Notes from the June 17, 2006 meeting

Meeting was opened with review of upcoming events including the Bredehoeft Auction June 24/25 ^th . Alan Haile presented a very informative program relating his experiences in becoming interested in radio’s/ radio collecting and provided pointers for the person who is looking for a restoration project. Members Dennis Brady , Randy James and Jim Sargent joined in the discussion with inputs on their early radio interests and factors involved in becoming collectors.

Each story was unique but there was a lot in common – interest in ham radio, importance of the first radio acquired, listening and logging reception (card collecting), the experience of repairing and bringing back to life an old radio, the increased interest generated by belonging to a organization of radio collectors such as the VRPS.

Alan provided a list of suggestions/observations to be used in selecting and acquiring a radio:

• Does it work at all? ( provides information on some critical/expensive parts )
• Does it appeal?
• Condition of cabinet, dial, dial cover and grill cloth
• Knobs – original, mismatched, missing
• Speaker – cone condition
• Chassis – complete, can dial be turned/moved, wax drips/burned smell

John Mielke highlighted issues with unstable plastics used in the late ‘30/’40’s for bezels, knobs, etc. Unable to repair/straighten and parts sets found will have the same problem. Reproduction items have limited availability and are expensive.