OVERHAULING YOUR SET

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 109, 4 November 1926, Page 14

OVERHAULING YOUR SET

Now that the warm days of summer are coming,, it seems a fitting time for radio fans to improve their radio receiving apparatus. The radio receiver, like every other mechanical appliance —for it is an electrical machine — needs a thorough overhauling about once a year (writes "D.J." in "The Listener In"). A good plan to follow for the overhauling is to start with the aeri-l system. If the aerial wire is badly corroded it should be replaced with new. Enamelled wire is always desirable, because the coated surface will prevent erosion. The ground, which is, by the way, part of the aerial system, should be thoroughly examined. The earth connection is as important as the aerial itself. A cold water pipe is generally considered a good ground connection. However, it is possible the ground clamp which connects the wire to tie pipe has become loose. . Additional ground-connections may not make any noticeable difference on the reception' of local stations. The improved ground connection m y make a great difference, however, the reception of distant stations. So much for the aerial system—now the receiver itself. The logical way to start is ,to remo,ye all signs of dust which may ] have collected during the preceding , winter. This may be done with a j camel hair paint brush. Dust is apt I to have a disastrous effect on the em- j ciency of the apparatus.. When it (the dust) becomes moist it becomes a con- . ductor of radio frequency currents.. Thia naturally reduces the efficiency of' the set. In some instances it has been known to render the set inoperative. The next step is to clean all mechanical connections, such as binding posts and clips. Sandpaper or fine emery cloth is very effective for this purpose* .-.Also the prongs Of the valves, should ;be" cleaned. These may be cleaned with a nail file. The dust Which collects between the 'plates in a r variable condenser also should be iemoved v 'A pipe cleaner or a feather may be used for "this purpose. ■',■■■ If contn i; to the rotary plates of the variable condenser is made through a sliding bushing, the bushing sinuld be cleaned as an assurance that good contact is being made. If *a "pigtail" connection is used for the purpose if should be examined to see whether or not it is making the necessary connection. One point to remember in this connection is never to use cil for lubricating the bushings of a variable condenser. The oil forms an insulating film on the contact surfaces. Next, all soldered connections should fee given the "once over." If a poor connection is discovered it should be | resoldered. The battery leads to the set also should be examined, especially those which lead to the accumulator.