the dial cord). His mistake was picking ☝ up the record player/📻 radio combination, and throwing it across his back yard. In his 📹 video, he addressed that he should have stayed out of his shop that day. Your friend, Jeff.
Sir, your channel alone compensates all the idiocy contained and projected by TH-cam and justifies the existence of today's Internet. My most sincere and thankful congratulations.
This has to be the most beautiful radio i have ever seen. I re-watch this video every couple of months. Listening to you is very soothing and calming. In a world of hate and crap, your constant positive attitude is extremely refreshing. You are one of those few creators that really makes everyone's day better when you upload. Thank you for all you do!
You know what? You mic setup is perfection. Perfect compressor gate limits, perfect volume, perfect clarity, perfect sound... I rarely get a video that's so high precision as this one. And I though I'd let you know. You are a master of sound.
@@markw2521 Oh nothing special.. I'm a normie. A Razer Siren and a boom filter. Mostly for conferences. It's a supercardioid mic, lets me type behind it and nobody hears. I offset its mediocre performance with some clever filters, gates, and compressor.. To get the most out of it. But really.. It's a budget thing. I don't need better.
As a retired TV and video engineer I found your video most interesting , precise and of excellent workmanship well done my friend we need to restore more to save our heritage God Bless
I never question why you would work so hard on these old radios. First, the old school electronics and techniques are super cool (like the loop wire capacitor trick). Second, modern electronics have evolved in such a way that a whole system can not often be understood. Being able to see how the *whole* of a device works and how every piece is put together and works is extremely satisfying. Preserving and sharing this knowledge for us laypeople and enthusiasts on TH-cam is awesome. Thank you so much Mr. Carlson :)
Great restoration video. When I was younger visiting grand dad was great. The house was filled with 20s and 30s electronics. The family had 7 kids, each had their own bedrooms, each bedroom had a radio, there were 4 with bedside radios, and 3 console radios. 2 of the consoles were the Carlson radios the same as you restored in this video. When the time came to sell the estate in 1972, they auctioned the contents. The radios werent working well, so they didnt sell. When the auction was over all the radios went to the dump with the rest of the stuff that was left over. Dad asked me if I wanted any of the radios. I declined. Now I wish I had them. They could have been a gold mine. I am really impressed wiyh the performance of your restored radio. Awesome.
Mr. Carlson, your sense of history and the part these wonderful artifacts play in our history is part of your true Canadian (DNA) or nature. I can see the extended family from children to grandparents sitting around this glowing dial. The farm radios of this era also recall, for me, how radio gave comfort to people who were so isolated living in rural Canada during the 1920's & 1930's. You are telling a story, with your restorations, that can only be told by feeling a real connection or empathy with the past, our grandparents & great grandparents generation. You have technical knowhow that is beyond my words but you also are uplifting when you share your feelings about these radios and your hope that they will be enjoyed many years from now. Your are bringing past, present time and future together in your restorations.
Yeah Mary, it's easy to imagine the whole family gathering around to listen to these lovely old machines. The sound for one thing could easily fill the the room, & the sweetness & richness of the valve sound was rich & warm, particularly the units with larger cabinets.
OK, I have to tell you my story here. Way back in the 60s, I lived in Clarksdale MS. I got very interested in electronics due to my father going into TV repair back then. An NRI course comes to mind here. I spent no telling how many hours in the basement of the Carnegie Public Library there learning the various symbols and schematic diagrams of early crystal and regenerative radio receivers. I began a tutorship at Fitzjerold's TV Service for a year or so. There I worked on early TV receivers and radios as well. I then, after reaching adulthood, spent most of my working career as a radio and television repair technician. I am the guy with the tube caddies and the tool belt that fixed your father's TV! But my most favorite memories, even now in at 70 years old is my time working one the 30's Atwater Kent TRF radios. I made them work! That radio you have there would have been my most favorite memory. I relish in this video!
You have to be over age 60 to appreciate a beautiful radio dial. People today wouldn’t realize that we used to sit in the living room in the evening and “watch” the radio. The dial gave you something to look at while you listened. Sounds silly, but it’s true. My great grandmother’s comment when she saw the first radio at home in the 1920’s was “ it should have buttons so you can selection each station without tuning”. Way ahead of her time!
At 43 years old, I can appreciate not only a beautiful radio dial, but a beautiful (handmade, intricate) radio cabinet, and a cabinet that is designed for good acoustics. I remember learning in school about FDR's "Fireside Chats," we even learned about "War of the Worlds" and listened to it in class, and the sheer fact that AM radio was the major source of news and entertainment. Also, radios were considered a major piece of family furniture, and built to be aesthetically pleasing. One of the many things I love about Mr. Carlson's channel is simply admiring the beauty of these old sets and having a deep respect for the minds and hands at work behind them.
I also remember the orange-yellow glow of the tubes and how crystal clear the old analog radios were! All the static between stations, how the speaker moved in and out as sound came through them, the musty smell the radio made when it heated up. Great times indeed!
This is SO true. I've been restoring electro mechanical pinball machines since the mid 1970s. None of my kids have any interest in them what so ever. Kinda disappointing but it is what it is.
Just came to say that this is one beautiful radio with a truly mesmerizing dial. I could look at it while tuning and listening for ages, and I'm not over 60.😉
What a year 1938! Would have loved to have seen those times in electrical engineering. Me being a noob this stuff fascinates me. Mr. Carlson you high level of expertise is a pleasure to watch!
Those early years of electronic and electric engineering are indeed interesting. But maybe more in electronics than in electrical engineering, by the 30's most of the basic principles and methods for electric machines and power distribution were already settled war of currents was long gone, so was battle of voltages and frequencies.
You know, this radio is from a time when the radio was magical, hi-tech, mystical. A way of communicating and being connected with other people - internationally. Authoritative, respected. The beauty of the work that went into making it, reflects how special the radio was, and what it meant to people. Also the aesthetic and mechanical beauty of it, shows the pride which was taken in its creation. This is a wonderful video.
The mystery of mastery! It's why I can spend over three hours watching a man doing things I barely understand. He's an amazing teacher, and I'm lucky to watch his mastery.
Two years after you published this, I feel I just have to comment on it. I found myself absolutely spellbound for the three hours this was going on. I have to say, watching you bring back this spectacular radio made me feel like i was a kid, back in my dad's workshop as he worked on one of his old tube radios. There's truly something magical about those old beasts, and you just can't beat them with modern equipment. Dad learned electronics in the army during WWII, and actually worked repairing jukeboxes during the 1950's. His workshop had all kinds of tube radios, record players, and amplifiers that he worked on, some quite old. He would have loved this old Deforest Crosley. And what you were saying about replacing pieces/parts sounded so much like dad: as long as it works the same, it's no big deal. Dad gradiated high school in '36, so he'd have been very much into tinkering with radios like this one. Thanks for letting me sit in your workshop for an evening, watching you bring this radio back to life. Someone had very obviously taken a lot of love and care for thf old beast, for it to have been in the fantastic condition you found it in, so many my dad worked on were rwenty years newer, and alreasy in worse condition in the '70's. This was a real treat, thank you! What a gorgeous piece you have there.
Here I am watching this again 3 years later, and it's like I'm watching it for the first time! I have a new appreciation of this restoration and video now. What a beautiful restoration! I love the choice of colors and your use of hammered paint is outstanding. I really appreciate the advice at the end. Oh yes, great dial as well.
