How to repair vintage tube receiver IF can transformer silver mica capacitors migration weak receive

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  • Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
  • Detailed procedure for repairing the delicate IF transformers in tube type radios. In this example, I will be repairing T3 in a Hallicrafters S-40B shortwave receiver. T3 was arcing internally. Silver migration disease. Common problem with old radios. I had already re-capped the receiver, was hoping for the best, but nope. The receivers audio was weak & distorted. Obviously the defective IF can was the culprit. So, since I had quite an investment already, best to see it thru. The process was quite delicate, small fragile parts inside of that IF transformer. Did most of the work utilizing a lighted magnifier lamp. If you decide to take this task on, set the day aside. Dont rush it. These parts are almost impossible to locate. Most guys buy a broken unit & harvest the components. Last video 2024.

Комментарии • 44

  • @usuthu65
    @usuthu65 Месяц назад +7

    Thanks for taking the time to document this type of fix. I’m seeing more and more people report silver mica disease as these rigs are now at the right age but opening up those cans has always been a scary thing. Just don’t break the tiny tiny magnet wires! 73 de W1PJE

    • @d-labelectronics
      @d-labelectronics  Месяц назад +4

      Yes, it was a detailed process. I have some nice inspection gear, but these old eyes can cause issues! I was thrilled to see the old radio spring to life!

    • @usuthu65
      @usuthu65 Месяц назад +3

      @ These sets are worth the effort! I enjoy the channel very much and your sense of humor is great - fortunately, I didn’t see WaxBot lurking behind you on this one; beware!

  • @RP4UXO
    @RP4UXO Месяц назад +5

    For those lacking a fancy Wavetek generator, a TinySA ultra might be an economical instrument for IF alignment.

  • @ThernCific
    @ThernCific Месяц назад +5

    Another great video. I just replaced the caps in the IF transformers of a Knight R-100A as a preventative measure. For removing the brass rivet I used a pair of Klein D2755G flush cutters to remove the top crimp. I also used C0G ceramic surface mount capacitors as the replacements. If you carefully trim back the contact tabs you can solder the ceramic caps across the gap. Since my capacitor wafers were still OK I was able to measure their value on a capacitance bridge to order the proper value replacements. 73, W0KPX

  • @hestheMaster
    @hestheMaster Месяц назад +4

    Thanks Terry for making this video as one will run into this problem with those particular types of IF cans from the 1950s,
    yes even regular old tube radios do have this problem. Shango has an approach with testing the capacitance with small
    adjustable ceramic body capacitors to get peak signal across each coil and then replaces them with the same set value
    mica caps as you have done.

  • @TheFRiNgEguitars
    @TheFRiNgEguitars Месяц назад +2

    This is major leagues, a masterfully executed repair, made easy as pie!

  • @comeasyouare4545
    @comeasyouare4545 Месяц назад +2

    Back in the 1975 I was given the same receiver a coworker had found in a barn, Recapped it. and replaced the speaker. He also gave me an old oscilloscope that had been manufactured in 1947. Got both of them working. Was in the military at the time, and when I transferred was able to take them with me. Didn't know about the caps in IF cans. Might have explained some of the noise I was having. Thanks for the video.

  • @davidsheedy5793
    @davidsheedy5793 Месяц назад +1

    great video, have had to do similar work on other Halicrafter radios..

  • @chrishoffman6537
    @chrishoffman6537 Месяц назад +3

    Terry you are the master tech!

  • @toddr2375
    @toddr2375 Месяц назад +1

    Great video Terry! Thanks for taking the time to put it together and post it on RUclips!

  • @SWIZZRADIOS
    @SWIZZRADIOS 26 дней назад +1

    Above all, vintage CB/HAM radios and antennas are a passion of mine. The 60/70s were a wonderful time: grand CB parties, free from smartphones and Instagram profiles. Happy-2025 and best 73 to you and yours...

  • @gilbertdesmarais5718
    @gilbertdesmarais5718 Месяц назад +2

    In a lot of devices with rivets that act as an electric carrier, I noticed that they eventually oxidize and resist current flow at the contact point. Here I suspect that this is what happened: the mica sheets were still operational, but the contact with the plates was unreliable. Sometimes removing oxidation, wetting the rivet with tin solder and soldering it to the plate is possible.

  • @hobbiesrus
    @hobbiesrus Месяц назад +2

    That is some delicate work! Thank you for documenting this.

  • @Mike--WA7QZR
    @Mike--WA7QZR Месяц назад +4

    To those complaining about the value of the receiver and the associated repair; many times, it's not about the money.

    • @pannermccall4375
      @pannermccall4375 Месяц назад +4

      Yea sometimes you just want to save some history for future generations. Sadly some people just can't see past the money.

