#234

Today we restore a beautiful Hallicrafters S-108
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[@marklowe7431]

It's a Saturday morning here in Australia, after a hard week at work it's cool to wake up, coffee, toast and a Buddy video.

[@greglivingston538]

I love my S-108! I've had it since 1969 and it works really well.

[@raymondmartin6737]

I had the Hallicrafters SX-110, which was an upgrade to the S-108, having an S meter for example. I got mine in 1961 from Radio Shack in Stamford, CT, not far from me in New York State. It cost about $170.00 back then, just before I became an Amateur Radio Operator in 1962, WV2ZPD, then to WA2ZPD in 1963. My Elmer, WA2USG, then WA1LKF, now N1MH, is still my friend, had the S-108, and convinced me to get the Hallicrafters over a National NC-109. I used my SX-110 later as an IF at 28 Mhz, 10 meters, for my 2 meter band, AM, reception as a bandspread from 144 Mhz up the band. FM repeaters really didn't start to expand until after 1970. I sold the SX-110 later in the 1970's.

[@waynethompson8416]

What an absolute joy this video was to watch! Earlier today I watched a video in which someone "repaired" a radio...no clue what brand or model it was, the guy spoke so fast that you couldn't understand him, the video was all over the place! I looked like you had put a camera on a cat with a burr in his butt. I don't think he replaced the "death cap" on the line either. Even if he did replace it, I am sure that he didn't know that it should be a safety capacitor. Your video was such a joy to watch. It isn't always that we get a radio to repair / restore that is in such good shape. Happy for you. The "little details" matter. How to properly tighten the switches, the bit about restuffing the old can capacitors, the fact that the line cord was not attached to the chassis, all these things make for a much better video. I don't remember you mentioning the capacitor on the line cord being a "Safety Capacitor" but I remember it looked like it was one. What are your thoughts about using "Felt Washers" behind the knobs when you work on sets like this one? Wishing you the best on your endeavors and stay safe, happy and healthy!!!

[@Skip501]

Got an S-108 for Christmas when I was 8 years old. What an introduction to radio it was. 12 years later after I'd moved out of the house I came back to get it and mom had sold it to a coworker. Wish I still had it. What a beauty, Thanks for the memories!!!

[@timtimeprojects3576]

Nicely done Buddy. I too find that the LED upgrades don't always work so well with older equipment. I reverted back to incandescent bulbs on my Hallicrafters and a few other vintage radios I've done.

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

Thanks Buddy for your words of support. It probably will get better but guarantees on life are not real. Our human nature is always optimistic but we just don't or can't predict one minute one hour or one day in the future. I am older now and am hoping things will get better and that's all I can do

[@hestheMaster]

Old64goat is now working on a S107. Wish him luck considering his visual disability. Such a professional restoration Buddy. Great job! Like the RF trimmer adjustment part. This is tricky to do unless you have done it before and with the right test equipment. Thanks for showing us the video!

[@indioflechudo6221]

That is one beautiful radio.

[@RetiredHRGuy]

Fantastic video! Hallicrafter's fan and avid SWL for over 50 years. Working on restoration of SX99 and really appreciated your detailed alignment process. Learned much from your procedure. Retired expat living in Philippines finally with time to spend on the hobby I love. Beautiful, well-kept receiver and meticulous restoration! 73's

[@nor4277]

That's A very nice radio and when you get done with it should be good for another 50 years ..thanks for sharing Buddy

[@dri50]

Timely video. I'm currently starting on a Hallicrafters S-107 Mark I. Did the line cord and the fuse so far. Now to replace electrolytics. And based on your tips, going to check / replace those Little Chiefs. Thanks for the video Don KC3MBK

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Yes the tiny chief caps had to go heard about nothing but trouble from them. It looks and sounds great Buddy. Thanks for another great video.

[@naxxon]

I’ve just bought an old S-108 and I’ll try restore it. Great video! Greetings from Uruguay!

