5 Tube MW Receiver

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This was my first attempt at a superheterodyne tube receiver. The circuit uses 5 tubes and covers the MW (Broadcast) band from 530 to 1650 KHz, and features 2 IF (intermediate frequency) amplifiers for high sensitivity and selectivity, and delayed AVC (automatic volume control) for high S/N (signal to noise) ratio. Performance is excellent, and the sound is smooth and clear. The tube compliment is: 6BA7 (converter), 6BA6 X 2 (IF amps), 6AV6 (detector & audio preamp.), 6AQ5A (audio power amp.). The receiver runs on 110 volts AC.

Many nights were spent with this receiver, listening to local and distant stations (and static!), and enjoying the nostalgia of glass tubes glowing in the dark!

Controls from right: volume, tuning and tone. On-off switch is on far left. A 9:1 vernier dial offers easy tuning. The speaker grill was cut out from pre-punched sheet metal and painted white.


Tubes and IFTs (intermediate frequency transformers) were positioned in a straight line layout to save space. Transformer on right isolates chassis from the mains. 7 inch antenna rod improves reception. Cover above speaker acts as a baffle.


There was plenty of space for terminal strips, wires, and components, making the circuit easy to assemble and align.


A short history | My radio background | Homemade radios | Tube radios
Transistor radios | World band radios | Kit radios | Reel tape recorders
My other interests | Pictures of Lebanon | Radio links
Home | Showcase | About this site

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