AM Radio VTVM Alignment

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  • @jungle_jim42
    @jungle_jim42 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've been building tube circuits for just a few years now and decided to jump into AM; building a simple AA5 circuit. Its SURPRISING how difficult it is to find info on building/tuning/test/setup of the AM stuff (at least more difficult than HiFi and Instrument related info). It's out there but not nearly as condensed, so i wanted to say thanks for a no-fluff, thorough run-through for AM setup!

  • @EzeeLinux
    @EzeeLinux 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video... I learned this back in radio engineering class many years ago... It was nice to revisit the process once again. :)

  • @tubeDude48
    @tubeDude48 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    At 4:15 you can also tune to 9.10KHz as well. That's a harmonic of 455KHz.

  • @jonmullins8460
    @jonmullins8460 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is precisely what I needed. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

  • @theonewease
    @theonewease 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Bob! Thanks for your vids and also a shout out to the other guys you probably know... AllAmericanFiveRadio, RestoreOldRadios, radiotvphononut, I just completed my 1st AM radio alignment...after acquiring and restoring my RCA VoltOhmyst Jr and Eico 324 just to do it. How Freaking Cool!!! BTW... it was a Flea Market RCA 1X2 that I overhauled.
    I've watched all of your Radio & Parts vids and some of your TV ones too!

  • @paublusamericanus292
    @paublusamericanus292 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I find the fundamentals of tube radio, and frequency manipulation fascinating. Always playing with the waveform, to get it within tolerance, for its specific application. And moving from early simple wave frequency, to later, waveshape, and manipulation. forming the wave into the proper shape for fm or higher functions with special instruments to shape the wave better.

  • @RayMillTN1
    @RayMillTN1 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video - I too am relearning some of my electrical knowledge and just happen have a VTVM (EICO 250) and a vintage tube radio. I will definitely use this knowledge you have shared.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Raymond Tant Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed it

  • @nor4277
    @nor4277 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Some great and helpful info ,I just bought three differ heath kit vtvm hopefully ,I can get the up to snuff so mine can be useful as yours.,thanks for showing the use of the vtvm .

  • @bigaudioal
    @bigaudioal 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for your message. Analog meter and voice coil circuit. Got it! Really appreciate it!
    -Al

  • @gberlucchi
    @gberlucchi 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your explanation is very clear. Thank you.

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoy the videos. AC volts. You better not have DC across the speaker or you'll burn it out ;) I'm no expert on tube testers by any means. I have the ones I have because I found good deals. Of the testers I do have, the Hickok 600A is the most accurate (mutual conductance), Knight 600B handle wides variety of tube types but is only a basic emission tester. Good luck.

  • @LE5SONS
    @LE5SONS 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to spend hours messing about tweaking those rf chokes, thanks for bring back those memories :-)

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  10 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome - glad you enjoyed it.

  • @erin19030
    @erin19030 ปีที่แล้ว

    The WV98 is merely a basic service tool and not precision lab test equipment. I have one made by VIZ who took over the RCA test equipment division. Its made just as skillfully as the earlier RCA models and is a true pleasure to own and operate at my test bench. Once a year I get it calibrated by an authorized calibration service , when at that time I replace the batteries too.

  • @clocksandradios
    @clocksandradios 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    superb, I am just learning, thank you for spending the time doing this.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

    • @mikesamra9126
      @mikesamra9126 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Love all your videos. i use my Viz Volt Ohmyst a lot in audio but you can use a Fluke on the detector and not worry about loading the detector being it's 11 meg/volt. I know you know this but I wanted to mention to others as I had a guy ask me this question 3 months ago. I always post your videos on our vintage audio forums and antique radio forums because you explain to sell and they can see first hand how to do a lot of these procedures.

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi and thanks. I have encountered some tight cores, but luckily not so tight I couldn't turn them with a little extra force. If I did, I'd try spraying a little electronics cleaner or contact cleaner to lubricate the core without harming it.

