Im another with one of these radios and where the heck can you buy this bandswitch ball chain?

It measures .09" diameter or 2.3mm. Ive gone thru a half tank of gas with calipers in hand and either the available sizes are wrong or they are aluminum or brass. Old line hardware stores no longer carry it.

Can stainless be used? I think the original is nickel plated steel.

Dave

Please post a picture against a ruler or something

Original is steel and stainless would be fine. I had to re-string my 300 when I got it, but I don't think I had to replace the chain. Seems Lowes, Home Depot, Target, and any number of internet sites carry it. I wouldn't think its dimensions have changed over the years because of the necessity of backward compatibility. Don't over think this, just take your piece with you and hold the two next to each other and you'll easily see any difference if any.

A few years ago I got a 3' chunk of it to lengthen the pulls on a couple ceiling fans, and as I remember it was pretty cheap.

The ball diameter is critical since it also determines the pitch and whats available today is mostly metric at .0965" or 2.45 mm. They call it #3 chain. That makes a difference since the pitch is slightly longer and will jump the sprocket AND bend the chain keeper. Ask me how I know! Ive done it...once....and get many sets in here with the wrong chain.

HD hasnt carried it in about 2 years, at least in this area. I got mine from a friend who found it at a crafts show and I'll be looking for some more soon. Seems a lot of NC300/303's have rusted chains now that the nickel plating is worn off and SNAP. I need to locate a source for a full spool.

Length is only critical if you are reusing the cords which can be all over the place as they have been changed at least once since the 50's. Otherwise just leave enough extra to work with so that there is still a few inches remaining on the top side at the 220 mc band position. Leave enough slop, high tension isnt necessary and it just increases the strain, let the spring do its job.

Carl

ball chain? I think I know what you mean, of course I prefer an image so I don't appear foolish
See McMaster link

http://www.mcmaster.com/#ball-chain/=hf6v08

Dimension is still in in inches

The feet listed such as 50 feet is only the maximum available you can order by the foot

Good research, thanks!!

No good, its the same 3/32" sold everywhere

OK
3/32 is like 2.29 (2.3) mm
I suppose what is going on is the chain is now made overseas, that is slightly larger to a metric standard.

Call up McMaster and ask them who is the vendor that makes this chain. Then call that vendor up and ask.

Do not assume that if it is not in the McMaster catalog that it does not exist!

Also go to the UK old radio forum I will try to provide a link and ask there

See link:

http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/index.php

I bought a chain for the Band Wheel Drum at a True Value store. I brought the old one in and to my surprise they had a match along
with the end piece to connect the string to. I also found a spring that worked great.

It's still working great

Ken
N1KK

To N1KK

You found some chain that was still made in the USA

I bet all the new stuff is made in China

If you could go back and see if there is any name on the end and share it with everyone

AC0TX
Sugar Land TX
Mike

I thought the dial was losing alignment position on the higher bands which happens when the pitch is wrong.

Carl

That issue was with my other NC-300 using the chain that was in the unit with
broken string.

Ken

Where was this store?

Dave

After a lot of tries I got some from ebay. I had to buy a lot of 10 pieces, each 18".
It is SS.
If you need a piece, let me know.

PM sent

THanks, Dave

I sent a PM on June 6 and have had no reply. Id still like a chain please
Dave

N1KK de KA6AAE,

Hey Ken what size was the chain from TV? 8,10,12.....?
thanks for the leg work

Chuck