Hi, I`m new here,, I just inherited a viking RMB 253 radio, seriel number 683078. Is there any way to determine its age, I just got it today ,, dont know anythng about radios but I want to restore it to running condition. eems like everything is there but the batteries so I guess that`s a start. frst question is age, next is how to test it.
Thanks in advance ,, Gerard

Here is the manual and service info for your radio: http://pacifictv.ca/schematics/vikingrmb253manual.pdf That's all the info I have. I'm sure someone else on here can tell you more. Also, welcome to ARF!

Gerard.... a big hearty Welcome from the Maritimes.

I don't currently have my copies of the RCC (Royal College of Canada) index or Canadian Mallory at my fingertips but I'm sure someone that does can give you a pretty idea of the year.

Having said that and since your new to the game you might find a few of these links handy to get you started.
Phil's page is a good start

http://antiqueradio.org/begin.htm

http://antiqueradio.org/recap.htm


Since your radio used two 45 volt batteries which are not used today supplying the 90 volts if you just want to check your radio out you can daisy chain ten.... 9 Volt batteries in Series for the 90 volt "B" supply and two D 1.5 volt batteries in parallel for the "A" supply.

Think Dollar store

Here's a link that shows you how to do just that.
http://home.comcast.net/~morrised2006/r ... attery.pdf

Not trying to overwhelm you so take your time and get aquainted with some of the above material..The way I figure it the radio has been around some 60 odd years so it ain't in any rush.
We were all beginers at one time...None of us were born that way but I do have my suspicions that at least one Moderator and a few of the other quys were and had more than one probe in their hand when they exited the womb.

You can then learn some of the basic repair material of replacing your radio with new capacitors and later if your up to it of building a power supply to power your radio.
Plenty of help here on this site from the guys that can guide you along

All in all a friendly bunch

Welcome again

Best from the Cape

Ken

Hi guys,, Thanks for all the help and info,Going to be getting at my radio in the next few days. This radio belonged to my grandfather on my mother`s side, My mom is 85 and doing good,, I`m going to visit her in about 5 weeks and I`m hoping to be lucky enough to bring this radio with me and let her listen to it again. She said yesterday that she can remember the radio on a shelf above the couch(or daybed as they called it) going to look at it tonight and see where the wires go, only the black and white wires have a plug, it`s a two prong male plug . thanks again folks,

Gerard.....If you can... pull the metal chassis out of the radio. In order to do so you'll have to pull the two knobs that may have set screws of the front and any holding screws involved on the chassis. Gently ease the chassis out of the cabinet from the back careful not to damage the speaker and affect the dial string....hence the knob removal.
Take a photo if you can of the underside of the chassis.
Check the link on the battery hookup and the above schematic posted. Since your dealing with two different voltages 90 volts and 1.5 volts with two different polarities negative and positive going to the on/off switch you have to be careful of hooking them up correctly else risking damage to the tubes.

You can send me a photo of the underside if you wish for clarification.

Best Regards
Ken

Edit by Tarpawns deleted email address

Thanks ken, I`ll get on it tomorrow
G

Just wondering,, How long will one of those radios run on the ten 9 volt batteries connected in series and the two paralell d cells?
Thanks in advance
G

The trick is prudent use by operating the set for short intervals with extended periods of down time for battery revival. You could squeeze out 200+ hours this way. Low volume playing will also extend battery life.

Bruce Webster

Thanks again for answers,going to get on it tomorrow and try to connect batteries, I have 4 wires coming out of chassis, Black, White, Red and Yellow, Black and White are connected to 2 round prong male plug, red and yellow have cut ends,
Black and white to 1.5 volt,,, Red to 90volt pos. yellow to 90 volt neg
other side of chassis has blue, antenna and blach, ground.
does any of that sound right? schematic doesn`t show yellow wire, shows black/whte