Service Section

New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 790, 10 September 1954, Page 19

Service Section

Readers with special problems in the care and maintenance of radio receiving sets are invited to send inquiries to the Editor of "The Listener."

Nomes and addresses eR a s are required. Wherever possible, replies wilt be given, either in "The Listener’. or by letter. o-

"Bovar" (Rahotu) has. a_ three-months-old six-valve set, and is moving to a place without electricity. He wants to know: (1) If an A.C. 230volt six-valve receiver can be adapted for use with a wet battery, and reconverted economically after a few years; (2) if a dry-cell battery set can be adapted to run off a wet battery; (3) the best type of receiver for use in a place without electricity; (4) whether, if a radio is not required, it is better stored for three or four years, or left in use? (1) A 230-v. A.C. radio set could not be converted economically for use with a wet battery. As well as making a heavy drain on the battery supply, the conversion might prove expensive and not completely satisfactory. (2) A drycell battery set could be adapted for use with wet batteries. A radio serviceman would be able to say what would be a suitable wet battery supply for use with the set. (3) A battery set is the best type of receiver for use where no 230-v. supply or battery charging equipment is available. Some excellent portable sets are procurable. Most of these sets can be used either as battery or as 230-v. A.C.' sets. (4) A radio set can be stored satisfactorily for three or four years if it is in a dry place and is kept free from dust. DETAILS of his ageing set are given by W. H. Fitchett (Nelson), who "would like to bring it up to date, and get some more kick out of it." By renewing the valves he has already taken an important step towards improvement. Unfortunately, the remaining components of the set deteriorate at varying rates. To bring the set back to its original condition it may be necessary to replace a large number of parts; and this would be costly. It is possible, however, that renewal of an inexpensive part or parts would have good results. Only a serviceman could say if it would be an economic proposition, S. (Wellington) has noticed that re"ception fades or becomes noisy while he is listening to stations outside Wellington. He describes the behaviour of his wave change switch. "I found lately ... that if I lightly pressed in the lever, or moved it slightly up or down, a point would be reached where reception was very good, Sometimes it would stay good. On other occasions it would fade out as soon as I removed my hold or pressure." It is normal for reception from distant stations to fade, and in this instance the effect has no connection with the condition of the receiver. According to the symptoms described, however, the set has a faulty wave change switch. The switch should be repaired or replaced. A light pressure on a change switch in good condition should not disturb reception. bas ss