I am very fascinated by your way of repairing the old electronic, I myself am an old radio mechanic from Bang & Olufson of Denmark, I love to bring to life the old fine electronics from when the radios may well cost something to make, I also have myself workshop where I get to breathe life into home electronics from 1960 to 1990, these are cases from the time I feel best with, but again nice to see someone who knows what he is dealing with, and not least someone who loves what he does, no doubt about it you are probably one of the best in your field...
I fully agree with you! Hey you must have some very interesting knowledge & experience after working with B & O I'll bet! Do you still work with it? Do you have a website?
3 hours 29 minutes and three days of watching to get through. Didn't skip 1 second. Loved every minute or this restoration. Definitely on the same level as some of the great Hollywood classics like BEN HER or Gone with the wind.
Amazing, stunning, wonderful, beyond words. You overdid yourself with this project. I have an old friend of 88 years old, and he is sad about the fact that all he knows about valve technology is going to waste as soon as he dies... I showed him your channel... and I've never seen him so happy!!!
You are nothing short of genius. I just happened upon your channel much earlier in the day and have watched nonstop for hours. If I had a small fraction of your knowledge I could die a happy man. I love your precision and presentation. Your channel is at the top of my list. Thanks so much.
This is a great master electronic project by the genius whom we are all so lucky to watch and learn. If Tesla was alive today, he would be learning too with his jaw dropped.
One of your best Mr. Carlson, and the most enjoyable 3 1/2 hours I have spent in a long time. If a Genie popped out of a bottle, and gave me three wishes, one of those would be to have your knowledge of electronics.
I am so glad to see a restoration/repair on the flat iron. My better half put her's on my desk a few days ago. I had to inform her that I have no promise of success as I have never even opened one up. It's not like you see this kinda thing on TH-cam. I showed her this part and now feel that I have no more excuse. The line cord broke it's insulation at the entry point to the iron. So, this shouldn't be too difficult once I get it open. This has renewed my lease on watching your videos where my better half is concern. If you have any other such ":( " repairs, please let me know for future use.
I frequently wonder about the families crowded around and hearing about the Hindenburg disaster, Germany hosted 1936 Olympics, "War of the Worlds", the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the latest on World War II from my 1936 Sears Silvertone. If only my radio could talk :) It has been restored with knowledge attained from Mr. C
@@mrbyamile6973 I have my Grandparents 1939 Stromberg Carlson which I know they used to listen to the news of World War II. They bought that radio new. I have it today and have restored it. It's perfect and means so much more knowing it's always been in our family.
@mrbyamile6973 I have a 1941 Silvertone console unit, but I wasn't around to listen to those events back then, however,, I DO listen to many current events on the unit. I find myself turning it on and listening to it MORE than I do my big dollar Hi-Fi system. Something about the phenomenon of a radio signal traveling through the empty space inside the tubes, and coming out amplified, just is magical to me. The glow coming out of the case vents, and casting light on the walls near the unit is so pleasing also. I like to turn the lights off, and enjoy the experience.
This is one of the most beautiful videos I've watched on youtube; you can see why people would sit around and "watch" the radio with this incredible piece of furniture. Great restoration!
Paul, I LOVED your closing statement regarding restoration! You are 100% SPOT ON with what you stated. Some of US "O.C.D. types" seem to shoot for "Divinity" when doing restorations.....we can NEVER achieve that. You are correct in that we should enjoy doing it. Yes! Do it 100% correctly, but we must keep in mind that we are men.......not God. Having fun and enjoying what we do is the most important part. You are a TRUE blessing Paul Carlson! Patrick
As someone who has been in love with and working with electronics since I was 12, you did some great work here! Beautiful restoration and fascinating to listen to and see the final result... im coming up on 64 yrs old.
After the restoration it looks so nice and uncluttered. Everything looks perfectly placed and it would be easy to follow pathways from a diagram. You have a knowledge of electricity/electronics like no one else!
Wow! What a beautiful machine. Mr. Carlson never disappoints with his arsenal of skills. His wealth of knowledge, technical prowess, attention to detail and all with the ability to verbally articulate what he’s doing and why. Your family must be very proud of you. Hopefully you’ll post your mindset and technical journey throughout your career. Thank you for sharing your projects with us.
Thank you so much for the two videos regarding the restoration of the DeForest 7D832 Radio: even though I would not like to face that particular challenging radio, these two videos contain very important information for me. During the restoration you had to clean/paint the chassis and the dial metallic part. In particular you mentioned a product that you find effective in cleaning. I am still watching your videos and I don't know yet if you already dealt with the subject: if you didn't, I would really appreciate if you could show how you actually do that, maybe in another restoration project of yours. I am watching from Europe and we might not have the same brands or product labels for cleaning or rust removing products, therefore all the information that you could offer might be helpful to understand and improve my (or our) restoration skills. Thank you for your attention. Regards, Daniele
My restorations pale in comparison! 😊 I’m just happy when I’m finished that they’re clean and that they work. However, a restoration like this gives me something to strive for.... perhaps raising my game. Simply brilliant, Paul. One of the best I’ve ever seen!
I am amazed at you knowledge and skill! I love vintage radios because they opened up the mysteries of the world for me. I would give my eye teeth to have the ability to look at the inner workings of a radio and see it’s problems and short comings. I have an Iwc 2010 that has developed a common problem associated with this model. Even though I know what the problem is I have never had the courage to dive into the inner workings and attempt a repair. You, on the other hand, chop hands full of old wires, substitute unattainable vacuum tubes, and modify features no longer needed and only capable of diminishing the radios performance. Your videos are amazing and instructive. Keep up the great video productions.
Excellent job Mr. Carlson. I’ve attempted these kinds of repairs before, with very little knowledge of what I was doing. It was fun and frustrating at the same time. It really brings me a lot of happiness when I am able to bring the old things back to life. Thank you so much for your dedication, and your leadership to all of us who enjoy this kind of hobby. May God bless you and your family as you continue with these endeavors. I really enjoyed seeing you take the time to fix your wife’s hair heating iron. It put a smile on my face. Keep up the great work. Gary Drumm Sr. Texas
I don't comment often here on TH-cam, but that's incredible, really. I imagine if you had a course about STM32 (which we still don't have done right aside of many bad examples), how wonderful it could be... And yes, your skills are just incredible, not even saying that the video is created just perfectly. I never seen such a detailed explanation anywhere.
Mr Carlson you continue to amaze this retired tech/Engineer. This is the most thorough restoration I have ever seen. This radio is now better than it was built due to the better components and your knowledge of interference and coupling. I have learned from you. Thank you from a fellow HAM..
What a super fellow. With SMARTS and articulate composure. A electronic expert sharing his knowledge is a rare commodity ! Viewing your videos of the resurrections of vintage radios is a pleasure to my hearts delight. This DeForest/Crosley video is a favorite if mine. FYI: the radio is only 3 years younger than me !
I am amazed that something almost a century old has a speaker in such pristine condition. Your work is better than restoration, as it shows care and attention to aesthetics. The attention to detail I have never seen. There are many on TH-cam that can get old equipment functioning again, but you show the care of a true restorationist. You show as much care for old equipment as someone in the Smithsonian restoring an old painting. Hat's off to you sir. You do magnificent work.
