Look Inside This Rare Receiver!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

To learn more about electronics in a very different and effective way, and gain access to Mr Carlson's personal designs and inventions, visit the Mr Carlson's Lab Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/MrCarlsonsLab

[@cojones8518]

Passing up a "What's in the Booooox?" chance.

[@pd1jdw630]

Well I’m looking forward to the next video.

[@IAm-gn2lq]

You know what I really like your videos and I like the way you explain things I'm actually a electronic tech I fix TVs and tablets mainly cell phones and stuff like that I really would like to be able to speak with you or chat with you sometime I wanted to talk about a couple of things in brief but I really wanted to know because I have a blue ring Q tester and I'm trying to see if all of my Transformers show up green or should some of them show yellow

[@IAm-gn2lq]

I am actually a business owner and I do conduct Daily Business I'm just trying to hone my skill

[@greenthumb7086]

Part 2 plz

[@preiter20]

Always a good day when Mr. Carlson posts a video!

[@jlucasound]

You know it, Paul! :-)

[@thomasrice2888]

Becoming a Patreon member was the most enjoyment I have received from You Tube! Thinking of moving up a level.

[@AB1Vampire]

You produce the best audio, very clear. Keep putting up material, watch them all.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks!

[@twobob]

@@MrCarlsonsLab Valve mics? Sounds like. You have a lovely warm noise when the audio is whacked up really loud to test that. Okay I am that nerdy and I already did that weeks ago ;) Really nice mics .

[@TeatruSubtitrat]

That's because he knows mics. No cheap Rode / Audio Technica stuff in his chain. At a glance, it looks like a Neumann U47 clone, but obviously, it's a pretty good sounding one.

[@rosshollinger8097]

I love picking up tidbits from each of your videos I watch. The amount of knowledge you have for someone of your younger age is nothing short of extraordinary. Either that, or you have a portrait hidden away in a dark recess of a seldom-used, cobweb laden wing the mansion that's aging horribly and you're really 110 years old. Thank you for passing on your experience. A lot of it does stick.

[@jackal58590]

Mr Carlson!He’s an Alien Electronics expert!

[@johnjacob757]

You remind me of my dad. He was a professional engineer. He designed amps, radios, TV monitors, and Video cameras. He also restored radios. He did total restores, including refinishing, or building new cabinets. His restores, like you, usually improved the equipment, to be better than factory. Look up, DAGE-MTI. That was my dads company. I love your videos. They are top notch.

[@sfabers15]

When I was a kid ( I am 80 now), there was a radio in a central place in the village and a small speaker in the houses. Similar to the motel/hotel scenario you were talking of.

[@AlienLogic775]

Really thanks you sir.! It's just so relaxing and comforting watching your videos. Big thanks from Italy.

[@andyfeimsternfei8408]

Please! Please! Please! We need Mr. Carlson's lab more than ever!

[@radioaktiv7841]

You are the best person I've seen on youtube working on these aged radios.. Keep em coming, Carlson

[@hestheMaster]

I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl in watching Paul go through this old radio. Can't wait for the second part! So well done in it's execution,like a skilled surgeon.

[@deadfreightwest5956]

Seconded!

[@gnetic86]

I have one of these! I actually got it at a yard sale, so I have pics of the pointer if you need them. Im half tempted to recap it tonight.

[@KRColson]

Mr. C. I love watching your videos! You are so knowledgeable you blow me away. I used to be a home entertainment repairman ( T.V. radio, tape recorders, etc.) and these restorations of old devices really brings it back home for me. Thank you so much for doing these.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're very welcome Kevin! Thanks for you kind comment too.

[@vwestlife]

The M meaning thousand comes from Latin (it stands for Mille) and Roman numerals. It is still used in the financial industry -- that's why they use MM (a thousand thousand) to mean a million. Old schematics also commonly use mF to mean microfarads and mmF to mean picofarads (micro-microfarads).

[@vinceotten129]

M is also used in the Gas (Natural and Propane) industry: MBTU is “thousands of BTUs”.

[@genestatler2514]

Yes, Paul please restore it.I would enjoy watching that.

