Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Skywave · 22nd Apr 2021, 7:00 pm

On the bench I have a Sobell valve radio, 1940 / 1950 vintage, the cardboard back of which states 'model 516'. Yet when I do an Internet search for that model, I get pictures of a 516 that look nothing like mine at all! (Yes - the back of mine is clearly the correct back!)
So, same model name but different radio?

Any explanations, please?

Al.

MurphyNut · 23rd Apr 2021, 7:12 am

Could it be a model 599, looks the same size and shape maybe a 516 back ended up on it, just a thought!

Gabe001 · 23rd Apr 2021, 7:31 am

There seems to be a few variants knocking about, see this post

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=138365

I worked on both the AC/DC and the AC only version of the 516 and they're really well made. If memory serves the resistor installed following 'that capacitor' is different in value from that shown in the circuit diagram (??later factory modification). This was the same in both sets, which were both original. Do let me know if you come across the same thing.

I have recreated the waterslide transfer sobell logo for this set and have under-chassis pictures etc - if you need anything pm me.

Skywave · 23rd Apr 2021, 11:14 pm

In the above post. (post 3), Gabe001 refers to a thread which is 'clickable'. In that thread, post 13 lists 3 photos: the 3rd. photo, left-hand side, shows the radio that I have.
So it seems that the Sobell 516 does exist in two forms: it appears that the difference is the tuning dial.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...0&postcount=13

Al. / Apr. 23.

Skywave · 23rd Apr 2021, 11:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabe001

I worked on both the AC/DC and the AC only version of the 516 and they're really well-made.

I've studied the under-chassis wiring and the general construction of the 516 on my bench and I couldn't disagree with you more: "really well-made" it certainly isn't.

It seems that cost of manufacture was the over-riding factor in the design and build of this set.

My judgment is based on the many wireless sets of this vintage I've repaired, used, modified, etc. - and, yes, even scrapped for parts - over the past 50+ years.
Al. / Apr. 23

Gabe001 · 24th Apr 2021, 6:13 am

Fair enough. You're much more experienced than I am. The two I worked on worked immediately with no troubleshooting necessary, maybe I was lucky.

Station X · 24th Apr 2021, 9:33 am

As the OP's question has been answered I'll close this thread.

It would have helped if the OP had posted a picture of his radio in post #1.

23rd Apr 2021, 7:12 am	#2
MurphyNut Heptode Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 979	Re: Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? Could it be a model 599, looks the same size and shape maybe a 516 back ended up on it, just a thought! Attached Thumbnails __________________ Clive

23rd Apr 2021, 7:31 am	#3
Gabe001 Octode Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 1,641	Re: Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? There seems to be a few variants knocking about, see this post https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=138365 I worked on both the AC/DC and the AC only version of the 516 and they're really well made. If memory serves the resistor installed following 'that capacitor' is different in value from that shown in the circuit diagram (??later factory modification). This was the same in both sets, which were both original. Do let me know if you come across the same thing. I have recreated the waterslide transfer sobell logo for this set and have under-chassis pictures etc - if you need anything pm me. Last edited by Gabe001; 23rd Apr 2021 at 7:55 am.

23rd Apr 2021, 11:14 pm	#4
Skywave Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK. Posts: 7,457	Re: Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? In the above post. (post 3), Gabe001 refers to a thread which is 'clickable'. In that thread, post 13 lists 3 photos: the 3rd. photo, left-hand side, shows the radio that I have. So it seems that the Sobell 516 does exist in two forms: it appears that the difference is the tuning dial. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...0&postcount=13 Al. / Apr. 23. Last edited by Station X; 23rd Apr 2021 at 11:38 pm. Reason: Link added.

24th Apr 2021, 6:13 am	#6
Gabe001 Octode Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 1,641	Re: Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? Fair enough. You're much more experienced than I am. The two I worked on worked immediately with no troubleshooting necessary, maybe I was lucky.

24th Apr 2021, 9:33 am	#7
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? As the OP's question has been answered I'll close this thread. It would have helped if the OP had posted a picture of his radio in post #1. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

22nd Apr 2021, 7:00 pm	#1
Skywave Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK. Posts: 7,457	Sobell valve radio model 516 - or is it? On the bench I have a Sobell valve radio, 1940 / 1950 vintage, the cardboard back of which states 'model 516'. Yet when I do an Internet search for that model, I get pictures of a 516 that look nothing like mine at all! (Yes - the back of mine is clearly the correct back!) So, same model name but different radio? Any explanations, please? Al.