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Can't tune in Radio Station

P

Peter cli

New Member
hi,
1968 Drexel/Motorola console.

I always had a red Dot light (Under the 99) when I tune in to my favorite radio station , but now it comes in weaker when I tune.

Nothing obvious changed.

I am not skilled in repair, so I asking anyone for suggestions.
Thanks , Peter

tuning.jpg
 
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Without knowing any details, I'll suggest making sure the antenna is still properly connected first.

If thats good, possible one of the tubes is going weak. FM RF amp would be my first guess, though I don't know what tube that is in this one. 12AT7 or 6AQ8 are common suspects though.
 
Is the red dot that you are describing the stereo light? Another simple thing to check is make sure your balance knob is pushed in for stereo. I can see on the knob where it reads “push for stereo, pull for mono”. Just a random thought..
 
Jeff, the balance knob is pushed in for Stereo.

Gadget, I will check if the antenna is connected.
The console is 6' high and 5' feet wide - I got someone lined up to help me move it this weekend.

I assume it is a spade antenna .

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Do you have a model number? I can pull a schematic if you know.

Also, I'd say I don't believe that is a 1968 as those look to be conelrad marks and those stopped being used sometime in 63 or 64.
 
I looked behind the console
Is HS-1121 the model number
I think I located the FM antenna - should I add an extension connector to the loose end to increase reception ?
Thanks for your help
Peter.


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PXL_20251228_185423237.jpgPXL_20251228_185208222.NIGHT.jpg
 
The loose ends you located are the antenna connections. If it were mine, since your unit is so wide - I would be tempted to add to these connectors and run a wire across the back in a T-fashion see if it improves reception for your favorite station. It does not have to be anything fancy, just whatever wire you have on hand.
 
Those "loose ends" very much most likely need to be plugged into connections on that fiberboard back (or elsewhere in the console) that connect to an internal FM antenna. Not sure how they would have become disconnected, but I'm betting the manufacturer didn't ship that unit with those disconnected & swinging in the breeze like that..... ;)

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Thanks Gadget


I'll attach a "300 Ohm FM Antenna T Shape" antenna to the 2 spade terminals --I'll let you know how it turns out

(the antenna is already plugged in , here is a clearer picture. )



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Are there a pair of screw terminals on the back of the unit that these leads plug into? Normally screws for forked connectors are the connection method, not these push-on ones but it wasn't uncommon to see this connection method made to the screws. It allows the back to be easily removed.


If this used to work properly and no longer does though, that tells me something changed.
 
maybe, I suppose the tell is if all other stations come in about the same. I just generally assume 60 year old equipment developing a problem is more common than radio station changes but anything is possible.
 
None of the FM stations come in strong anymore.

The new FM Antenna does not fit the connect on my Radio connector - should I look for an adapter ?

Thanks, and Happy New Year.

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If it used to work and doesn't now, I'd suspect you have some deeper problems if the antenna situation has not changed since it worked.
 
See if you can slide one side of the spade in your connector, that is all you really need for your test. Even tape might hold the connector and spade in place for you to run your test with your new antenna. Good luck.
 
Peter, glad to hear it worked. I would probably wrap it in electrical tape myself….

Just curious why it stopped working in the first place. as mentioned above in a couple of other posts - if it is not too much trouble and you want to dive a little deeper, remove that fiberboard back and see if there are any connectors to a wire that goes around on the fiberboard back or inside the console. If you are unsure, you can post pictures- we like pictures.
 
One of those bare ends may have been touching something conductive, which acted an an antenna. By the way, HS-1121 is a Motorola chassis number, not a model number, but all the better for finding service information. Sams folder 682-7.
 
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