[@TexasRailfan2008]

The thing I love about you is you are not one of those people who sit and film a diagram for 50 minutes, you actually take apart the thing that you are working on and point out the component in real life, not on a diagram.

[@paulrussotto7813]

Just bought an old Hallicrafters 5R40 radio that I will be restoring during this virus crisis. And, thanks to your great videos, am confident thAt I will not be going into the project blind. Keep up the great work.

[@MattyEngland]

Thanks for the extra content. Much appreciated at at time like this.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're very welcome Matty!

[@neutrodyne]

There is no oscillator since it is not needed nor is it used in a TRF radio. That is because of the fact this is not a Superheterodyne receiver. This is a TRF receiver and it does not use an oscillator! The tuning is simply done by tuning the actual RF frequencies, it works by having stages of RF tuning. There also is no IF circuit in this receiver. What looks like IF transformer are actually RF transformers.

[@kikinnit]

I never tire from watching mr. carlson do his thing!

[@ricklett1688]

Been in electronics over 40 years and never knew about BED resistors. Always learning from the Lab!

[@derofromdown-under2832]

An excellent presentation Paul... WELL DONE!!! 10/10

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank you kindly!

[@robertmitchum2972]

Keep em coming Mr. Carlson!! Looks like old radio repair is what I’ll be doing to occupy my time. At least until I get back to work, or go broke waiting to get back to work... We’re all in this together, so stay safe my friends!

[@W1RMD]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses rolls of solder to hold things up! Thanks for the video!

[@vintagestereo]

I think you are the best tube guy on the net, your video's are so good that I always watch them till the end.

[@CharlesM-dp4xe]

Ya know, it's amazing the things you remember after 65 years or so, even more so the things you forgot ... Sometimes you don't think about these things until some one or something pokes you in the ribs. I would love to have that time machine Mr Carlson has hidden behind his secret lab. How else could anyone explain where he gets all this neat old stuff. I've never been a junk collector, however I would consider it as a hobby if I could get even a few of these things just to play with. I just absolutely LOVE these restoration videos, it brings back so many precious memories. It's always fun to learn. Thank you !

[@fredschroyer584]

What a trip down memory lane! Takes me back to late '50s when I was bldg Heathkits, Knightkits, Dynaco kits, etc. and fixing TVs. I'm looking fwd to when you actually rehab this radio! Thanks for your excellent videos!

[@JerryEricsson]

Living in a member nation of the UK (Not sure of that since I am one of those uneducated folk who live in the US) you must be aware of the "Carry On" series of movies from the 50's and 60's. This must have been the version of headset radio's that were featured in the "Carry on Nurse" and "Carry On Matron" movies. When I watched the movies (several times as they are amazingly funny!) I wondered how they were able to have those headsets plugged into wall jacks with switches for channel selection. Thanks for this glance into the past and clearing up my questions on how 1950's citizens of the United Kingdom were able to select their radio programming whilst laying in hospital beds. Even more relevant since yesterday I had to drop my wonderful wife of 51 years off at the Emergency Entrance of a hospital located some 26 miles from our home to be admitted, of course I was not allowed in the building to see her admitted and can not visit her while she is in hospital. This is sure a screwed up mess right now with the pandemic and all. She is very ill, not with the Covid, but I acute gastritis and bleeding ulcers of the stomach. I am relying on your video's to sort of take my mind off of this since last year both my sisters passed on from cancer within 7 months of each other, my favorite Brother-In-Law proceeded them by 2 months. It has been a bad year indeed, even my next door neighbor suddenly died of pancreatic cancer shortly after my last sister passed on. Our daughter has come to stay with me till my wife can return, hopefully soon, so I am not all alone, now it's me, she and her 3 cats who seemed to think I am cold all the time and like to cuddle on my lap. Problem is all three want to be here at the same time, and 2 of them are at war with the littlest third one. Keeps life interesting, and I do love your videos so please keep up the wonderful work, I look on your videos as a visit from a good friend who has dropped by for a cup of coffee.

