#273

If you are looking to purchase older ham radios these are my favorite units. We will talk a little about the pros and cons of each.
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[@PapasDino]

My first "real radio" was the Drake TR-4...set the stage for 52 years of hamdom for me! ;-) 73 - Dino KLØS

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing Dino. Good to see you.

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

My first rig back when I was a Novice was the Yaesu FT-101EX I bought new. I loved that radio. Thanks Buddy for the walk down memory lane. 73 Joe KN4IFI

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Joe

[@extreme978]

buddy i love your videos, i could listen to you all day long.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you for the kind words

[@johnrazor8720]

I can’t wait to see you work on each and everyone of these old units. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. John

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for watching John

[@paulepruss]

Recently purchased an FT-101E and I'm very excited to follow your restoration and advice on that unit. Thank you for your time and dedication to electronics and the Amateur Radio tradition. You are a true Elmer, Buddy - Cheers & 73, VK7FPCL

[@old64goat]

Some great information Buddy, Thanks for the video.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for watching Bill.

[@tommybewick]

I love my TS-520! Great radio with great output audio. Always get good reports. They're fun to tune up and use too. 73, Tom k2bew

[@TheRadioShop]

Agree Thomas. Hard to beat the quality of the 520.

[@ernestbarcella175]

Thank you for this video and the teachings !!!! I love the 520 ,, have 3 of them !

[@Hogkat]

Great ts520 had 1 but now 2x ts820 lines photo on qrz great radio's

[@TheRadioShop]

Love the 820's Nice rigs.

[@624radicalham]

Buddy, I'm' very pleased you're doing a new FT101 project. I've commented before several times on this because I've been waiting since 2016 or so for the conclusion of your FT101 Repair series. At the time you mentioned you were backlogged and busy and would get to it, but it never happened. You have another unique opportunity now to start and finish a series of FT-101 repair videos. In particular what I'm looking for is to actually see how to perform a full alignment on the radio from start to finish. That was the video part that never came back in the day. Please Buddy, do a full alignment on an FT101 so us lovers of FT101's can visually see how it's done, not just by reading a service manual. That and a proper neutralization of the finals. You have everything brother. You have the right equipment in your lab so please do that! All the best my friend

[@TheRadioShop]

I promise we will get into the alignment. Very easy to do following the service manual. I already did a video on neutralizing the tubes a while back. The 101 I have is going to need a full alignment after the recap. Thanks for commenting.

[@624radicalham]

@@TheRadioShop Love ya Buddy. We're nothing without you. No joke! Thanks for all you do for us

[@cl5ltd]

@@TheRadioShop Perhaps do this on your pateron channel. It's a minimal monthly contribution and I'm sure no one gripe over a couple of bucks to support you for all you provide. If it encourages a few more on board, its a small win for you and they have all that additional content. And there might be a few radios you started and haven't got to finishing - TR4C & FT902? I think that side hustle called your full time job gets in the way! ;)

[@DK5ONV]

I should have kept my IC-745 but it had aging symtoms after 29 years in daily use and I wasn't able to fix them so I sold it to an eldery HAM Op who replaced the faulty parts in nearly no time and he has a fully working TRX again.

[@TheRadioShop]

I really like them. Thanks for the comment

[@elliotspencer2648]

A lot of my ham radio and cb radio stuff is from the 1970s and 1980s, easy to use, repair and maintain!.

[@shawjw247]

Great video, owner of TS-520S N8NSK

[@TheRadioShop]

Great to hear. Thanks

[@scottlee1211]

Great video Buddy! Enjoy your insight and experience….your are correct in finding qualified techs!! Not an easy task especially for those of us that are not mechanically inclined, but, it’s a hobby so I spend the money! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheRadioShop]

It is a hobby you can spend money on! Techs are getting hard to find these days. Must get more younger folks into it.

