Look Who it Was Random video

GE tube radio w/clock from 1966

3,041 views · Published 16 June 2012 · 5:44 · Indexed 27 September 2026

Channel: radiotvphononut · 2012 · Science & Technology

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Here's a General Electric 5-tube AM clock radio, model C505D, from 1966. When I saw the radio and first tried to read the faded four digit date code, I thought it was from '68; but, date codes taken from internal components tell me that it was made in late 1966.  When I first tested the radio, I found it's performance to be poor; but, there was no background hum.  Upon checking the original two-section filter capacitor, a Japanese made 75uf/30uf@150V, I found that both sections measured almost twice their stated value. So, I replaced the original two section cap with a 47uf@160V and a 33uf@160V. These are the standard values typically used in most AA5 tube radios and I figure the only reason GE used a 75uf/30uf was that they got a good deal on them.  I also cleaned the volume control and the tube sockets. Now, this radio performs well for a cheap "last gasp" AA5 tube radio.  This radio uses a Telechron clock with sleep timer, snooze button, and alarm. This radio is actually very clean for it's age; which, is one reason why I bought it. Most of these that I find have severely chipped, cracked, scratched, and/or discolored cabinets.  What damage there is to this radio can probably be taken care of with a little cleaning and polishing.  It's also interesting to note that GE made a zillion different clock radios during the '60's and early '70's, both tube and solid state, that used this same basic cabinet. They even made a Mickey Mouse version.

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