@@nyccollin So what? Was it IBM or International Business Machines? Is it CBS or the Columbia Broadcasting System? Is it NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration? Smithsonian is a short name for Smithsonian Institution. Nobody really cares (except you apparently) what you write when you write a check to them. Ease up there. It's just a nickname. The zombie apocalypse hasn't happened. "Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!!!" - Peter Vinkman (Ghostbusters)
Thank you for taking the time to make a video bringing radio history alive. I don't believe many could do well what you have done here. The hair straightner was a great intermission.
Said it before, saying it now and Im sure I will say it again, thanks so much for the free education that normally would cost 4 years and thousands of dollars. People like you, that make videos like this in fields you're an expert in are a huge value to society
I am very impressed with your straightforward explanations and the respect you show to the viewers by taking the time to add detailed comments for each part of the restoration.
Paul, I loved the impromptu sidetrack as you were repairing the hair straighteners 😁 - a “lemon sorbet” to neutralise the palette of the mind… a short tea break, as it were, to step back and remove the cognitive load for a while, letting your subconscious absorb and process the radio repair, in the back of your mind, as you tend to the needs of your loved one 💕😊 - it’s the normality of life, and it’s things like this that make me chuckle; you’re one of the few TH-cam channels that doesn’t need to over-compensate and hype yourself, you’re quietly - and extremely competent. God bless you as always he does, and a very Happy Christmas to you and Mrs Carlson (and children if you have them) ⭐️🎄🤩 Matthew.
I love you kept the hair straightener repair in here. I have had so many honey do 'pitstops' in the middle of my projects so that was incredibly relatable.
I was late for work cause I had to keep watching the power up. You are a rare breed for sure. Very impressive to watch your craft in action. Thank you very much.
That eye is worth every bit of the time, expense, and dedication in restoring this beautiful radio!! Well done, I could just stare at that for hours. With all the whiz-band modern technoligy we have today that eye is just fascinating!
My Dad and his Dad used to fix these radios and TVs back in the 40s-60s. I used to enjoy watching them work back in the 60s when I was a kid. I used to go with my Dad on house calls to fix radios and TVs. I was the one who helped him carry the huge tube checker, tube storage case and other tools.
That has to be the best looking vintage radio I've seen! Thank you for taking the time to go through the whole process and explaining exactly what you are doing and why (as you always do!)
Woke up to this on my YT autoplay. I've always wanted to learn about electronics before they went micro. Wish I had found this channel on my own so much sooner!
The one thing I really love about old tube radios is that they can withstand direct lighting strikes with ease. I used insulated copper wire outdoor antenna and sometimes I would forget to disconnect the outdoor antenna when I left for work and a lightning storm would come by fry the electronics in my router cable modem LAN switches but my Vacuum tube radio would still be working. I have a Tecsun 8800 communications receiver. Indoor only PVC pipe antennas one for each band. I am tempted to use a outdoor antenna but for winter time only no thunder storms during winter. But I know one mild lightning strike not direct will fry that IC chip radio.
Yeah Phil I gave the same Tecsun & it pulls radio stations out of the noise where very few others would. My GE super radio went all intermittent unfortunately.
Loved the adventure. When I do any involved repairs I always take pictures before diving to deep. My 75 year brain is not as sharp and the visuals have saved my bacon more than once. May be a good idea to mention in your future restores even for small projects. Gus
"Insta-like" channel. I wish I could tell you how nice your timing is. Artist, Historican, Craftsman, Teacher Namaste -Was anyone else routing for that beautiful dark grey finish on the re-painted components? Woo! GORGEOUS!!!
This was excellent. I really enjoyed the added detail surrounding the soldering and other things you don't normally show. I also like how you avoided detail about things you have gone over in the past. It was inspiring to see such a beautiful radio brought back to life with so much care and attention to detail. I have watched your channel for several years now and am so happy to watch your journey and see you ever improving your production value. Thank you for so many years of enjoyment and education. May there be many many more to come.
Mr. Carlson, even though I only "discovered" the channel an hour ago, I have to say one thing right now: you can really tell that your motive is passion - that combined with your really calm way of explaining things it is very pleasant for me. I have nothing to do with this radio; I'm currently tinkering with electronics myself and am listening to it as a podcast. There's always something exciting there. Keep it up!
I can't think of any other video that is 3 hours and 29 minutes and 8 seconds long that I have ever watched, but I watched every second of this one. Love your videos! The radio is spectacular! Keep up the good work!
As a retired tecki, kit builder and ham operator...that was the best 3.5 hours that i have had yet from you. Your patience is something that i lost a while ago..please keep it up. 73’s
Sir, I am floored by your skillset, knowledge and so thorough a finish. The chassis transformer etc glass bead cleaned came up amazing. I totally understand why this radio appeals to yourself Sir, it's aesthetics are stunning...the dial is beautful and the wood. The sound of it in its cabinet is remarkable. That is one stunning radio you've rebuilt. Many years of happy listening.
One nice thing about bead blasting it roughs the surface up, So paint sticks readily, and bonds really well ! We used to call that green light in the middle of the dial, the alien eye on my grandmother's radio, I also love the Burl wood they used on those, their phenomenal Pieces of art! And the tone on those old pieces You can't describe. Thank you for sharing this project...
Alien eye lol! It's a very nice piece of timber funiture isn't it? Paul didn't seem to mention very much about that part of it's overall beauty. Did it have timber knobs?
Paul, that boring radio took the most time of this video, instead of showing us the full restoration of this hair iron! ;-) Two great jobs done, thank you! 73 de Olaf, Cologne Germany
Your knowledge and expertise with those vintage radios is incredible. I was impressed how you could pick up on those small details to make it better than new. Vintage tube radios have great performance, sound and charm.
I am a ham that goes in for my own home-build but bless you, you do go the extra mile. Please keep those old radios working otherwise we have just the black boxes of today.
What? They're out of popcorn! Someone else in my neighborhood must be planning to watch this same video too. Damn... I like to tune for a compromise between a wide I.F. and good gain with big speaker radios. Yours sounds great! I also sometimes like to listen to the ham bands with the use of a second radio loosely coupled to it. Viola, instant BFO. Nice wire dressing, mechanical restoration, and paint. Beautiful dial face and cabinet. Better than new! Congrats and enjoy, You know who... Original> What ??#@! A 3 1/2 hr video.... I'm gonna run out and get some popcorn and beverages to enamor myself to this epic event. Thank you, Thank You, Thank you! In advance Paul. Wow!
Love seeing the restoration of these pre-TV era radios with huge tone cabinets, when they were as much furniture as the console TV's of the 70's. The sound quality is so rich, you can imagine FDR being in your front parlor giving a fireside chat. Seeing the magic eye in action taught me something about old time radios that I never knew. My only request is that when you run the dial is if you could linger a second or two longer on the rare music station so we can hear how close these cabinets make AM seem like FM. Thanks.
Thanks for your kind feedback Bobby. I would delay longer on stations, but rules are tightening up all the time, and one has to look into the future. What's ok today isn't necessarily tomorrow. These restorations are documentation for others in the future.
