- 2022
- Aug
- 24
The Hallicrafters S-41G: Found the Sams folder.
While the Riders schematics are useful and have the proper alignment information, the Sams set simple excels in the parts listings for a device. This folder came from a well-known auction site, and is in remarkable shape for something from 1946. I probably paid a bit too much for it, but having this information is simply invaluable.
If you’d like to download the high-res scans of this set, along with the Riders images I posted earlier, you can do so with this link: https://app.box.com/ … 7cuc70d70xnay5dmusuq. This will open a box.com window, and you can either download the entire folder by clicking the “Download” button in the upper right corner, or go through the folders and pick and choose. It’s about 116MB, and contains BMP and PNG images.
You can download a .7z version of the archive here: https://privateemail … 43a07/1/8/NjQ/NjQvMw. This archive is smaller than the .zip version, if you’re trying to save bandwidth and space.
These images are reduced in size and quality so I could fit them without using up my server space. If you’d like the full resolution scans, be sure to use the box.com url above.
Now that I have an accurate parts list, I’m going to make a list of capacitors and resistors. I’ll probably just get them all and replace as needed.
- 2022
- Aug
- 11
The Hallicrafters S-41G: Found a schematic.
While I didn’t expect this to be difficult to find, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Rider’s available on Antique Electronic Supply’s website. AES has a nice selection of components for the radio enthusiast, I highly recommend them for restoration components.
Antique Electronic Supply’s website https://www.tubesandmore.com/
Now to start identifying what I need to make this thing sing again.
- 2022
- Aug
- 7
The Hallicrafters S-41G Skyrider Jr.
I’ve been looking for an AA5 “Shockbox” radio for a while now, but these seem to be getting kind of rare, which is odd considering how many of those things were made. So I’ve decided to instead look for an older multi-band unit. While this one wasn’t exactly what I wanted, it was cheap enough that it will work until I find a better example.
The Hallicrafters S-41G “Skyrider Jr.” was introduced right after WWII as a low-cost entry level receiver, alongside the company’s Echophone EC-1B which is electrically and mechanically identical. This unit lasted for a few years, and was replaced with the more common and more familiar S-38 line, which lasted for 6 models (S-38 through S-38E.)
This unit is in “acceptable” condition, and is complete with original knobs, a usable face, and limited damage to the chassis. It was purchased for $25 on August 6th, 2022 at the Columbus, Ohio hamfest.
When I first saw it, the friend I was with said “That looks like it sat around in a shop for years as the shop radio.” Turns out that was correct, the gentleman that sold it said it was in his father’s shop for years, but his father was unable to answer any questions about it, being in a state of mind that didn’t allow for much these days. That’s kind of sad to know I won’t be able to get any history, but that’s how it usually goes with these things.
First thing I did when I brought it home, of course, was to give it a quick lookover and then plug it in. Unsurprisingly, it came right up, and after getting the crud of the ages out of the switches, I was able to receive one of the strong local AM stations without any antenna connection. It must still be decently aligned.
The radio had the “science fiction squeal” as you turned the dial. Bad AGC capacitor, but that’s expected. Then the volume started dropping. Grid coupling capacitor was leaky and slowly allowing voltage through, cutting off the tube. I was about ready to turn if off, as I don’t want to destroy the tubes when it went POP and smoked. Capacitor blew out. Since the volume didn’t change, I expect it was the one across the line. But I rapidly pulled the plug anyway because it was shown to be working and that’s what I needed to see.
What’s a good initial showing without tearing the bottom off and baring the goods to the world? So that’s what I did next, and probably should have done first.
There were those big orange replacement filters. That was visible from the back, so no surprise. These were 450VDC capacitors with a 1974 date code, and decently installed. The voltage was far too high for the rectified line, but there are multiple schools of thought on this. One says go to the max, others say keep the voltage near the working voltage. The thought behind this is if you don’t give the capacitors their rated voltage, they can lose their ability to be a capacitor, and will try to “reform” and become capacitors again every time you apply voltage. I’ve always followed that rule, so a B+ of 150VDC probably would net a 200WVDC capacitor. In any event, these will go and get replaced with modern (and smaller) capacitors. Since these are nearing 50 years old themselves, it’s probably time regardless.
The other changes were the addition of a new line cord (sans the probably long dried out grommet in the chassis it went through) and a phone jack across the pin terminals originally placed by the factory. Not bad, usually these things are just a mess inside.
What’s going to happen next is the finding of a schematic. While I’d like to get the original Riders or Sams set for the radio, that may be difficult. There are a number of offerings online, so it’s just a matter of finding one that’s not a honeypot and downloading it. Then, the process of determining which parts need to be replaced begins - but that’s probably a job for this winter when the snow flies and the days are short. But check back in a few months for more on this set.
- 2022
- Jul
- 4
Unusual and interesting light sensors
There used to be a place in Dayton, Ohio called Mendelsons. This was a giant surplus house in one of the old Delco buildings on 1st street, near where the current Dayton Dragons field is. In 2021, the store did it’s final sale and closed.
There were several bulk bidders, including a place in Mansfield, Ohio called ESL Surplus. One of the things in the lot they bought was these unique little sensors. I had purchased a number of these years ago from Mendelsons, and I always wanted to get some more - unfortunately, with the world being afraid to open their door for two years, that didn’t happen. When the store went out of business, I figured that was it.
Fortunately, I had the chance to get more this past weekend.
These are tiny solar cells embedded in a plastic bubble, with an output of about 0.5V each - just enough to amplify and detect. I have no idea who made them, or when they were made - the discolored lens suggests they’ve been around for a while, quite possibly the 1970s. There’s no marks or other ID on the plastic housing - perhaps these were made to order and never used?
I’m not really sure what I’m going to do with these devices, but they go in my parts stash as, at minimum, an unusual piece of technology from years past.
ESL Computers (and surplus) URL removed
Mendelsons (archive) https://web.archive. … 30/https://meci.com/
ESL does not appear to exist at this point. Their website is now a malware pot.