[@CraigPetersen12f36b]

Ah yes, the old plastic trimmers. Replaced many of them in the several IC-751A rigs I have had over the years. Nice video.

[@rohnkd4hct260]

Love old equipment

[@TheRadioShop]

Me too.

[@bblod4896]

Great information Buddy. Luckily, there is a large library of repair information out there. Finding some unique components are a whole other story though. Thanks and have a restful Sunday.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Mr B. Yes there is, and on most of the equipment I showed. Also other than the Drake there were a lot of these radios made which means parts can be found.

[@timothyone1]

yOU TAUGHT ME TO REPAIR MY FIRST RIG, THE IC 745. THEN USED THAT KNOWLEDGE TO REPAIR AN IC 751A. THEY HAVE BOTH WORKED WELL FOR SEVERAL YEARS. i LOVE THEM BOTH. MORE THAN MY IC 7300. I THINK OF YOU MANY TIMES I MAKE A EXTRA DX CONTACT. i GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS. I MAY NOW START LOOKING FOR A FT 101 OR MAYBE A DRAKE TR4.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Timothy, glad you were able to repair it. The 101 and Drake would be nice projects.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Buddy, I have an FT901DM bought in 1979 that still operates, but the VFO is stiff like you mentioned for the TS-520. I have the external VFO that is silky smooth. I was up in the attic and found the boxes in which they were shipped. I intend to recap the 901 one of these days. If I had waited six months, could have bought the 902DM which had the WARC bands. Enjoyed the video. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing Don. Yep time to clean the vfo. Dont you hate it when that happens? Same happen to me a few weeks back on some audio stuff.

[@DonDegidio]

@@TheRadioShop Hi Buddy, The 901DM has about half the screws stripped out that hold on the top and bottom covers. The 3mm screws are OK, the front panels holes are stripped out. Should I use a heli-coil to make those repairs or maybe cinch nuts? 73 WJ3U

[@TheRadioShop]

@@DonDegidio Don, I think the cinch nuts would last longer. I have never had much luck with heli-coils on areas where they need to be removed several times. Heli-coils work better for places where it is installed and not removed.

[@IamDerick]

Got a 101B now I will be looking out for a 520 as well. Thanks for the info. Cheers.

[@techguy9023]

Ten Tec Scout and Omni D. The Omni had a problem with oxidation on the crystal sockets. Large boards, lots of space inside. The Scout was mobile in my truck for a long time. Fun, relatively cheap and easy to work on. My novice rig was a Tempo One. Hope to find some parts at the next hamfest for it.

[@peterharband326]

Nice video Buddy. Makes be want to look for a old junker to work on.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Peter. Fun to work on these old rigs.

[@ruhnet]

Awesome video, Buddy---so much good information! Going on my radio repairs playlist... :)

[@TheRadioShop]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks

[@mariofilippi3539]