  • @heidirodmarsh658
    @heidirodmarsh658 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    now that was honestly informative..ty..

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Fluke 27 I recently picked up has one of those bar graphs too. I can see how it'd be useful for peaking coils.

  • @dneitzke
    @dneitzke 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    very good presentation , ironically we have similar test gear,

  • @brockallentaylor
    @brockallentaylor 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! Very easy to understand.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  10 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. I'm a little embarrassed at the poor video quality though. I've gotten a much better camera since :)

  • @erin19030
    @erin19030 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love this meter !

  • @billybonewhacker
    @billybonewhacker 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    great vid man. ive got an old grundig majestic that may need a going over.this realy helps ive read somewhere that some s.w. if freqs are set at 1600. ty

  • @mrGoesto11
    @mrGoesto11 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the great instruction, especially showing us several ways to create a signal into the radio & the relationship between the generator & freq counter. My only suggestion is to point the camera at the "hookup" points rather than just stating you "hook up" this to that.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      My thinking was that it's going to be different for every radio. You need to refer to a schematic and trace out the wiring to find the right hook up point

  • @Tysman909
    @Tysman909 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey audio equipment :) great job on the alignment.

  • @DubiousEngineering
    @DubiousEngineering 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Really useful, thanks!

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm glad it was helpful. I've been getting a lot of requests for more alignment videos and plan on making more. I think I could do a better job explaining the process and have new equipment to demonstrate.

  • @jdsweet3657
    @jdsweet3657 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is interesting, I'm getting ready to calibrate a small AM transmitter/receiver I'm working on. I decided to put a voltage transformer on the output to separate the audio but drive a couple antennas instead of loudspeaker.

  • @aircooledcamper
    @aircooledcamper 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have used a Fluke 117 DMM with a 1MΩ resistor in series with the point of the lead as the meter has a 10MΩ+ input impedance and a 33 segments/second bar graph. The digital display updates at 4 times/second--if I recall correctly. It worked well, so I can't discount a quality DMM for alignments. However, I have recently bought and calibrated a Simpson 312 VTVM and used that one on another alignment job. The digital works well, but the VTVM is certainly more enjoyable, for me, to use.

  • @jdsweet3657
    @jdsweet3657 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, I'm trying your method to calibrate, but I'm using a transformer's coil as part of the tuning circuit so the transformer is bidirectional for transmitting and receiving. I'm sending a sine wave into the circuit through an audio in, and trying to see if it can help with demodulation. Quite the project though. I'm going real low though from 1hz to 22.050 khz AM.

  • @TempoDrift1480
    @TempoDrift1480 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cool man, thanks for getting to the point. Some other channels are too "showy" and it makes it hard to focus with all the distractions. "I'm gonna move the camera so you can see..." Okay well move the camera. You don't have to tell us. Some folks like to explain how they're gonna remove a screw and it's like well just do it already. I can't stand it when someone feels the need to narrate every movement. "I'm gonna walk around back, and I don't know if you can see this on camera"...Thank you for sticking to the purpose of the video. Very easy to understand.

  • @Mr71chevyvan
    @Mr71chevyvan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    am i looking at a heathkit ig-102 rf signal generator? if so i need to know if when you dial in the frequency does it it shift as you release the knob ? i have 2 units that even after cleaning and lubing the vernier assemble, and the condenser bearings, both units refuse to stay on frequency. any thoughts ?

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good luck!

  • @Kalkaekie
    @Kalkaekie 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good video !

  • @kennynvake4hve584
    @kennynvake4hve584 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you know how to use a oscilloscope to look at the IF alignment, if so how do you do it?

  • @brianbuell5569
    @brianbuell5569 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't have a VTVM, or an analog meter for that matter, but what about an oscilloscope? Obviously that would have a nice instantaneous visual like an analog meter, but does it have a high enough impedance that you don't need to test off the voice coil?
    Also, you soldered the capacitor used in line with the signal generator. Any reason you didn't/couldn't use an alligator clip, just to make things easier?

