A classic gets the full treatment. Zenith Trans-Oceanic Royal 3000-1 full restoration.

[@billmyke746]

A radio that lives up to it's name. A real American beauty.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@lisagardner5157]

My dad had one of these when I was a kid. Great radio. Went camping with us. I am 65 yrs. old now. Brother has it now. 💙 America .

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍 it’s a great radio. Will probably outlast us all 😊

[@SIXSTRING63]

Your a great tech Manuel! It is so nice that you will go the extra mile for your subscribers! I appreciate the help you gave me searching for a schematic for my Philips radio. Even though you couldn’t find anything, the time you took to look meant a lot. Enjoy your videos very much.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

My pleasure

[@greggaieck4808]

Electronics old and new what a cool Zenith Tranc oceanic

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@edwardhannigan6324]

Lovely radio, classy look, and it's amazing how people look after things. That was in first class condition.. Nice fix, cool vid and love the cat...Ed..uk..😀

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@moshezaharia4666]

Amazing! this radio looks like it never was out of the box! well done for the owner for keeping it in mint condition, and well done to you, Manuel, for making it work like new. I did spotted the family name "Alfassi" in Hebrew on the chassis next to the speaker cutout, it is written in black. Maybe she/ he was a worker on the assembly line. Again, this radio was kept so fine, it is a thing of beauty!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

It sure is a thing of beauty. Very rare to see one this clean and perfect.

[@andershammer9307]

The 3000-1 was my first transoceanic. I have one with the leather case. I now have many Transoceanics.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

It can get contagious 😊

[@ericjohnson8482]

I need to get my dad's up and going again, he took his to Vietnam and it lived 3 years over there with him. I remember listening to shortwave on it as a kid. I appreciate the video as it will help me for sure.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Good luck with it.

[@pisotones2348]

Hi, Manuel. I hope you put to good work the RF aligning tool I made for you; it's just a perfect fit for that very Zenith radio 🙂 As you may remember from our previous mailings, I did exactly what's described here with my own 3000-1 and it's working like a charm since then. These radios are a thing of beauty and very good performers. I had a "tin whiskers" issue with my radio but was solved by "zapping" the transistor with a shock from an electrolytic capacitor charged to about 20V (C-B-E tied together, of course). Never had that problem since then and in case it reappears, I'll zap it again... it's quite an easy task with those socketed transistors.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Yes, it was made for the purpose. Perfect. I wanted to zap the transistors, but was afraid that if one actually burnt out (and they can) I’d be left without a working set. Graham (Radiocruncher) has sent me some russian substitutes, so I do some testing when they arrive.

[@pisotones2348]

One note of advice: I replaced all the lytics in my 3000-1 but also replaced all non ceramic capacitors just in case. Well, after taking them off I tested all of them. All lytics were kaputt as suspected and one of them, the large filter cap, was only 12 DCWV and that is the nominal voltage of the supply which is, at least, not very clever from Zenith... but on the other hand each and every one of the other caps were in perfect condition regarding capacitance and zero leakage, and some of them were a PITA to replace! 🙄 Another advice: never grab the radio from the antenna handle. The set is quite heavy and the plastic in those handles are notorious for being quite fragile with time.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

They are a PITA, especially as they are really well wrapped to the posts and difficult to desolder.

[@lescarpenter162]

@@electronicsoldandnew As a service engineer in the UK Forces, we were taught not to wrap component legs before soldering. This was because removing wrapped components often caused damage to the component e.g. solder tag, that it was soldered to. Just a single half wrap was required, rather like a hook around the tag. It was found to be acceptable even under severe vibration testing,

[@electronicsoldandnew]

That makes sense. It’s what I do normally: hook it so that it actually stays put, but not wrapped. Many a contact point has been unnecessarily damaged when trying to remove some components.

[@echaria]

I just discovered this identical item in perfect running condition among my brother's estate. Clean like yours inside and out and all chrome and knobs intact. Battery box has some melted edge. Thanks for this amazing video. It had many little extra parts new in the bags as well.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@welcomeaboard69]

I've got one of those. My dad bought it in Vietnam during the war, and it looks like it went through one. It's never been serviced, and it works perfectly. It's been dropped hit and was apparently used as a club whilst disarming another soldier who went funny in the head. I'm surprised it still works after all that.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

They are tough 😊

[@kilcar]

Thanks so much for this presentation. I own one and your expertise has been extremely helpful. Again , many thanks and please carry on with your tutorials.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Glad to be of assistance

[@RapperBC]

@21:05 well I knew it was a nice radio, but I didn't expect it to contain the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything.