[@donaldshulman6771]

Paul - Lab # 2. So glad that you are bringing out the treasures from Lab # 2 !! Keep showing us more

[@JOHNMORIN100]

Fantastic looking foward. Mr Magoo in Milo, Maine

[@powertube5671]

So THAT's what those slits in the variable capacitor plates are for! I started my electronics hobby when I was 12, found radios, TVs, amplifiers, etc. in the dumps and took them apart. I built my first audio amp from scratch at the age of 15, later got and EE degree and here I am 61 years later, just finding out what the slits in the ganged capacitor was for!

[@bzakie2]

Wow it’s so nice to listen to someone so on top of his shit. Unbelieveable.

[@garyr7027]

Got a good LOL on your crowbar soldering iron description. This video is very interesting, your explanations to details is had me listening to every word.

[@just_a_regular_guy9397]

Wow... I'm actually from Mt. Carmel Illinois and the old Meissner building is still there!

[@bzakie2]

I had no idea that Canadians pronounce thing the same way we do in Australia...like Zed instead of Zee, and solder instead of sodder. Impressed.

[@ianbutler1983]

Robertson screws; a great Canadian invention.

[@sixtoes2313]

Mr. Carlson. Thank You !

[@tonybeckett3542]

Greetings Paul - Hey, I love the sensitivity of those TRF Rx wileys. Not to mention the incredible wide audio range, like a 'live' performance... Long ago, I built in a large jack-plug several germanium diode receivers whose antenna was a tuned length for the station I wanted. Each unit had it's own tuned length antenna / Station change, pop-in a different jack. Went into a tube pre-amp then out to a good tube amplifier. Man that old stuff sure impressed my guests. No substitute for quality ! I enjoyed the Meissner inspection. 73, de Tony in S-Africa.

[@lcarliner]

Two thoughts: First, could the missing tube was a rectifier tube that was replaced by the diodes to save the hassle of procuring a replacement? Second , I was as a kid attending a summer camp in Maine in or about 1954, and one of the projects was assembling a bare bones multi band regenerative receiver for amateur radio use kit, band selection was effected with separately purchased plug-on band coils. The maker was Meisner! Turning up the gain control was used to push the receiver into oscillation for receiving Morse code amateur radio signals. At that time, non-polarized plugs were used and the chassis was live, and if the plug was not inserted in the right orientation, electric shock and inability to release grip would occur!

[@electronicsworkbench]

He mentioned in the video that it was an amplifier tube to drive an input to an amplifier. The Large ST tube already installed was the rectifier tube and the diodes were in parallel to it.

[@flatfingertuning727]

@@electronicsworkbench I would guess that the rectifier tube got fried as a result of a failed filter cap, and although the tube is installed, it would be non-functional, with the diodes taking over the work.

[@AndrewLohmannKent]

@@flatfingertuning727 Those tubes come up to power slowly enough to normally recover the capacitor before the valve is overloaded for two long. What you say sounds plausible but there are 70 year old valve radios and record players still running some have never had any maintenance as well.

[@flatfingertuning727]

@@AndrewLohmannKent It would seem odd for someone to have added the silicon diodes if the tube was working. In any case, time will tell.

[@UDX-340]

Thank you for the prebuild look , i learned quite a few things.

[@book3100]

Mr Carlson's Shop. It's like Mr Rogers' Neighborhood for grown ups.

[@chrisrizzo6624]

Sounds good, Mr. Carlson. I learn so much from your genius, talent and skill. Keep them coming.

[@orange70383]

That's pretty slick, way back when someone was pondering how to sell hotels on the idea of a radio in every room (which is something I'm sure the hotels would love to advertise) in way that would be affordable. And darned if someone didn't have a eureka moment, and the repercussions of that idea is still being felt today in the form of this fine video.

[@MutethatBozo]

I seem to recall seeing a receiver very similar to that in an old hotel room in Reno, Nevada, back in the early 70's. Fun stuff :)

[@alexwade9921]

Thank you so much Mr Carlson! I’ve learned a great deal from you. I really need some stimulus to engage me and occupy my mind in these dark times. You’re amongst a tiny proportion of the World population who can do that. You’re a living legend!

[@gidderman]

I have enough faith to push the bell icon for your channel and allow 'all' for the very first time on youtube. It is not something i do lightly. As a technician myself, i appreciate your detailed and informative videos. Rock on Mr.Carlson!