  • @raven21633
    @raven21633 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    The needle's broken off on mine too :D
    I have a question about hooking your scope up to a signal generator.
    I recently picked up a nice little 35Mhz dual trace scope on Ebay for about $50.00 to learn how to use a scope. The scope is in surprisingly good condition, apart from needing a little DeOxit on the alpha channel pots.
    I would like to hook it up to my Eico 324 Signal Generator, but I don't want to damage the scope in the process.
    Is this just a direct connection? Or is there some special trick to this, such as attenuation, that I should know about?
    Thanks in advance. :)

  • @brickson98m
    @brickson98m 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow! This is very complicated to an uneducated (about these things) person like me. I'm hoping to slowly learn, as I will be getting an old radio passed down to me from my grandparents, and I'm not sure the condition of it (electronically) after all these years. It seems to be in decent working order, but I haven't messed with it much since I was a child.

    • @zundfolge1432
      @zundfolge1432 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      how old a radio? If you want it to last a long time, it needs to be checked out. Old capacitors often short out, and when they do they can damage other components. Best to check and replace all capacitors/resistors ect, or you might find your radio suddenly quitting.

  • @gberlucchi
    @gberlucchi 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you explain the use of the internal and external modulation on the signal generator. For the IF cans adjustments, was it set to external and for the antenna adjustment was it set to internal? I have been using internal modulation for the IF can adjustment but I am not sure if this is correct. Thanks

  • @mrGoesto11
    @mrGoesto11 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the best instructors for vintage tube gear online. How about doing one on calibrating a Simpson VTVM Model 312?

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry but I don't have a Simpson 312. Try asking on the Antique Radio Forum in the test equipmet area

  • @bigaudioal
    @bigaudioal 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video!! I just picked up a signal generator to run an alignment on a 1936 Philco 610. What type of output meter can I use. Can I use a modern voltmeter hooked to the speaker leads?

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว

    That could be. I haven't work on any SW ham receivers yet.

  • @mikedevita7184
    @mikedevita7184 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi,
    Love the video. question: have you run into situations where the IF can alignment adjustment core or screws are extremely tight, and what have you done in those cases?

  • @THOMMGB
    @THOMMGB 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a lot to learn, but I did save this as a "favorite" so I can come back to it when I'm ready to try the procedure. Any advice on getting a VTVM or signal generator? Thanks a lot. Tom

  • @robertpendergast2620
    @robertpendergast2620 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi--real clear explanation. Do the multiple coils and adjustment capacitors interact with each other such that you need to go over the adjustments several times to optimize them?

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      No they don't interact as each stage is shielded and isolated. It's a good idea to run through the alignment twice though. Especially if it's really far off.

  • @djfrank59
    @djfrank59 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Bob, sounds good, let me know when you're ready...I'm also looking for an old EICO 460 Scope, I need one at home and I don't want to take my Tectronix from the studio; I need it there all the time...

  • @gberlucchi
    @gberlucchi 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Bob
    Another great video. Where does the low side(black lead) of the signal generator get attached? I assume its the chassis but I am not sure. Also, what is the purpose of the .01 cap?
    Thanks
    Gary

  • @cumberlandriverlily
    @cumberlandriverlily 12 ปีที่แล้ว

    One thing I didn't notice was how you had the signal generator and VTVM grounded each step - is the chassis of that particular radio a hotchassis?

  • @stevea5407
    @stevea5407 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    My signal generator does not have modulation can I still align my set with it just setting it to 455kcs? Very good video for a valve radio beginner like me just what I needed ,thanks very much for sharing.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry, but no. Without modulation there will be no audible tone for you to hear to peak or for your VTVM to measure. Look around on ebay on the Antique Radio Forum classifieds for an inexpensive RF generator with modulation. Good luck.

  • @carlrudd1858
    @carlrudd1858 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just 'Thumbs Up'ed you to 455! That's irony!

