VINTAGE RADIO REPAIR & RESTORATION

 YOUR RADIO OR TELEVISION - PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED
  now with lifetime guarantee!*


* gold service package only.


IT all started in 1986 and was based on an original idea for the time - to supply vintage radios, fully restored, safe and original, (in other words 'as new') to the general public. My intention was to introduce the vintage radio ownership to people who had hitherto not been enthusiasts, but who perhaps might consider a beautiful and unique piece of early-twentieth century history - say, as a finishing touch to their room .

Retro-Radiocraft ! ... some shots from our original brochure of 1986, long before the days of the internet...
 
   

Radios of all styles and ages from the '20s to the '60s have been restored and the business has never looked back since. So, if you have an old radio you'd like to use and enjoy again, get in touch !  You can be sure of value for money and quotations are free. Unlike many modern 'black boxes', these 'electronic antiques' are as good to look at as they are to listen to. Nowadays, their individual designs and beautiful materials mark them out as highly desirable collectors items.

As it turned out, I found that one of the best parts of the job was the amazement and delight on customers' faces when they first saw their old radio 'as new' again. Real job satisfaction !

Our customers have not only been private individuals. On one occasion we supplied at Marconi set to the BBC for the reception area at BBC Radio Essex in Chelmsford (the original home of Marconi radio), and for a while sets were also available to the public through the well-known London store Harrods. More recently we were selected by the National Media Museum at Bradford to supply two 405-line televisions. One of these was to be left switched on, all day every day.

Lastly remember, when you choose Radiocraft you are assured of a friendly, efficient and personal service at all times. ;-)

ELECTRONICS BEFORE
CABINET BEFORE

ELECTRONICS AFTER



CABINET AFTER




YOUR SET COMPLETED


Radiocraft now offers a full range of service options to suit your exact needs and budget !

Our "gold" restorations are now covered by a LIFETIME guarantee. That means if your radio or television should ever need further attention in the future - it will be fixed free of charge, subject to the provisions on our guarantee.

No one else backs their work with such a guarantee, and no one else offers a personal collection and delivery service with national coverage, geared to your convenience. No one else provides our transparent pricing method for estimates, with the facility for customers to check the figures for themselves online. No one else can include (when required) in-house cabinet restoration of the highest standard, returning your set to its original as-new appearance. No one else also restores pre-1963 televisions including full vintage signal provision. And no one else provides such an effective solution to enable you to listen to FM or digital broadcasts on your antique radio. We were the UK's first full-time radio restoration business and a quarter of a century later, we're still foremost in the field today !

All-in-all, our aim is to provide a door-to-door, 'turn-key' service to our valued customers. Thanks to us, today you can enjoy vintage radio and television in your home, recapturing all the original excitement - with none of the worry !

To follow one particularly ambitious recent restoration - click HERE. And there's another HERE...   If you have any questions I recommend you click HERE first for the FAQ.

"Just to let you know that we got the Bush back to Leeds without incident and that the reception is excellent on AM and FM with little aerial extension. We'll be taking the set down to Kent later in the summer. Many thanks once again for the restoration; as well as sounding good it is a beautiful object."  G.J. Leeds

"Thank you for the care you took in restoring my parents' Decca radiogram. We have given it pride of place in our music room where it looks as if it was meant to reside. The sound it produces both from the record deck and the radio is as I remember as a young boy.
I am so glad that you were willing to undertake the renovation and that we were enabled to find you through the web."
 B.B. Bedford.

"My Emerson radio has arrived safe and sound. What a joy it was to switch it on and have sounds emanate. Great job. Many thanks for a superb service. I couldn't be happier."  D.K. London SE8

LATEST NEWS: ANOTHER PRE-WAR TELEVISION SET HAS JUST BEEN BOOKED IN FOR A FULL RESTORATION. YOU CAN FOLLOW THE PROGRESS OF THIS MAJOR PROJECT AS IT HAPPENS, IN PICTURES, HERE...

An American ATWATER-KENT 318 console from the early 'thirties nears completion. The comprehensive restoration has taken six weeks and the set was originally in dreadful condition, both internally and externally.

As we see it here, the knobs have still to be fitted. It also awaits conversion from US 110v to British 240v mains.

What's this that touched down in the workshop?  It's a SPARTON BLUEBIRD, a very rare American radio from 1936. It's now back with the customer, having been entrusted to us for a complete electronic restoration. This is probably the only example in the UK... Sparton Bluebird
Mirror screw

Occasionally there is time for a 'special project' too. This strange device I have constructed is called a Mirror Screw and is now serving as a display device for colour television.

The screw consists of a series of edge-polished strips of stainless steel. The position of each strip differs slightly from its neigbour. The screw rotates and a thin pencil of varying light is reflected by it. In this way a television picture is built up, line by line. When the screw is rotating fast enough, we see a television picture conjured out of thin air !