[@kendom33]

Another great video Paul. Thank you

[@williamchow1624]

Just a suggestion on paint. You might want to try bedliner paint used to coat the bed of a truck in place of a liner. I recently used some to paint a rolling tool box to enhance the durability of the work surface. The paint also dries to a textured finish which hides a lot of flaws. Great video.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks, Paul! Can't wait to see the restoration!

[@markphilpot4981]

Hang around and get an education that’s better than any tech school I’ve been to! Go Mr.Carlson! Your videos have substance!👍🏻

[@bg45420]

Thanks for posting this. Your calm voice helps me deal with the anxiety of the current time. Plus I learned something too.

[@pcno2832]

I remember the A-B-C selector switch on the 70 volt Stromberg-Carlson intercoms in my high school; there was also a 3 position volume switch. The expression on my biology teacher's face as she walked over to switch off "Touche" by ZZ Top so she could start her lecture was priceless. It's too bad they gutted that building and "updated" it with all modern fittings; in this state, towns get no subsidies unless they turn every repair into a major project.

[@arnjones6028]

Paul Carlson, master of the oscilloscope. Testing diodes and capacitors using the curve tracer; mind blown.

[@glennsprigg2378]

I was a bit lost there in the video. Can you explain that briefly ??

[@MrSparks54]

Way back in the dusty memory cobwebs I recall something very similar to this when I was in the hospital as a kid around 1960. Anxiously awaiting the restoration video. Thanks!

[@sincerelyyours7538]

At one time I was considered mission essential but I'm at home, now, one of the benefits of being retired. Looks interesting, Paul. Looking forward to your restoration.

[@truck9moon100]

You are the best Paul. Thank-You very much. Take care.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks, You too!

[@chrisjones8741]

500 watt solder-zilla .... Like a crowbar with the end filed down and heated over a campfire. 😂 I love your sense of humor!

[@daleburrell6273]

HA- THAT'S A HOT ONE-!!!

[@clarencegreen3071]

Hey, kids, you laugh! When I started doing electronics a few decades ago, my first soldering device was a heavy copper wire that I stuck up through the grate of a coal-burning "Warm Morning" stove to get hot. Then I graduated up to a gasoline-burning blow torch that heated a crowbar-type iron. I liked that one - not nearly as many ashes. Those were the days! (From North Carolina, USA)

[@paulchapman603]

@ Used to have one as well. My father said he had used it when repairing eaves troughs. The tip was just filed off at an angle and might have been a half inch across. Don't know how, but I picked it up by the wrong end once as you say. I think I gave it up after that.

[@deadfreightwest5956]

He does have a robust Weller soldering gun with a piece of 14ga copper wire in it to solder ground joints right to a steel chassis. Can't do that with a sissy froo-froo Hakkon!

[@daleburrell6273]

@@deadfreightwest5956 ....the right tool for the job-!!!

[@JerryEricsson]

I don't know if you ever watched the "Carry On" series of movies, they were made in the UK, and are great old flicks. In Carry On Nurse, they show the old Bakelite head sets hanging above all the hospital beds, one actor is always listening to them and well carrying on with the music or the talk show that he is listening to. I can imagine that on the other end of that headset is one of those radio receiver.

[@mikemiller4838]

Great video stay healthy and I can't wait for a resto

[@gwesco]

I worked for a hospital that had a lot of Executone nurse call equipmemt and I remember seeing this function. The nurse call/pillow speaker could play the audio and it was capable of 4 channels of audio. It was never implemented in this installation though. The nurse station units actually had tube type amplifiers.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for sharing that George!

[@donhall2759]

Hi, Mr. C...still waiting to see this old receiver get restored. Such a unique circuit, compared to what we usually see, so I hope you can get this going for us. Thanks!

[@kevincozens6837]

I don't work on old tube gear but Mr. Carlson has trained my eye. After he opens up a piece of gear and flips it over to show the components underneath the first thing I find myself doing is counting the capacitors that need to be replaced. :)

[@waynethompson8416]

Me too!

