- 2025
- Nov
- 24
An Unknown 2-dial TRF radio part 4: Full stop.
In the last part, we identified where the power connects. This part is about checking coils and transformers to identify any problem areas.
And…there’s a problem. The AF output transformer is open on the side that supplies the plate voltages. This is the leftmost transformer in the image.
While the Thordarson R-200 transformer was a common part for this type of radio, and they are out there in resale land…good examples can go for a bunchabuxx. Bad examples can still be somewhat expensive.
For now, this project stops. I’m not willing to invest a lot of money into what would ultimately be a gee-whiz device. I’ve whittled options down to these:
1: Find a transformer at a show. Perhaps Dayton or Cuyahoga Falls will have one at a reasonable price.
2: Try to open this one up without damaging the crimp ears that keep the mounting plate on the body.
3: Donate it to the Early Television Museum’s operating funds auction in the fall.
I’m thinking #3 is going to be the winner here, as I have plenty of other devices to work on. Stay tuned, this may yet show up in a future post.
Next part of this series: None at this time.
Previous part of this series: https://wereboar.com … s-inside-identified/