84 Year Old Radio Receiver Restoration! Stromberg-Carlson 145L

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  • Опубликовано: 22 дек 2020
  • Restoration and repair of a 1936 radio receiver. See the entire process from start to finish. Grab your favorite snack, sit back and enjoy! Click the SHOW MORE tab below for links.
    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: / mrcarlsonslab
    #learnelectronics #restoration #repair
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Комментарии • 1,3 тыс.

  • @MrCarlsonsLab
    @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +114

    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

    • @mechofdeath1504
      @mechofdeath1504 3 года назад +6

      When replacing components in old radio's do you need to worry about the Q-factor of the new component? or does differing Q-factor have a negligible affect on the function of the radio?

    • @Daveyk021
      @Daveyk021 3 года назад +5

      Very nice, I'm somewhat surprised, as anal as you can be, that you don't heat up and remove the guts of the paper caps and re-stuff them with modern caps, and the same with the electrolytics.

    • @jasongreene303
      @jasongreene303 3 года назад +2

      @@Daveyk021 I believe he is also going for the performance gain, which would be impossible due to the size of some components.

    • @finestructureconstant3921
      @finestructureconstant3921 3 года назад +2

      @S Macca 6

    • @darkgreenambulance
      @darkgreenambulance 3 года назад +2

      @rogerwilco99 I see your point. Also, I try to imagine what the designers of these radios would think if they knew we were trying to replace components by stuffing the new ones inside the failed one`s casings; I think they would tell us not to be so stupid! They would welcome the development of components that performed well and tell us to get on with it - what do you reckon, @rogerwilco99? Bev.

  • @mikerhodes9198
    @mikerhodes9198 3 года назад +66

    I am 74 yrs old. My dad who was a radar technician in the war and went to work for his entire career at Gates Radio in Quincy, Illinois primarily making commercial radio stations for cities and governments around the world. So from my earliest childhood memories i watched my dad in his radio room at home building his transmitter (w9sft). Very shortly i was picking up what he was doing and new how to read schematics at 11 yrs old. In the late 50s i used to ride my bicycle through the neighborhood on monthly curbside trash pick up day and i would pick up old radios like you work on that people had placed on the curb for trash pick up. I would bring them home and identify the leaky capacitors and run the tubes down to the local drug store who had a tube tester set up in the corner. I would get my dad to get replacement tubes if needed but i would replace the leaky capacitors. I was 11 or 12 when i did this and loved doing it. I guess my dads work and hobby rubbed off on me. Most of the time the elegant wood cabinets were in perfect condition and were quite beautiful. I loved seeing my work bring the radios back to life. I dont know any 12 year old who ever did this kind of work. I spent hours listening to the various radio bands and hearing stations from around the world. When i watch you work on these old radios it brings back many good memories. That was before we had a TV so listening to the radio was prime time entertainment. Thanks for all your work and sharing your expertice.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +5

      Thank You for taking the time to write Mike!

    • @richardtallant3598
      @richardtallant3598 Год назад +8

      Mike, you must be my long-lost twin !!! I am 74 years old. My neighbor was a Ham Radio Nut, (K4TVP) He bought a full-sized Pin Ball Machine that needed a lot of work. He had two sons and a rabble of neighborhood kids that wanted to play on that machine. Mr. Wyatt said that if we wanted to enjoy the use and play Pin-Ball then you must keep the machine working. I was about 10 years old at the time. Mr. Wyatt helped us a lot to get us going, but soon stepped back as we learned more about electricity. We learned so much from Mr. Wyatt and all the time not realizing just what he was doing for us. All three of us became professionals in electronics. Just like you, I traveled daily on my paper route,.....delivering newspapers and hunting the trash piles for old electronics of any kind, just to have something to tinker with or repair at age 11. My first workbench was a card table setup in the bedroom. With the income from the paper route, I purchased all the tools needed for my hobby. I soon found a old 5-band radio, repaired it,....put up a long antenna wire, learned about Shortwave, CW and Ham, next I had real KEY and a Code Oscillator for CW. Before long, seems like people I didn't know were asking me for help and I wasn't even in High School. I continued to enjoy my love for electronics.......THEN, became the Vietnam War. I was pulled out of college and sent to Vietnam on February 29 (Leap Rear Day, about 6 weeks after the Tet Offensive, a bad time for GI's. My job was to bomb Vietnam from a remote radar site. I was in 1st Combat Evaluation Group. I installed, relocated and repaired radar equipment, all started from a pin-ball machine that I wanted to play. The biggest difference was, if I didn't play the game......I could be killed.
      Regards, Richard

    • @mikerhodes9198
      @mikerhodes9198 Год назад +4

      @@richardtallant3598 I miss the good old days. Much fun and challenges. Early 80s I bought a used Atari 800 and learned to program. Never looked back. Wrote several computer articles for an HP magazine and spearheaded computer use in our QA division which totally confused our IT department who thought only the financial department could justify computer use. Anyway all that is anchor history now. But wish I could do it all again.