[@Sharklops]

@Mr Carlson's lab - you may want to look into getting some gunsmithing screwdrivers. They are flatheads but the opposing faces of the blades are parallel to one another instead of tapered towards the tip. It makes it less likely for the blade to cam out of the slot in the screw and mar the finish of whatever you're working on

[@jagardina]

A 34 minute Mr. Carlson's Lab makes me happy. But like you said, we have time now.

[@christiangodin5147]

I am always impressed by your knowledge. Bravo !

[@muddysledge]

So glad to see another video from you and what a gem that receiver is. thanks for sharing

[@bakupcpu]

Well I sure learn some new stuff today! Thanks and stay safe!

[@fordmustanggtish]

Great video! Keep up the good work. I am amazed at the cool stuff you get your hands on.

[@waynethompson8416]

I would love to have half the test gear he has!!!

[@fordmustanggtish]

@@waynethompson8416 that makes two of us!

[@graemebrumfitt6668]

Stuck @ home with Mr C Yeah times are good... Cheers Paul. Hope you n yours are well TFS, G :)

[@tallperson9422]

Can't wait to see the restoration.

[@alexwade9921]

Mr Carlson. Could you please do a restoration of a really old valve and CRT television? I would love to see that. You’ve done quite a few radios (as well as the test gear that I love to watch). A TV would be a really fascinating development.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your input Alex. I do have a bunch in que.

[@vinceotten129]

Fascinating! Alternative receiver designs have always interested me.

[@davidmckee5659]

Stay Safe Me. Carlson! You're a treasure.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks David!

[@UtahBlender]

I missed this video. I'm glad it popped up!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@jonrines499]

@@MrCarlsonsLab I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Being born in New Brunswick, I can appreciate the accent. You need a little work on ‘solder’ though. I can’t quite swallow that one. 73’s!

[@ritmo1130]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us! Blessings.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad to share Victor!

[@southjerseysound7340]

I ran into a trio of similar receivers while working in a old bed and breakfast in cape May NJ. They were quite heavy and during a remodel they built a wall right over top of them. Another cool thing we found in the same area was a old fashioned switch board for the original phone system. It had 16 extensions for the 12 rooms and other parts of the hotel.

[@charliepanek8481]

Meissner, also known for the "Meissner Signal Shifter" a ham radio VFO from the old days. Pretty quality stuff back in the day. Interesting layout, they put the antenna stage right next to the audio amp. You'd think they'd go straight line from input to output., but perhaps they're trying to keep the RF input path as short as possible to minimize feedback issues.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

The fan is that power supply is a Yate Loon fan that can be purchased online for less than $15 including shipping. The exact same fan can be used, or an equivalent size and voltage of a different brand. Most decent quality power supplies like Corsair have variable speed fan controllers (varying the voltage to the fan) based on the power supply load, and in fact some power supplies will not even start the fan until the load reaches a certain level, often not reached with casual Internet browsing and email usage. I personally would just buy a new fan, because the old fan is likely to have problems again, and not sure most people can take apart the inside of fan and lubricate it correctly. Most Corsair PSUs are made by Seasonic, one of the most reputable power supply unit manufacturers, so that PSU has plenty of life with a new or repaired fan.

[@chefbink61]

Looks like a really fun project can't wait to see then next one!!

[@garybevis8691]

Hi Paul, thanks for the extra bonus video. I always enjoy your excellence work and calming voice, so seeming effortlessly explaining complex ideas, you are a gift to us all, we learn from you...I've thought you are just "laying about" (lol) with the Covid-19 thing, so maybe, sit down with the camera and talk about how you got so far with electronics, unbound by knowledge, what learning, training, or education. I bet, you are mostly didactic. I want know a little about your skills you found, I know many of us are interested in you just a little around the edges of electronics. You are a great personality on this channel and on Patreon. You are inspiration to many of us looking for guidance in repair in the field of electronics. I think you would be great in just what I am describing. I found your channel some two years ago (Thanks to AVE), you are by and away my favorite KZbin personality!? I know when I make a project from you, strive to make the best I can, and thank you Paul. I know do not what else to call you other than my friend, mentor, docent and so very clever, a guy with a funny sense of humor. I will watch you paint if you describe what you are doing properly...Cheers and 73's Paul.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank You for your very kind comment Gary!