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Haha. Thanks for the like

  • @scorpiocat69
    @scorpiocat69 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi BAndersen; This IS GREAT!..Getting back into the TechElect "stuff" after a lifetime away, and this really helps.Think I have the same RF-Gen, a Heath F-1, got it on ebay.
    One question: AC Volts across the spkr or DC?
    Also: Any suggestions on a tube tester would be appreciated; EICO, B-K Sencore?
    Thanks very much! Glad I subscribed.

  • @bobroth1951
    @bobroth1951 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, I have a radio in which the stations come in on the wrong end of the dial. Is this caused by the alignment being way off? Or is the radio just messed up in some other way? Someone may have tightened the alignment screws. Can a radio that is possibly this far off be aligned properly? Thanks, Bob

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  10 ปีที่แล้ว

      More likely the oscillator trimmer is off.

  • @SpiderDrummer24
    @SpiderDrummer24 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm currently restoring a Philco 42-380 using these items. I have a Heathkit V7 and an off-brand signal generator. However i cant seem to locate the output of the AM detector. How can you tell?

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Output of detector will go to one leg of the volume control. The other leg will go to ground and the wiper will go the to 1st audio amp.

    • @SpiderDrummer24
      @SpiderDrummer24 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      If you have the time, could you look at schematic and tell me which pin on which tube? Apparently l can't seem to get it

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes, you can use a modern meter, but remember to connect it to the voice coil - not the primary of the output transformer. Also, use an analog meter rather than a DMM. You'll have a very hard time finding the peak with a digital meter.

    • @guitarpro248
      @guitarpro248 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Perfect! You answered my question!

    • @guitarpro248
      @guitarpro248 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I just finished recapping a Philco transitone model TH-3 I'm on the ARF as michiganamps, do you have any tips for aligning tuning cap trimmers without a signal generator??

  • @Kennynva
    @Kennynva 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another thing to watch for is..when you put the radio back into its case...you might have to readjust the antenna trimmer...especially if it is a metal one..

  • @djfrank59
    @djfrank59 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been looking for an old RCA WV98C VTVM...Mine got stolen some years back...They're not too easy to find these days :)

  • @Kennynva
    @Kennynva 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video....is there any way to build a signal generator that works at 455khz????

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sure, but I think you'd be better off just buying one or maybe building one from a kit.

  • @bandersentv
    @bandersentv  10 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm thinking of selling mine Maybe we can work out a deal ?

  • @kermitmawyer1743
    @kermitmawyer1743 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes.

  • @eugenetheodore2956
    @eugenetheodore2956 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where do you have the meter lead attached? Is the ground meter lead hooked up?

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Look at 7:11. It's going to the output of the AM detector. Yes, the ground lead is connected It's going to the B- rail. You can also hook the meter across the speaker voice coil. Follow the alignment instructions for your specific radio chassis if you can. They are all a little different.

    • @eugenetheodore2956
      @eugenetheodore2956 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bandersentv Thank you for responding. I recapped a heathkit 1m-28 vtvm & replaces one resistor that was bad. I can calibrate the dc. When I switch to ohms the needle goes further left from zero & I cannot move it at all with the ohms adjust pot. I replaced the pot and , with the battery in , the needle deflects to the right past inf. and cannot be moved. Also, the battery gets very hot. The new pot is also a 10k one. Do you have any suggestion other than the garbage?

    • @eugenetheodore2956
      @eugenetheodore2956 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bandersentv Hello again, to follow up on my previous mail I also cannot adjust the ac. The needle won't go past 12v on the 150v scale.

  • @tubeDude48
    @tubeDude48 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You might mention that the ground for the VOM should be the 'circuit' ground, NOT the 'chassis' ground.

