Old radio repair questions.

[Travis1960]

I know this is most likey not the place, but what the hey.

I have an old Realistic STA-450 AM/FM Stereo Receiver. It works great!

The light on the dial is burned out. Is this just a bulb to replace? Would it be fairly easy to do? Would the bulb still be available to purchase?

Does anyone know of a site on the net that may be able to help me with this?

The kid at Radio Shack looked at me like I was an alien from outer space when I asked him about this.
His comment; "Have you thought of buying a new radio"?

Travis
Fairfield, TX.

 

[stevezodiac]

I have a 1975 Marantz receiver (30 watts= 30lbs. ) that had a lot of burned out lamps. I found some from some dealers advertising on e-bay. They should be able to help you.

http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Electronics-Parts

and

http://stores.ebay.com/tech-hifi-store

 

[dfwtalkradionut]

If you are looking to restore an old radio, here are a few sites that might help:

http://www.radioera.com/repair-restore.htm (located right here in Dallas)

http://nostalgicradios.com/ (located right here in Dallas)

Either one of those is certainly a good place to go and/or start with.

Good Luck!

 

[Chuck]

I know this is most likey not the place, but what the hey.

The light on the dial is burned out. Is this just a bulb to replace? Would it be fairly easy to do? Would the bulb still be available to purchase?

Most equipment of that era used bayonet type pilot lights that are very easy to change. The most common type is a #47 which you should be able to get from Mouser, MCM. ElectroTex or even from Radio Shack. Usually, the biggest challenge is to get to the light bulb so you can change it. Sometimes all you need to do is take off the cover to gain access. It may be as simple as removing four screws. Sometimes a bit more disassembly is required, but it shouldn't be too bad if you are handy with a screwdriver.

Just be sure to disconnect the receiver from the wall socket before you start taking things apart. Some older tube type equipment may still maintain an electrical charge for several hours even when it is turned off, so proceed with caution. The pilot lamps on most equipment run on 6 volts AC, so the chances of getting a shock from them is very slight.

 

[CW]

I know this is most likey not the place, but what the hey.

I have an old Realistic STA-450 AM/FM Stereo Receiver. It works great!

The light on the dial is burned out. Is this just a bulb to replace? Would it be fairly easy to do? Would the bulb still be available to purchase?

Does anyone know of a site on the net that may be able to help me with this?

The kid at Radio Shack looked at me like I was an alien from outer space when I asked him about this.
His comment; "Have you thought of buying a new radio"?

Travis
Fairfield, TX.

You possibly can get the service manual from Radio Shack; used to be you could download it from RadioShack.com but unlikely nowadays. The pilot lamps are easy to change...getting to them is another thing You have to remove the case, knobs, etc. and then unsolder the wires that connect to the lamps, but it's not that bad. Make sure you do have the unit unplugged from the wall (you would be surprised how many try without doing that!)..forget the local kids at RS.....you have questions, they have blank stares!

 

[K6JHU]

Another source for the bulb is an automobile parts shop, e.g.NAPA. Take the bulb out forst. Typically the part number is o the base of the bulb. Then you knpw what you are looking for. Try the auto parts store as in many cases it was easier to use an auto lamp for the job. And one of the earlier posters was correct. It is not the easiet job to get ot the bulb. Try to avoid breaking the dial cord.

John

 

[Travis1960]

Thanks for all the info. ;D