Identify this 'Ekco' set

[stevehertz]

Bottom row, second set along, what is this set? Now, the set next to it (that it looks similar to) is an Ekco AC64. The set on the far right, second row up is the Radio Rentals version of the Ekco AC64, the RR157. So, perhaps the clue is, who else did Ekco make radios for that were basically the same as an existing Ekco model but with a slightly different Bakelite case?

[Nickthedentist]

Radio Rentals model 268 according to the leaflet which is on Paul's disks

Horrible to think that most of these RRs were deliberately destroyed when returned by customers.

[stevehertz]

Thanks Nick. Leaflet on Paul's discs? what is this?

[Simon Gittins]

Yes, I've got one that looks just the same that I somehow identified as the 268 and noted that the circuit is on VRSD4. There don't seem to be any results to a Google image search for it though.

[Nickthedentist]

This, on one of Paul Stenning's DVD/CDs of service data:
https://www.service-data.com/product...64/6897/m15464

[stevehertz]

I'm doubting anyone that it's a RR268.

Nick, The link you gave shows 'M15464' and an image of a mixed group of different sets, purely out of interest, how did you relate that to the set?

Simon, what is VRSD4?

Thanks.

[Simon Gittins]

VRSD4 was one of Paul's original CDs that I think were part exchanged for a DVD many years ago.
One strange thing about mine is that the mains transformer fitted has a 115V primary and there is a step-down transformer mounted on the speaker baffle. Both look very old and were there when I bought it in 1984.

[Cobaltblue]

Originally Posted by stevehertz

I'm doubting anyone that it's a RR268.

Nick, The link you gave shows 'M15464' and an image of a mixed group of different sets, purely out of interest, how did you relate that to the set?


Thanks.

That's the item number on the instant download service.

If you have the actual the disc or purchase the download up top its actually 7 pages of pictures and data.

And from page 1 I include a snip.

Cheers

Mike T

[stevehertz]

Ah, thanks Mike. I was just curious as to how it was found.

I wonder how many of these sets are around?

I have a RR157 and someone has rubbed the 'Radio Rentals' wording off the fibre back cover. Probably because being a rental set it was not given back to RR and it was a poor attempt at covering up its origin should anyone see it.

[Nickthedentist]

Have a look at that sheet if you can, Steve. There are many beautiful sets (including radiograms) pictured, many of which are probably almost extinct.

[stevehertz]

I'd love to Nick - how?

[Cobaltblue]

If you don't have Paul's discs you cold just pay £1.99 for the instant download of this document.

Cheers

Mike T

[Nickthedentist]

Yes, but the DVDs are superb value for money. I have the original CDs bought many years ago and they've paid for themselves many time over. You can load the files onto your PC for easy and quick access from the hard drive, then print anything you want a paper copy of.

https://www.service-data.com/section.php/2/1/dvd-roms

A great birthday or Christmas present if you can find someone who wants to buy you one!

Money raised goes to support this forum, so all in a good cause too.

[stevehertz]

I've bought many individual sets of service data from Paul, and I also have the BVWS disc.

[stevehertz]

Right, I've downloaded that RR model identifier sheet and very useful it is too. I never realised just how many sets Ekco made for RR. Saying that, based purely on looks ie physical layout of the controls and speaker, overall shape of set etc, I was assuming that both RR sets 268 and 157 were electrically the same as Ekco AC64 sets. They're not! the valve line ups in all three sets are different to a greater or lesser degree. So maybe most or perhaps all of the RR 'clones' featured slightly different circuity for some reason.

[AC/HL]

Ekco were early manufacturers of Bakelite artefacts for many others. It's quite possible that only the cabinets were by Ekco and RR used their own chassis. The presses would have been prohibitively expensive for many.