[@f.k.burnham8491]

I had a customer bring one of the 3000's in for repair. Thankfully it was just clean the pots . I am fortunate to have the OEM Zenith manuals for the entire series. I've repaired many of the T. O. series over the years. Biggest problem I had was batteries corroding inside. I have a good stock of the "universal" germanium transistors, and have salvaged many over the decades from junkers. Last 2 radios I fixed that used the Germanium transistors ; the car radio needed 4 and the table radio needed 3. On the table radio I had exact xistors from the salvage and fixed it for my friend. Still working after 10+ years. I -think- the whisker problem may be only from transistors seeing a lot of use, as the NOS I have all seem to be fine, and some of those are 40 years old or more, like my CK722's. Good job on the alignment. Please pose how the Russian xistors work out, and what their numbers are for the Zenith OEM ones. I have at least 1 more T.O. in the to be repaired pile.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’ll see how the replacements work and probably show the results.

[@dougmcartin3881]

Many various models of the Zenith Transoceanics made their way over to Europe via US servicemen who were stationed in the UK, Germany, and other countries during the years following WW2 and the subsequent cold war years. The TO 3000-1 was made from 1962 to 1971 and sold for $275 USD in 1962. That's over $2500 USD in todays money. Shortwave radio was such an important source of information in those days that these types of radios were highly sought after by people on both sides of the iron curtain. US servicemen could buy them on their bases at the PX store at a considerable discount from the MSRP and many did so to listen to sporting events from home on the American Forces Radio Network. They also would gift them to local people in the areas where they were based in return for their hospitality. To find such a pristine one today is rare and it would be really interesting to know how it came to be in Spain and why. Looking forward to see how it comes along.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Yes, back then a radio was an investment, and quality was worth paying for. I believe this owner bought it new from a local representative.

[@EdioDellavechia]

Zênite muito bom rádio eu admiro vocês técnicos que restauram esses ícones raridade tenho um zênite pequeno 😮 moro no sul do Brasil

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@nigelbrockwell6237]

That was a radio I wanted to own many years ago. I like the Logs and Charts drop down front panel. That band switch looks like a nightmare to repair, good job it only needed cleaning spay. Another great job done.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Thanks. I am truly happy thatcher band switch was fine. It would be a real problem 😊

[@vickiegrant3325]

I have a few T/Os, transistor and tube. I find that the vacuum tube T/Os have better front-end performance than the early solid-state T/Os. Those early germanium transistors overload easily. If I pull the oscillator out, it continues to play, and birdies (overload products), run rampant.

[@craignehring]

I have two 3000-1 both need some rework in the cap sections so this video is of great interest Thank you for the creation of this content

[@electronicsoldandnew]

my pleasure

[@paulbennell3313]

Clever puss! About time you had an assistant engineer and the cat is very handy because he lives with you. I found it suprising that a radio from 1968 doesn't use PCB's. I guess Zenith went their own way but I suppose point-to-point wiring has its advantages from a servicing point of view. I was also suprised at the immaculate condition of the radio given that it's from the year before I was born. I only wish I'd handled the years so well...

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Zenith did the point to point wiring as a sort of brand choice, making for more expensive radios but of very high quality.

[@DavidTipton101]

That's good work Manuel and what a magnificent original radio, the owner has looked after it. Good to see you nibble away at the faults until it was working perfectly, cheers!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍 It’s built like a tank. A very well kept tank 😊

[@Radiocruncher]

Hi Manuel. That’s a real beauty. Great job on restoring it. I’m pretty sure I have the 7000 version in the loft so I must get that one done soon. The cat is a great technician. If he’s looking for work then pop him over for a holiday 😉. I think he needs a lab coat though. The transistors were posted off a while ago now so should be with you soon if you haven’t already had them. I will be interested to see how they perform. All the best Graham

[@electronicsoldandnew]

The cat stays here! I’m trying to teach him to do the heavy lifting, but the bugger is lazy 😊 The transistors haven’t arrived yet, but should be here soon. Hope all is back to normal at your end.