[@nelsonlinkousii5174]

AWESOME video !!! Thanks for sharing !

[@nor4277]

I do love watching and learning from you Buddy,thanks for shareing

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you Ron.

[@pda49184]

Great resto Buddy.. A 'real' radio that took knowledge of what you were looking for and a bit of skill & patience to get the best out of it.. Look after yourself..

[@2ndfloorsongs]

Wonderful to see this. I was an electronic technician most of my working career, but it was all digital computers. All 5 volt. This 400 volt stuff looks a bit scary. I was searching for S-108 because I unexpectedly found a box that had my grandfather's old S-108 in it. I remember him teaching me how to tune in shortwave stations on it when I was 12. It seemed like magic. So I've decided to restore his old radio and I want to do right by it. This video is exactly what I needed. I'm impressed with the care you take; you're definitely a professional who takes pride in his work. I just bought an old RF generator off of eBay. I have scopes, function generators, frequency counters, etc. , but this is my very first RF signal generator. :) I have capacitors on order and I'm really looking forward to restoring it. Hopefully, everything will work out and I won't be connecting myself to that 400 volts (which still scares me). Thank you for making this video, it was very encouraging. I'll be watching it through a few more times as I work on the radio. I just subscribed, I'll be looking into some of your other videos, and I intend to check out Patreon. Thanks again, Ray

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks and welcome to the channel.

[@andrewrae2813]

a really nice job ...as per usual. Tightening those front switches, I find bicycle wrenches really good for tight spaces. Really enjoy your videos...thank you.

[@timothymarshall6709]

these a gentleman on facebook who restores these radios too factory new HALLIRESTORER.

[@laceradewilde4056]

It is nice to see more of you have stepped up support for the Radio Shop with your Patreon contributions!! As Buddy mentioned, many good things are ahead for Patreon members. For $1(or more) a month, you can join in the adventures and help Buddy achieve the financial support he needs to repair/restore these wonderful old rigs and produce more amazing videos for us to enjoy. I was amazed at Buddy's unique style of video restorations and quickly became a Patreon supporter. Adding your support will help insure having more Buddy's great videos to watch. Lacey K4LCY 73's

[@chrisholland690]

Hi Buddy. Another great video! I have a S-108, that I bought from the original owner over 40 years ago. It, too, is like the one you are working on here. Very little use. I have not gone thru it yet, so it is all original. I was thinking that the RF alignment was supposed to be done in the cabinet, with access to the coils and trimmers under the card board label on the bottom side. It has been a while since I looked at it though. Great job es 73. de N9WHH, Chris

[@TheRadioShop]

You are correct. The final alignment is done In the cabinet. I mostly align radios like this several times. The open alignment was for the video only.

[@jdmccorful]

Great work as is your usural. Enjoy the education you put out. Thanks.

[@scottlee1211]

Thanks Buddy for another enjoyable video! Really appreciate your restoration work.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Scott

[@rudygerona]

I love this kind of transreceiver radio & like to listen to ShortWave transmissions.

[@sidsaul5766]

So glad to see the modern poly caps you marked with your black dots showing the outside foil end. I am new to your channel so I may have missed your discussion on this. This shows your attention to detail missing in so many other channels. Sid

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

My very first SW reciever was a Hallicrafters, similar to this but it had a S-meter and matching speaker...cant remember the model...that was way back in the early to mid 1970's...spent many hours listening...it was cool and it had me hooked! Awesome video as always. ~Jack, VEG

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Jack. Was so many made back then.

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

What a Beautiful radio. Nice video Buddy as always. Stay Safe. 73 Joe

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Joseph

[@cuban9splat]

Buddy, thanks for all your hard work. That radio is really pristine. I am sure the owner knows how rare it is to find one that old in that excellent condition. Wow. Thanks for the new tip, Buddy. Now I know why they used to use those long shank toggle switches. This series is another winner. Thanks for sharing it with us. 73 de K7RMJ Frank

[@TheRadioShop]

Much appreciated Frank. I have about 4 or 5 wrenches that were milled down thin just for that. And much cheaper than buying the cone wrenches.

