GE Super Radio III - Problem / Repair / Guts / Bandscan

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Have one of these radios? Cant figure out how to open? Watch my video on how to open: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpioaYhugL58pKc ~Jack, VEG

[@maryrafuse2297]

My GE Super Radio III is mint, completely scratch free, since I bought it new. It is super sensitive with a great AM Wide setting for amazing sound. I also like the look of it. A very nice radio.

[@dieselphiend]

I bought mine on commissary while I was in prison sometime back in the early 2000's. I was so happy to have it. It picked up stations all the way from Canada, and I was in Pennsylvania. I even paid a guy to modify it so that the headphone output would function as an input when you flipped one of the switches (can't remember which one)- you had to sacrifice that one functionality- I think it was AM. Some guys used them as guitar amps. It's a great radio, gets very loud, has a very long antenna, and is quite sensitive. I left it with my celly when I left because he couldn't afford one. Now I'm wishing I still had one. Lots on eBay, I suppose.

[@Peppermint1]

2:22 What is that 'pop' noise when powering it on ? Mine also does it and it's quite loud. Is there a part to replace ?

[@BaltimoreMaryland]

Just bought one today at the Goodwill for $10. I had the original Super Radio years ago, and when I saw this I snapped it up instantly.

[@chronobot2001]

I've always liked mine. I stuck a 5 watt solar panel on its back and it works great as a solar radio.

[@johnyoung4747]

My SR III was someone's shop radio -- really beat up, paint spatters and worn. It has all the pops and scratches described. Just finished treating the switches and pots, first flushed with CRC contact cleaner then treated with DeOxit 5. Noises are all gone. Reception was good, but adding an AN-200 loop passively (not wired to the GE set) provided a real boost to weak stations. I use the same loop with a Panasonic RF-2200 with the same results. It makes the best of radios even better, though you need a safecracker's touch while tuning in.

[@leyland9999]

Nice video, thanks for posting this! I’m in Holland and ordered one from Bennett Brothers long time ago. A bit of a risk since I had to rely on the associated person whom I asked to take the radio out of the box and see if it fired up properly. So this was the only way for me to find out if it worked, not HOW it worked haha..Well the gamble turned out great. I do not use it that often but when I take it out of its protective case it still is a joy to turn a real dial instead of pushing awful buttons. Having said that, this radio is from an era almost gone now. AM in the USA is 95% talk and sports and over here in Europe the AM broadcast band is almost dead. Not over here in Holland that is, we now have numerous low powered (1 up to 100 Watts maximum) stations and this is where this radio comes in. I call it the ultimate DAYTIME DX receiver. During the dark hours the radio brings in many stations but then it also shows its shortcomings. It simply lacks enough selectivity to be a good nighttime receiver. Af fact even more important over here in Holland where spacing on AM is only 9kHz. The radio was never on the market here though. It was specifically aimed at the USA where circumstances on AM differ a lot from those over here. Add to this the transmitting powers for AM stations in the USA is limited to a meagre 50 kW whereas powers over here in Europe could be more than ten times that value. And of course the demographic situation is also very different in Europe. E.g. Holland is a very small country so we listened to our own, limited in number, stations. So there you have it, great radio aimed specifically for the USA! Kind regards from Hekelingen, Holland. Bye, Willem

[@n2awa]

Purchased the GE SR III new in 2006. Put it back in the box a couple years ago due to this annoying problem. Did you just spray DeoxIT on the tuning pot, or did you apply it with the needle nose applicator? I didn't see you unsolder the pot. Glad it fixed your problem. Wish me luck.

[@derek20la]

Any luck? Did you use the D5 or F5 Deoxit?

[@n2awa]

@@derek20la Still waiting for a reply to my question.

