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Post by elorens on Oct 3, 2019 19:22:17 GMT 12
Just acquired this 'Ariel Hercules Solid State' radio. My guess is it's a kitset from Webb's of Auckland, maybe about 1960? Appears to be mains-operated only, and goes very well apart from a slight hum. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks Lawrence -- Attachments:
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Steve
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Post by Steve on Oct 4, 2019 11:47:19 GMT 12
I suspect 70's, what is the code on the rim of the speaker behind the ferrite rod aerial? Plessey speakers used the same date coding system as Rola I believe, number letter number or number number letter number. First one or two digits are the day, the letter is the month (A: January, B: February etc) then the final digit is the year (the decade requires educated guesswork).
The hum is probably capacitors. There is a 1000uF capacitor just above the mains transformer and possible another one just out of sight below that one. I'd replace those first (then all other electrolytic capacitors).
Cheers, Steve
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Post by elorens on Oct 4, 2019 19:35:14 GMT 12
Thanks, Steve. On the edge of the speaker there is 8H, then further round it has 14D1. If this latter is the date then it would be 14th April 1971, or possibly 1961. Discrete transistors were around in the 1960s but maybe 1971 is more likely; however, if it is one of Webb's I think they stopped production in 1965. Agree about the electrolytics.
Cheers
Lawrence
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Steve
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Post by Steve on Oct 4, 2019 21:36:25 GMT 12
Hi Lawrence, I believe there was a third manufacturer to use the Ariel brand, Aerial Radio and Electric Ltd. I have photos of a couple of their models including the Ariel Amazon which pops up on trade me every now and then. I suspect they were probably around in the 1970s.  Cheers, Steve |
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Post by elorens on Oct 5, 2019 17:52:40 GMT 12
Thanks for this, Steve. Yes, there is an Amazon currently on sale. This could be a possibility, although this company spells its name 'Aerial', while the model I have uses 'Ariel'. It's possible that Aerial Radio and Electric inherited the Ariel brand after Webb's ceased production, in which case this one would very likely be 1970s.
What I need is some advertising from the 1960s and 70s. Do you know if Webb's produced a catalogue? I might put up a separate post about this.
Cheers
Lawrence
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Steve
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Post by Steve on Oct 5, 2019 18:42:02 GMT 12
If Webb's had a catalogue I've never seen one. Yes the company name was spelt Aerial, but if you look at the branding on the Amazon the brand name is definitely Ariel. I have photos of a portable transistor radio with the same manufacturer and the Ariel brand.
If you find anything out about either company I'd love to know.
Cheers, Steve
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Post by elorens on Oct 6, 2019 23:19:10 GMT 12
Yes, found the Aerial Arial online now. Will post if anything more emerges.
Cheers
Lawrence
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