Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

BrianAllen · 21st Dec 2020, 5:06 pm

Help, I just can't get any cord to work efficiently.

I have tried jewellers bracelet/necklace cord, linen carpet thread cord, fishing line, cords from electric blanket retaining cords and many more oddments that I have come across.

Any ideas very welcome.

Thank you.

Simon Gittins · 21st Dec 2020, 10:18 pm

There's a few more ideas in this thread (although you seem to have tried most of them):
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=18986

BrianAllen · 21st Dec 2020, 10:32 pm

Thanks Simon, I think I will try the plumb bob line.

Brian

Terry_VK5TM · 21st Dec 2020, 10:53 pm

Probably a dumb question - why don't you just use the proper dial cord?

It's still out there at places like Mini-kits in Australia, various vintage supply places and the usual auction sites.

Tractionist · 21st Dec 2020, 10:56 pm

Is the tension correct? Have you put enough turns around the various pulley's [whereat multi-turns are indicated] ...... especially the tuning knob pulley shaft itself?

What set are we talking about here?

emeritus · 21st Dec 2020, 11:13 pm

Waxed polyester whipping twine in a range of diameters and colours is available from yacht and canal chandlers. Strong, flexible and grippy. I get mine from the chandlery at the top of Danbury Hill, just off the A414.

Tractionist · 22nd Dec 2020, 11:00 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by emeritus

Waxed polyester whipping twine in a range of diameters and colours is available from yacht and canal chandlers. Strong, flexible and grippy. I get mine from the chandlery at the top of Danbury Hill, just off the A414.

Yep - I find 'crab line' good too ...

BrianAllen · 23rd Dec 2020, 5:12 pm

Thank you all, will respond when back on laptop; can't be doing with fiddling about on phone.

BrianAllen · 25th Dec 2020, 7:25 pm

Good evening all; hope you had a good day.

All of the above has been noted; thank you.

The radio is a KB HR10 and although there are conflicting recommendations for the turns around the tuning spindle, at this stage it is not important.

Thank you.

25th Dec 2020, 8:08 pm

Quote:

there are conflicting recommendations for the turns around the tuning spindle

Two or three seems to be the norm, one more than slipping a bit is my recommendation.

21st Dec 2020, 5:06 pm	#1
BrianAllen Heptode Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 595	Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Help, I just can't get any cord to work efficiently. I have tried jewellers bracelet/necklace cord, linen carpet thread cord, fishing line, cords from electric blanket retaining cords and many more oddments that I have come across. Any ideas very welcome. Thank you.

21st Dec 2020, 10:18 pm	#2
Simon Gittins Heptode Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 506	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! There's a few more ideas in this thread (although you seem to have tried most of them): https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=18986

21st Dec 2020, 10:32 pm	#3
BrianAllen Heptode Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 595	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Thanks Simon, I think I will try the plumb bob line. Brian

21st Dec 2020, 10:53 pm	#4
Terry_VK5TM Nonode Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia Posts: 2,342	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Probably a dumb question - why don't you just use the proper dial cord? It's still out there at places like Mini-kits in Australia, various vintage supply places and the usual auction sites. __________________ Terry VK5TM https://www.vk5tm.com/

21st Dec 2020, 10:56 pm	#5
Tractionist Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 875	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Is the tension correct? Have you put enough turns around the various pulley's [whereat multi-turns are indicated] ...... especially the tuning knob pulley shaft itself? What set are we talking about here? __________________ Red to red, black to black. Throw the switch and stand well back!

21st Dec 2020, 11:13 pm	#6
emeritus Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK. Posts: 5,349	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Waxed polyester whipping twine in a range of diameters and colours is available from yacht and canal chandlers. Strong, flexible and grippy. I get mine from the chandlery at the top of Danbury Hill, just off the A414.

23rd Dec 2020, 5:12 pm	#8
BrianAllen Heptode Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 595	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Thank you all, will respond when back on laptop; can't be doing with fiddling about on phone.

25th Dec 2020, 7:25 pm	#9
BrianAllen Heptode Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 595	Re: Dial Search Cord; losing the will to live!! Good evening all; hope you had a good day. All of the above has been noted; thank you. The radio is a KB HR10 and although there are conflicting recommendations for the turns around the tuning spindle, at this stage it is not important. Thank you.