  • @compositeguy4696
    @compositeguy4696 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello.
    I'm just getting into this hobby, and need some guidance to a good signal generator for AM/FM radios, thats not going to burn a hole in my wallet. Any suggestions?
    Jim

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi. Personally, no, but this question comes up a lot. Here are some suggestions on the Antique Radio Forum: antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=393277

    • @compositeguy4696
      @compositeguy4696 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bandersentv Thank you, I will take a look at that forum.

  • @tubeDude48
    @tubeDude48 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whats the specs on your loop, (indution ant.)? Turns, size of wire, dia. of loop

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      The alignment instructions specify 4 turns, 6 inch diameter of bell wire.

    • @tubeDude48
      @tubeDude48 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      What size wire did you use?

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Ted Mieske Not sure - just a scrap of old telephone wire. probably 22 or 24 gauge. I'm sure it doesn't matter. Keep in mind this is just for this specific GE radio. Always follow the instructions for your specific chassis when possible.

    • @tubeDude48
      @tubeDude48 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Understood!

  • @davedavis4285
    @davedavis4285 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wish I could find a local that does alignments, have several vintage portable radios that need it.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Check for a local ham or vintage radio club

    • @davedavis4285
      @davedavis4285 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      bandersentv
      I have inquired on a couple local repeaters, but no luck.

  • @hydrolisk1792
    @hydrolisk1792 13 ปีที่แล้ว

    @umajunkcollector LOL, nice youtube name :)

  • @billmcdonald2436
    @billmcdonald2436 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Vtvm set on dc or ac?

  • @totallysmooth1203
    @totallysmooth1203 ปีที่แล้ว

    At around 6:30-6:57, it looks like you are pointing to the primary of the output transformer, but calling it the voice coil. I don't understand.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  ปีที่แล้ว

      I meant to point to the secondary side of the output transformer.

    • @totallysmooth1203
      @totallysmooth1203 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bandersentv Thank you for replying. Now that connecting to the secondary side is what we're after, then would you agree that a VTVM would be set to an AC range and not DC, since transformers do not pass DC? That is the big question in my mind.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@totallysmooth1203 Yes, it also means you need to use a modulated signal source.

  • @latasha66
    @latasha66 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    will a VTVM detect ghosts?

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      No idea. Give it a try and let me know ;)

    • @Washburn-rr5eh
      @Washburn-rr5eh 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes it does detect ghosts. I was able to communicate Casper and the ghost busters.

  • @erin19030
    @erin19030 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    A VTVM is overkill where a VOM will do just as well if not better. The VTVM responds to erratically at peak measurements where the VOM on the output function indicates a smoother transition to abrupt spurious signal variations.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good points but I actually don't have a VOM. If I ever come across a nice Simpson 260 for a reasonable price, I'll pick it up.

  • @raulmancilla2568
    @raulmancilla2568 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lo kiero en español xfavor

  • @garys.7846
    @garys.7846 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not recommending this unless you've done a number of alignments, have a feel for them and understand circuitry, but I've aligned radios using radio stations around 600 khz and 1500 khz with good success just listening to the audio out of the speaker.
    73 de KQ2N

  • @olenamcquagge7777
    @olenamcquagge7777 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where the heck does one learn this stuff? Of all the people I know, I don't think one of them would know this stuff.

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I read a lot and tinker a lot going back to the 80s. Some other guys in this hobby had mentors (AKA "Elmers") but I wasn't so lucky. I also have a degree in electrical engineering and a pretty sound grasp of the theory and math but nothing beats hands on experience.

  • @harrystevens3885
    @harrystevens3885 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    All this test gear but poor lighting! This criticism is aimed at lots of tech videos out there............

    • @bandersentv
      @bandersentv  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was recorded in a brightly lit room. The problem lies in the cheap video camera. Also this video is seven years old and I've upgraded my camera several times since. Check out some newer videos for better quality.

  • @erin19030
    @erin19030 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The IF screw down story is pure urban legend BS. Bottom line is IF coils are "musentouchits" you can do more harm than good. Simply use the generator and gently , slowly manually sweep the 455 center range above and below by 5 KHz while monitoring the VTVM response.