    • @reddonut1518
      @reddonut1518 6 месяцев назад

      @@richardtallant3598was that one of those analogue pinball machines? The ones where the wires do all the math? Hell of a thing to be working on as a kid, if so.

    • @TechniCraftYT
      @TechniCraftYT 4 месяца назад

      I was 8 when i could Read circuit diagrams.

  • @GTCGreg
    @GTCGreg 3 года назад +182

    I have almost 60 years experience working on both tube and solid-state electronics, yet every time I watch one of Mr. Carlson's videos, I learn something new. This is another incredible video on the restoration of an equally incredible radio. Congratulations Mr. Carlson. You have done it again.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +15

      Thanks for your kind comment Greg!

    • @signdesignman
      @signdesignman 3 года назад +5

      One of the greatest electronic teachers I have ever run acrosst... Also working I find the capacitor tester that he has designed and built... Every shop needs one of these

    • @signdesignman
      @signdesignman 3 года назад +6

      Absolutely the best electronic instructor I have ever run across.. Also where can I get my hands on the capacitor tester that he had designed and built I need one desperately... Every shopping needs one of these...

    • @GTCGreg
      @GTCGreg 3 года назад +3

      @@signdesignman I couldn't agree more.
      I believe Mr. Carlson has the plans for that capacitor tester on his Patreon page. Patreon is a pay site.

    • @kkteutsch6416
      @kkteutsch6416 3 года назад +2

      I learned eletrical and electronic principles by myself and later in a correspondence radiorepairing lessons and also with a little help of my brother - he was a self made tube type radio and television rapair man too - by midlle ' 60s... I'm retired now but stiil made some repairs, including LCD and Plasma television sets...

  • @krz8888888
    @krz8888888 3 года назад +121

    Thanks for the christmas gift! This radio bears the "Carlson" name well

    • @drboze6781
      @drboze6781 3 года назад +6

      That's the part that lasts!

  • @4ngu54110tt
    @4ngu54110tt 3 года назад +90

    Imagine listening to Orson Wells narrating War of the Worlds with this radio receiver back in the day...no wonder people panicked! 😊

    • @kanesmith8271
      @kanesmith8271 3 года назад +6

      People are going to panic the next time as well 😹

    • @makyhsmakyhs6766
      @makyhsmakyhs6766 Год назад

      The Past never comes again !

  • @brahilly
    @brahilly 3 года назад +45

    Mr. Carlson must be the only person in the English speaking world who can be on-line for up to three hours and not say a single word about himself nor any other person. He's that focused. A kind of hyper-nerd without "issues" and very likeable. A rarity and amazing to watch.

    • @jasongreene303
      @jasongreene303 3 года назад +6

      I disagree... he did say he was picky. =)

    • @brahilly
      @brahilly 3 года назад +2

      ​@@jasongreene303
      I wrote that he "can be...". The operative word being can, which doesn't mean always.
      But yes, he's picky, which is what one has to be if they want the best.

    • @pavadmin2436
      @pavadmin2436 3 года назад +4

      Not only "English speaking world". Trust me- i`m russian. :)

  • @Mathertron
    @Mathertron 3 года назад +141

    Merry Christmas to you all, Mr Carlson is an internet diamond.

  • @kamaromike
    @kamaromike 3 года назад +231

    As the story goes... Mr. Carlson and his partner Mr. Stromberg were working on their best system yet, the 150 TRX Deluxe. This was to be the RX/TX variant of their previously popular 145L receiver for which they had become famous. As Mr. Carlson was in final testing stages one evening, after Stromberg had gone home, he decided to push the device to it's uppermost limits. Unknown to him an impending solar storm was en route, and it was to arrive at a most particular time. As Carlson keyed for transmit furious undulations of wave/particle duality excited the atmosphere and focused unimaginable amounts of global communications towards his device under test. As the key was released Mr. Carlson vanished. Not to a place, but to a time. Catapulted far forward to the new millennium with neither the 1930s or Stromberg in sight, he settled into a strange new life finding no way to return. As for what happened after that little is known, but some speculate he still teaches with the greatness of past philosophers the ways by which he is able to build such great apparatus. I have heard rumors that searches for him on RUclips may reveal his whereabouts.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +49

      That's oddly true!

    • @kamaromike
      @kamaromike 3 года назад +23

      @@MrCarlsonsLab An electrically romantic conspiracy theory for a time filled with nefarious ones.

    • @genestatler2514
      @genestatler2514 3 года назад +9

      @@MrCarlsonsLab It doesn't surprise me!!

    • @timsears7541
      @timsears7541 3 года назад +7

      Serious ? Time travel ?

    • @j81851
      @j81851 3 года назад +10

      Nicely done! It is truly plausible! Genius like Mr Carlson only comes along once in a while, even maybe in a generation!

