Magnavox Astro Sonic stereo

[Pauldoe]

Hi all:
Just picked up a 1965 Magnavox Astro Sonic stereo Model 4RP614 - the radio tuner knob doesn't work (i.e., can't change the station). Any thoughts, links to the fix? Must be a loose screw somewhere connecting the knob to the tuner.
Thanks!
P

[radiotvnut]

It most likely has a broken dial string. To fix, you will first need to obtain a diagram as to how the old string was connected. There should be a sticker on the chassis that contains the radio chassis number. With this information, you can look up a Sam's Photofact service manual for your unit (Howard W. Sams has published service data for many consumer items since '46). Now, armed with the dial stringing diagram, you will need to order some new dial string. I think places like www.tubesandmore.com still stock dial string. Now, you get to have all sorts of fun trying to restring the dial cord. It's possible that you can do the job without a diagram; but, it will be a trial and error process and there may be a lot of cussing involved.

[Pauldoe]

Sounds like a plan - I'll check for the chassis number. You can surely tell something's amiss because the red line channel indicator on the dial is askew, rather than straight across!
Cheers,
P.

[wa2ise]

To see if the set otherwise works, you could reach inside to move the big wheel that is attached to the set's tuning caps and move it some to see if you can get a station. This set, though solid state, may still need to have capacitors replaced. Old small electrolytics in SS transistor radios tend to dry out and lose capacitance.