Chelsea Super-Five Radio Series - Part 1 - 1925 Early Version Restoration

The Chelsea Radio Company Super-Five radio line is kind of an enigma for collectors. There seems to be several versions of it with small and large variations. I hope to clarify all that in this series on the Chelsea Super-Five line. There were 3 model years; 1925, 1926, and 1927. Within those years there were variations of the models. This is an introduction to the series. We will discuss the differences between all the models, the confusion about the years, and do a complete restoration from start to finish on this first model produced by Chelsea Radio, the 1925 Super-Five Early version. This is Part 1 of a multi-part series of Restorations. The next part will cover the 1925 Super-Five Later Version. We will continue through all three years in Chronological order. So enjoy this first installment and stay tuned for everything you could ever want to know about the Chelsea Super-Five line of TRF Radios!

[@mymessylab]

I really like this kind of radios, seeing this one back in its formerly glory is really satisfying. Thanks for sharing the process.

[@danielconant749]

The dial and panel lettering sure turned out nice. Whole radio looks very nice.

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

Great video! Thanks. I have a 1924 FADA 192A set I found in a demolition dumpster last New Year's Eve. It's a Neutrodyne model and appears to have wires for a C battery. Are you familiar with this model? Have you restored one?

[@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878]

I have one myself, it's also nearly identical to the FADA 175A. I haven't restored it yet, but I'm familiar with it. The C battery is used if you use an 071A tube for the final output tube. That's an option, not a requirement. If you use all 01A tubes you don't need it. From the factory, the C- and A- are tied together. If you hook up a C battery you have to open that connection or you will short it out. There is a schematic for it on the Nostalgia Air website. It's listed under Model 170-A.

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

@@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878 Also, I've been told that the Philco Socket Power AB 460 battery eliminator won't power this particular FADA model. That's unfortunate because I own one. Are you familiar with this particular battery eliminator? Supposedly it won't work with 01A tubes.

[@COREBAKE]

I have a Chelsea 1 tube regenerative radio.i have not seen many of these .

[@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878]

Which one? I have 3 one tube Chelsea's that I've restored on this channel. They are model numbers 101, 104, and 110.

[@COREBAKE]

no number just says on the label regenerative receiver.3 dials.1922.@@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878

[@paulmaccartney9768]

Hello, how are the coupling coils arranged in the L2 L3 anodes, where are they located, are the main coils wound on top or are they intertwined and what is the ratio of turns they have?

[@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878]

The coils are located on the backs of the tuning condensers. They are intertwined so even trying to guess turns ratios would be impossible.

[@paulmaccartney9768]

​@@antiqueradioarcheology-wil8878 I figured out the coils and repeated them, posted a little of their work on my channel...