Whichever one fits the requirements:

650VAC CT @ 150ma or more. This voltage can vary a bit on the low side and be just as good as well as help the set run cooler
5VAC @ 3A
6.3VAC @ 6A

EDIT: Looking at the S-461 specs below Im a bit confused as the 1956 schematic that went with replacement transformers used what I show above. Plus the schematic and mfg was not on it.

Im going out on a limb by saying that the one below is a later production set or a revised spec. Actually I prefer that one.




You wont know until the set is all done and passes the smoke test. Id suggest a bucking transformer to bring the AC line down to 110-113VAC which will place a lighter load on the tranxformer as well as have the set run much cooler. I run all my gear at those voltages. Since it did cook Id suggest a Slow Blow fuse in the CT. Id start at 250ma and see if it survives the turn on surge and increase in very small steps as needed.

Carl

Finally got some pics of the of the receiver to post. Looks like someone changed out the lytics at some point, but it was a while ago judging by the age of the caps. That seems to be where it stopped though. From what I can tell, and you guys would know better than I, everything else looks original underneath. I did notice that all of what I think are bumblebee caps have a sticky almost oil-like brown film coating them. Some of it actually dripped on the bottom chassis cover. I'm guessing this can't be good! Also, looks like the transformer is of the S-461 variety that Carl mentioned above. I don't see any tar leaks either, which is a good thing. Anyway, that's all I have for now...a new project underway!

Congratulations! Great find! I'm sure you'll have fun with it. I see that it is the newer version with the 6SN7 phase inverter/meter amp. Be sure to have the correct schematic when troubleshooting or it will drive you crazy.

Dave

See my edit above.

The 6SN7 version came along in 54 so should be in a majority of sets. I have Run 396 on disc if anyone wants it emailed.

Carl

I also have the 6SN7, but also c67 and c69 are air variable capacitors, which isn't shown the the later version manual I found online. Also, when comparing the paper caps in the radio to the schematic, the radio had an extra .01mfd. Is there a third version of the manual and, if so, has it been digitized?

Just wondering by looking at the fifth pix down if the previous owner had paralleled the existing can cap with
the axial electrolytics. It's kinda hard to see where the leads go but it looks as if he did or perhaps I'm just seeing things.
Some folks leave the can electrolytics in place and just remove the leads when they sub the aixals for the sake of aesthetics but some folks leave the old, leaky, noisy, dripping, hum producing can electrolytic caps in the circuit. Don't know why......
If it's the latter, I'm sure glad that radio has a fuse.
Oh, congrats on scoring an awfully nice looking radio.

The old can lytic is completely disconnected. The new lytic is only using the ground terminal post connection.

Every production/engineering run had a specific manual included. The first three digits of the serial is the run and shows as ER on the back cover of the manual...such as ER 396 and 654 as the date code.

I never thought Id have to be remembering and sharing all this trivia from almost 50 years ago.

Carl

Well, I'm certainly glad you're spending time here to share this trivia. My serial no. is 475 0493 and now I know I've been trying to match it up to the wrong manual.

Thanks,
Justin

While I know nothing about the technical aspects of either, I'd have chosen the National over the Hammarlund on looks alone...and that's coming from a happy HQ-129X owner. Your NC-183D look to be pristine aside from the obvious electrical repairs. Sure is handsome!

Bruce Webster

Everybody knows by now, if you say it, it is so Carl!

Greg

What really surprises and dissapoints me Greg is that there are no former employees of the other companies on ARF or even most other forums. Collins seems to be well represented but that about it.

I'll add a signature for the recent members.

Carl
National Radio 1963-69
Service Tech, Service Manager
Member of NCL-2000 and NCX-1000 Design Teams
Amplifier and Boatanchor service on most brands
HRO-500 a speciality

So, by my count there were at least three versions of the NC-183D:

ER 328 - Jan '52
ER 396 - Jun '54
ER 475 - Jun '56

Is that it, or does anyone have another version not listed here?

Mine is a 372 XXXX.

Bumblebees, Gray Tigers, and Tiny Chiefs, all in one set. Purchasing was really shopping around.

Dave Wise

Check out the National Bulletin number FSN 42 here:

http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/national/nc183dfsn42/

This explains why you have air variable capacitors for C67 and C69.

I also have a 372 XXXX NC183D. It's not as pretty as yours, though. Lately, however, I've been neglecting it and "slipping around" with some Drake gear that is easier on my aching back.
-DS

Shouldn't that be "slopping around"??

Tony

How do you get the date from those three digit date codes?

Greg

You dont, only the manual has the date along with that run #

I might have one other manual kicking around and will take a look for it.
Since it was made from 1952-59 there should be around a dozen runs considering how many regularly show up and current prices are climbing fast and beyond more expensive competition.....reason being is that the HRO-60 is up into 4 figures now if you want it loaded...an ARF member got $1800 late last year. Buyers have finally discovered that Nationals work better than Hallidrifters

Carl