Buddy, thanks a million. Your video brought back many pleasant memories of radios that were mainstream in the '70s, specifically the TS-520 and the Yaesu FT-101 line of transceivers. Japan was king at that time as one of the manufacturers of ham radio transceivers. I've had both the TS-520 and a few FT-101Es, purchased second-hand and worked on them to get them up and running. Pretty much it was just cleaning the contacts (including mechanical relays), checking the tube condition, replacing capacitors known to fail and performing a complete re-alignment. When working on these older receivers I've found that if the previous owner(s) were smokers, this was easily detected due to the brownish coating found both inside and outside the case. A "smoker" radio requires even more attention when it comes to contact cleaning. I use Deoxit D5 for that, especially on complicated multi-ganged wafer switches which over time become very dirty. Let's face it, smoking was quite common in the 60's, '70's and '80's. even among hams so buyers should keep that in mind. Also, since these older radios are four to five decades old, they probably had at least a few or more owners so you have to look for any modifications that were done to the unit. That's where a good schematic diagram, operating manual, and service manual can be of great help. You can also mine the Internet for tips on restoring these classic older units. My favorite ham radio from the 1970's is the Tempo One, a 16 tube tranceiver marketed by Henry Radio. When I transitioned from Novice to General in '77 I bought one from Barry Electronics in NYC for $500 including the power supply. Over the years I've had several units, repaired them, and eventually sold them. However I've kept one unit for my main ham transceiver after performing quite a bit of work on it to get it into shape. It was a "smoker" and was also modified to transmit on the CB band. This was common with Tempo Ones because it only required adding a crystal and tweaking a capacitor. Maybe I am just a sentimental old fogey but when I turn the Tempo One on, see the tubes glow, smell the aroma of old circuitry as the unit heats up and watch the D'Arsonval S-meter swing to the intensity of signal strength, it makes hamming such a pleasure. Again, thanks and God bless you for this and all the other videos, you are an inspiration to all of us radio buffs young and old.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing that story! These are the comments I love to hear. It is fascinating to hear what others have done in the past and can read these all day. Brings back a lot of memories. I agree with what you said about the rigs from that era being from smokers. It is good and bad at the same time. Leave a dirty finish and stench. However, I have seen where the tar build up has persevered a lot of old equipment from corrosion. After you clean it off and polish the sticky mess, it leaves a natural original finish. Thanks again for sharing Mario.

[@techguy9023]

Got a Tempo One as a Novice. Hope to get it back on the air sometime

[@LesBell]

Really useful stuff - thanks! I got my ticket in the UK back around 1972 and my first rig was a KW-2000E, so I came in at the end of the all-tube days. But I used to lust after the Trio/Kenwood JR-599 and TX-599 'twins'; my career took me away from radio but now I'm looking to retirement and getting a VK2 licence, I've acquired a JR-599 Custom Special and the TX-599 which will need a bit of work. Given that they were just a few years before the TS-520, I reckon the circuitry will be broadly similar and your tips are going to be very handy! I'm really enjoying all your videos - thanks for doing them!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing that. Most appreciated. I have a set of Kenwood twins I need to restore. They look great. I did a video on them a while back. Thanks for watching and for the kind words Les.

[@danieldavis9314]

Love the channel Buddy, been following for a long time I own the TS 830 FT 101ee and looking at a TS 820 with help from your videos I'm learning to work on them. Thanks for what you do. I'm Extra class so need to learn how to fix my own stuff. Newest radio I just got a super deal $300.00 for IC 746 pro got it from a radio club member its had the known issues fixed. Thanks again. Dan W1UWC

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you Daniel. Great deal on the 746 Pro! Well done.

[@GoldSeals]

I had a bad experience with an Icom-IC 245 mobile 2 meter radio when they first came out.There was a problem that developed with the feed thru pins on the circuit boards.You had resolder all those pins to get it to work.Icom sent me the information which the pins that needed to be resoldered.It worked great for a while,and then the problems came back again.I shelved the radio.My friend had the Icom Ic211 which was the base type radio of the ic245 mobile.He had to do the same resolder job,and his lasted for years.I would never by another Icom again.I stuck with kenwood.I also have kenwood 520 like the one in your video.But its a 520s.I bought it brand new back in the 70's from Amateur Radio center in Miami.Thank you so much for your information.

[@billnicholson2470]

Great video Buddy. Brings back alot of memories. My first hf rig when I got my novice in 1987 was a TS-520. Made many great contacts with it. 73 de kb7ici. Hope you get to 25k soon!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Bill. The 520 was one of my first to use at field day and loved it ever since.

[@bmh67wa]

Digi-Key part number 2447-GKG20015-ND. It's a two lead 5-20PF 100V ceramic trimmer cap that works well in the Icom. They're under a dollar and can be purchased in bulk.

[@TheRadioShop]

I will give them a try. Have you used them in the 745? Thanks

[@bmh67wa]

@@TheRadioShop no, I haven't used them myself but I have had a few radios on my bench where someone else before me has. They seem to do the job.