To feed a signal to the mirror screw, we've needed to purchase a WC-01 'World Converter' from Darryl Hock in the United States. A spin-off result is we now have the capacity to generate any type of television signal, from any era, from anywhere in the world. This means we are not only equipped to service old British televisions, but we can now also overhaul vintage television sets from any other country !
1939 Ferguson 904U
How to enjoy your own overhauled vintage radio or television.
 


First, you'll either already have your own radio or should obtain one (see our Radios For Sale page for a link to the relevant EBay page). Then email us using the button further down. We operate a fixed price restoration scheme subject to conditions. Contact us to find out what the job will cost in advance. Be sure to check out our FAQ lower down this page too.

In general, even the 'gold' restoration of an old radio will only fall into the same price band as say, having your car serviced. Whereas garages charge far more than us per hour, we need far more hours than them to do the job, so things balance out.  For further discussion on this, please see the section on pricing lower down the page...


>>>>> BE SURE ASK OUR COMPETITORS FOR THEIR CHECKLISTS (if they have one) - THEN COMPARE >>>>>
'GOLD' restorations are available on all valve radios and British-made televisions, from 1925 to 1963.
Setting the standard when only the best will do...
'SILVER' overhauls are available on all valve radios, from 1946 to 1963 (except Philips radios, 'piano-key' sets and radiograms).
Thorough and professional renovations at keen prices...
WHAT IS INCLUDED
GOLD
SILVER
   Lifetime guarantee.
 
   Dismantle, clean and physically restore chassis.
 
   Shroud internal mains connections (when possible).
 
   Re-stringing of dial mechanism included, when necessary.
 
   Discount available for more than one set at a time.
 
   Clean and restore knobs.
 
   Testing of all resistors.
   Replacement of dial lamps.
   Lubrication of all linkages and potentiometers internally packed.
   Replacement or reforming of all electrolytic capacitors.
   Replacement of all waxed tubular (or equiv. eg: Hunts) capacitors.
    except in some Philips and late continental sets.
   Re-grommeting as necessary.

   Lubrication of dial mechanism, wafer switches, valve bases,

   Testing and replacement of valves as required.

   Internal fusing added to 110-volt fed receivers.
   RF & IF re-alignment.
   Check & tighten if necessary all screwed earth tags.
   Replacement of internal mains wiring when necessary
   at no extra cost.
   Fit 60ºC thermal reset to mains transformer.
   Meggering of power transformer inter-winding insulation
   and replacement (at extra cost) when sub-standard.
   General fault finding, rectification, replacing capacitors and resistors
   as necessary.
   Check output valve for grid emission.
   Replace coupling capacitor to output valve grid.
   Fit new mains lead, plug and 3 amp fuse
   Rectification of any designed-in points not up to current
   safety standards.
   Replace perished wiring.
   Soak test for 6 hours.
   Typical ball-park cost for an electronic service to a radio.
   The actual cost will depend on age and complexity of your
   set, and could range from under half, to over double these
   figures.
   Televisions will need a little 'Aurora' plug-in box to work with modern
   signals. This can be supplied for £275, if required.
£495 - radio

£795 - tv
£330 - radio only
   Rate per return mile for national pick-up & delivery service
   for total peace of mind.
50p
60p
   Guarantee.
LIFETIME
1 year
The charge for overhauling TRANSISTOR RADIOS (1955-1963) is currently just £99.95 + battery - with a 12 month guarantee.
A SPECIAL NOTE ON CABINET RESTORATION...
We are the only radio restorer in the UK that specialises as much in cabinet restoration as much as in electronic restoration. We use the original materials, namely cellulose lacquers (high-build, pigmented and clear) with compressor and spray gun, to achieve 'as-new' or 'better-than-new' results. As an alternative, especially suitable for continental 'piano key' sets, an ultra-high gloss two-pack spray finish is also available.

SPECIALIST SERVICES ~ also available as separate services except where marked.
COST
   Concealing new capacitors within old (in radios)  
225.28
   Replacement of magic eye and rewiring to suit, as necessary  
39.95
   Repair & fabrication service for damaged or missing parts
   Supply and fit vintage style mains lead covered in gold fabric
24.24
   Electronic repair and re-creation of a new dial from a damaged original
   (gold or white print is not included in this service)
99.95
   Electronic repair and re-creation of a new internal label
69.95
   Addition of VHF/FM & DAB coverage*
295.00
   Stripping, preparation, toning and re-spraying of cabinet**
246.67 - 599.00
   (Television only) - providing a complete 405-line signal with programmes****
299.00
   Miscellaneous work: rate per hour
35.00

*the supplied kit will work with any number of radios at the same time and does not affect their originality.
**depends on size and complexity - large radiogram and television cabinets may be more.
Either in bright nickel (which looks like silver/cadmium) or super-bright zinc (which looks like chrome) - as requested.
****includes Modulator/Converter, DVD player, power supply, all leads, with free DVD of vintage programmes, strictly for private viewing only.
All prices + postage/carriage.   If you prefer to phone, our tel. no. for queries is 01386 882280.