[@caulktel]

Great video Buddy, I have to do the final alignment on my restored S-76 so this was very timely.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Joel and good luck with the S-76

[@joshualee1]

Thanks for the video! Always a pleasure to watch you work.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you Joshua

[@Lee-NN7X]

Thanks Buddy....

[@lylewatts6370]

Another great video on a receiver that I wouldn't mind having. I Seem to be working on old test equipment lately like Eico 147A signal tracer. I love working on this antique but very useful stuff that other people throw out. Thanks for the repair job and please keep safe as the world around us goes crazy.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Lyle. Yes those old Eico's are fun to repair. Agreed on the crazy world my friend!

[@gearheadted9210]

nice radio and restoration,i have an sx110 in line for restoration,this info helps a lot thanks

[@TheRadioShop]

That should be a fun one to work on.

[@old64goat]

Nice work Buddy. I have the S-107 (NOT the MARK 1) and I need to replace all the Tiny Chief caps but the dial cord is frayed and thin in one area, I coated it with DUCO cement to keep it from breaking, if it breaks it is over. Take care Buddy!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Bill. I think I may have seen that one in one of your videos. If you need help with the dial cord let me know.

[@old64goat]

@@TheRadioShop Yes that is the radio, so far the dial cord is okay but very thin where it goes around the tuning shaft and upper right hand pulley. Thanks for the offer but it is a large radio and would cost a small fortune to ship. Thanks again Buddy

[@indrajitR]

i have this halicrafter receiver given by vu2fq ( now sk). what a gem.

[@maninthevan53]

Very nice radio , nice job

[@alarmman2007]

Great video buddy stay safe

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Phil

[@superhet7281]

Nice work! New subscriber! I’m a big Hallicrafters fan.

[@TheRadioShop]

Welcome to the channel and thank you.

[@ronniebrown8775]

Picked up on of these off of Ebay last year ! Not in the same shape as that one But doable! future project for when the shop is put together

[@TheRadioShop]

you will enjoy working on that, and listening to it.

[@ronniebrown8775]

Well I've basically a newbie to this kind of electronics but I feel I've learned a substantial amount of what i need to no from watching you and Mr. Carlson and numerous others on here to attempt a restoration! of this unit! But there's many more project involving tools of the trade before I get to that one! I'm currently in the finishing up side of restoring a 100 year old house and part of that is a space for my electronics workbench! It's been a 5 year task! I'm looking forward to some bench time lol

[@harryhall5092]

Nice job, one of these days I will get a decent communications receiver. I enjoy working on radios and have been going through some of my test equipment pieces and doing some TLC. I just got through with my RF generator, a military SG-111/URM-25E recapping, cleaning controls and checking it's alignment which is jus a hair off. I run a beat check with several radio stations and my scope has a built in frequency counter so I compared it with the beat and I don't think that I'll bother messing with it. I want to know if yours is an analog or digital generator. I can always work with the front end alignments, but getting the IF's at 455 etc. I won't have a reference to use except the scope. Thanks I enjoyed your Video!!

[@bblod4896]

It's late, only going to get to the first thirty minutes. I'll finish the rest tomorrow. Have a great week Buddy.

[@drtidrow]

My S-107's big brother. ^_^ Wow, this is in really good condition given its age. 6:45 Yep, full of Tiny Chiefs, aka Mighty Griefs. ;-) The S-107 I got from my dad was full of them too, guess Hallicrafters used them in all their radios from that time period. 14:15 I notice you took the time to mark the foil end of the new caps before installing them. :-)

[@TheRadioShop]

it is a very nice condition radio and made it fun to work on. Hallicrafters and a few other units from that era use those caps a lot. When ever I see them they have to go. Marking the foil end of the capacitors is always a good idea in some circuits. When I order caps and they come in I take the time to mark them while I check the inventory,

[@tubeDude48]

Sure glad your changing *ALL* those Tiny Chef's. Other YT presenters seem to put-off doing this, very dumb! At 16:40, I buy CAP KITS from Radio Daze. Turn the Volume down!

