What are the tubes in old radios?
These used several valves (tubes) to provide RF amplification, detection, and audio amplification. Early TRF sets only operated headphones, but by the mid-1920s it was more common to use additional amplification to power a loudspeaker, despite the expense.
How much are old radio tubes worth?
This was one of the first tubes available for consumer radios. A working early Aeriotron WD-11 can easily sell for up to $130 in today’s collectors market. If it’s not working it still is a valuable display item to a collector and a $75 to $80 selling price is not uncommon.
Are old radio tubes hazardous?
None of these tubes are hazardous unless they are broken. Tubes with bakelite bases have a small amount of lead in the solder that connects the wires to the pins. The only people that have to be licensed to work on electronic equipment are those who repair transmitters and those involved in public safety.
Are old tube radios valuable?
Many vintage and antique radio models made between 1930 and 1949 are highly collectible, including brands such as RCA, Philco, Westinghouse, and Zenith. These tube radio table models came in a range of sizes and variations.
Why are vacuum tubes so expensive?
Tube amps are expensive because they adopt pre and power tubes as their primary amplification source. Each tube costs roughly $50 and can have up to 4 of them within a single unit. Secondly, these amps have more expensive components, larger cases, and more complex circuitry than solid-state amps.
Will an old radio still work?
Even though they’re ancient by today’s standards, these old tube radios can almost always be brought back to life, and there’s still plenty of broadcasts out there for them to receive! Not to mention, they just look so classy and have a presence few modern electronics can match.
What can you do with old radio tubes?
Contact the Global Electronics Recycling Network. This group maintains a network of electronic recycling organizations in many countries. Use its website to locate an electronics recycling organization near your home; you can find out the drop-off location and the cost of disposing of your vacuum tubes.
Are vacuum tubes expensive?
When it comes to cost, preamp tubes cost roughly $30 a pop, and, depending on the amp and wattage, can have up to four installed. On the other hand, power vacuum tubes are more expensive, costing roughly $60 each.
When did they stop making tube radios?
Which means that whether your antique radio is a cathedral or… All radios produced during the first half of the 20th century were tube radios, since transistors were not invented until 1947 and did not start to replace tubes in radios until 1954.
When did they stop putting tubes in radios?
All radios produced during the first half of the 20th century were tube radios, since transistors were not invented until 1947 and did not start to replace tubes in radios until 1954.
How do you refurbish an old radio?
Follow these general steps to restore your radio:
- Do not power on your radio.
- Find a service manual.
- Replace all electrolytic and paper capacitors with new ones of similar value and same or better voltage rating.
- Examine closely and replace anything that looks damaged, such as burned up resistors.
How long does vacuum tube last?
Depending on how often you turn on and turn off your gear, but tubes should last about 5,000 to 10,000 hours. For most people, they only need to be replaced every 2-3 years at most.
Where can I find old time radio parts?
Consult our Radio Websites page for radio/TV history, museums, collections, magazines, and old-time radio programming. Replacement tubes and many other radio parts, schematic diagrams, vintage radio kits, restoration and refinishing supplies, books and reference materials. Tubes for sale.
Where can I buy an antique radio tube?
Antique Radio Tubes – We sell antique radio tubes and antique tube radios We have over a thousand different radio tubes in stock. We also have a large stock of globe tubes. JustRadios, Capacitors for Antique Radios – “Sells high voltage film and electrolytic capacitors for antique tube radios.
What kind of parts are in an old radio?
Old Radio Parts – Capacitors and Dials for Antique Radios Vintage and reproduction electronic parts – capacitors, antique radio dials, knobs, 1940-1970 era phonograph cartridges, needles, idler wheels.
Are there vacuum tubes for Old Time Radio?
Whether you need vacuum tubes for industry, hi-fi applications, ham radio, old time radio, or any other purpose, we will be the only supplier you will ever need. We keep both NOS (New Old Stock) and factory-new tubes in our warehouses. The majority of our orders ship within twenty-four hours.