AN EXAMPLE OF OUR SPECIALIST SERVICES... HERE'S WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WHEN A WOODGRAIN EFFECT PRINTED ONTO BAKELITE HAS TO BE RE-DONE.  NOT AN EASY JOB....
Before...After...


 


ASK FOR AN ESTIMATE !   The best might not cost as much as you think. What you'll find here is straight dealing, attentive personal service and work to a standard that will not disappoint...  

Click on the radio button below to email us. Please be sure to include the make and model number of your pre-1963 radio or television and tell us if you'd like a quote for transport included too (mainland UK only) .

 
 

As regards RADIOGRAMS, we cannot help unless they come from the 78 rpm-only era, (ie. no LPs or 45s). That means they will date from the very early 1950s or before.

Please note I run a business. This is an estimating service, not a 'free information about your set' service. Thank you for your kind understanding. :-)

For a rapid reply, please use this button to email us - this is normally quicker than a response by phone.

Our Workshop 
 
CLICK TO EMAIL US NOW
estimates@radiocraft.co.uk
A corner of our modern air-conditioned workshop - visitors are welcome.   
    
 



TERMS OF BUSINESS

General

It is the customer's responsibility to read, understand, and agree to the following terms before engaging our services.
.

Guarantee

  • All "gold" restored radio sets are covered by a written lifetime guarantee!

  • All "silver" overhauled radio sets are covered by a written 1-year guarantee.

Any chargeable repair work carried out after the guarantee has elapsed is then protected by its own 3-month guarantee, but covering the repair only. Since the 'gold' is already cobered by a lifetime guarantee, this applies to 'silver' sets only. In all cases, the guarantee only runs from the time that payment for the work has been received.


Quotations


'Gold' chassis restorations include both electronic and physical restoration. Cabinet work is also available, and is of the highest grade.

Quotations for restoring your sets are free and without obligation. Cabinet work and restoration of the electronics are itemised separately. These quotations are accurate - subject to the following

1947 Bush TV1
Bush TV1 from 1947.
Another restoration completed !
  1. The estimate must have been approved within three months of submission date, unless a special offer is in force which stipulates earlier.

  2. The set is a practicable proposition to restore, with no parts inaccessible for service. "Piano-key" continental-style sets can sometimes present problems in this regard.

  3. The set is complete, with all its unobtainable parts in restorable condition.

  4. No wound components (transformers, chokes, coils, speaker coils, motors, etc.) are found unserviceable when the rest of the job has been completed. Such faults will not normally be revealed until the job is otherwise finished. These will be subject to a normally modest surcharge to cover parts and fitting. If this occurs, the original faulty components can be returned alongside the set for independent inspection.

  5. The set has not previously been tampered with or otherwise modified. If it has, extra charges may apply.

  6. There are no very rare and valuable valves that need replacement. Such valves are occasionally found in upmarket radiograms and just a few table sets. We'll warn you when this is likely to apply. 'Magic Eyes' also come into this category.

  7. In the unlikely event that an original valve is completely unobtainable, no additional work is involved in adapting the set to use a non-standard valve.

  8. In certain cases, we may ask for a deposit before starting work and may also ask for the work to be paid for in stages as it progresses.

  9. Quoted prices for cabinet work will assume all the original veneers and unique fittings/escutcheons etc. are still present and the original speaker fabric is restorable. If they are not, an extra charge will be made. In extreme cases we may decline the job.

  10. Any work set out in the blue 'specialist services' section (further up this page) shall be at extra cost, subject to prior approval of the work by the customer.

  11. Television sets are only accepted for service on the understanding that the cathode ray tube and line output transformer are already in good condition and that service information can be sourced.


Transport

Because vintage radios are fragile items, when in the UK personal delivery and collection of your set are always to be preferred. So if you wish, we can come to you. A mutually convenient time for meeting will always be agreed first.

This service covers the mainland UK, but does not include the new inner-London congestion zone.

The cost of our personal transport service is kept to an absolute minimum. For 'gold' and 'silver' restorations it costs 60 pence per mile (counted both ways on the journey) to anywhere on the mainland UK. In addition, when the return distance exceeds 400 miles, there is a standard surcharge of £100 to pay for overnight hotel expenses. We will always quote you the cost first. The cost of a transport run becomes payable at the time of providing it. This service is only available for transporting sets which are being serviced by Radiocraft or being fitted with FM converters. Email us with your location now and we will get back to you with a precise no-obligation quote for transport without delay !

Of course, please remember this transport service will be required twice if you are using us to both collect and later return your set.

For international customers we will quote by email for the items' return once we have received your goods.


