Alignment and Testing

Alignment is the process of adjusting the RF and IF circuits for best reception (sensitivity and selectivity) and accurate indication of the frequency on the tuning dial. Every radio is aligned at the factory and after 50 or more years of service all vintage radios must be realigned either due to component ageing and drift. You could compare it to tuning an engine. Although it still runs if it is off-tune, it doesn’t run well.

After all worn components and defective tubes are replace every set is fully aligned using a signal generator, Oscilloscope and AC volt meter. This restores the radio to nearly the same condition it was in when it left the factory.

Once the radio is completely aligned it is fully tested to verify its ability to tune-in distant stations and produce quality sound (as static free as its age will allow). After that, the radio is run for a minimum of 24 hours, to ensure there are no heat related issues and that the sound does not degrade with continuous use.