I have no clue what you are talking about my friend. Too many technical jargon and this is way out of my comfort zone. But I do love seeing a master restorer at its finest and you are it my dear friend. Love your simple no nonsense advices and the fact that you are well versed on these sort of technical skills. I went to take an electronic course graduate and liked it but never applied it cause I became disabled in many ways I can't even begin to explain myself. Still, you is what I dreamed myself to be. It was never realized for me. I feel very fortunate that people like you are still around. It's an art form that needs to be treasure my friend. I only do personal computers to feel like I know a bit, but in reality my friend. I believe any monkey can put those computers together. I don't know anything but I enjoy people like you and I also enjoy other sciences and skills I wish I had. Great work and I watch the whole thing brother. I have a sleeping disorder and your video is my fuel. Keep up the great work and thank you for your many great awesome jobs you done. Take care my friend
Your work and lab are amazing. I was really surprised how deep you went into this restoration! What a beautiful radio dial, simply outstanding! The video is long, but what you did deserves a lot of time to show it. The radio in this video has really great sensitivity. And I remember when I was in college in the late 60's in Iowa: I routinely listened to the Chicago stations, 300 miles away, on a good quality Zenith AA5 radio. And this was in the dorm, using the loop antenna that came with the radio. We could listen to the 50KW Chicago stations day and night...ground wave in the mid west really traveled a long way. And during the day they came in better than at night due to the ground and skip sometimes coming in out of phase causing slow deep nulls that would cause the signal to slowly fade out. And my room mate was from NYC and regularly listened to WABC (at night) back when it was the Top 40 powerhouse all on an AA5 radio with no RF section. Since the radio in this video, and the AA5 design do not have an RF amplifier, my guess is the modulator/oscillator (pentagrid converter) does add some significant gain to the signal before it hits the IF tube. Have you made any measurements to see if this is the case? Also, do you ever sell any of the radios you rebuild for yourself? Really enjoying your videos. Former broadcast "engineer" (FCC First Class license) and station owner with experience, among other things, on Collins 21A, Collins 21E, RCA BTA 1R BTA 5F and BTA 5R AM transmitters, and General Electric (vintage 1947) Gates, CCA, and Continental high power FM transmitters, and Extra Class amateur license. IMHO the RCA AM rigs were the best and definitely easiest to work on. The RCA BTA 5F (1947 vintage) was a beauty to behold. Best tube FM transmitters I worked on are the Continental rigs. Subscribed.
There is nothing in this video I will ever do but what a work of art. I have watched several of your videos and am in awe. Microprocessors and solid state are my bag. Valves have always and due to lack of experience, still scares me. What a wonderful radio, the display and the way that works is everything you said, what a fantastic restoration, just in awe.
I think upping the tube count was a 1930's marketing thing. Looking at old newspaper advertising the number of tubes seems part of the hype. The same thing happened in the 1950's & 60's with the number of transistors in a pocket or personal size radio. This radio is a real beauty! Would love to be rich and have Mr. Carlson restore one of these for my husband. Both he and I appreciate the Early Modern design, truly worthy of Hercule Poirot. All the best from Nova Scotia.
What an absolutely fantastic video! This was my first time ever seeing(or even hearing about) a magic eye tube and now I'm learning about all sorts of tuning indicators. Your restoration turned out to be quite beautiful. Great work!
Your attention to detail and non-compromising methods are refreshing. I really enjoy watching your work and learning. This is a beautiful radio and you have definitely increased it's value.
Thanks for bringing back great memories of my uncle’s radio shop. We’d watch him do just what you are doing. He’d let us put suspect tubes into an RCA tester and find the good from the bad.
To learn electronics in a very different and effective way, and gain access to Mr Carlson's personal designs and inventions, visit the Mr Carlson's Lab Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/MrCarlsonsLab
can you some time in the future do a video about a tv please 😁
Nice Work👍👍.Thank U mr.Carlson👏
Longest 📹 video I've ever 👀 seen ya do. This looks 👍 like a pretty fancy radio. The green "eye" was a feature that a lot of these tube type 📻 radios had. It was probably just simply an "On" indicator. It must have dual purposed as a service indicator as well. If the eye stayed on solidly, and only a certain percentage of the light stayed on (similar to 😉 winking), the tubes are 👍 good. That means if the major portion of the light remains dark. When the whole green 👀 eye is 👍 lit, or about 75% lit, indicates, that a tube (or several tubes, capacitors, or resistors) are 👎 bad. I don't 👌 know if this "eye" is the actual indicator of 👍"good", or 👎"bad", but it sure shows with test equipment hooked ☝ up to the 📻 radio. Rapid 📸 flashing of the "eye", also indicate 👎 bad tubes, resistors, or capacitors, which have drifted ☝ up in value. Dial cords in these old 📻 radios are pretty hard to fix, but 👎 not impossible. Get pictures of the dial cord, if de-stringing, and re-stringing the dial cord. Get it done in the SAME day, this is when your mind is the freshest. If the dial cord is 💔 broken, join the two broken ends by ✋ hand, and follow the above. If the dial string is completely missing, try all the dial string re-stringing diagrams your mind can think of, because I'm pretty sure you'll come to one that works. Take videos of each dial cord re-stringing diagram. GET ☝ UP, and TAKE A BREAK, if anger, or frustrations ⛰ mount. I have 👂 heard of metal dial cords, which may have been somewhat common, back in the day of these wonderful, American built 📻 radios. I don't 👌 know if a regular dial cord will work to replace these metal dial cords, if ya have to. However, if a dial cord re-stringing is going to frustrate ya, just 🚶 WALK AWAY, and come back later. Also,when replacing the dial cord, also replace the dial pulley springs. These tend to stretch out, or break. 📻 Radiotvphononut addressed the frustrations he had with one of his record player 📻/ radio combinations that 👌 kept going wrong with every repair he tried(except for the dial cord). His mistake was picking ☝ up the record player/📻 radio combination, and throwing it across his back yard. In his 📹 video, he addressed that he should have stayed out of his shop that day. Your friend, Jeff.
I can recommend militech 1 as a lubricant especially if you need a lubricant that bonds to metal and is dry.
Awesome work! We need a generator update. Please. =)
Sir, your channel alone compensates all the idiocy contained and projected by TH-cam and justifies the existence of today's Internet. My most sincere and thankful congratulations.
This has to be the most beautiful radio i have ever seen. I re-watch this video every couple of months. Listening to you is very soothing and calming. In a world of hate and crap, your constant positive attitude is extremely refreshing. You are one of those few creators that really makes everyone's day better when you upload. Thank you for all you do!
Thank You for your kind comment Nathan!
Agreed.... the dial is so nice looking.
You know what? You mic setup is perfection. Perfect compressor gate limits, perfect volume, perfect clarity, perfect sound... I rarely get a video that's so high precision as this one. And I though I'd let you know. You are a master of sound.
What are you using for a mic, by the way?
@@markw2521 Oh nothing special.. I'm a normie. A Razer Siren and a boom filter. Mostly for conferences. It's a supercardioid mic, lets me type behind it and nobody hears. I offset its mediocre performance with some clever filters, gates, and compressor.. To get the most out of it. But really.. It's a budget thing. I don't need better.
@@blazbohinc4964 do you know what Mr. Carlson uses for a mic and setup. ?
@@markw2521 little late, but looks like a warm audio wa47 or sth to me
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As a retired TV and video engineer I found your video most interesting , precise and of excellent workmanship well done my friend we need to restore more to save our heritage
God Bless
I never question why you would work so hard on these old radios. First, the old school electronics and techniques are super cool (like the loop wire capacitor trick). Second, modern electronics have evolved in such a way that a whole system can not often be understood. Being able to see how the *whole* of a device works and how every piece is put together and works is extremely satisfying. Preserving and sharing this knowledge for us laypeople and enthusiasts on TH-cam is awesome. Thank you so much Mr. Carlson :)
Thanks for your kind comment Ryan!