[@EuroScot2023]

Hi Manuel. Lovely job on a beautiful, quality, early transistor set. I thought it was ironic that the wrap + solder connections have done their job well for 60 years but the plug in transistors were giving problems with corrosion on the rubbing pins. There was that fairly short period when designers didn't quite trust semiconductors and plugged them in like valves for ease of exchange. Crazily it was a company like Zenith who would use only quality components that socketed things while the brands which aimed for minimum cost and used the cheapest components would solder to a pcb.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right: ironic 😊

[@Neraxia]

Great ,another wonderful tutorial for when i decide to restore my T.O. 3000. I must remind myself to change the drum lights though . :)

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@paolorams767]

Fantastic job, fantastic radio, fantastic cat!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊

[@Manuel-xu2yn]

Precioso vídeo y él entusiasmo que pones en tus explicaciones. Gracias por compartirlo.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@chronobot2001]

I love old school radios !

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@eddiet2602]

I have one royal 1000, and it doesn't turn on. But overall, it looks in pretty good condition. It has the original zenith radio corporation chicago tester sheet and the stamp of person that did the inspection. I would like to have it running.

[@pd1jdw630]

Looks gorgeous.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@radio-ged4626]

Really nice looking radio, obviously well looked after through its 54 years. Thanks for sharing. Always nice to see a great performing radio. The cat seems to like it too. I believe the capacitance in the transistors you were talking about towards the end is known as the Miller effect?

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Yes, and it affects the top end of the frequency bands.

[@poormanselectronicsbench2021]

Nice catch on the "upsized" capacitors, they definitely made a difference when replaced with proper values.Have you tried to "thermal stress" any of those transistors with a freeze spray, or even, taking a "Air Duster" can of CO2, turning it upside down, and dripping some liquid CO2 on them? It may bring out a fault that you normally wouldn't find at room temp, but it will also temporarily and most likely drastically, lower the gain until they warm back up again. The owner has a very nice radio returning to him, with a very good overhaul as well.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍 I did try those methods, but am reluctant to try any more until I have some possible replacements in my hands 😊

[@markpirateuk]

I have the same set, picked up for pennies a few years back, it is an excellent set & pretty rare in the UK. It is in good shape, but sadly missing the door over the dial. I changed all those horrible Callins caps & cleaned the transistor leads & sockets. I have not attempted alignment yet, as it performs fine.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Sometime it’s a good idea to let sleeping dogs lie 😊

[@Ali-uj4gd]

Excellent work as always, but the pointer caught my eye it showed stations on 14 mhz and 8 mhz when these ranges are outside the shortwave broadcast bands!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’m waiting for new transistors and will do a full alignment check again.

[@Theoobovril]

A great improvement in this radio's performance, Emanuel. Good to know Graham is sending you some of those Russian replacement transistors, the existing Germanium ones will finally fail, so it is a good idea of yours to replaced them prior to shipping this radio back to its owner.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Yes, I want to replace them and re-align so that the owner won’t have the problem in the near future. He could easily replace the transistors, but then aligning it would not be possible for him.

[@Theoobovril]

@@electronicsoldandnew It will be interesting to know what, if any, changes occur to the alignment once you replace those Germanium transistors.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I agree. I’ll probably report back on the experience. It should throw off the RF alignment quite a bit, and the IF will also shift.

[@electrosoundaust]

Press Stick, sacre bleu. It's called BlueTac in Australia!!!! It's coloured blue. However, that's a brand name of Bostick, who are just up the road. :) Nice radio BTW. I'll be interested to see the change + or - with the Rusian Germainiums.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊 I was used to the blue version, when I grew up in S Africa.

[@kennynvake4hve584]

I believe that black cover near the drum, comes off to allow you to replace the light bulbs without removing the drum. At least that was the way I did it.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

makes sense

[@alancordwell9759]

Beautiful job, and an amazing performer, the tune-around was most interesting. I have to ask though, is that what you would call giving the radio a CAT-scan? ;-D

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊 😊 good one! Now you know how I do my restorations. One might say the cat’s out of the bag.

[@kevkabluebird1032]

Another beautiful radio and i like point-to-point wiring! In bigger radios its easier to clean - at least for me. Regarding the possibilitie of tin whiskers: Do you buy NOS Transistors in case you need to switch them out? Some peeps say germanium does sound different from silicon and there are some videos on youtube to proof that it seems. Same testcircuit, just switching the transistor. Other peeps "overload" old germanium transistors to burn the tin whiskers away. I never tried it myself. If i am forced to replace old germanium transistors, i stick to old sovjet UFO-Like transistors. The KZbinr Shango does the same and so far, they work perfectly fine and are build like a tank. They just look odd and are kinda big. Best wishes from germany!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I have zapped germanium transistors in the past to burn off the tin whiskers, but that only works if you have an actual short. The result could also be a totally burnt out transistor, so I did not want to try that until I have some replacements in my hands, and they are in their way.