  • @EsotericArctos
    @EsotericArctos 3 года назад +66

    That "radio" is in absolutely amazing condition. Virtually perfect. I use radio in quotes, because this is so much more than just a radio.

    • @volvo09
      @volvo09 3 года назад +4

      Stunning condition, wow!

    • @stopthephilosophicalzombie9017
      @stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 3 года назад +2

      They don't make em like that today very often.

    • @hamzamalik4179
      @hamzamalik4179 3 года назад +1

      I have old radio 1950 s if any one want to buy contact me with whats app or direct call i have silver xf900 model

  • @MyronDYoder
    @MyronDYoder 3 года назад +3

    Mr. Carlson, I have quite a few years in solid state Electronics Troubleshooting and Repair experience, most recently at a company that manufactures FM Stereo Transmitters and Translators for the broadcast Industry. It is with great interest and joy that I see you restoring a Stromberg-Carlson Reciever!!!
    Here is why.
    I have had some-what unstable and variable housing situations years ago, so I at that time asked my Father and Step Mother to care for and display my own Stromberg-Carlson floor radio in their home, they were ok with that as they had a good condition Victrola Displayed In their living area as well. They liked collecting and displaying Vintage Technology/ Furniture in their Home, and I would have had the Reciever stored in a storage unit and subjected to wide temperature and humidity swings that is usually not encountered in a general living environment.
    I inherited this particular unit From my Grand mother multiple decades ago as she was paring down her living situation for retirement. As I had a passion for radios and all things Electronic, she knew it would be in good hands. When I inherited it, I was quite new to Electro(nics, and a newly licensed Ham radio operator and I was thrilled to acquire and actually plug in and use the very cool receiver!!!
    So, many years ago it worked quite well. Fast forward to 2020, it had been stored and displayed for years. ( mostly stored)
    Unfortunately, This last July my Father passed away from complications of the Covid-19 Virus. And while settling his estate, my step mother and sister knew it was mine and that it used to belong to my Grandparents. I knew from watching you, reading, watching RUclips videos and from hearing about fellow hams' experiences with antique radio receivers that the caps dry out and become unuseable in time, and to NOT risk plugging in the unit to 'See if it still works' ..
    So it is now living with me in a Basement Apartment, and I have a renewed interest in getting it to good operating specs again. This S-C unit is a different model than the one you restored, but I am sure it is of similar vintage. I lack the test Gear and expertise to confidently restore this unit on my own, but would be thrilled if I could find some to mentor me and look over my shoulder and advise me on how to restore it to 'like new' or 'as good as new' usability. I am Not opposed to shipping it to an appropriate place, and for the right price, I would consider paying for the restoration, I am currently between jobs, and have been for nearly a year now, so funds are limited, so would you consider helping me or doing a complete restoration of my Stromberg-Carlson floor radio on your RUclips channel?
    Feel free to communicate with me here, on FB messaging, Email or texting.
    Thoughts? 🤔
    73,
    And Thanks!
    Oh BTW, I enjoy your in depth and detailed YT Videos
    Myron

  • @vancouverman4313
    @vancouverman4313 3 года назад +63

    Amazing to think that when the radio was manufactured in 1936, if spectrum analyzers existed at all they would've been only in research labs. This radio was probably aligned with a signal generator and a multimeter at the factory. The skill of the technician that originally aligned it, is something to be admired.

    • @MarvinHartmann452
      @MarvinHartmann452 6 месяцев назад

      This is effectively how they did it. My uncle started his career in electronic at the RCA factory in Montréal in the 30s and that's how he told me they used to do this.

  • @djhaloeight
    @djhaloeight 3 года назад +39

    “I’m a little bit picky about what I do” 😂😂 Understatement of the century! Another great video, Paul! Absolutely beautiful unit!

    • @jlucasound
      @jlucasound 3 года назад +2

      If he wasn't "picky", we wouldn't be watching and subscribed to him, now would we?!! ;-) I have OCD so bad it hasn't been diagnosed!

  • @frankowalker4662
    @frankowalker4662 3 года назад +2

    Listening to ANYTHING on that radio would be a pleasure. Just turn it on in the morning and it would be relaxing all day. And the cabinet is in mint condition.

  • @bullettube9863
    @bullettube9863 3 года назад +16

    We still have a small table top version of this at my mom's house, my father inherited it from his father who bought it back in the 1930s. The radio still works as well as the record player on top. It still has the deep, clear sound that I remembered from my days in high school. FM especially sounds great! The company used to make these receivers right here in Rochester, and my uncle worked for them until he was drafted during WW2, helping to finish the wood work on various models. During WW2 Stromberg made a lot of radios for the military, and a lot of their work was top secret. Everyone I know who worked for Stromberg enjoyed working for them; they were good to their employees and their pay was well above the average. Not too far away in Tonawanda was the Wurlitzer factory and they too had high standards for audio and wood working.

