FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everybody  ;D ;D ;D ;D   

i have aquired a air chief radio for the FE without the power supply unit. Does anybody have a spare amplifier/power/ assembly they would consider selling  ??? ??? ???

cheers Phil.

I think I might have what you need Phil. Don't know if it works or not but you can have it for free if you want it. Might cost a few bob to post though it is heavy.  Dave

Hi Dave   PM sent

Still looking for a power unit if anyone has one for sale cheers Phil

Do you have a pic of the part you need?

sorry no photos , only know it shits on top of the radio housing and has a round five pin plug that plugs into the radio.

cheers Phil.

Yeah, that's called the vibrator. It's shaped like a tin can & plugs in like a glass style radio valve. Check with some of the vintage radio repairers. I remember seeing a modern solid state replacement unit several years ago. I'm not sure if these are still readily available.

Dr Terry

Thanks for the reply.

cheers Phil.

from what i was able to find out , yes the unit does have a vibrator in it and it but it also contains the amplifier as well.
the radio needs the extra power from the amplifier to make it operational.

cheers Phil. ???

Phil have you tried Nostalgic Wireless in Melbourne? He's done a couple of radios for me in the past including the one out of my FE. I called in to his shop to collect it and noticed he had a lot of spare parts as well as  radios. Might be worth a call. Last number I had for the business was 03 9499 2495.
Cheers, Ken

Thanks Ken
Im at work until 9 so will give them a ring monday

Phil.  Is WTB the model of the radio?  It should have 3 letters stamped on the on the side or rear of the chassis somewhere. I serviced a radio that sounds similar to your description about 18 months ago.  The plug in unit you require is probably a hybred unit with a transistorised output stage that plugs into the main frame with a 5 pin plug. It does nor have a vibrator. The valves in the main frame run from 12 volts only.  If you can get the model I can check the service manuals to confirm my thoughts.  If I am correct the radio you have is from an FC.

Keith

Hi Keith

The radio has stamped on the bottom    HJL010138

Its a NON pushbutton model thats why i assumed its a FE.

cheers Phil.

Phil,

HJL?  I've found the service bulletin for it.  (Sorry Keith, but I've upstaged you.)

The service bulletin's dated October 1958.

The radio is a 12-V hybrid unit, and has no vibrator.  As Keith says, the valves operate from 12 volts, and there are two transistors as well - the audio driver and output.  The radio is a single unit, and the socket (4 pins, by the way) takes a plug for the speaker.

I'd recommend trying to find a 15-ohm speaker for the radio, if you can.

Rob

Thanks for all the info

once again a wealth of knowledge on this site.

cheers Phil.  ;D

Rob/Phil  That's OK Rob  Saved me the time going through my Astor files.  A 15 ohm speaker is essential for the unit.  Even with an 8 ohm speaker there is a good chance of cooking up the output transistor. My understanding is that model with or without push button tuning is the correct model for the FC.

Keith

Could you use 2 x 8ohm speakers in series to give 16ohms? 15ohm speakers could be hard to come by?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for everyones input and info , have now found almost everything i need and the unit is now working.

However i am still looking for a station dial lens if anyone has a spare they would like to sell.

cheers Phil. ???

Assuming it's what you need, here's a new one on eBay .....
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VINTAGE-MINT-NOS-FC-HOLDEN-AIR-CHIEF-RADIO-STATION-DIAL-LENS-NASCO-NEW-OLD-STOCK/222773706105?hash=item33de58fd79:g:iYAAAOSw3fZaRVYU

Yes you can use 2 x 8 ohm in series to obtain 16 ohms although the more modern speakers are not quite as sensitive as the older ones.  This means that you require to drive them with a bit more power to obtain the same volume. I have seen some people putting a resistor in series with the speaker to obtain 15 ohms.  This will work but you are dissipating a lot of power into the resistor with only some going to the speaker.  I have used a few 27 ohm speakers that I had in stock when a 15 ohm one was required. Theoretically the power out will be a little less.  I have checked and could not hear any difference between the two impedance's.  There is/was a chap in Qld on Ebay who has new 5"x7" 15 ohm speakers with metal adapter plates to suit various model older cars.  I have seen these.  They are excellent quality.

Keith

Thanks everyone

have purchased a radio station dial lens of EVIL BAY and have acquired a 15 ohm speaker.

NOTE *** the ebay seller has already listed another dial lens at a BUY IT NOW price.

cheers Phil.