Rick,

If you don't change the electroytics they might short, explode (kinda like a
firecracker) and damage the power transformer. They're hard to get and
expensive. A radio this old will need hem done sooner or later so why risk
it. Antique Radio Supply has some new ones or you can series/parrellel new
ones to boost the voltage ratings. Also change any paper caps---mandatory
they leak and cause hard to troubleshoot problems. remember they usually
block hv dc and pass ac soon when they do that half way watch out. This is
kind of a rare transmitter so spend a few bucks and treat it right you might
get your money back in a reaale or just plain enjoymnent.


73 Tony


"Rick (W-A-one-R-K-T)" wrote in message
news

I have a line on an old Hammarlund HX-50 transmitter in unknown condition
(been sitting on the shelf for years).

It would be a nice match to my HQ-180A.

General consensus with old radios like that, particularly transmitters, is
that the first thing one should do is replace the old electrolytic and
paper capacitors.

My question is, what's the worst that's likely to happen if one doesn't do
that? Bring it up on a variac, a capacitor blows, makes magic smoke
happen, XYL gets really upset :-), and the fuse blows.

Some have said you can blow the power transformer but wouldn't the fuse
blow first (unless the power transformer was ready to go anyway)?

General question... which is the best website for information on restoring
old radios? (I know I can google on "restoring old radios" but I'm
looking for opinions on the best from among the few hundred thousand hits
that are likely to come up.)

Thanks...