  • @smvwees
    @smvwees 2 года назад +10

    There is nothing more satisfying to watch you repairing and callibrating antique equipment that looks so pristine as well.
    And certainly refreshing to hear a whole other flavour of AM than we're used to on crappy transistor radios.

  • @gerryroberts662
    @gerryroberts662 2 года назад +1

    I like this we have a 1942 anniversary console that was grandmas, it hasnt worked since 1955. wanted to get it working for my elderly mother to hear it working again.

  • @kennethwilliams9353
    @kennethwilliams9353 2 года назад +1

    I like your show. I’m 70 years old and I remember the IF for AM is 455 kHz and FM 10.7 mHZ.

  • @harryrichman7212
    @harryrichman7212 3 года назад +5

    What a wonderful Radio and again a great work of yours Mister Carlson.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +3

      Thanks Harry!

    • @harryrichman7212
      @harryrichman7212 3 года назад +4

      @@MrCarlsonsLab Greetings and best wishes to you from Europe Germany and Charleston Radio International Shortwave 5140 kc. I wish I could hear my station on a device like this :-))

  • @ninefingersgrapes
    @ninefingersgrapes 3 года назад +22

    AS a 81-year-old USCG-trained ET1 I thought I knew everything. Watching Mr. Carlson showed me that I missed a lot of trained/understanding of radio tech. I guess the 100Khz Loran C station I served in Matratin, Lybia in 1961 was simple to work with. Thank you for show me I can accept a better understanding.

    • @raymondpayne7597
      @raymondpayne7597 2 года назад +1

      Well said. As a 76 year old USN trained ETI, (1966-I970), I whole heartedly agree. Half of my teachers at "a", "b", and "c" schools wanted me to stay as schools and teach and the other half wanted me to use what I learned and use it at Sea. I always chose the Sea to ply my trade on different ships and other installations. We had tech reps all over the place plus we got drafted guys from different electrical and electronic corporations in the ET, Radar, Radio, and Crypto shacks who were whizzes at their trade. They worked under me, but I worked with them. We were shifting from tube devices to transistor, and quickly to ICs. I saw the world as it was, then as it is, and then as it would be. I wore an Accutron Watch and enlisted when I was working at aTV/Radio station when they were transitioning from B&W analog(wet) to RCA Compatible Colour digital(dry) from image acquisition, processing, editing, to transmission. It was a learning frenzy every day especially under way at sea on various ships, boats, and foreign shore installations. All that is still in my head and I have adsorbed and absorbed ever since. I saw and participated in a changing world from the inside out. How about you? Raymond

    • @nicklikesradio
      @nicklikesradio Год назад +2

      As a 27 year old, i try to never let myself get to the knows everything mindset. My goal is to absorb knowledge. I will never stop learning!

    • @WilsonPendarvis-tn3wm
      @WilsonPendarvis-tn3wm 8 дней назад

      I took television equipment specialist in the usaf because it covers all the circuits including microwave transmission thank you for your service

  • @Cassandra_Johnson
    @Cassandra_Johnson 11 месяцев назад +2

    The old analog displays with incandescent bulbs were so much more attractive compared to the modern digital displays, I really miss that in modern equipment.

  • @suddegubben
    @suddegubben 2 месяца назад +1

    Stromberg Carlsson..... Two imigrants from Sweden 👍

  • @ke4est
    @ke4est 3 года назад +15

    A two hour plus video!!!! Getting the coffee ready!!! -- KE4EST

  • @audiophile1024
    @audiophile1024 Год назад +14

    I have watched this video multiple times and it has presented itself as a master class of extraordinary depth of knowledge. I don't own an antique radio, but now I wish I did.

    • @smichels5117
      @smichels5117 9 месяцев назад

      We do own such a radio, and now I can approach it with confidence! Thank you, Mr.Carlson!!!

  • @Will-fn7bz
    @Will-fn7bz 2 года назад +1

    From the pinnacle of radio glory days. Beautiful.

  • @jessiec4128
    @jessiec4128 2 месяца назад

    My moms family are all from Canada. So, I am part Canadian myself! I visited Toronto and Montreal. Had a good time visiting my family there!

  • @johnhanselman6371
    @johnhanselman6371 3 года назад +26

    I own the same radio. 30 years ago I was told it was broken. Today I keep it in my home theater room (unplugged) as eye candy. I appreciate Mr Carlson for explaining what is does and how to use it.

    • @hamzamalik4179
      @hamzamalik4179 3 года назад

      I have old radio 1950 s if any one want to buy contact me with whats app or direct call i have silver xf900 model

  • @chadbailey30
    @chadbailey30 2 года назад +9

    I know nothing about electronics, wiring, or radios but love watching these videos and seeing just how much care was put into building these items. The thought and care that went into building things back then is just mind blowing!!!