Couldn't have said it better myself, that comment is A+.
It's easily possible to figure out and understand the entire circuit of a modern unit also, it just takes more time.
Great restoration video. When I was younger visiting grand dad was great. The house was filled with 20s and 30s electronics. The family had 7 kids, each had their own bedrooms, each bedroom had a radio, there were 4 with bedside radios, and 3 console radios. 2 of the consoles were the Carlson radios the same as you restored in this video. When the time came to sell the estate in 1972, they auctioned the contents. The radios werent working well, so they didnt sell. When the auction was over all the radios went to the dump with the rest of the stuff that was left over. Dad asked me if I wanted any of the radios. I declined. Now I wish I had them. They could have been a gold mine.
I am really impressed wiyh the performance of your restored radio.
Awesome.
Thanks for your comment Mobius!
3.5 hours, wow. Love it! Can't think of a better way to spend my afternoon! Thanks so much!
Thanks Bruce!
Mr. Carlson, your sense of history and the part these wonderful artifacts play in our history is part of your true Canadian (DNA) or nature. I can see the extended family from children to grandparents sitting around this glowing dial. The farm radios of this era also recall, for me, how radio gave comfort to people who were so isolated living in rural Canada during the 1920's & 1930's. You are telling a story, with your restorations, that can only be told by feeling a real connection or empathy with the past, our grandparents & great grandparents generation. You have technical knowhow that is beyond my words but you also are uplifting when you share your feelings about these radios and your hope that they will be enjoyed many years from now. Your are bringing past, present time and future together in your restorations.
Yeah Mary, it's easy to imagine the whole family gathering around to listen to these lovely old machines. The sound for one thing could easily fill the the room, & the sweetness & richness of the valve sound was rich & warm, particularly the units with larger cabinets.
Yes, for the flat iron repair in the middle of this!
That was the 'Intermission'. :)
@@frankowalker4662 Yeah I loved it! It was a nice insight into Mr Carlson's life.
Nice to see you give the other half the attention deserved. Nice touch!
Happy wife, happy life! :-D
OK, I have to tell you my story here. Way back in the 60s, I lived in Clarksdale MS. I got very interested in electronics due to my father going into TV repair back then. An NRI course comes to mind here. I spent no telling how many hours in the basement of the Carnegie Public Library there learning the various symbols and schematic diagrams of early crystal and regenerative radio receivers. I began a tutorship at Fitzjerold's TV Service for a year or so. There I worked on early TV receivers and radios as well. I then, after reaching adulthood, spent most of my working career as a radio and television repair technician. I am the guy with the tube caddies and the tool belt that fixed your father's TV! But my most favorite memories, even now in at 70 years old is my time working one the 30's Atwater Kent TRF radios. I made them work! That radio you have there would have been my most favorite memory. I relish in this video!
You have to be over age 60 to appreciate a beautiful radio dial. People today wouldn’t realize that we used to sit in the living room in the evening and “watch” the radio. The dial gave you something to look at while you listened. Sounds silly, but it’s true.
My great grandmother’s comment when she saw the first radio at home in the 1920’s was “ it should have buttons so you can selection each station without tuning”. Way ahead of her time!
At 87 years old I can really relate to that!!!
At 43 years old, I can appreciate not only a beautiful radio dial, but a beautiful (handmade, intricate) radio cabinet, and a cabinet that is designed for good acoustics. I remember learning in school about FDR's "Fireside Chats," we even learned about "War of the Worlds" and listened to it in class, and the sheer fact that AM radio was the major source of news and entertainment. Also, radios were considered a major piece of family furniture, and built to be aesthetically pleasing. One of the many things I love about Mr. Carlson's channel is simply admiring the beauty of these old sets and having a deep respect for the minds and hands at work behind them.
I also remember the orange-yellow glow of the tubes and how crystal clear the old analog radios were! All the static between stations, how the speaker moved in and out as sound came through them, the musty smell the radio made when it heated up. Great times indeed!
This is SO true. I've been restoring electro mechanical pinball machines since the mid 1970s. None of my kids have any interest in them what so ever. Kinda disappointing but it is what it is.
Just came to say that this is one beautiful radio with a truly mesmerizing dial. I could look at it while tuning and listening for ages, and I'm not over 60.😉
Amen! It is far more important to keep your significant other happy by ensuring that their curling iron works properly. Good man. You’re the best!
Here are 5 additional thumbs up! Three and a half hours, but not boring at all!
Riveted the whole way.
No kidding.
Me: sees new Mr. Carlson's Lab video is 3 1/2 hours.
Also me: thank goodness it's not one of those short 2 hour videos.
3 year old video that i have seen several times, for some reason youtube loves to replay this video over and over again.
What a year 1938! Would have loved to have seen those times in electrical engineering. Me being a noob this stuff fascinates me. Mr. Carlson you high level of expertise is a pleasure to watch!
Those early years of electronic and electric engineering are indeed interesting. But maybe more in electronics than in electrical engineering, by the 30's most of the basic principles and methods for electric machines and power distribution were already settled war of currents was long gone, so was battle of voltages and frequencies.
You know, this radio is from a time when the radio was magical, hi-tech, mystical. A way of communicating and being connected with other people - internationally.
Authoritative, respected.
The beauty of the work that went into making it, reflects how special the radio was, and what it meant to people.
Also the aesthetic and mechanical beauty of it, shows the pride which was taken in its creation.
This is a wonderful video.
It was just the Art Deco style of the time. Everything had to look like a Zeppelin or an Airplane.
@@F0nkyNinjaOr a space ship
That's not a radio it's a work of art.
Thanks.
And Mr Carlson is Michaelangelo or Da Vinci..... I know nothing of electronics but I find his work fascinating.
@@craigie13 do pmmmmikpl
The mystery of mastery! It's why I can spend over three hours watching a man doing things I barely understand. He's an amazing teacher, and I'm lucky to watch his mastery.
Two years after you published this, I feel I just have to comment on it.
I found myself absolutely spellbound for the three hours this was going on.
I have to say, watching you bring back this spectacular radio made me feel like i was a kid, back in my dad's workshop as he worked on one of his old tube radios.
There's truly something magical about those old beasts, and you just can't beat them with modern equipment.
Dad learned electronics in the army during WWII, and actually worked repairing jukeboxes during the 1950's.
His workshop had all kinds of tube radios, record players, and amplifiers that he worked on, some quite old.
He would have loved this old Deforest Crosley.
And what you were saying about replacing pieces/parts sounded so much like dad: as long as it works the same, it's no big deal.
Dad gradiated high school in '36, so he'd have been very much into tinkering with radios like this one.
Thanks for letting me sit in your workshop for an evening, watching you bring this radio back to life.
Someone had very obviously taken a lot of love and care for thf old beast, for it to have been in the fantastic condition you found it in, so many my dad worked on were rwenty years newer, and alreasy in worse condition in the '70's.
This was a real treat, thank you!
What a gorgeous piece you have there.
Thank You for your kind comment.
This is because Mr c has built him self a time machine to go back to find these extraordinary examples.😮
I just came across your Channel by accident, when you fired that radio up and starting tuning, I went back 60 years. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed Bill!
Watching this kind of project makes any lockdown bearable.
An beautiful radio case an work of art thank you very much for bringing this to as.