[@freightdawg6762]

Excellent vid, stay well

[@TheRadioShop]

Great content as always Paul. That is a very interesting receiver. Never seen anything like it. Stay safe my friend. I am going to work everyday although the county has shut down. Now for those of you that are wondering about joining Mr C on Patreon but have yet no decided, Let me tell you it is very worth it and you will enjoy everything you see there. You thin his YT videos are great then you should check out his Patreon.

[@followthetrawler]

Looking forward to this one. I am old enough to remember this kind of radio distribution in hotels - always wondered how they did it.

[@Maxxarcade]

Looking forward to the next videos! And I like that old chassis diagram. Nice and clear compared to so many others I've seen.

[@tpeee60]

Thanks Mr C, enjoy your vids immensely.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank you kindly!

[@StephenHendersonActual]

I’ve always wanted to see more use of ‘curve tracers’ in real-world use. Other (great!) videos how how they work, and give examples of single components (from stock) and the characteristic curves you might expect, but they don’t really go into what using one to troubleshoot would ‘feel’ like. I really enjoyed this video. I really, really enjoyed watching the expert use of the curve tracer. Keep’em coming Mr. Carlson, and stay safe.

[@wansolve2036]

Great video Paul, thanks! I'm starting work on a really clean (but previously modified) BC-348 I had on the shelf. Great fun!

[@willierants5880]

Hope we get to see this one completed soon. I love seeing these things finished when they've had the Carlson touch. I'd like to see the painting process too. And those face screws were horrible, blah, needs some good replacements. Thanks! Loved the vid.

[@TheDrunkenMug]

Awesome, yet another fun and interesting video to watch

[@nr3rful]

The microphone you are using sounds absolutely fantastic...

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Always interesting and always learn something. Cheers.

[@analogdesigner-Jay]

Paul, thanks for taking the time for another excellent video. Also about 30 years ago Radio Shack sold a portable TRF AM radio. It probably used the Ferranti ZN414 IC however I never confirmed that. It's performance was very good however I'm not sure that it's performance was any better than a superhet.

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hello Paul, Looks like your doing well, that's good in light of recent events. Looks like the TRF receiver will be a fun restoration. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and experience, also your video production time and effort. Governor ordered stay home mandate here in Oregon. Take care, all the best, C.

[@magicclamsoldthings7212]

Very grateful for you posting some fun videos during this crazy time! Really appreciate the effort you put in, and the unusual equipment you have to show.

[@billmoran3812]

I remember RCA PA systems from the 40’s that had multiple tuners installed in the rack. I often see mistakes made by techs or hobbyists replacing components with the wrong value. I recently opened up a National NC-60 general coverage receiver where someone confused “micro- micro” farad (uuF) with microfarad (uF). I didn’t power it up before restoration, but I’m thinking it most likely didn’t work very well, if at all! I see a lot of this kind of thing, especially on old radios where non-standard units and value components are present. It’s always a shame to find where a coil was replaced by a capacitor, or an IF transformer was burned out from a leaky capacitor. I enjoy seeing the stuff you find. Lots of things I have never seen or worked on.

[@prjndigo]

You should get heavy piece of leather with various diameter grommets through it to put over around screws when using the flat bladed driver to open things. It makes a huge difference in protecting the surfaces. If you have two matching pieces of leather punched but the grommet only through the "top" one it'll do a great job guiding the driver. Also if you give the driver a minor twist then re-temper it so it "bites" in the slot it'll stay in place much better as well.

[@dbeaumontresident847]

Loved this video. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@no_more_free_nicks]

Nice device, thanks for sharing.

[@deadfreightwest5956]

BTW, a handy trick for camera focus is to zoom in first, let it auto-focus, then switch to manual. Zoom out to frame the shot. It will always be in focus that way.

[@SuspiciousAra]

oh wow, i would like to have your level of understanding :) and the calm in your voice, that shows exactly the skills on electronics going trough the roof, like baah, another device i have never seen and don't a have a schematics for it :)