  • @ryansansom6901
    @ryansansom6901 3 года назад

    Very nice old radio. They will never make everyday household appliances this beautiful ever again.

  • @garyheisey43
    @garyheisey43 Год назад +1

    I had one just like it in 1964. I like your videos Gary.

  • @saintleibowitz8401
    @saintleibowitz8401 3 года назад +4

    thank you again for getting me into vintage electronics at 28!

  • @bitrot42
    @bitrot42 3 года назад +5

    Wow, AM radio has never sounded or looked better than it did in 1936. The engineering and build quality of this radio is astounding. Thanks so much for bringing us along as you analyzed it, explained it, and lovingly brought it back to life.
    How did they do alignments on these without modern spectrum analyzers? You may have it working even better than new, especially with the optimized capacitor layout.

  • @RidgeRunner5150
    @RidgeRunner5150 2 года назад +1

    Showed my Mother this video, she loved it and told of her grandfather having that very radio right here in the house I am sitting in.

  • @audinos1840
    @audinos1840 3 года назад +1

    I love that you truly restored it rather than just putting modern electronics into an old case.

  • @ianbertenshaw4350
    @ianbertenshaw4350 3 года назад +9

    That radio is right at the crossroads where form , function , beauty and performance meet !

  • @leonardpeters3266
    @leonardpeters3266 3 года назад +3

    That SR780 should be classified as one of the 7 wonders of the world. What a beautiful example of great test gear that is.

  • @abrew_abraham_alex
    @abrew_abraham_alex 2 года назад +1

    This is just awsome..I learn more electronics every time i watch your videos

  • @storminmormon8195
    @storminmormon8195 2 года назад +1

    old electronics have so much character in their designs

  • @endreaasen2336
    @endreaasen2336 3 года назад +41

    The best voice on RUclips. Merry christmas from Norway☃️

  • @hayd7371
    @hayd7371 3 года назад +3

    Anyone else think engineering has lost its soul?
    Sure, we can cram millions of transistors into a square inch and we have amazing devices in our pockets, but old machines like this have a certain beauty and magic.

  • @Greg-et2dp
    @Greg-et2dp Год назад +1

    Mr Carlsons lab you are good at restoring vintage shortwave receivers and alignment of vintage shortwave receivers

  • @michaelfuller8304
    @michaelfuller8304 3 года назад +2

    I don’t know anything about electronics, I don’t know anything about radios but I find your videos hypnotic.. thank you sir

  • @if66was99
    @if66was99 3 года назад +8

    Man that is BEAUTIFUL book-matched wood on the cabinet. Just gorgeous!

  • @erikdenhouter
    @erikdenhouter 3 года назад +11

    We just witnessed the Carlson 2020 Christmas wonder of the IF stage curtain.

  • @jessiec4128
    @jessiec4128 2 месяца назад

    I found your channel many years ago. I am happy I found it again. I really like the way you explain what you are doing. And I really like the way you actually show it working. I had a really nice radio in the 1970's. I really liked listening to music from all over the world. It was my favorite!! Thank you so much for these videos.

  • @edwardbyard6540
    @edwardbyard6540 3 года назад

    The thing that gets me with receivers of this age is, imagine the news people heard on it. The uprising of the Nazis in Germany, the invasion of Poland and start of WW2, Pearl Harbor, the atomic bomb, etc. Incredible stuff. Thanks Mr. C, it is a pleasure watching your videos.

  • @MrGeoffHilton
    @MrGeoffHilton 3 года назад +4

    Compelling watch, beats TV anytime, best electronics channel on RUclips.

  • @davidarnette327
    @davidarnette327 3 года назад +9

    I will have to wait until Christmas day to watch when I will have off, but like a kid at Christmas, the anticipation is killing me.

  • @Greg-et2dp
    @Greg-et2dp Год назад +1

    Mr Carlsons lab your 84 year old
    Reciver stromberg calson 145L is cool 😎 👌 👍

  • @brandonbarnes1942
    @brandonbarnes1942 2 года назад +1

    What a delightfully witty comment section. Thankyou

  • @CamelGarage
    @CamelGarage 3 года назад +12

    Always a good day when a new Mr. Carlson’s Lab episode premiers!

  • @walterstroup7557
    @walterstroup7557 2 года назад +7

    I spent the whole afternoon watching this video and i think this is the best i have seen. very detailed recapping and restore of that beautiful upright 1930's radio .I actually learned a lot from this video. Thank you so much for sharing...

  • @Irene1545
    @Irene1545 2 года назад +1

    You are a very great Instructor , thank you for your work.

  • @dennisevans2677
    @dennisevans2677 Год назад

    I worked for Stromberg Carlson as an installer building Telephone offices in the 70's. Tucked away in the massive Factory was the wood shop that built these cabinets. I installed XY switching systems and Type 75 ticketing systems. This was one of the best jobs in the world.