[@DanDesjardins-j2r]

Yeah - I'm surprised he didn't show us how to open it. Those knobs are pretty tight - and they put tape on the posts to make sure each knob was VERY difficult to remove.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

I did a follow up per a user request on "How To Open...." search my videos and you'll find. ~Jack, VEG

[@raymondward5629]

Have you ever performed this radio side by side against the Superadio 2 in nighttime AM bands an? You’ll hear far off stations better on the 2. Apples to oranges Superadio 2 is on the Mount Rushmore of transistor radios

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

The 2880B was the best overall . I have owned all versions at different times over the past 30 years .

[@Peppermint1]

I fixed the loud switches interference on mine - all switches would cause loud scratching in the speaker. The power button also made scratching noises because the two tiny contacts inside were corroded. I have videos how to open the unit. The only problem is the loud pop in the speaker as the radio turns on.

[@joeprete7424]

I’ve got a GE Super Radio 1 that I bought on eBay, but it has an odd issue. The tuning dial & indicator are working in reverse to all other radios. I assume the dial band was inverted during a repair attempt. Could it be this simple? Maybe an easy fix?

[@deaddeaddeaddeaddead5667]

Hey I just purchased this exact radio at a thrift store. I cleaned the outside and wanted to get inside to clean it out. I took all the screws off but the front dials were preventing me from opening it. I saw you removed those. How do they come off? Do they unscrew or do you just pull them off? I don’t want to break the knobs. Thanks

[@leyland9999]

They are normal knobs, pushed on BUT the knobs are held in place by a small piece of tape that is over the stem of the pot. So be careful, they will come of it only takes some carefully applied force. Take special care for the power button on top. Take out all screws and remove the knobs so the case is loose. Then, gently push the power button down and take of the front of the case. Job done!

[@Mk-uh4jo]

My GE Superadio III was made in August 2003 according to the date code . I bought it new and still looks brand new. By the way, each to their own as I like the looks of it...😉. Mine makes a very noticeable “popping sound” when I first turn it on, and a lesser one turning it off. What is making that noise? I notice yours as well as others make that noise also from videos I looked at. Thank you for your video!

[@daniannaci3258]

I’ve owned several GE Superadios, from the first I bought in 1978 to a pair I bought in the late 90’s. Yes, they all make that loud “pop” exactly as you described. Normally not a problem, however it can be very loud if you are listening through a set of earphones. I once plugged my Superadio into my tube-amplified stereo for the awesome sound on its AM section. I turned the radio on while it was connected and the pop blew out the input tube on my pre-amplifier! I guess turn on the radio first before you connect to your stereo or headphones.

[@Mk-uh4jo]

Thanks Dan!

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

Not a bad looking radio. Sounds pretty good. Nice job.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Thanks Stan, in person, this radio had very big sound...you'd have a barn burner for sure! :) ~Jack, VEG

[@PP-ob8zr]

I really luv the looks. Lol Its the greatest thing since sliced cheese!

[@OldSchoolElectronics]

Thanks for the demonstration. I wonder if that clear plastic could be polished? Big woofer--you could "rock out."

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Next time I open this up to adjust the front end, I will detail the radio then, this was just a rush job...however the radio on my bench now has been there at least 3 weeks! so its making up for it! :) ~Jack, VEG

[@darthmal]

I just picked up this radio but the tuning cord is broken. How do I replce it?

[@tomj4506]

Dial cords are the HARDEST thing for most techs. I was in the biz for 40 yrs & could never do them unless the the string is available pre tied. HINT you need a manual & the exact size ( thickness) string.

[@DARisse-ji1yw]

Is it still working ?

[@johnnymartinez9266]

Have you ever had the opportunity to repair a lost bass issue on that particular type of radio? I'm having that specific problem. Help please!!!