Prices


Our prices are kept as low as possible bearing in mind the care and the time that goes into each job. When evaluating prices, remember the time involved in a restoration is usually far more than say, a garage would spend doing a major job on your car. But since our overheads are less than at your garage, we can charge a lower labour rate which compensates for this.

We reserve the right to adjust our prices from time-to-time. Please note that once a quotation has been accepted it is fixed and should not later be considered as 'an opening figure for negotiation'. Restoration charges are calculated transparently, in a special area of our web site. A link to this area will be included with every estimate. There is also a discount structure available which can reduce this quoted price. This applies when more than one set (radio or tv) is submitted for gold restoration at the same time. This discount is: 4% off (both) when two sets are submitted; 7% off (all) when three sets or more are submitted. This discount structure only applies to valve sets. It does not apply when the job is paid for in stages.


Payment.


If you are a new customer, a deposit of 25% of the total may be requested as advance payment, especially when the final total is expected to come to over £800. If it later proves impossible to complete the job for any reason, this will be refunded in full. Otherwise it is non-refundable.

A stage payment schedule can sometimes be arranged when the project is large and you would prefer to pay out over a longer period. Such stage payments are made in advance and the relevant part of the work is then carried out. Any stage payment schedule must be agreed in advance, before the project is started.

V.A.T. is not chargeable. For international and postal customers, all outstanding balances must be settled in full at the time of job completion and before despatch. For other customers, if there is a delay of more than two weeks before the goods can be collected or delivered, settlement of the invoice will be required at the time of completion. Radiocraft holds a 'repairer's lien' on all items until such time as full payment for the work has been received.

If any special discounts or offers apply to a particular transaction, these are contingent on payment being received in timely fashion on completion of the job, normally within seven days of receipt of invoice.

Naturally we accept cheques or cash as payment; however you can now also pay online by credit card using the secure PayPal system. Payments are processed in pounds sterling but are automatically converted to your own currency when billing. Click on the icon below when you want to go to the credit card payment page.

Liability Waiver

Our very highest priority when we service all vintage electronic devices is to ensure safety - both from fire and from electrical hazards. To date there has never been an accident caused by equipment we have serviced. However it must be understood that vintage electronic apparatus often run at high internal temperatures and at high voltages in comparison with modern equipment.

Radiocraft supplies all such serviced equipment solely on the basis that we cannot be held liable in the event that personal injury or damage to property results from operation of the equipment, and that the operator will exercise common sense at all times. In particular, faulty equipment must be disconnected from the mains at once and not re-used until repaired by us. Also, any equipment must never be left connected to the mains whilst unattended, must never be used in damp surroundings, nor left in the sole company of minors or pets.

When transport of your treasured radio is required, we strongly recommend you use our personal transport service, which has never yet caused any damage to a radio in transit.

In the unlikely event of a radio becoming damaged or mislaid whilst in our custody or using our personal transport service, our liability as to compensation shall be limited to the original market value of the radio and will not extend to any notional added value which may have been created during the course of a restoration.

We do not recommend any radio is posted by mail or sent by carrier, even if well packed. Liability for safekeeping of the radio whilst in the hands of any other transport service (such as the postal service) shall be borne solely by the carrier concerned, in accordance with any compensation terms they may or may not provide.

The acceptance, or rejection of a job in the light of further facts coming to light before commencement, will be entirely at our discretion. The customer will be assumed to have read and consented to these terms. Your statutory rights are not affected. English Law applies. E & O.E.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


I HAVE A POST-WAR RADIOGRAM FOR DISPOSAL... IS IT OF VALUE ?

No, it's worth very little I'm afraid.

If you have a radiogram you wish to dispose of, however lovely, please do not contact us.  If you do, there will be no reply.

Radiograms and stereograms dating from the 1950s onwards are offered to vintage radio collectors constantly. They are often in beautiful condition, having been well-cared for all their lives and commonly become available as part of an estate, with executors desperate to find someone - anyone - who will take them !

Because of their bulk, unremarkable styling and the sheer quantity of them available, '50s and '60s radiograms are not sought after by collectors and are consequently of zero market value. If you wish though, pre-1950 radiograms (which are generally of higher quality) can be restored by us - and will provide a lot of pleasure as a centrepiece in the home. However we never purchase - nor accept as gifts - any radiograms.

Remember, desirable radiograms always date prior to 1950 and even then are strictly limited to very rare editions or the ultra-high-grade early Decca, Dynatron, RGD, and pre-war HMV models. Otherwise there will be absolutely no interest !

What you can do is to:

  1. Trawl the relevant sections in our directory for other possible buyers.
  2. Try the local bric-a-brac or charity shop but don't expect too much enthusiasm.
  3. Try advertising it in the local paper.
  4. Break it up and sell the valves and knobs on Ebay.
  5. Dump it at the tip.
  6. Decide to keep it after all.


