The RCA 1-MTB-6 is the largest transistor radio in my collection and other than missing an internal cover, it is in original condition. The reception on the AM band is better when I touch one of the internal antenna wires for some reason. Fortunately, the seller carefully packaged the radio when it was shipped as it is very heavy, even though the case is made out of wood. - Mark

Neat radio ! Have you checked wiring and tried an alignment ?

Really like those and have seen them for sale from time to time---one was here in Indiana for a very reasonable price. A friend bought it, but the seller backed out of deal---possibly for more money...

John

I have this radio in my collection, its a good performer. I found all of the electrolytic caps needed replacement.

The reception problem that you describe might be a connection issue in the hinges of the front cover/antenna. RCA used little spring connectors inside the hinge, I had one that was not making a connection and needed repair. I couldn't get the flat spring to reattach to both sides of the hinge, so I replaced it with a small coil of wire that was easy to solder into place compared to the flat spring.

Good info, Andy---since I don't have one, had no idea antenna was in front cover. Makes sense now since I don't see a ferrite-rod inside ! That's very likely what's causing Mark's issue.

John

Andy - My RCA 1-MTB-6 is missing the springs on both sides of the lid and I'll have to make something up and see if it helps on AM reception.

John - I bought the RCA from someone that I purchased a radio before and knew he would carefully pack it for shipping. I probably wouldn't have taken the chance to buy the RCA from an unknown seller as it is so large that it wouldn't take much for it to be damaged when shipped.

Thanks for the help as the 1-MTB-6 does work on the other bands. - Mark

I removed the cover to solder a wire that was becoming loose and when I re-attached it, I should have placed the metal washer against the cover assembly before attaching the antenna wire. After moving the washer to the correct position, the RCA 1-MTB-6 now receives many more AM stations. - Mark

The hinge and lid antenna in general seem to be weak points on these sets. The plastic lid is fairly thin, and if something were to catch on it while open, I think it would break.
The metal cover for the RF section is also often missing. I'm not sure why people took that off, as it's not really in the way, unless you are trying to align the radio.

Matt - I only became interested in the RCA 1-MTB-6 after watching your youtube video on the radio! - Mark