Affordable Tools & Test Equipment to Restore Tube Radio's

In this video Mike will step you through a very basic and affordable Tool and test equipment list you will need to get started repairing and restoring tube radios.
Keep in mind this is a basic no frills approach to getting started in the hobby.
Join us on Facebook too! / mikesradiorestorationr...

[@brianbloom1799]

I am amazed at how those Parrot can Mimic the Ham signal,s and roger beeps, Just awesome.

[@STAY-GOLD-VINYL]

Well I learned that my hopes of restoring old radios is for the next life. Great detailed show!

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

Why is that?

[@tennesseered586]

Off to a good start. Thanks for an informative video.

[@eadiew]

Thanks for this video! I’m just getting started in this hobby and your video is one of the best I’ve seen showing the basic tools and equipment needed.

[@countryside8122]

Great video. Just wanted to mention I use my old EICO signal generator and my frequency counter to align my old radios. Works great.

[@JamesGMunn]

Fine introduction! Thanks!

[@souta95]

I found that a frequency counter plus analog signal generator makes a great pairing (just be careful not to fry the counter 😉).
I started with a Heathkit SG-8 that I picked up at a hamfest and was lucky to have been given a frequency counter. I aligned many radios that way. I've since moved on to a fancy Panasonic digital signal generator that I was in the right place at the right time to get.

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

Im glad it works for you. This setup for me was far too drfty. I couldnt get a decent BFO calibration with a generator thats always on the move.

[@rustybus66]

Great video. You go through alot of the basic stuff you need .

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

Please Subscribe! If you are enjoying our series of videos take a moment to subscribe and get notices when new videos are release. Lots of interesting material coming up in the next few months.

[@jakemilnes7250]

I am missing something. I see no links. Where are they?

[@johnblystone8781]

Great video. I purchased a Hammarlund HQ-129. The alignment instructions say "Proper alignment is accomplished by the visual method employing a cathod-ray oscilloscope used in conjunction with a frequency-modulated (swept), signal generator, having a fairly constant output ." QUESTION...... Does this mean that the signal generator is equipped with a sweep function >>>OR

[@billlamm4688]

I stumbled into a simpson 270 custom 5 from canada.. (260-5 with shielding and tighter specs?) seams to be working well with new batts.. maybe a week resistor in R x1 setting or variable ressister is dirty? Dim bulb is ready to go.. need to get a list of caps together to poor into th3 hallicrafters S-38D

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

Those Simpson 260's really are built well aren't they? As for your Rx1 setting, Im not so sure i would worry about it. The 260 call of duty in my lab is AC / DC measurements. But I primarily use it for alignment which you will see it in action in my next video. Its better to rely on that Resistance Capacitance and Inductance meter I got off Amazon. Thats what you really need for working in chassis. Its got the perfect leads for that. You can also download the service manual for that meter and go thru calibration steps too. So put it through its paces in voltage measurements. Oh, and if your 38D still has the original filter caps in it, I wouldn't turn it on / plug it in. Cheers!

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

Sorry one more thing. The 260's meter being analog is just what you need for alignment. Digital just wont do. Different tools for different jobs. Cheers

[@billlamm4688]

I have DMM that does resistance and capacitance.. inductance meter needs to wait on $. I think I have a good enough signal generator, need to do a little more research.. some caps look to be much newer, 'dominos' should be ok? there are some 'bumble bees' and maybe newer replacments but the 4 in the tube look like factory.. that power mod of yours is high on the list as well.. I am building out the inside of our house and cold is coming.. need to get an antenna or two in the air, missing a good sun cycle..

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

@@billlamm4688 You have a later S38 that doesnt need the power mod. Hallicrafters dealt with that issue for you. Yes leave the dominos be for now. I have started a facebook page - facebook.com/MikesRadioRestorationRepair If you are on FB, join and share some photos. It would be easier to help you along on that site.

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

I made a spot for your project on our FB page.

[@user-dq5ip7mn6z]

I cant find the links to the equipment that I thought used to be here either. Getting ready tgo buy a signal generator and want to make sure I get the one you recommended here?

[@MikesRadioRepairRestoration]

TH-cam didnt like the links i posted so i removed them. Where are you? in the USA, Canada, UK???

[@user-dq5ip7mn6z]

ND. USA