From the Workbench

With Chris Ratcliff

PART 1: Restoration of the F.M. compatible HMV C23A mantle radio

This was the restoration that Chris demonstrated at the May 2019 meeting. The HMV C23A mantle radio is a very unusual model as it is both an AM and FM receiver, but using valve technology. We mainly associate FM receivers with transistor driven radios. The unusual dial stringing arrangement is also rather unique!
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

PART 2: Restoration of the F.M. compatible HMV C23A mantle radio

This is the same restoration as the one above with the same radio. In this worksheet there are a couple of photos and extra steps that were taken. Use the two worksheets together to get the full story.
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

A mysterious smoking Philips Model 167

This repair became “Perry Mason and the Case of the Smoking R12”. What happens when a well meaning hobbyist makes some unexpected changes to the internals of this Philips model 167 - and creates a fault-finding mystery to be solved!
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

Fault-finding in a Kreisler 11-81 Valve Mantle Radio

The Kriesler Model 11-81 is a 5-valve mantle radio, that uses a ferrite rod aerial. This model and its variants are reliable and are very good performers. But there is a check list that must be followed in reference to the circuit diagram.
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

Servicing a Faulty VCR with a Switch-mode Power Supply

This Video Cassette Recorder stopped working with no display and no proper sound except for a very faint whistle coming from the power supply.
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

Servicing an English Philips portable record player (with a "live" chassis)

There are MANY examples of English designed radios (by many famous brands) and record-players that have a LIVE chassis, which was not common in Australian designed equipment so Chis warns us to be VERY careful!!
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

Servicing the H.M.V. "Nippergram" - Series 31, 33, 35 and U63C

In this workshop project, Chis starts after having replaced all the paper/wax capacitors and all of the electrolytic capacitors. He then takes us through 7 or 8 steps fault-finding and testing using simple techniques.
Click here to see (and download) the worksheet for this repair. It also includes the circuit diagram.

The information provided in this site is based on information supplied by the HRSA (unless otherwise specified), and is intended only as an introduction and guide to the HRSA for the range of available products, items and services for its own financial members.