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

I have not had that issue before...but I would think plan of attack would be to check the bass pot if thats good then check the tone control circuit...such as capacitor, resistors, etc...they would be near the actual control itself...I dont have the schematic in front of me to tell which parts, but search the internet...might find a free one? ~Jack, VEG

[@johnnymartinez9266]

Man!, . . . if you ever were to make a video on one of these things from A to Z as far as repairs, you'd have all kinds of hits! I'm tellin you!!! 😛😎

[@bryand4057]

Do you do repairs. I have a superradio ii that needs some work

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Not really, most everything I work on is my own junk...whats wrong with yours, whats it doing or not doing? Do you have any technical skills? Maybe I can direct you if I know? ~Jack, VEG

[@TheRadiogeek]

I had one of the SR3 a long time ago. Mine was off on the tuning too. I remember that the QC on them was poor and the quality would very from batch to batch. The ones with RCA name had the worst performance of all of them. Nice fix and band scan. Maybe a rescan in a less noisy environment would make a nice video too. Thanks for showing it to us. 👍📻

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Howdy my favorite geek! Yes, research showed me that as well, I do have the SR 1 & 2 that I need to work on and demo...I do need to find a better room for demo...the noise just kills me...I plan on running wire this summer for an outside antenna...at a later point and video, I will recap and align...then a new bandscan, see if that works any better..do you still have 1 & 2? Thanks for watching. ~Jack, VEG

[@TheRadiogeek]

@@VintageElectronicsGeek no sorry to say I don't have any of the Super Radios now. Maybe someday if I find a good deal on one.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Pay attention to eBay, I see good deal often...and don't be afraid to low ball...even if they don't have a "make offer", thats how I got this radio and another GE the other day (future video). ~Jack, VEG

[@jeffking4176]

I really wanted a 1,or ll, but since I don’t know how to work on radios, I thought a newer one would be less trouble. I really do like the lll. I actually kind of like the looks. I guess it grows on you. Paid $50.oo for a near perfect radio. I can’t compare it to the original version since I’ve never had one. Mine does very well and I use it for DXing. It is interesting to see the insides of it. 📻👍🙂‼️

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Jeff - if you troll eBay, they all come up dirt cheap at times...I paid $4.00 for this radio...in fact, I just bought another GE for $4.00 (a different model, will demo in a future video), they are waiting for you my friend! :) How is your soldering practice going? Don't worry about working on them for now, just collect as later once you garner the experience you'll be able to then. What radio you buy?? You need to make your channel active and demo! Thanks for watching! ~Jack, VEG

[@jeffking4176]

Vintage Electronics Geek I mentioned it to the guys in my radio club (J.A.R.S. - Jacksonville Antique Radio Society). A couple hinted they might be willing to help teach me. I just have some really good radios that only a real professional can work on, and no one wants to do it. (Especially The transistor radios). The G.E. “III “ that I got was last year, and looks almost new. So , while the price is high to you, for me, because it is so nice, it was worth it.🙂 Thanks for the feedback 📻👍🙂‼️

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Don't fret about my price point, Id pay big money if I thought the radio or ??? was worth it! :) But if I find something that is used, in used condition or I'm thinking of resale value (which is always) then I take all that into play, when it comes down to your happiness and how you spend your monies, welp my friend that is strictly your decision alone! :) Watch lots of YT videos on the topic and hopefully until you get your first lesson..or buy an iron, solder and wire and teach yourself...then worry later about unsoldering. Here are a few videos that I think is good, don't worry if it seems advanced, just get familiar with the visual aide for now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGi3pmuEjdpoi6M , kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6HOnJmBbphqo7c , kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKmwh2mtfLhmhLs Hope that helps some! ~Jack, VEG

[@jeffking4176]

Vintage Electronics Geek thanks. I watched,and subscribed.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Very cool Jeff, the last link, I have been subbed to his channel ever since he was below 1K in subs, as you see he is very popular...even though all he does is arduinos, he does do a lot of cool things, most Ill never be able to do and most I don't understand, but I do watch so I can get familiar with things and "if" I ever get to a project of sorts, then I might have a slight understanding of what's going on. I'm sure with all the electronics channels, you too can speak a better speak even though you may have never! Hang in there my friend, you'll achieve it! Make that your goal this year...to do basic electronics then ramp up from there! And activate your channel! I will help promote your channel once you do...even if all you do is demo your radios, a lot of geeks such as myself just likes to look. ~Jack, VEG

[@deanmiller9700]

Sorry, I missed completely what you did to 'fix' the radio. I heard you say you were going to clean it...but didn't see that happen. Can you point to the specific part of the video where you actually 'fixed' it?