  • @Mikej1592
    @Mikej1592 2 года назад +3

    I love how it has Carlson in the name on the radio, that has to make it extra special for you. I know if there was a radio with my last name on it I certainly would hold it in high regard. great video, I love old radio restorations

  • @TheBill3333
    @TheBill3333 2 года назад +4

    The knowledge, skill and fortitude are beyond compare. How lucky this man has the ability to bring back the romance of radio culture of 84 years ago. He is educating others in this rare field. I hope to hear first hand one of these radios. The recorded voice here seems to have a resonant peak in the bass frequencies that sometimes obscures the speech.

  • @MrMoggyman
    @MrMoggyman 3 года назад

    The old valve radios are fantastic. Lots of beautiful harmonics, no transistor hiss, plenty of bass, and generally built to last. Of course you had to wait for the valves to warm up, but the wait was well worth it. Used to work in a radio repair workshop for four years, bench testing and repairing, in addition to mast work with folded dipoles and twelve element yagi's. Always in the winter the heaters would fail on yagi aerials and they would lose their directional characteristics due to ice build up, and there you are, up a mast in the freezing cold fitting out new aerials with new heater elements. In the workshop we had an old valve radio pumping out its wonderful sounds daily on weekdays. Remembered well. The valve heaters even warmed up the workshop on cold days. Nice refurbishment job. Yes, nylon adjustment (trimmer) tools for the powdered IF slugs and RF nut type caps (transmitter PA sections), insulated screwdriver for screw type caps. Powdered IF slugs used to be a problem at times because they had a nasty habit of sticking and breaking in two, and then were the devils own to replace. RF sections easy enough, but as you say IF sections can take ages and a lot of required patience. Love the high impedance unit to stop blowing the front end of the spectrum analyser. Wish I had had one (no, I did not blow a SA - we had a very high impedance probe). The capacitor testers too are really lovely, with fantastic sensitivity. These days? I build power stations and work on the heavy current/high voltage end of electrical engineering, but I must admit that my radio days were a fascinating experience. Working at the component end of radio engineering is interesting, but time consuming, especially with intermittent faults like dry joints and failing components that you have to track down. On televisions this was a big hassle too, because even with a service chart, the hunt for the problem could take days. These days it has become an 'everything on a chip' or 'surface mount technology' throw away world. Pity. Good old component electronics was always the best. The throw away world has taken the skill and interest out of the work. For example, just look at the fantastic design and build put into this valve radio. Built to last, but components do not last forever, especially capacitors.

  • @gregorymccoy6797
    @gregorymccoy6797 3 года назад +2

    Thank you for 2hrs of viewing pleasure. Your videos are always worth the time.

  • @drboze6781
    @drboze6781 3 года назад +8

    What a great stocking-stuffer from Mr Carlson, a full-blown restoration of a drool-worthy radio most of us mortals will never see, let alone own. I don't know how this one survived in such good condition, but maybe all the thousands of its contemporaries made a sacrifice so that one could live again.

    • @raymondpayne7597
      @raymondpayne7597 2 года назад

      Who is to say what treasures are still out there, suspended in time stored in the sheds, basements and empty bedrooms at grandma's and grandpa's homes around the world. It. It is like classic cars that weren't destroyed to make room for the new. They are out there. Go to yard sales, estate auctions, and the like. These gems are still out there. But in an era of limited resources and climate change, priorities one the way we use or not use water, fossil fuels, electricity, gmos. Right now the US is experiencing a severe shortage of helium, a by product of natural gas, and used in celebration LTA balloons from the party store to welders who need helium and argon to provide a bubble of non reactive air (oxygen, hydrogen (air and water) carbon( CO2, CO, and other organic matter in the environment.). All these are factors. Raymond

  • @JohnRaschedian
    @JohnRaschedian Год назад +3

    Well, everything about how you restore radios is just perfect. You have the art Paul! Thank you for sharing that!

  • @donnh8004
    @donnh8004 3 года назад +2

    I took radio and electronics about 60 years ago and my instructors never taught me what Mr Carlson told us in this video about what to look for in older components. This is really great. Thanks for your great instruction.

  • @TheOnjLouis
    @TheOnjLouis 2 года назад +1

    I would love to see a collaborative video between Techmoan and Mr Carlson.
    Two great people in their fields.

  • @ScumbagHorse
    @ScumbagHorse 2 года назад +13

    Such an absolutely incredible radio, and seemingly really well built as well. That wood is just incredible, and making it all original was absolutely the right thing to do. Great restoration!

  • @Bob-vp3dc
    @Bob-vp3dc 3 года назад +7

    As a guitar player, I can tell you that the wood choices on this unit is pretty cool. The slight flame in the grain really puts it over the top!

  • @Mississippi_Boomer
    @Mississippi_Boomer Год назад +1

    American ingenuity, American workmanship. Amazing radio.