[@philipchandler330]

Always so informative

[@skyboy2410]

Buddy you are an awesome Tech. I have learned so much from you. Keep it going!

[@TheRadioShop]

I appreciate that!

[@lunes-1]

Great video, keep it up!📻

[@lylewatts6370]

Great video and I love the old rigs to. I have newer Icom and Yaesu radios but seem to go back to the FT-101E often. Like to see a complete alignment on Ft-101E as there are many around and still in use. Working on a FT-102 with relay problems but have it working great now. Thanks for sharing Buddy.

[@TheRadioShop]

Good luck on the relay problem Lyle. I will be doing an alignment on the 101 when we get to that step. Thanks for watching.

[@alandrury9955]

Thanks Buddy. I too have an original TS520 I picked up on EBay for £100 GBP "untested, sold as seen". The only thing thing wrong with it was the adjustment pot under the little side panel (which of course is missing) for the RF Output meter adjust. Amazingly it doesn't have any of the other common problems and it works great. Looking forward to seeing more on this great radio.

[@TheRadioShop]

Sounds like you made out ok on that one Alan. Thanks for the comment

[@charlieoscar09]

Hi can you do a video about powering them up for the first time if they have been in storage for a few decades....Thanks

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes I can.

[@wolfhawg]

I started with a Hot Water 101. If you had the manual they were easy to fix.

[@TheRadioShop]

I agree Bob, nice rigs.

[@alanslade2319]

Please let us see you using all of the radios, please 🙏🇬🇧👍

[@alpcns]

Interesting! I probably couldn't operate much of this equipment properly, but I find it mighty fascinating nevertheless. As for the bench & test equipment, I'll happily double your asking price of $33,99. (see lower left corner of the video). Haha, Just kidding... Thanks for another very enjoyable and informative video!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for watching my friend. I seem to be missing something. I went back and watched the lower left and did not catch anything. Back to looking more!

[@alpcns]

@@TheRadioShop there’s a sticker or something similar on the front of the bench (left of power outlets) with that number (“price”) on it. I’d say visible last part of the video.

[@TheRadioShop]

@@alpcns Ah I see it now. Think it was from Lowes. Like finding an easter egg lol.

[@dri50]

I picked up a Kenwood TS-940 last year and a Yaesu FT-736R. These are both newer versions of the Kenwood and Yaesu shown in your video. However, radios from the late 1980's up through late 1990's are also quite interesting as they use mostly through hole components and still have a modular construction. I wouldn't say they are easy to work on, but surely easier than surface mount stuff. There is allot to be said for vacuum tube rigs. Vacuum tubes are quite durable as they tolerate transient overloads well. Where a transient current or voltage on solid state usually results in that magic smoke.

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes those are good rigs and take a little more knowledge to repair. However I never liked the choice of connectors they used doing this time period. Very problematic but can be fixed. Thanks for your comment.

[@barryf5479]

My buddy bought a FT101 way back in the early 70's. Really nice rig. What you say about those old sweep tubes lasting is true. I bought a Swan 350C at Henry Radio new in the same timeframe and it still has the original 6LQ6 finals in it. It's my main rig today. I just tune it up with a CW key and do it quick. Regarding the Drake transceivers. I bought a TR3 before the Swan (used) but I found the matching networks on them weren't so good. The Swan would just about load up to anything. Good memories.

[@Etherionix]

The TR-4 can have RIT if you purchase the additional external VFO. Easily connected, easy to use.

[@mikehartmann5187]

As a young Ham, my rig was a Ten Tec Century 21. A buddy of mine had a Kenwood TS-520s. I thought the Kenwood had the best audio I had heard from a ham radio, especially when compared the relatively harsh audio of the Ten-Tec.