[@RaiannaSylk]

I tried to find a contact us on your site but was unsuccessful. I wanted to ask if you upgrade radios. Please let me know or send contact information.

[@westelaudio943]

Varactor tuning was pretty popular in the 70s especially on TV sets where you had multiple tuning pots and could switch around between them so you could immediatly tune in the stations you previously set. Basically the predecessor of digital station memory (but more reliable in long term). I have never seen it on a portable radio with a single tuning knob like this though. Interesting find. ;)

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

I don't work on TV's, so I just didn't know, however I do have two flat screen TVs Im trying to work on...not too successfully but trying...no videos...I do have a future video down the pike of a vintage CRT TV...demo at a minimum...thanks for the info, I think its cool and want to dork with it on the breadboard. :) Thanks for watching! ~Jack, VEG

[@raymondward5629]

It’s not the ugliness or cosmetics that turns people off. This radio was supposed to be the next great GE SUPERADIO. The torch was not passed very well. To add salt in the wound GE sold its entire electronics division to RCA

[@MinnetonkaBoater]

Dear VEG, My name is Dave and I am just a schmuck that researches everything to death before I buy. I would like to buy a good AM/FM portable that I can use to listen to baseball (AM) and football (FM) up at the cabin. Because the property is about 90 miles from the towers stations get sketchy on my car, so I am hoping one of the Superradio's will pull them in. I am looking at the GE, and Radio Shack radio's. Finally my long windedness boils down to this. What is your recommendation for a radio under $50? (ebay) Also, when you cleaned the switches and pot, you said you were using something, but I could not make it out. What did you use?

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Howdy David, don't feel bad, I too do a lot of research! :) I'm not sure what I said, would have to rewatch the video...but I use electrical cleaner...I have 3 types and find the end result is the same...Deoxit, Radio Shack and CRC. Recommendations...gosh...what I have found is the Super Radios are great on AM...most radios I find the FM may not be as sensitive....my favorite radios I like for AM (I don't really do FM) are the SR's, any version, just about any Sony from just about any time frame...oh, I just bought a modern (90's) Sony CFS-B11 That is very sensitive on both AM and FM this is a very loud radio so you should hear it throughout the cabin, I find with Sony, it doesn't really matter if it says "Super Sensitive" on it or not. GE's are a hit and miss but I do find myself reaching for them regardless.....GE had a version of the SR before the 1...its not marketed as a SR, but it has the same guts...I own 2 of them and I am happy and for the most part from what I remember they are cheap(er) look for model # 7-2875A. One of my hottest radios is a Radio Shack DX-375, it is made by Sangean if I remember correctly. Another radio by RS that I am very happy with is model # SW-100. I also have a pair of CCRANE CCRADIO2's that are very hot and I think the FM side is also sensitive. I also find Yorx to be real good. All of these could be had in your budget, if you are not in a hurry and you can wait and want to spend as little as possible like I, then start trolling eBay and your local second hand stores, it is not uncommon to find any of the above radios for dirt cheap...that's how I aquire mine and I general dont spend big money...I paid 99 cents + $10 ship for a SR3...knobs needed cleaning, but for me....that's not an issue...and honestly, anticipate that you will at a minimum need to do so on any radio older than a few years...environment and handling dependent. I hope this has helped you out some. Warmest Regards and have a Great Day! ~Jack, VEG