[@ACURAOCULTA]

Very nice my Friend

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@kilcar]

Ive owned a 1000-1 ( heirloom, purchased on 1963) and a 3000. I notice the black binyl on the chassis shrinks over time, pulling away from the margins of the chassis. I jope there are replacement vinyl out there somewhere.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@NoferTrunions]

How many man hours did it take Zenith to assemble this radio????

[@chronobot2001]

I would have liked to see how you cleaned the transistors and sockets. Also !indicating the string and taking the knobs off There are many things that are second nature to you that the novice doesn't know.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

That’s true, I certainly remember what it was like when I started. I do add little bits of background info here and there as I do my restorations, but not on all of them to avoid the process becoming too long.

[@mcimpoeru]

08:00 Maybe check the speaker for physical damage?

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@larryleoca]

Hi, The power adapter that come with these antique radios may have dried up their internal filter capacitors, so they should also check their ripple index, what do you think?

[@electronicsoldandnew]

That would be an idea, but opening it up is a real hassle. It would probably involve some destructive dismantling, which I don’t want to do. The increased filter cap at the supply input seems to have done a great job.

[@NsndoBrasil]

Friend, what is the use of this switch in FM-AFC / FM, what is its effect? ​​And what is the correct position for these yellow and black speaker cables, because they are polarized? Thank you very much.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

You can use FM with or without AFC. The speaker is not polarised.

[@piwex69]

"Well, I 've got something really special on the bench today..." - do you mean the cat?

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊 He certainly thinks so 😊

[@8000Time]

Super!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@NsndoBrasil]

Friend, what is the use of this key in FM-AFC / FM, what is the effect? Thanks.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

AFC keeps the station in perfect tuning, even if there is a small frequency drift. It’s called automatic frequency control

[@kennynvake4hve584]

That puddy I call it "blue tack" use it all the time...use it on screwdrivers to hold screws to get to hard to reach places.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@tiagomadeira838]

O gato está bem tratado e com boa aparência, como este exemplar da zenith😃

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊

[@NsndoBrasil]

The cables connected to the speakers are reversed! Or is this correct, the yellow is at the bottom and the black is at the top?????

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Won’t make any difference.

[@greggaieck4808]

I have two old shortwave receivers one has tubs and. The one with tubes works the other one is zenith Tranc oceanic it takes batteries 9 Ds my uncls shortwaves receivers

[@kilcar]

Shop Cat is wonderful. My cat foes the same.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊

[@Izzy-vz6iu]

The 1st Medium wave channel prob. Morrocoan or Tunisian radio

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@greggaieck4808]

I like your cat what is your cat name

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Docas

[@hasankabakci8362]

2 transistors are getting hot and there is no sound (121-373)

[@mackfisher4487]

Manuel, It was nice to see you working on another Zenith, I'll be interested if the Russians invade your radio, so where are Geranium transistors Coming from what (base) I mean what supplier? Off-topic, does your daughter have a little dog I thought I heard one before the cat invaded your workspace. I presume your wife is better as your daughter is visiting you all keep safe.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

I’m worried about the russian invasion, so i’ll probably keep them in a tightly sealed container when they arrive 😊 The dog belongs to a neighbour 😊

[@keithbrandaw7229]

I have one it’s not as mint , I have not recapped it yet!

[@electronicsoldandnew]

Well worth it

[@cwradio4571]

I never see anything in such condition. I have searched an you find one in nice condition in a rare spot. Lol life is strange.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

😊

[@danielsaturnino5715]

Hmmm I'm thinking there was something fishy about that radio, hence the cat :)

[@electronicsoldandnew]

instinct cannot be ignored 😊

[@richardbrobeck2384]

compared to mine that looks brand new my chrome is bad in places,

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

If you can get Russian Germanium transistors are better made than western transistors.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@ukrainehamradio]

I only had the experience of replacing German transistors with Soviet ones in a low frequency amplifier. Everything worked great. But I am also very interested in how they will show themselves in high-frequency circuits.

[@electronicsoldandnew]

👍

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

The VEGA and VEGA Selina also use germanium transistors throughout

[@vickiegrant3325]

Good luck getting *anything* from the USSR (not an error) now that World War 3 has started:-(