  • @roberttoews2775
    @roberttoews2775 3 года назад +3

    That's not just a radio, it's a work of art inside and out!

  • @weekendwarriorweldingdiypr4604
    @weekendwarriorweldingdiypr4604 3 года назад +11

    There goes the next 2 hours and 16 minutes. Love these videos, love the way you explain things.

  • @mikechalmers6
    @mikechalmers6 3 года назад +2

    Oh my lord - my father has this EXACT model in perfect shape ... thank you Mr. Carlson !!

  • @NJF60
    @NJF60 5 месяцев назад +1

    Wow! A Communications Receiver from the 1930’s. Marvelous technology for that time.

  • @paulgraf4140
    @paulgraf4140 3 года назад +33

    Merry Christmas from Russia!

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +4

      Same to you!

    • @jessemontano762
      @jessemontano762 3 года назад

      You related to stanislov Grof, psychiatrist/lsd researcher?

    • @paulgraf4140
      @paulgraf4140 3 года назад +1

      @@jessemontano762 forget psychiatry&lsd! Better watch this channel and study physics&electronics!

  • @dashcamandy2242
    @dashcamandy2242 3 года назад +6

    A nice receiver from the days where the unit cost as much as (or more than) a piece of furniture, and was designed to function just as beautifully as it looks. The audio is truly amazing, they obviously had someone with some acoustical knowledge on the design team. I'd genuinely love to hear it in person. Certainly hope you'll include a photo of it in a future calendar!

    • @joefish6091
      @joefish6091 Год назад

      Look up the Everyready AC model 3 from 1928, I have one of the cabinets minus any innards, the style is American Gothic or late Queen Anne, looks like a coffin, awful style and design.
      The twenties was the decade of radio, an absolute crazed decade, similar to how the 80s was for the home computer , so looks didn't matter, just that the radios worked.
      I also have a thin legged tall cabinet Queen Anne style, manufacturer unknown., arched dual doors, looks a little bit better. The art deco ones from the thirties were a massive style improvement.

  • @Johnh1953
    @Johnh1953 3 года назад +1

    Nobody in the world is interested in this kind of thing. Except for those who find it absolutely fascinating. This is an example of the very finest use of the internet. And beyond the technical expertise and historical interest it shows that even in subjects of a very technical nature the humanity, pride of workmanship, desire to spread knowledge and teach become so evident that one actually feels a strong emotional kinship and appreciation for such a fine and sharing craftsman. Thank you so much.

  • @DR-xm9ck
    @DR-xm9ck 3 года назад +1

    Terrific. I cut my teeth on analog electronics. This was just a joy to watch. I cannot remember the last I time heard someone reference a VTVM. The Stromberg-Carlson is a marvel of old tech. In a day where board swappers call themselves electronic techs it is a pleasure to watch a real one in action. I must admit I laughed outload when he said "I'm a little bit picky". Obviously Mr. Carlson is more of a Electronic Design Engineer then a tech. Thank you for posting, great stuff. I have 65 year old Telefunken radio this has inspired me to look at restoring it.

  • @stephencopeland238
    @stephencopeland238 Год назад +3

    What an absolutely fantastic set! I can't believe how well designed and constructed it is! I would dearly love a set like this - I am so grateful to have followed this restoration. Thank you so very much

  • @diamonddave45
    @diamonddave45 3 года назад +3

    I used to use those HP spectrum analyzers in my job on a daily basis about 20 years ago. That brought me back.

  • @bobmclaughlin7276
    @bobmclaughlin7276 2 года назад

    I have a much "newer" Stromberg-carlson radio/phono. From 1947.. It has 2 fm bands.. The radio still needs some work.. The fm bands are working but not "quite there" yet.. I play my mp3 player through the phono input via a matching transformer.. It sounds amazing with its push pull 6f6's output tubes... This radio once belonged to my grandfather's brother... Still giving me tunes...I can play 78's on its old record changer.. The cabinet was built by 'Andrew malcolm'... A real gem... That's a real awesome radio you have there... Worthy of a full restoration... Chassis and cabinet, if required.... It's just too bad the AM band isn't what it used to be...

  • @kempedkemp
    @kempedkemp 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for showing this! Stromberg - Carlson electronics were made in my hometown in Rochester NY. My father was a radio repairman and we had one very similar to this in our kitchen of all places.

  • @Derrick6162
    @Derrick6162 3 года назад +4

    What a magnificent radio, absolutely beautiful ❤️. I think my favorite part of your videos is the technical aspects, especially in the alignment, technical explanation and final testing. Well done. Thanks. 👍

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoy it Derek! Thanks for your kind comment too.

  • @alphabeets
    @alphabeets 3 года назад +3

    Wow! Look at the condition after almost 90 years! Amazing. Great video once again.