I HAVE A VINTAGE UNIT FOR SERVICE THAT YOU DON'T HANDLE. WHAT CAN I DO ?

This depends. If it's a car radio, tape recorder, record player or vintage audio item, do have a good look through our on-site directory of specialists. You're sure to find someone who can help there. If it's a television set not manufactured in Great Britain, you'll have to explore the web for local repairers who can test and align TVs using your own national transmission standard. However, remember there are many types of set we are delighted to service, unlike some other repairers who won't or can't handle (for example) Philips sets, FM radios, television sets, car radios, etc...So give us a call. Our aim is to please.


DO YOU SELL RADIOS ?

No. We are restoration specialists. If first you need a radio to kick things off with, there are plenty of people selling 'raw' sets on their web sites and over Ebay. For example one reputable dealer, Steve Harris, can be found HERE. On our 'Radios For Sale' page you'll find direct links into the Ebay pages. Happy Hunting !   Once you've acquired your pride and joy; then's the time to bring it back here and we can transform it into a condition to use and enjoy.


WHAT ABOUT THE VALVES ?  CAN YOU STILL GET THEM ?  ARE THEY UNRELIABLE ?

Most valves (known as 'tubes' in the USA) are still available. Large amounts were originally manufactured and today these stocks are largely in the hands of specialist collectors and dealers. Since relatively few vintage receivers are in use today, this remaining stock will probably serve indefinitely. Just a few types of valve are now becoming rare and this is reflected in their prices. Otherwise valves remain plentiful and cheap.

It's a common mistake to regard valves as fragile and unreliable. Although it's obviously a bad idea to drop them, the fact is valves are far more electrically robust than transistors and will stand much more abuse. In general they're pretty reliable too. They don't 'pop' like light bulbs but wear gradually. Their average service life might be between 10 and 25 years for a set in regular use.


I HAVE A VINTAGE RADIO TO SELL. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY IT ?

No. However you might find clicking HERE useful to find out what your set is likely to be worth...


WHY DON'T YOU JUST REPAIR SETS RATHER THAN 'RESTORE' THEM ? SURELY THAT WOULD SAVE MONEY.

Actually we do now, under the bronze and silver schemes !  However to answer the question, it's far better to 'restore' rather than 'repair' sets for two reasons: the economic use of time - and set reliability. To take an example, imagine you brought in a vintage set for repair with the instructions: "Just get it going".

First, we would have to spend an appreciable amount of time in fault-finding - usually working through one fault after another. This process would work out more expensive than the standard 'component replacement' method we currently use. Also, once you've 'woken up' an old set by curing the faults, a lot of stress wiil be put on the other (original) components.The end result would be a set which would be likely to go wrong again, making it impossible to guarantee and later on even more expensive and troublesome for the customer. So, if you want a reliable job which will give peace of mind, there really is no alternative to a full 'silver' or 'gold' overhaul.


BUT IS IT WORTH HAVING MY SET RESTORED ?

As the number of our completed restorations heads toward the thousand mark, it's certainly interesting to consider why so many people have considered the answer to this question to be 'Yes'. There are at least three ways of looking at it.

The first is to ask: "Would I get my money back if I were to sell the restored set on the open market ?"

The answer here generally is "No". The situation is analogous to having a much-loved old car restored with the aim of enjoying using it again, rather than just storing it as an investment. Although the market value of your set would certainly increase substantially once restored properly, just like with classic cars only if it is a rare sought-after model would you find the value (say at auction) had increased so much that it would pay back the restoration fee. Having said that though, it's worth remembering we guarantee to redeem two-thirds of what you paid us as trade-in against another Radiocraft restored set from stock, so long as your set is still in good condition.

The second approach is to ask: "What would it cost me to obtain something else which would be as useful, provide the equivalent service and carry a comparable guarantee ?

The answer here is probably "A decent home entertainment system." This would cost many hundreds of pounds, probably far more than the cost of restoring your valve radio.

The third is to ask "What else could give me as much pleasure in ownership, or have as much character, or would be as unique, or as well-made, or would carry with it as much history ?"

The frank answer to this is "Nothing". These qualities are hard to find at any price. And as your Radiocraft 'gold' wireless set endures, it will become rarer and rarer, probably still working perfectly for your descendants and becoming a true investment for your family.


YOU SEEM TO BE AT THE 'TOP END' OF THE MARKET. DO YOUR PRICES REFLECT THIS ?

Perhaps. But it's most important that we keep our prices keen for the level of service we provide and that our estimates are transparent. No business would grow or prosper otherwise. We have found the best way to gain new business is to receive recommendations (and repeat commissions) from our existing customers. Therefore we always try to offer 'something extra' in terms of value - to keep ahead of the competition. For example, nobody else in the business offers a lifetime guarantee.

