How to Replace Transformers in Antique Radios
Finding an antique radio may boost your spirits, but getting it to work may bring them right back down. You may get lucky by just changing the tubes, but if not, you need technical troubleshooting skills and a schematic diagram of the radio. If you discover a bad transformer, finding a new one may wind up being more difficult than actually replacing it. But to replace it, whether it's a power or a signal transformer, you need technician's skills and know how to use electronics hand tools, including soldering equipment.
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Things You'll Need
- Basic electronics technician's hand tools, including soldering equipment
- Pencil and pad
- Schematic diagram for your antique
- Assembly hardware applicable to your radio
- New transformer with a schematic diagram
Instructions
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1
Follow the leads out of the transformer to each connection point. Pull the wires out of any bundling or ties and separate them to identify exactly where they go.
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2
Make a sketch of the transformer and its wiring, including wire colors and connection points that include other wires or components. Make note of all wire colors. Many transformers come with their wires permanently connected, but some have push on connections. In this case, pull the wires off after sketching them.
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3
Disconnect the ends of the transformer wires at the connection points. Some may be under screw terminals and others soldered. For the soldered connections, cut the wires as close to their connection points as possible. Don't cut any other connections.
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4
Remove the transformer. Be careful not to damage any old or rusted mounting hardware. You may have to use it to install the new one.
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Wrap the wires to the previously connected terminal points. If they were on terminal lugs, you may need to crimp on new ones. Solder the terminals as necessary.
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Strip and tin the wires coming out of the new transformer. Some come already stripped and tinned, but if not, strip about a half inch and heat the bare wire with the soldering iron. Melt a thin coating of solder onto the wire.
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Install the new transformer in its position. You may need to fashion new mounting hardware; but don't wire it until it is securely installed.
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Clean off all soldered terminals where you removed wires. Hold solder wick to them and then heat it with a soldering iron. The wick will suck the solder off of the connection. Then remove old wire scraps with needle-nosed pliers.
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Tips & Warnings
Antique radios may be difficult to disassemble. Carefully examine it for attachment devices hidden in the artwork. Be careful not to break old parts as they may be brittle from age.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit vintage radio and gramophone image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