  • @hansoosterwal4073
    @hansoosterwal4073 11 месяцев назад +1

    You're a life-saver! Like your videos.

  • @denisdespins1127
    @denisdespins1127 3 года назад +2

    Thank you very much Mr C. You and yours have a SUPER Christmas. Thanks for tuning in Hank H. And Jim D. I believe you have the Light !

  • @szymonszewcjr
    @szymonszewcjr 3 года назад +4

    Merry Christmas from Poland!

  • @ianbutler1983
    @ianbutler1983 3 года назад +30

    Paul,
    Thanks for listening to the "the longer the better" viewers and not the "I have the attention span of a goldfish" viewers! I have a request for you-could you mention a few words about how you got the equipment you are working on and what its destination will be? I would be curious to know.
    All the best to you and yours.

    • @keithrushforth4019
      @keithrushforth4019 3 года назад +1

      I would like to "second" this comment. I too like the long in depth format of these videos.

  • @garygullikson6349
    @garygullikson6349 3 года назад

    My dad took correspondence courses in the 40's to learn electronics, and repaired radios and TV's. He became a fabricator of chassis for engineers at Allis Chalmers and eventually installed electronics on naval ships in Long Island, for Autonetics. We had a Gruneau "Teledial" that my dad converted to a record changer player combo, grill area folded for access to change records. He was also a good violinist.

  • @MT-fw6zp
    @MT-fw6zp 4 месяца назад

    Mr Carlson, sincere thanks for such an impressive demonstration ! and such lovely equipment !

  • @llwonder
    @llwonder 2 года назад +5

    how the heck were engineers so talented in the 30's. This is like 20 years after the first antennas were even being developed. It's amazing how advanced things were in the early days and how innovative things got

    • @greggrimer1428
      @greggrimer1428 11 месяцев назад +1

      Hard times create strong men

  • @alexwade9921
    @alexwade9921 3 года назад +3

    Oh wow! That is an amazing radio. Beautiful!

  • @derekdowns6275
    @derekdowns6275 3 года назад +2

    An absolute gem. Both the radio AND this channel! Mr. Carlson's Lab is a true gift to the world. Thank you!

  • @beerybill
    @beerybill 3 года назад +2

    Interesting video. I have a 1936 vintage Stromberg-Carlson table top radio that was in my mother's family since, I believe, new. I got it around 35 years ago and it was working fine. The cabinet is in outstanding condition. But after almost the same number of years in storage...nice loud hum. Tomorrow it goes to the vintage repair guru, a 50-mile round trip but worth it. Dunno if my wife agrees...LOL.

  • @Jericho297
    @Jericho297 3 года назад +3

    This radio is absolutely magnificent

  • @timothymcfadden9899
    @timothymcfadden9899 3 года назад +6

    I am continually impressed by both your knowledge and superb workmanship. Your ability to simplify some of the technical specs is always a pleasure to listen to.

  • @tonyduncan9852
    @tonyduncan9852 2 года назад +1

    I _use_ your channel to _smooth_ my thinking. Thanks.

  • @fireantsarestrange
    @fireantsarestrange Год назад +1

    Almost takes me back to my grandparents. Nice radio.

  • @hestheMaster
    @hestheMaster 3 года назад +7

    Very nice radio. Paul does put the Carlson in this Stromberg-Carlson for sure. Exceptionally fantastic restoration! 👍🏻👍🏻 Merry Christmas to one and all!

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад

      Merry Christmas to You and Yours as well!

  • @marianotombetta4149
    @marianotombetta4149 3 года назад +2

    am i the only one who doesn't know a thing about electronics but love this videos?

    • @jjiacobucci
      @jjiacobucci 3 года назад

      I’m here with you. I’m a biochemist. I know volts and amps. That’s about it :)

  • @Giblet535
    @Giblet535 2 года назад +1

    What a beautiful console!

  • @leonardpeters3266
    @leonardpeters3266 3 года назад +2

    One of the most uptown radios out there. It is in the top twelve of my most wanted list.

  • @chuckbrown617
    @chuckbrown617 3 года назад +5

    The best 2 hours I spent all week... possibly one of your best videos.
    Happy holiday wishes to you and yours.

  • @BruceNitroxpro
    @BruceNitroxpro 3 года назад +51

    Stromberg-Carlson would have died to have your gear to calibrate and align their gear before shipping them out.

  • @robertdams4078
    @robertdams4078 Год назад +1

    I watched in awe as you repaired this awsome set! I have aways been interested in old radio sets since I was a child. In my younger days had a number of these in still working condition. Now I regret parting with them!! Thanks for showing this, I throughly enjoyed it!
    You are an electronics wizzard!

  • @cjmarsh504
    @cjmarsh504 3 года назад +1

    That radio is well built, and sound great for it's age.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for your comment Cody!

    • @cjmarsh504
      @cjmarsh504 3 года назад

      @@MrCarlsonsLab you're welcome sir