Example 1950-1960 AM/FM Tube Radio Operating Guide

DISCLAIMER:  This guide does not replace manufacturers’ specific instructions for tube radio operation.

WARNING:  Make certain you verify the operational condition of a radio before using it.  Most old radios do not meet today’s manufacturing safety standards and may pose risk if operated in an unsafe manner.

GENERAL:  This guide covers AM/FM tube radios manufactured between 1950 and 1960 that operate using an alternating current (AC) power source.  It describes the basic operation of these tube radios.

• INSTALLATION:  Place the radio on a dry, level surface away from stoves and heaters, and out of direct sunlight.  Plug the power connector into an AC outlet.

• BASIC CONTROLS:  AM/FM tube radios generally have at least three controls:  ON/OFF/VOLUME, STATION TUNING, and AM/FM BAND SELECT

• ­ ON/OFF/VOLUME:  This control, usually operated by a knob on the radio, turns the radio on and off, and increases and decreases the volume by rotating the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise.

• ­ STATION TUNING:  This control, usually operated by a knob on the radio, selects a radio station by rotating the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise.

• ­ AM/FM BAND SELECT:  This control, usually operated by a knob or lever switch on the radio, selects a radio band by rotating the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise or moving a lever switch.

• OTHER CONTROLS:  Tube radios may also have additional controls such as TONE, PHONO/RADIO, and FM AFC.

• ­ TONE:  This control, usually operated by a knob on the radio, will vary the sound from bass to treble by rotating the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise.

• ­ PHONO/RADIO:  This control, usually operated by a knob on the radio, will select either phonograph or radio operation by rotating the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise.

• ­ FM AFC:  This control, usually operated by a knob or lever switch on the radio, selects FM automatic frequency control (AFC) by rotating the knob clockwise and counter-clockwise or moving a lever switch.

• ANTENNA:  Tube radios manufactured during this period usually have built-in antennas that may require the radio to be turned to face a direction to get the best AM reception.  For best FM reception make certain that the AC power cord extends to its full length.

MAINTENANCE:  Tube radios should be inspected by a competent radio service technician whenever they fail to operate correctly.

Example Safe Tube Radio Operating Conditions

• Do not plug in or turn-on a tube radio unless it is in operational condition.
• Before deciding whether to operate an old tube radio have it checked-out by a technician.
• Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to prevent potentially hazardous electrical shock when using a tube radio.
• Use a fused power strip (preferably one with surge protection and filtering) between a tube radio and the wall outlet.
• Disconnect a tube radio from its power source if it is not being used.
• Do not allow unsupervised children to operate a tube radio.
• Keep the area around a radio free of items that could block radio case ventilation passages.