How to Repair Pocket Transistor Radios

A vintage transistor radio can be restored and enjoyed.

When they first appeared in the United States in the mid-1950's, transistor radios were all the rage. No longer did one need to lug around a big, bulky tube radio. Every now and then, some of these fabulous vintage radios will surface at thrift stores or garage sales. They are nice to have and generally simple to work on. Whereas older tube radios had many user-serviceable parts, transistor radios were made quickly and cheaply. With so few moving parts, these radios rarely, if ever, failed. If you have purchased a pocket transistor radio that is not functioning, there are a few things that you can do to get it up and running.

Things You'll Need

• Transistor radio
• Batteries
• Aluminum foil
• Screwdrivers
• Flashlight
• Gloves

Instructions

1. 

   Old batteries left in a transistor radio will leak acid onto the terminals.

   Check the battery. Frequently, old radios are set aside somewhere and forgotten for many years. Sometimes the batteries will leak, causing acid to cover the terminals disrupting the flow of power.

2. 

   Use crumpled tin foil to gently sand away corrosion in a pocket transistor radio.

   Crumple up foil and rub it against the battery terminals. If there is corrosion, rust or mineral buildup, this will gently sand it away without damaging or scratching your surfaces.

3. 

   The fine-tune knobs are located on the top right here.

   Open up your radio case and turn on your radio.

4. Use a flat-head screwdriver to "fine tune" the sound clarity. The fine-tune knobs will look like flat-head screws made of plastic. There will be two or three of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Older transistor radios frequently use "amplitude modulation," or AM, exclusively. AM radios take a weak radio signal and amplify it, allowing you to hear the radio station. The fine-tune knobs adjust how the signal is amplified in minute detail.

• Battery acid is VERY caustic. If you do have to clean some away, be sure to not breath in the fine power or let it anywhere near your eyes.

References

• AM Radios