Here I am watching this again 3 years later, and it's like I'm watching it for the first time! I have a new appreciation of this restoration and video now. What a beautiful restoration! I love the choice of colors and your use of hammered paint is outstanding. I really appreciate the advice at the end. Oh yes, great dial as well.
I am very fascinated by your way of repairing the old electronic, I myself am an old radio mechanic from Bang & Olufson of Denmark, I love to bring to life the old fine electronics from when the radios may well cost something to make, I also have myself workshop where I get to breathe life into home electronics from 1960 to 1990, these are cases from the time I feel best with, but again nice to see someone who knows what he is dealing with, and not least someone who loves what he does, no doubt about it you are probably one of the best in your field...
I fully agree with you! Hey you must have some very interesting knowledge & experience after working with B & O I'll bet! Do you still work with it? Do you have a website?
B&O certainly made some "exotic" stuff.. the designs of the products were like no others.
3 hours 29 minutes and three days of watching to get through. Didn't skip 1 second. Loved every minute or this restoration.
Definitely on the same level as some of the great Hollywood classics like BEN HER or Gone with the wind.
Like watching a watchmaker. I've done a fair bit of this kind of work but you're at another level. Great work.
Thank you very much!
Level 11
@@MrCarlsonsLab iiuiiiiii
Amazing, stunning, wonderful, beyond words. You overdid yourself with this project. I have an old friend of 88 years old, and he is sad about the fact that all he knows about valve technology is going to waste as soon as he dies...
I showed him your channel... and I've never seen him so happy!!!
You are nothing short of genius. I just happened upon your channel much earlier in the day and have watched nonstop for hours. If I had a small fraction of your knowledge I could die a happy man. I love your precision and presentation. Your channel is at the top of my list. Thanks so much.
Thank you for your kind comment Jake!
What a spectacular dial! Who needs LEDs! Beautiful!
Thanks for stopping by Marc!
Better than led actually
There is something magic about radio, a dark night, those little incandescent bulbs.
It's psychedelic.. can almost see the years and the ghosts...
I read : who needs LSD!!??! H
LoL
I hope you take this as a compliment but your videos are the best to go to sleep to.
This is a great master electronic project by the genius whom we are all so lucky to watch and learn. If Tesla was alive today, he would be learning too with his jaw dropped.
One of your best Mr. Carlson, and the most enjoyable 3 1/2 hours I have spent in a long time. If a Genie popped out of a bottle, and gave me three wishes, one of those would be to have your knowledge of electronics.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind comment too.
I don’t do anything with electronics, but I watch all of your videos because your immense knowledge and obvious love for what you do
I am so glad to see a restoration/repair on the flat iron. My better half put her's on my desk a few days ago. I had to inform her that I have no promise of success as I have never even opened one up. It's not like you see this kinda thing on TH-cam. I showed her this part and now feel that I have no more excuse. The line cord broke it's insulation at the entry point to the iron. So, this shouldn't be too difficult once I get it open. This has renewed my lease on watching your videos where my better half is concern. If you have any other such ":( " repairs, please let me know for future use.
1938 -- can you imagine bringing this home just in time to listen to "War of the Worlds".
I frequently wonder about the families crowded around and hearing about the Hindenburg disaster, Germany hosted 1936 Olympics, "War of the Worlds", the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the latest on World War II from my 1936 Sears Silvertone. If only my radio could talk :) It has been restored with knowledge attained from Mr. C
@ARTWORKFROMEWASTE This was definitely not an “everyman’s” radio. I’m guessing it’s every bit of $5,000 in today’s money.
@@mrbyamile6973 I have my Grandparents 1939 Stromberg Carlson which I know they used to listen to the news of World War II. They bought that radio new. I have it today and have restored it. It's perfect and means so much more knowing it's always been in our family.
3080s are soon at 5000. so we are going back in time and experiencing something
@mrbyamile6973 I have a 1941 Silvertone console unit, but I wasn't around to listen to those events back then, however,, I DO listen to many current events on the unit.
I find myself turning it on and listening to it MORE than I do my big dollar Hi-Fi system.
Something about the phenomenon of a radio signal traveling through the empty space inside the tubes, and coming out amplified, just is magical to me. The glow coming out of the case vents, and casting light on the walls near the unit is so pleasing also. I like to turn the lights off, and enjoy the experience.
This is one of the most beautiful videos I've watched on youtube; you can see why people would sit around and "watch" the radio with this incredible piece of furniture. Great restoration!
Pp
Paul,
I LOVED your closing statement regarding restoration! You are 100% SPOT ON with what you stated. Some of US "O.C.D. types" seem to shoot for "Divinity" when doing restorations.....we can NEVER achieve that. You are correct in that we should enjoy doing it. Yes! Do it 100% correctly, but we must keep in mind that we are men.......not God. Having fun and enjoying what we do is the most important part.
You are a TRUE blessing Paul Carlson!
Patrick
As someone who has been in love with and working with electronics since I was 12, you did some great work here!
Beautiful restoration and fascinating to listen to and see the final result... im coming up on 64 yrs old.
After the restoration it looks so nice and uncluttered. Everything looks perfectly placed and it would be easy to follow pathways from a diagram.
You have a knowledge of electricity/electronics like no one else!
I watch these at night to help me unwind and fall asleep. I feel like I learned something in my dreams lol
Wow! What a beautiful machine. Mr. Carlson never disappoints with his arsenal of skills. His wealth of knowledge, technical prowess, attention to detail and all with the ability to verbally articulate what he’s doing and why.
Your family must be very proud of you. Hopefully you’ll post your mindset and technical journey throughout your career. Thank you for sharing your projects with us.
Thank you so much for the two videos regarding the restoration of the DeForest 7D832 Radio: even though I would not like to face that particular challenging radio, these two videos contain very important information for me.
During the restoration you had to clean/paint the chassis and the dial metallic part. In particular you mentioned a product that you find effective in cleaning. I am still watching your videos and I don't know yet if you already dealt with the subject: if you didn't, I would really appreciate if you could show how you actually do that, maybe in another restoration project of yours.
I am watching from Europe and we might not have the same brands or product labels for cleaning or rust removing products, therefore all the information that you could offer might be helpful to understand and improve my (or our) restoration skills.
Thank you for your attention.
Regards,
Daniele
My restorations pale in comparison! 😊 I’m just happy when I’m finished that they’re clean and that they work. However, a restoration like this gives me something to strive for.... perhaps raising my game. Simply brilliant, Paul. One of the best I’ve ever seen!
I am amazed at you knowledge and skill! I love vintage radios because they opened up the mysteries of the world for me. I would give my eye teeth to have the ability to look at the inner workings of a radio and see it’s problems and short comings. I have an Iwc 2010 that has developed a common problem associated with this model. Even though I know what the problem is I have never had the courage to dive into the inner workings and attempt a repair. You, on the other hand, chop hands full of old wires, substitute unattainable vacuum tubes, and modify features no longer needed and only capable of diminishing the radios performance. Your videos are amazing and instructive. Keep up the great video productions.
0:04 seconds in, never seeing ANYTHING by this channel and I already know I'm at the right place.
I've watch this video 4 times and still want to see it again. The finest working on the finest. Thanks.
Excellent job Mr. Carlson.