[@cuban9splat]

Excellent video. U agree with you about those rigs being great radios, except for the Icom and that's just "my" weird opinion. The Icom rigs seemed to be not as durable and well built as the old FT-101 series or the TS-520 was. That's a good looking TR-4 you have. Thanks for showing us these old beauties, Buddy. 73 de K7RMJ Frank

[@TheRadioShop]

I do agree with that Frank. Seems Icom never really came out with a rig that compares with the 101 and 520. But the IC-7xx was my favorites in the bunch. Thanks for stopping in.

[@y_x2]

I have fix Icom 745 trimmers by replacing them with fix value mica cap! Simply remove the old variable cap, measure the capacity and put one fix that is within 1pF. No more problem.

[@TheRadioShop]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@N1IA-4]

Great helpful video! I just bought a NOS Yaesu FT-101, supposedly new in the box and never used. What would you recommend to get it running, since it has been sitting (allegedly) so far. Should I get a variac and bring the AC up slowly on first fire-up?

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Thank you! RWB

[@dennisperusse3837]

Great video. What is your take on a Heathkit HW-101? Where I have a DX-35 so I am comfortable dealing with the old style tube gear I’d love to hear your thoughts about that rig.

[@TheRadioShop]

The HW-101 is a great radio. I have one that needs restoration. And with the original manual you can easily fix them. Big downfall on the rig is tube mounted circuit board. You will find lots of cracked solder joints. Which can be fixed.

[@marka1986]

On your homemade power supply and speaker, what is that material for the front grill called? Have been lucky to find scraps but not sure how I would actually order some

[@TheRadioShop]

Mark, I cannot remember the name of it but you can get it at Lowes. They sale it in several different size and thickness.

[@marka1986]

@@TheRadioShop Thanks

[@jonkaufman7004]

The sencore cb42 repair video was cool #119 what ever happened to the rest of repairs?

[@Drforbin941]

What do you think of old yeasu vs kenwood hybrid units? ft-901 vs ts-830 for example

[@1965dbc]

Could I ask a amp question? have a older ranger 6900150 would Mitsubishi 3240 be a better replacement rather than hg2879 I read they would out perform the hg

[@cryhome1]

I'm looking for a tuner for IC 735, any suggestions!

[@na5y]

Great video as always Buddy. Question though - when you are buying "not working" or "for parts" radios from ebay what do you do to confirm the radio isn't just a gutted shell? Most often the pictures are just of the exterior. I wouldn't mind seeing a video on your buying process!

[@TheRadioShop]

I will do that in the future. But with eBay, it is a gamble. Just make sure you use PayPal to pay with. Thanks

[@jamesharrison2041]

good video buddy''''i was hoping you were going to show off my icom''''''

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks James, It is on the operating table getting those new trimmers. :)

[@pd1jdw630]

Nope myn ft-101es is for the use. Not for parts. I think it’s one the most beautiful ham radios ever made. Plus it has some nostalgia to me. I’m gathering information. Specially finding tubes. These 6js6,s are getting hard to find.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks, yes the final tubes are hard to find and no drop in replacements. But ran correctly they will last a life time. Agree, they are beautiful radios.

[@Guns_N_Gears]

How does a person contact you? I have been to your Website, and your email links do not work for me . Thanks Buddy! Love the videos👍👍

[@hayseed5467]

Valuable inside info. Thanks for sharing it with us. 73 de WBØDVM.

[@TheRadioShop]

My pleasure!

[@wallychambe1587]

They are selling used 50 year old HV electrolytic capacitors for $40 for the FT101E online!!

[@timfrancist6115]

I have tried the ft101 tube conversion to 6146 tubes. It works up to a point, lower power especially on 10m band ,it also upsets the alc circuit because grid currents are different. I ended up changing the radio back to sweep tubes so I wouldn’t recommend it .

[@simply-ericcole8201]

Is this the same relay or different? POTTER & BRUMFIELD RIO-EI-Y6-V90 12 VDC RELAY

[@eddieMurphy11111]

I used to have the 820 wished I never parted with that one