[@TheRadioShop]

Those caps have to go as they are nothing but paper. I get most of my caps from just Radio

[@idahosagebrush5662]

For myself it's a lot easier to take a half hour or so than an hour for watching a video. I find myself halving to watch the other half of long videos the next day. Always enjoy your videos and the way you like to explain things, and sometimes the little details are the difference between your videos and some of the others. Since you have to edit these anyway, maybe you could talk to other KZbin creator friends about this and think about editing to shorter versions for here on YT and post the whole videos on Patreon... or just post the extra long ones in episodes here. Just my thoughts and good luck with your plans for the shop and channel both. Enjoyed the S-108 tune up. Great receiver. I miss the days when people would just about give radios like this away.

[@call5sam]

Why do you not place a thermistor in line with the filaments?

[@BerrieSchuurhuis]

I like your videos, this one is no different all nicely demonstrating and sharing your skills. Learning a lot from these!! Similarly I followed MikesRadioRepair, I may have found him through your channel or the other way around, long time ago. Do you know what happened to him, his channel has gone silent so unexpectedly?

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Berrie. I wish I could tell you what happened to him. As I have not heard from him in about a year now.

[@drtidrow]

42:50 Are you attenuating your signal generator output when it gets that loud, or just turning down the volume?

[@TheRadioShop]

As the signal gets louder I turn the volume down. This keeps the tone down on the camera and keeps the meter in a lower scale.

[@JeffBishop_KB3QMT]

You marked the capacitors with a black dot. Is that to show the negative or foil side, and if so how did you go about determining that?

[@TheRadioShop]

I use an o-scope for that. As Harry below said Mr C has a great video in it.

[@michaelmacdonald3408]

Hi there been watching your videos have you heard of a Columbus radio my father had one years ago this is in new Zealand.Must be around the 30s or 40s.

[@wendelljackson1488]

I'm wondering: how did you remove the bee's wax so that the tuning coils could be adjusted?

[@TheRadioShop]

Xacto knife to carve around the edge then a small flat blade plastic tuning tool to remove the wax.

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have one of these in original condition.

[@charleslauter5035]

I see that is a low use or low hour radio. If this is NOT the case, I test the tubes before alignment just in case any of the tubes are bad or weak and have to be replaced. CAL

[@TheRedneckprepper]

Man i sure would like you to go over my radios ! Buddy what do you charge and where do you live (state) TY Tony

[@TheRadioShop]

Hy Tony. I only do this as a hobby. And at the moment I am booked for several months. I can however add you to the list.

[@1903A3shooter]

Makes me Sad. W4GSM

[@TheRadioShop]

Please explain

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

Cut some of them paper caps open..

[@extreme978]

I wonder why None of these you tube repair men won't except anyone's radios to repair. I've had several friends try to send in equipment to several techs, all with failure

[@TheRadioShop]

Well, I cannot answer for all of them, but can for myself, since Saturday I have received 286 emails and today is Tuesday. There is no way I can sit down and answer everyone of them. I work a full time job outside of KZbin and shop. That alone leaves me with about 8 to 10 hours a week in the shop. Which most is spent making videos. I am not "for hire" and only work on what I think I can handle. If I was retired I could do that full time, but I am not. Anyway that is my story. I wish I could get to them all, but there is no way.

[@laceradewilde4056]

I was always partial to Hammarlund's for general coverage receivers but watching you work with Hallicrafters , I am considering adding some to my shack. I have several Hallicrafters SR transcievers that are excellent rigs so would probably enjoy a set of restored Halli twins. Still wanting to add a HX50 to my HQ170A. Great video on a grand vintage reciever! Thank you for the experience. Lacey K4LCY 73's