I’ve attempted these kinds of repairs before, with very little knowledge of what I was doing. It was fun and frustrating at the same time. It really brings me a lot of happiness when I am able to bring the old things back to life. Thank you so much for your dedication, and your leadership to all of us who enjoy this kind of hobby. May God bless you and your family as you continue with these endeavors. I really enjoyed seeing you take the time to fix your wife’s hair heating iron. It put a smile on my face.
Keep up the great work.
Gary Drumm Sr.
Texas
Thank You for your kind comment Gary!
Thank you Gail, for building this wonderful radio.
I don't comment often here on TH-cam, but that's incredible, really. I imagine if you had a course about STM32 (which we still don't have done right aside of many bad examples), how wonderful it could be... And yes, your skills are just incredible, not even saying that the video is created just perfectly. I never seen such a detailed explanation anywhere.
Thanks ,lots don't recognize genius when there looking at it.
Mr Carlson you continue to amaze this retired tech/Engineer. This is the most thorough restoration I have ever seen. This radio is now better than it was built due to the better components and your knowledge of interference and coupling. I have learned from you. Thank you from a fellow HAM..
What a super fellow. With SMARTS and articulate composure. A electronic expert sharing his knowledge is a rare commodity !
Viewing your videos of the resurrections of vintage radios is a pleasure to my hearts delight. This DeForest/Crosley video is a favorite if mine.
FYI: the radio is only 3 years younger than me !
I am amazed that something almost a century old has a speaker in such pristine condition. Your work is better than restoration, as it shows care and attention to aesthetics. The attention to detail I have never seen. There are many on TH-cam that can get old equipment functioning again, but you show the care of a true restorationist. You show as much care for old equipment as someone in the Smithsonian restoring an old painting. Hat's off to you sir. You do magnificent work.
Yeah the guy is a master of his craft, no doubt about it.
It’s always been the Smithsonian INSTITUTION now. Mandela Effect.
@@nyccollin So what? Was it IBM or International Business Machines? Is it CBS or the Columbia Broadcasting System? Is it NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration? Smithsonian is a short name for Smithsonian Institution. Nobody really cares (except you apparently) what you write when you write a check to them.
Ease up there. It's just a nickname. The zombie apocalypse hasn't happened.
"Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!!!" - Peter Vinkman (Ghostbusters)
The dial on this looks amazing. Some vision that seems to have been lost over the years. Really beautiful work you've done here.
It looks great
Thank you for taking the time to make a video bringing radio history alive. I don't believe many could do well what you have done here. The hair straightner was a great intermission.
More than 3 hours of content?😱 , hold on i'm going to get the popcorn 🙈
That's my first thought as well, draws up a beer or two and a comfy chair
glad to know I'm not the only old school, that likes a nice bowl of popcorn over a salty bag of chips
Seriously. This is my halfway-in-the-background jam while I work on a (much easier) project of my own.
Pass the butter?
I was like, no way, I'm chucking this on 1.5x.
Now, I don't think I'll ever watch him at 1x again; he's even fairly easy to follow at 2x!
Said it before, saying it now and Im sure I will say it again, thanks so much for the free education that normally would cost 4 years and thousands of dollars. People like you, that make videos like this in fields you're an expert in are a huge value to society
I am very impressed with your straightforward explanations and the respect you show to the viewers by taking the time to add detailed comments for each part of the restoration.
Paul, I loved the impromptu sidetrack as you were repairing the hair straighteners 😁 - a “lemon sorbet” to neutralise the palette of the mind… a short tea break, as it were, to step back and remove the cognitive load for a while, letting your subconscious absorb and process the radio repair, in the back of your mind, as you tend to the needs of your loved one 💕😊 - it’s the normality of life, and it’s things like this that make me chuckle; you’re one of the few TH-cam channels that doesn’t need to over-compensate and hype yourself, you’re quietly - and extremely competent.
God bless you as always he does, and a very Happy Christmas to you and Mrs Carlson (and children if you have them) ⭐️🎄🤩
Matthew.
I love you kept the hair straightener repair in here. I have had so many honey do 'pitstops' in the middle of my projects so that was incredibly relatable.
I was late for work cause I had to keep watching the power up. You are a rare breed for sure. Very impressive to watch your craft in action. Thank you very much.
That eye is worth every bit of the time, expense, and dedication in restoring this beautiful radio!! Well done, I could just stare at that for hours. With all the whiz-band modern technoligy we have today that eye is just fascinating!
Totally...
The little "Tuning" LED bargraphs on today's receivers just aren't the same as the old "Magic Tuning Eye" of the past.
My Dad and his Dad used to fix these radios and TVs back in the 40s-60s. I used to enjoy watching them work back in the 60s when I was a kid. I used to go with my Dad on house calls to fix radios and TVs. I was the one who helped him carry the huge tube checker, tube storage case and other tools.
Thanks for sharing your story Sagan!
That has to be the best looking vintage radio I've seen! Thank you for taking the time to go through the whole process and explaining exactly what you are doing and why (as you always do!)
Woke up to this on my YT autoplay. I've always wanted to learn about electronics before they went micro. Wish I had found this channel on my own so much sooner!
Welcome aboard!
Simply perfect! Thank you for documenting the restoration process so well Paul! Really appreciated!
The one thing I really love about old tube radios is that they can withstand direct lighting strikes with ease. I used insulated copper wire outdoor antenna and sometimes I would forget to disconnect the outdoor antenna when I left for work and a lightning storm would come by fry the electronics in my router cable modem LAN switches but my Vacuum tube radio would still be working. I have a Tecsun 8800 communications receiver. Indoor only PVC pipe antennas one for each band. I am tempted to use a outdoor antenna but for winter time only no thunder storms during winter. But I know one mild lightning strike not direct will fry that IC chip radio.
Yeah Phil I gave the same Tecsun & it pulls radio stations out of the noise where very few others would. My GE super radio went all intermittent unfortunately.
God I love this guy. This 3.5 hour video made my day. I wish I was Mr. Carlson's neighbor, he'd never have to shovel snow.
Loved the adventure. When I do any involved repairs I always take pictures before diving to deep. My 75 year brain is not as sharp and the visuals have saved my bacon more than once. May be a good idea to mention in your future restores even for small projects. Gus
"Insta-like" channel.
I wish I could tell you how nice your timing is.
Artist, Historican, Craftsman, Teacher
Namaste
-Was anyone else routing for that beautiful dark grey finish on the re-painted components? Woo!
GORGEOUS!!!
Forceps Mr C and Mrs C's Straightners were classic. Thanks for every bit of knowledge i take away with me. Your projects are second to none.
This was excellent. I really enjoyed the added detail surrounding the soldering and other things you don't normally show. I also like how you avoided detail about things you have gone over in the past. It was inspiring to see such a beautiful radio brought back to life with so much care and attention to detail. I have watched your channel for several years now and am so happy to watch your journey and see you ever improving your production value. Thank you for so many years of enjoyment and education. May there be many many more to come.
Mr. Carlson, even though I only "discovered" the channel an hour ago, I have to say one thing right now: you can really tell that your motive is passion - that combined with your really calm way of explaining things it is very pleasant for me. I have nothing to do with this radio; I'm currently tinkering with electronics myself and am listening to it as a podcast. There's always something exciting there. Keep it up!
Greater love hath no man than this; that he should add RF decoupling to his partner's hair straightener.
@@drlava641 q
@@drlava641 0
@@drlava641 q@
@@drlava641 q@
@@drlava641 1
I can't think of any other video that is 3 hours and 29 minutes and 8 seconds long that I have ever watched, but I watched every second of this one. Love your videos! The radio is spectacular! Keep up the good work!