When comparing prices, think of what you local mechanic or plumber would charge for a job taking a similar time - then you'll realise we're actually cheap!


WHAT SORT OF PERFORMANCE CAN I EXPECT FROM MY VINTAGE RADIO ?

There are two major types of performance to consider. These are: 'how good will it sound ?' and: 'how many stations will it pull in ?'  Vintage radios vary greatly in performance according to when they date from, who made them, and how expensive they originally were when new.

Broadly, most mains-operated radios manufactured after about 1934 will meet up with modern expectations. Before that, loudspeakers tended to be 'squeakier' and signal sensitivity poorer. Operationally too, very early sets can require care and a deft hand with the controls. And these controls may not do exactly the same thing as the Volume and Tuning we're all familiar with.

By 1936, domestic valve radios were, in the technical sense, fully evolved. Mid-market and up-market radios from the late thirties and on can give excellent sensitivity and tone. In fact the sound from these sets on 'AM' - that is the medium, long and short waves (for which they were designed) is generally far deeper and clearer than the sound from a modern transistor radio or ghetto-blaster - where AM is an afterthought and FM listening is primarily intended.

British-manufactured sets which always be counted on to give exceptionally good results include Murphy, Philips, R.G.D and Dynatron. But many others too will deliver really satisfying listening. And such radios need not cost a lot to obtain. In fact the more 'collectable' and valuable radios, where cabinet material and design are the primary considerations, also tend to be the poorer performers. It's a fact that you'll often get a better sound from that restored 'brown box' you originally picked up for a tenner than from a Round Ekco worth a thousand !  This is can be worth bearing in mind when deciding whether a restoration of your old set will be 'worth it'.


HOW CAREFUL WILL YOU BE TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINALITY OF MY SET ?

Very. However there are two things even more important. First and foremost is safety. Sometimes we will have to make discreet modifications, particularly to the power circuitry, mains cabling and earthing, to ensure your set will be completely safe - for your (and our) peace of mind. The other consideration is reliability. For example our 'gold' sets are guaranteed for life. This is far longer than even when they were new. So, many of the hidden under-chassis vintage components will be replaced. This is always done neatly and in workmanlike fashion. You also have the option to request that new components are hidden inside the old if desired.

Vintage radios one day will be centuries-old antiques. Just as the case is with such antiques today, evidence of professional attention previously received does not detract from their value but just becomes an intrinsic part of their long history. In the future we believe this will be how Radiocraft-restored sets will be seen.


HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I GET MY SET BACK ?

For the past several years our backlog of work has remained steady at around four or five months. However, if you don't want your restored set back within this time-span you may specify any point in the further future which you prefer. For example, you might not need the radio for your classic car to be ready until the car itself is expected to be coming together, say in the following spring. Handing your set in a long time in advance has the advantage that we can generally plan accurately for a deadline far into the future and 'slot the job in' to be ready exactly at the time you specify.

Alternatively, when you require your set urgently this can sometimes be arranged too, since other customers might not be in so much of a hurry. Let us know your requirements. We can generally work something out.


I SHALL HAVE TO PACK UP MY SET FOR DESPATCH. HOW DO I DO THIS ?

If you can't bring your set to us personally, or don't want to use our transport service, or perhaps live abroad, then packing up and posting your set becomes the only option. This needs to be approached with great care. Your old radio may have a fragile or finely-finished cabinet. Certainly it will contain delicate glassware (the valves) which can easily become dislodged and smashed. How then to go about it ?

Basically, the safest is advice is "don't!". Even a radio, packed correctly as detailed below, can arrive damaged. Remember, the box could tumble over and over during handling and the set might be travelling upside-down or on its side. Valves may become dislodged from the shaking and the dial glass can get broken because it has to bear unusual stresses as the chassis tries to move around inside the cabinet against its rubber mountings. It's impossible to insure anything classed as an 'antique' or containing glass in the Parcelforce system. Radiocraft will no longer post radios or send them by carrier under any circumstances.  Either deliver them here yourself in person or get us to pick them up !

If you really must pack up your radio, the test is to create a package that you would feel absolutely comfortable throwing down on the floor !  To pack to this standard you must:

  1. Remove the back and pack around all the internal parts and valves with soft material or rolled up newspaper. The idea is that nothing will become dislodged in transit!  Be very careful when doing this since it is easy to damage fragile parts such as fine windings attaching to coils etc. If you're at all unsure, get a more knowledgeable friend to help. If the set has any valves larger than your thumb, remove these and pack them separately alongside the set.. Tune the set to the long-wave end of the scale to close the tuning capacitor vanes. Make sure nothing can become dislodged or move inside the set, even when it's upside-down.

  2. Replace the set back. Put cardboard guards over the vulnerable bits: ie the dial glass, speaker fabric and any delicate knobs. Use rubber bands to seat them against the set (not tape, which can strip the finish off).

