[jstatham]

Hi!
I’ve recently acquired a Rogers Majestic stand up radio. Looks like it’s in pretty decent shape. – it still had warranty and inspection tags with it! I think it’s about 1939 -40.

The wiring appears to be in good shape although I just received a new reproduction cord and plug from Snake Head Vintage in South Carolina.

My issue is – I can’t get it to make any noise! I think the problem stems from 2 tubes – one in the left corner (looking at it from behind). It says “R 280” underneath it. The other is in a can, second from the front with a wire that attaches to the top of it. It says R 224 on it. Neither one of these seems to be glowing or getting warm.

Any suggestions? Where or is there a good source for these? Is there some sort of modern equivalant??

Thanks in advance!

• This topic was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by jstatham.

[Alistair Thomson]

Which model is it? There were many Majestics of different types, some with gramophone.

[Rick D]

Hello jstatham
do you have a model number for that set,I would like to look at it and see if those tubes are the same
as a 24 and 80 tube ,I am thinking they are but Rogers did make some special tubes of their own ,most
of the special tubes had a metal spray on the surface,if they are the regular 24 and 80 tubes and you
are not too far from me I could give you on loan those tubes to try on your set ,I am on my way out and won,t e back until
around 8 o’clock ,all the best Rick

[jstatham]

The Model # is R 741. Where abouts are you? I’m in Pontypool – about 20 minutes north of Bowmanville.

[Rick D]

Hello jstatham
I live in Hamilton Ontario not far from Toronto ,could you tell me are there 4 of the 224 tubes and 2 of the 245 tubes and one 280
tubes in your radio,I am going to try and find the schematic for your set ,I think the 224 tubes are the same as a24 tube and the 245 tubes are
the same as the 45 tube and the 280 tube is the same as the 280 tube ,if in fact these are the tube line up in your set ,if any
members have the schematic maybe they would share it with you and if any of the members think I am wrong about the tubes
could you please let us know ,all the very best Rick

[Rick D]

Hi again -I meant to say the 280 tube is the same as an 80 tube ,sorry

[Ed Kraushar]

Hi, Your R741 number was the Rogers chassis number used in models 630,640 650, 660 and 680 radios.
Your radio is a lot older, 1930-31 24 (224) tubes were used at that time and not a lot later. I have schematics for those radios.
You need to check for voltages with a multimeter. The two large pins on the 80 should be getting a 5 volt filament voltage. It could also have an open filament.
You need to be careful as the filter capacitors will probably be bad and will damage the power transformer. There are two 4 mfd and two 2 mfd caps in the radio power supply. The other paper caps in the radio will probably need replacing also.
Ed, Warkworth, Ontario

[jstatham]

Hi Ed…that’s great info – thanks!! You’re not far from me – I’m in Pontypool. Do you fix radios? Would you be interested in taking a look at it? I can bring it to you.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Ed Kraushar]

Hi, sorry but I do not repair radios other than my own. I am pretty old and cannot keep up with work on my own radios. Your radio may be a tough one if the filter caps and chokes are potted in tar in cans.
I can offer suggestions though if I new what the chassis looked like.
Ed.

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