RCA AR-1264 tuning knobs

ok, there's a lot going on here.

First, Mark, I would appreciate it if you could send me a photo or sketch of the pilot lamp assembly on the inside of the chassis. That photo I mentioned in an earlier post will be enough for the extension thing. Any measurements you have on the knobs would be helpful. My email is: baldrich@iserv.net I’m grateful for your drawings and other information. It’s been a big help.

Second, I need to hear more about bending of the volume antenna. Did you use a tube or a rod of brass? I bent a rod that looks alright but I think it might have changed the action of the circuit. At the very least I can tell you that it changes the capacitance in the oscillator circuit. I needed about 100 more pF to get things working again.

Third, as far a label plates go, those appear to be etched out of brass. If that is the case I would bet (based on a good source) that you could etch the brass with the same solution one would use to etch circuit boards. I am going to try this at some point, but I have cabinet and chassis concerns first so it will be a couple of months. But if anyone has circuit board etching stuff, give it a shot.

Everybody,

I have some good pictures of the pilot light and knobs so if you send me your email I will send them to you as well as any other pictures you need that I have. The switches are old timey toggle switches with a short lever with a ball on the end. Common at the time. The labels are etched brass also common at the time, at least the on/off label. The play/off is something that has to be made but the style is the same as the on/off switch. the circuit board etch is a good idea. Try making a pattern and laserjet copy and iron/press the pattern on the brass. Touch up with a etch resistant pen. The carbon print will protect from the etch.

The Faithful,

I just went through my old knob drawer for the fourth time and then realized that my replica RCA has a couple of original knobs on it. I knew I had some somewhere. If anyone wants to make copies send me your address and I will loan one to you. You could get some made at http://www.antiqueradioknobs.com/index.html
They may have a mold or if the cost was divided up amongst the knob needers it shouldn't be too bad. Check this site for other sources of old timey radio stuff http://www.stanwatkins.com/links.htm
Any other info you need let me know, I will try to be better at monitoring the site.

Mark