I have a really nice little leather cased Airline. The Model on one label is GEN1256A and on another is 62-1256. I cannot find a schematic anywhere. Sams skips this number in their index. It receives well, but the volume is low. I would rather avoid just shotgunning all the electrolytics, but since it is laid out on a PC board, I would also like to avoid trying to create my own schematic. Is it possible that someone here has a schematic, maybe from some Wards service data, that they could scan?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bump. Anyone?

Hi Ron,

I've checked the web and can't find a thing. Can you post a photo of the innards and
perhaps I can find a circuit board that matches in my database? Also, include any writing
on the circuit board with the number of transistors used, plus a few transistor part numbers.

~ Mitch ~

If it's a six Transistor set, it most likely has 4 Electrolytics, and replacing them will most likely get it working like new again.

You don't need a print for that, just make a drawing before extracting each one, so you don't reverse polarity, and try the set after each one is swapped.

The last one replaced always gives the best boost, lol.

Mitch,
I looks to be a bear to get into, but I suppose I could if we think we can get close. It was tough just to get the back plastic cover/battery compartment out of the leather case. I can only read one transistor clearly. Most are branded YAGU, but the only one I can see clearly is branded TEN and is a 2SA296. It says 7 transistor all over, but clearly has 8 transistor cans. Likely one is part of the power supply. I haven't a clue what is required nor the polarity required to mate up to the external power jack. I have only used it with batteries. Here are some pictures if they will help.

Hi Ron,

Think I found it. Your pictures were the clue I was missing.
The schematic is a GEN-1243 with the same transistor count and board layout.



Here ya go!
http://oi47.tinypic.com/3vclx.jpg
http://oi48.tinypic.com/10e4pcl.jpg
http://oi48.tinypic.com/35i6er9.jpg
http://oi48.tinypic.com/10ct1eo.jpg

~ Mitch ~

P.S. - Your radio dates from around 1964.
Those 50 year old capacitors are due to be replaced.

You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar! I don't know why the model number difference, but now that I can disassemble it with some confidence, I'm sure I will spot the revision, if any. 10-4 on the old caps. I also see that "extra transistor" is the bias regulator. Maybe, I'll be lucky and not have to deal with it - just the caps. Reception seems OK and even dial alignment. It just was very quiet compared to a similar Silvertone I own.

I owe you one. Thanks.

You're welcome Ron. - Glad to help.

If the radio seems 'quiet', that is a symptom of dried out electrolytic capacitors.
C5 and C6 are coupling capacitors between the detector and the first audio transistor.
They are the most likely culprits for low volume. You can use a 4.7 ufd instead of a 3 ufd here.
Same with the 30 and 50 ufd caps... use a 33 and a 47 ufd.

While you've got it apart, clean the volume control with 90% isopropanol alcohol and a Q-TIP.
Same for the circuit board. Works great on old dried flux. Then check for 'iffy' solder joints.

If you can't find the parts in your junkbox, PM me with your address and I'll send them in the mail.

~ Mitch ~

Thanks for the offer Mitch. I should be OK. A TV tech here died about a year ago, and I bought most of his capacitor inventory at the estate sale. I was wondering what I would do with all those low voltage electrolytics. Once done, though, I might find something else like that thermistor or the TINY AVC pot and be really out of my comfort zone. I normally do not play with transistor stuff, but this set was just in such good shape cosmetically.

I believe you'll do just fine. Keep us updated on your progress.

~ Mitch ~

Success! With the board photo from that Sams to predetermine the lead positions, it was a cake walk. Used 3.3@35V, 33@35V and 47@50v. Plenty of room since the new caps were smaller. Just shotgunned all 7 caps. All radials used even though the original 3MFD @ 6V were axial. Replacements actually fit better. Thanks for the help, but I still hate PCB mountings.

Good shootin' Tex. - Glad to help.

~ Mitch ~