  3. Put the set in an unused bin-liner or similar.

  4. Place the assembly into a generous sized stout cardboard box. Pack around it, top, bottom and sides, with plenty of packing materials, preferably using the type of bubble-wrap with large 'bubbles'. Ensure the set is well separated all round from the box sides.

  5. Seal the box. Now place it inside a second (larger) stout box, with more bubble-wrap separating them.

  6. Add any paperwork before sealing this second outer box. Ensure the sealing tape covers all the flap-ends and corners of the box.

  7. Clearly mark the outer box with with our address: RADIOCRAFT, 56 Main Street, Sedgeberrow, WR11 7UF, England.  Ensure your sending address is also shown. Mark the box 'FRAGILE - GLASS. WITH CARE. KEEP UPRIGHT.' and add pointers around the box to show which side is the top.

  8. Lastly, ensure the package is adequately ensured. Radiocraft admits to no liability whatsoever, for any damage howsoever caused, even when following these instructions !  Vintage radios should always ideally be transferred by hand, but generally if you take this kind of care, you should be all right.

I SIMPLY WANT SPARES FOR MY VINTAGE SET. WHERE CAN I GET THEM ?

Try Andrew Emmerson's excellent online directory of stockists, now situated elsewhere on this site. It's the biggest resource of its type on the internet and you'll find virtually everything you could think of (and more) there !

Please note, Radiocraft does not supply spares nor can we provide advice on sourcing for individual cases. Please use the directory referred to above.


I DON'T LIKE WHAT'S ON THE MEDIUM WAVES THESE DAYS. HOW CAN I LISTEN TO MY OWN MUSIC ON MY VINTAGE RADIO ?  

Well there's always Radio 4 (the Home Service) on Long Wave...but seriously, it's a fact that today the majority of content on British medium wave stations is one of two types. Either it's the 'shock jock' variety, consisting of phone-in voice broadcasts with the opinions of the 'hoi polloi' very much in evidence, or it's compressed, blaring rock music complete with cocky and gobby presenters - perhaps acting an opiate for the masses. Well, I suppose it helps some people get through the day, but the sound of it just makes me feel bleary-eyed and run down. Rant over ;-)

But there is another way. It's quite easy to play anything you like over your vintage radio, be it a digital or FM station, or your very own CDs. The DAB+FM kit (see the green box further down) will accept most types of audio input. So you'll be able to tune your vintage radio into whatever you like!

In this connection, you may have noticed I have recommended the Guild series of CDs on the home page. I have no connection with this company apart from having already amassed over 50 of their CDs and being a very satisfied customer. These CDs consist of collections of re-mastered original recordings of Light Music - once often heard as radio and television themes, newsreel film backgrounds, and television interludes. This sort of music is full of melody, lush instrumental texture and atmosphere - and it sounds great through old radios! It also has to be said it's refreshingly different and 'un-cool'. Today, increasing numbers of people are rediscovering this wonderful, tuneful music from the pre-pop era.


HOW CAN I LISTEN TO FM STATIONS ON MY VINTAGE RADIO ?  

Yes!  Please see the next section.


HOW CAN I LISTEN TO DIGITAL (DAB) STATIONS ON MY VINTAGE RADIO ?  

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio is the latest way to listen to radio in the UK. This way you can receive all the stations previously radiated by FM (frequency modulation) and many more besides. We now can supply a two-part package consisting of a portable DAB+FM radio (also usable on its own) and an AM Modulator obtained specially from the USA but assembled here in the UK. This is widely considered to be the best AM modulator available. You'll want for nothing in sound quality and you'll be able to continue using your vintage radio indefinitely into the future !

The result is that you can now tune any vintage radio in your house into your chosen FM or digital (DAB) station. You can even have the same station on several radios at once if you like !   No connection is needed to your set(s). You simply tune in your selected FM or digital station just like any other medium wave station.

Future-proof your vintage radio! Be assured of high quality listening on Medium Wave for ever, on any station, on all the radios in your house - regardless of what 'they' do to the band.

Our complete three-part DAB+FM vintage radio adapter kit with power supply costs £249.00 including postage to anywhere in the UK and will set your mind at rest. This consists of a modulator box, power supply, and a small DAB receiver.

This kit can be used with any vintage radio, whether previously serviced by us or not. You can either listen to digital or FM radio stations or plug your CD player straight in - for your own choice in music. Performance is superb - it uses the same compression (adjustable) and frequency characteristic of real AM stations, for that totally authentic sound. This is the best solution for the non-technical person who doesn't already have a digital radio to plug into the system.

Alternatively, if you already have a preferred source of signal or your own DAB radio receiver, you can order the modulator box and its power supply alone for just £189.00 including UK postage. Delivery normally within 3 weeks. CLICK BELOW TO ORDER YOURS NOW!