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Well yes on first look Jack I agree with your first assessment that is an ugly looking radio. But you cleaned it pretty good Jack. Sounds great really not bad for such an ugly looking radio.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Thank you my friend for agreeing..what's your ugly radio? Or has it turned into target practice! :) Thanks for watching! ~Jack, VEG

[@christianbergeron1407]

Interesting video, but I would have liked to see how you remove the power button to open the case. I am trying to open one, but am afraid to break the power button as it does not want to give way. A quick disassembly / reassemble inclusion in your video would make it even greater for beginners like me :-) Still, it is very informative. Thanks

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Howdy! If I remember correctly, it just pulls up...kinda hard but I believe so. I just bought another one of these radios that I need to service, I will include the disassembly in the video...not sure when I post it but hopefully soon, I have a lot on my plate and have several projects going on, but I will try and make it one of my next several projects. Keep watching and thanks! ~Jack, VEG

[@Peppermint1]

You can try removing the cover while keeping the button fully pressed down. This should work on the SR3 but won't on the SR2. Alternatively, stick a piece of electric type on both sides of the button, then grab and remove the button with some pliers - it comes off upwards but you may scratch it. My tuning knob had some glue on it and was much harder to remove

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

I have the same radio, but its marked as RCA, like new perfect from goodwill for 4 bucks

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

I like GW! :) That's what I paid for this radio, can't go wrong! I have another GE I just bought and received...$4! How do you like the RCA?? I've never owned but have heard about it....along with the Radio Shack, which from what I understand, may look alike, but is differently electrically wise...one day, I may own it?? ~Jack, VEG

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

@@VintageElectronicsGeek sounds great, just liked its size and being it has its own ac cord

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Yes, the size is very nice and the sound is amazing! Have you had yours apart? Just wondering if it uses the same type of tuning method? Yes, an attached cord is great, however the one thing I don't like about any of the SR's, is the AC box where to put the cord once done is waaay to small, and it is a pain to put back up! ~Jack, VEG

[@donbagley2322]

I also have the RCA version. The sound is good, and everything works. I've owned it for years. A complaint I have is that the FM is too sensitive at times. Stations that are near one another interfere. With careful tuning, you can isolate the FM stations and get good sound. With AM radio, you select wide and listen to a strong station--best AM sound. Really surprising. Build quality seems a little flimsy, but the thing has held up.

[@raymondward4796]

You sound like a good tech. I have a Superadio 1 with a loose frequency display (behind the red needle). This is a cosmetic only issue. What would you charge me?There is absolutely nothing wrong with the rest of the entire radio. If you can’t then who? These SRs are the greatest am reception transistor radios of all time and I’d hate to waste such a radio on something having nothing to do with performance.

[@FrankTech]

Didn’t even know they had a SR3..I’ll be damned.. I have the SR2..

[@knpstrr]

lucky you! SR2 is the coolest one

[@ABCEasyas--]

There was a GE Superadio IV as well. I remember seeing it!

[@chronobot2001]

The first 2 minutes to say it's ugly.

[@captainmarvel2013]

hello. I have the same radio. I have a capacitor question. earmark.net/gesr/sr3.htm This link says: Expanded Bass Response The GE Superadio 3 has some pretty small output coupling caps on the audio. Bass response can be improved by increasing C58 and C59 from 470uF to larger values, however there is not a lot of vertical space above the board. It may be necessary to locate these caps somewhere else, possibly by the battery compartment, and wire over to the PC board." Can I put a 1000uf 16v capacitor without damaging the radio?

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Im not looking at the schematic right now, but if those are in the tone control circuit, I dont see an issue. ~Jack, VEG

[@tomj4506]

Got one too. Same problem. Clean the tuning pot & it goes dirty soon after. Poor quality part used. Ugly ? yes but I have seen worse. Its too black & I hate black. Varactor tuners showed up on TV's in the early 70's & when done right are far superior. LFOD !