As a retired tecki, kit builder and ham operator...that was the best 3.5 hours that i have had yet from you.
Your patience is something that i lost a while ago..please keep it up.
73’s
Sir, I am floored by your skillset, knowledge and so thorough a finish.
The chassis transformer etc glass bead cleaned came up amazing. I totally understand why this radio appeals to yourself Sir, it's aesthetics are stunning...the dial is beautful and the wood. The sound of it in its cabinet is remarkable. That is one stunning radio you've rebuilt.
Many years of happy listening.
I love seeing the beautiful Canadian sets that are uncommon in the US. The dial on that set is amazing.
One nice thing about bead blasting it roughs the surface up, So paint sticks readily, and bonds really well ! We used to call that green light in the middle of the dial, the alien eye on my grandmother's radio, I also love the Burl wood they used on those, their phenomenal Pieces of art! And the tone on those old pieces You can't describe. Thank you for sharing this project...
Alien eye lol! It's a very nice piece of timber funiture isn't it? Paul didn't seem to mention very much about that part of it's overall beauty. Did it have timber knobs?
Paul, that boring radio took the most time of this video, instead of showing us the full restoration of this hair iron! ;-) Two great jobs done, thank you! 73 de Olaf, Cologne Germany
LOL, glad you enjoyed Ole!
Your knowledge and expertise with those vintage radios is incredible. I was impressed how you could pick up on those small details to make it better than new. Vintage tube radios have great performance, sound and charm.
I must say the audio quality of your channel is a huge step up over others.
I am a ham that goes in for my own home-build but bless you, you do go the extra mile. Please keep those old radios working otherwise we have just the black boxes of today.
What? They're out of popcorn! Someone else in my neighborhood must be planning to watch this same video too. Damn...
I like to tune for a compromise between a wide I.F. and good gain with big speaker radios. Yours sounds great!
I also sometimes like to listen to the ham bands with the use of a second radio loosely coupled to it. Viola, instant BFO.
Nice wire dressing, mechanical restoration, and paint. Beautiful dial face and cabinet. Better than new!
Congrats and enjoy,
You know who...
Original> What ??#@! A 3 1/2 hr video.... I'm gonna run out and get some popcorn and beverages to enamor myself to this epic event. Thank you, Thank You, Thank you! In advance Paul. Wow!
Can you imagine someone doing a better job on such a complicated restoration? Total master class.
I was very, very well entertained. As always, the sheer attention to detail is immensely satisfying to see.
Love seeing the restoration of these pre-TV era radios with huge tone cabinets, when they were as much furniture as the console TV's of the 70's. The sound quality is so rich, you can imagine FDR being in your front parlor giving a fireside chat. Seeing the magic eye in action taught me something about old time radios that I never knew.
My only request is that when you run the dial is if you could linger a second or two longer on the rare music station so we can hear how close these cabinets make AM seem like FM. Thanks.
Thanks for your kind feedback Bobby. I would delay longer on stations, but rules are tightening up all the time, and one has to look into the future. What's ok today isn't necessarily tomorrow. These restorations are documentation for others in the future.
That has to be the best looking radio dial ever well done that man :)
Genius educator, you're like a super encyclopedia of electronics from multiple eras. Thank you very much sir!
Something to watch before i sleep. Greetings from Philippines..
I have no clue what you are talking about my friend. Too many technical jargon and this is way out of my comfort zone. But I do love seeing a master restorer at its finest and you are it my dear friend. Love your simple no nonsense advices and the fact that you are well versed on these sort of technical skills. I went to take an electronic course graduate and liked it but never applied it cause I became disabled in many ways I can't even begin to explain myself. Still, you is what I dreamed myself to be. It was never realized for me. I feel very fortunate that people like you are still around. It's an art form that needs to be treasure my friend. I only do personal computers to feel like I know a bit, but in reality my friend. I believe any monkey can put those computers together. I don't know anything but I enjoy people like you and I also enjoy other sciences and skills I wish I had. Great work and I watch the whole thing brother. I have a sleeping disorder and your video is my fuel. Keep up the great work and thank you for your many great awesome jobs you done. Take care my friend
Your work and lab are amazing. I was really surprised how deep you went into this restoration! What a beautiful radio dial, simply outstanding! The video is long, but what you did deserves a lot of time to show it.
The radio in this video has really great sensitivity. And I remember when I was in college in the late 60's in Iowa: I routinely listened to the Chicago stations, 300 miles away, on a good quality Zenith AA5 radio. And this was in the dorm, using the loop antenna that came with the radio.
We could listen to the 50KW Chicago stations day and night...ground wave in the mid west really traveled a long way. And during the day they came in better than at night due to the ground and skip sometimes coming in out of phase causing slow deep nulls that would cause the signal to slowly fade out. And my room mate was from NYC and regularly listened to WABC (at night) back when it was the Top 40 powerhouse all on an AA5 radio with no RF section.
Since the radio in this video, and the AA5 design do not have an RF amplifier, my guess is the modulator/oscillator (pentagrid converter) does add some significant gain to the signal before it hits the IF tube. Have you made any measurements to see if this is the case?
Also, do you ever sell any of the radios you rebuild for yourself?
Really enjoying your videos. Former broadcast "engineer" (FCC First Class license) and station owner with experience, among other things, on Collins 21A, Collins 21E, RCA BTA 1R BTA 5F and BTA 5R AM transmitters, and General Electric (vintage 1947) Gates, CCA, and Continental high power FM transmitters, and Extra Class amateur license. IMHO the RCA AM rigs were the best and definitely easiest to work on. The RCA BTA 5F (1947 vintage) was a beauty to behold. Best tube FM transmitters I worked on are the Continental rigs.
Subscribed.
There is nothing in this video I will ever do but what a work of art.
I have watched several of your videos and am in awe. Microprocessors and solid state are my bag. Valves have always and due to lack of experience, still scares me.
What a wonderful radio, the display and the way that works is everything you said, what a fantastic restoration, just in awe.
What a beautiful restoration, Paul. I think this is your best video to date. Appreciate all the time you put into this one.
My pleasure Greg!
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I think upping the tube count was a 1930's marketing thing. Looking at old newspaper advertising the number of tubes seems part of the hype. The same thing happened in the 1950's & 60's with the number of transistors in a pocket or personal size radio. This radio is a real beauty! Would love to be rich and have Mr. Carlson restore one of these for my husband. Both he and I appreciate the Early Modern design, truly worthy of Hercule Poirot. All the best from Nova Scotia.
3,5 hours of Carlsson goodness! I've died and gone to heaven! :)
Astonishing work and so knowledgeable about RF - thank you for sharing your process - From an ex Marine Radio Officer
What an absolutely fantastic video! This was my first time ever seeing(or even hearing about) a magic eye tube and now I'm learning about all sorts of tuning indicators. Your restoration turned out to be quite beautiful. Great work!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your attention to detail and non-compromising methods are refreshing. I really enjoy watching your work and learning. This is a beautiful radio and you have definitely increased it's value.
Thanks for bringing back great memories of my uncle’s radio shop. We’d watch him do just what you are doing. He’d let us put suspect tubes into an RCA tester and find the good from the bad.
This is the coziest channel for EE nerds
Thanks for your kind comment!
Appreciate the quality of the restoration and this DeForest is one of the most beautiful floor radios I've every seen.