  • @robschertler8099
    @robschertler8099 Месяц назад +1

    Ad me to your list of compliments on this repair. Great work‼

  • @Radio478
    @Radio478 Месяц назад +3

    Great video very useful 👍 thanks from England

  • @MOAllDa
    @MOAllDa Месяц назад +1

    I've always admired men from afar who repair these old tube radios. (Too many dangerous voltages lurking in those things). I'll keep admiring at a distance 😂

  • @jeremiahlyleseditor437
    @jeremiahlyleseditor437 Месяц назад +1

    You are a surgeon.
    Happy New Year to you
    Thanks for all your work

  • @No_Quarter
    @No_Quarter Месяц назад +1

    Great repair Terry.

  • @mackfisher4487
    @mackfisher4487 Месяц назад +1

    Even eBay had this comparable power Hallicrafters receivers of the era are around 100 bucks. I don't see that you can make money on this set but, thanks adding your repair expertise to future restorers.

  • @vtradio
    @vtradio Месяц назад +1

    Wow! I'm glad my Hallicrafters S-40B did not have that distorted audio from an arcing IF can.
    73 Paul AA1SU

  • @stirlingschmidt6325
    @stirlingschmidt6325 Месяц назад +1

    Arcing is a great way to discover this issue, but if you can't see it, it's easy to detect and pinpoint with the 'hound' from a wire tracing kit. This also works well for standard S/M and ceramic caps that are arcing internally.

  • @michaelmiller641
    @michaelmiller641 Месяц назад +1

    What a palaver! Actually incorporating structurally the mica cap in the if coil case!

  • @pannermccall4375
    @pannermccall4375 Месяц назад +1

    We all have had to deal with the silver mica migration. I liked to keep extra IF transformers around in case i damaged one in the repair process. Got them out junkers or at the swap meets. Good ideal to keep the values documented to. Not all schematics list the values.

  • @mikeerstad3705
    @mikeerstad3705 Месяц назад +3

    Thanks Terry.....I'm currently working on a Hammarlund HQ-180A ....without any antenna connected this thing makes a lot of noise and with the antenna connected it has very poor/unclear reception....After starting from the output, removing a tube at a time and injecting a signal I think I'm getting closer to a couple IF Cans.......I'll have to turn down the lights and see if I can observe some arcing...... Thanks for the Video....

    • @d-labelectronics
      @d-labelectronics  Месяц назад +3

      Yep, that sounds like the same issue. You can also tap on the can using a wood or plastic wand. I find that the noise can be excited by the vibration

    • @pannermccall4375
      @pannermccall4375 Месяц назад

      Sometimes you just hear it & don't see the arcing.

  • @mikefinn2101
    @mikefinn2101 Месяц назад +1

    Great Job thanks for showing 73s wb7qxu

  • @daviddahlgren9603
    @daviddahlgren9603 Месяц назад +1

    Thanks Terry !

  • @frankgeeraerts6243
    @frankgeeraerts6243 Месяц назад +1

    Realy nice job !

  • @Tom-W7TMD
    @Tom-W7TMD Месяц назад +1

    Nothing like a little brain surgery on the old receiver. Well done!

  • @lawrencehalpin6611
    @lawrencehalpin6611 Месяц назад

    Thank you.

  • @billyrey9679
    @billyrey9679 Месяц назад +2

    IF Got it!

  • @DiogenesCaulfield
    @DiogenesCaulfield Месяц назад +1

    What old gear has salvageable power supply and or transformers for 6l6 amp? Microwaves pull a lot as do scanners and printers, but looking for clues. Any tips will be appreciated.

  • @bio-techlarry9602
    @bio-techlarry9602 18 дней назад

    Silver Mica Disease. Get your reading glasses on. The results are well worth the effort.

  • @chuckvoss9344
    @chuckvoss9344 Месяц назад +1

    Nerves of steel. A very fiddly process. Even 60 years ago you had to be careful. But now you can 3D print the coil form.

  • @edwardwomble5707
    @edwardwomble5707 Месяц назад +1

    I ask this question out of ignorance, but am genuinely curious: Is there a modern replacement circuit or device for IF cans other than using another IF can? Thanks in advance.

    • @d-labelectronics
      @d-labelectronics  Месяц назад

      Hello, Not that I know of. The IF transformers have around 300vdc on them. That would blow up a Solid state device

    • @edwardwomble5707
      @edwardwomble5707 Месяц назад +1

      Thanks for the thoughtful response. Love watching your videos and always learn something useful. 73 and Happy New Year to you and yours! Frank, W4EFW

  • @MrMe4444444
    @MrMe4444444 Месяц назад +1

    I wish I could do this in 6 minutes.

  • @miltonderezende7906
    @miltonderezende7906 Месяц назад +1

    A montagem de antigamente era muito feia. Eu tenho um Collins KWM2A, que é um horror de montagem.
    The setup in the past was very ugly. I have a Collins KWM2A, which is a horror to assemble.