COMPLETE FM/DAB PACKAGE c/w power supply: £279.00
MEDIUM WAVE GENERATOR BOX ONLY, c/w power supply: £199.00
The RADIOCRAFT ordering page will open in a new window and this page will remain beneath.
UK orders only please. You will receive an acknowledgement email a short while after your order has been received.
Your order will be expedited urgently. The kits are imported and then built to special order. Please allow 28 days for delivery.
A second confirming email will be sent to you when despatch has taken place.

When ordering, you can either use a pre-existing PayPal account, or simply pay using your credit card.


WHAT ABOUT THE 'OTHER' SORT OF DIGITAL RADIO (DRM) COMING ON AM ?  WON'T THAT SPOIL THINGS ?

Digital radio is being promoted as the next step in the development of radio. Currently Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is available through various means, including over the Band III VHF frequencies formerly used in the UK by ITA for 405-line television. However there is also a scheme afoot to also apply a related technique on 'our' AM (amplitude-modulated) long, medium, and short wave bands. This would combine 'near-FM' standards of audio quality with the international range associated with the current AM bands. The system is called Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) and is already being tested in Great Britain.

You can't receive DRM stations on vintage radios. DRM stations will sound like a slight increase in background hiss on traditional AM radios - that is, if you listen for it. Incidentally, it's no longer looking so promising for DRM as it was. DRM receivers are turning out to be fussy to use and slow to recover when the signal drops out. And with the increasing competition of 3G and 4G mobile phone networks for data transfer and internet radio, there's another nail in the coffin of DRM! It seems likely traditional AM stations will remain present on the medium waves for some years yet.

As regards the Short Waves, it is here that the most interference might be found, though not from the DRM digital stations but from something much worse - use of the National Grid for carrying broadband internet. This is an incredibly leaky and inefficient way to do the job. With broadband coverage now approaching saturation in the UK using more conventional means, here's hoping this horrible technique will never be used !

The UK has pinned its digital hopes on DAB (radiated on Band III VHF) fot the future of domestic radio.The current plan is for AM and (national coverage) FM stations to cease broadcasting by 2015. However, many doubt this will happen.



ISN'T MEDIUM WAVE AND VHF/FM RADIO NOW EFFECTIVELY FINISHED HAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY VINTAGE SET WHEN IT GOES ?

The government is now encouraging the switch-off of the AM and FM services by 2015 and their replacement with DAB (with sets ready for DAB+, a more efficient form of DAB). At that time some ultra-low power local stations are still to remain on FM. However because of the sheer numbers of AM and FM radios in use and the reluctance of broadcasters to suddenly forfeit a large chunk of their audience, this schedule is likely to prove hard to achieve.

But let's suppose it will actually happen. Even then, there will doubtless still be many foreign stations to enjoy, so there is no need to panic. But... you want to listen to British stations don't you ?   Still no problem; if you already have one of our FM/DAB outfits (see further up) this issue won't concern you at all. Moreover we are also working on still more solutions which will be in place long before then. Doubtless, by 2015 there will be no problem at all in continuing to enjoy an old analogue radio if that's what you want to do. And we hope you will...


WHAT DO I NEED TO OPERATE MY VINTAGE TELEVISION ?

British vintage televisions will only produce results from a long-obsolete type of television signal. This means that not only is the picture made up of fewer 'lines' (405 instead of 625), but also the radio carrier wave used is of far lower frequency than the one used today. So what's involved ?

First, one must arrange an appropriate 405-line picture signal for the old set. This is generally achieved by stepping down the modern 625-line signal down to 405-lines, through the use of something called a standards converter.

Secondly, the 405-line picture has to be carried into the set atop a radio carrier of the appropriate frequency. This task is performed by a modulator.

An excellent unit is available that combines a standards converter with a modulator. This is called the Aurora SCRF405A. Apart from a source of programmes such as a DVD player or digibox, it's all you need to get set up for 405 !

In addition, if you live within the London M25 area (or even farther afield), there's now a distinct likelihood that soon all you'll need to do is put an 'H' aerial on your chimney, plug in your restored vintage set, and switch on!   The BHTG obtained a provisional licence to radiate 405-lines on Band I. The first test transmissions took place in May and June 2011.

For more information on this topic, be sure to visit our own Vintage Television site. or if you might prefer instead a modern 'retro' colour TV, take a look at the Retrovisor. Please note these are no longer in production though sometimes one can become available.


HOW HAS THE COST OF LIVING CHANGED SINCE THE DAYS OF THE FIRST DOMESTIC ELECTRONICS?

You can find out - with this handy calculator !



RADIO RESTORATIONS
TINNITUS RELIEF
BE OUTRAGEOUS
VINTAGE TELEVISION FOR LONDON
Radiocraft Central
Detinnitiser
British Heritage Television


    
  
RADIOCRAFT
Main Street, Sedgeberrow, WR11 7UF, United Kingdom.