missing blog photos

Most of the blog photos are linked from Google Photos. My guess may be that when I do house keeping or changes there the links from Google to the posted photos change, They are not static. Looking into this. Photos may be missing from blog postings. My WordPress photo storage is full.

on the bench : RCA SOUND CARTRIDGE TAPE DECK 1YB29A “the missing link”

$31.00, Tax$2.95, Shipping$9.16, Handling$2.00, Additional Donation$0.89. Order Total$46.00

September 21 2021 from shopGoodwill.com

Apparently there is a incorrect link to photos that are not showing please stand by ! Google photos links may be dynamic ?

Now we live in a world where recording music for our enjoyment or for that fact buying albums, CD’s records or whatever is not needed. Now with streaming services available the accessibility and storage of music is all digital. Enjoyment of music is now possible with a smart phone or streaming device. Our stereo equipment may just consist of a blue tooth speaker ! Back in the day we liked to have the concert experience at home. with powerful amps and huge speakers.

Before digital became available to the masses, to construct a playlist, we recorded “mix tapes” a collection of favorite songs usually recorded on cassettes. Also it was possible to record music from someone else who purchased the album thereby saving us from purchasing the music.

Before record able Cd’s and cassettes the audiophiles preferred recording format was the reel to reel. Relatively expensive method of storing sound, the quality though could mimic vinyl records depending on the quality and recording speed (and $$$) of the deck. the reel to reel was also a favored method of musicians and recording studios to produce records from master tapes.

Those who follow the progression of magnetic tape recording recording formats, a little know format was the RCA sound cartridge system. You can look up the history by googling etc.,circa 1958. As most remember Phillips developed the compact cassette that most are familiar with. Some claim Phillips stole the format from RCA and refined it to a smaller more cost effective size.

I was fortunate to grab this RCA SOUND CARTRIDGE TAPE DECK 1YB29A from an auction in a great condition. Not a collector as such as I have enough stuff around , it was curiosity to see this machine. Would it work? As the size is much larger than a compact cassette, it was developed when reel to reel machines were still available. Thus it was a link from the progression from reel to reel decks to the compact cassette. There are variants of this model some in stereo.

the unboxing

inspection of the item hmmmm. that would date this item to about 60 years old !

I also lucked out that the unit had a tape cartridge included.

THERE’S GOING TO BE A LOT OF PICTURES !

Here is a comparison picture of a compact cassette from the net as i didn’t get any size reference from pictures I took

Front panel removed

INSTEAD OF THE TYPICAL VU METER WE HAVE A TUBE TYPE INDICATOR

NICE! WE HAVE INSTRUCTIONS RIGHT ON THE UNIT HOW TO CHANGE THE TUBES

WE ARE POWERED UP

PLAY/ RECORD HEADS

TAPE MECHANISM ENGAGED TO PLAY. I LIKE THE FACT THAT THE PRESSURE PADS A E PART OF THE MACHINE. SOMETIMES THEY ARE TROUBLESOME IN COMPACT CASSETTES

THE PINCH ROLLER HAS A CRAZY DOUBLE JOINTED SWIVEL WHEN ENGAGED/DISENGAGED (CAPSTAN REMOVED) ENGAGED/DISENGAGED FROM PLAY FUNCTION

TUBE TYPE AND DIAGRAM, PIECE OF BELT REMAINS AT THE TOP

SPEAKER

SPEAKER AND CASE HANDLE MOUNTING

NO DRIVE, THE BELT REMAINS, REVERTED BACK TO OIL

BELT REMAINS

CHASSIS VIEW

DUE TO THE AGE AND THE FACT THAT THIS UNIT WORKED I LEFT AS IS FOR REFERENCE AND SALE

MOTOR AND DRIVE SPOOLS, MOTOR HAS STEPPED PULLEY

THE HOOKED ROD LINKAGE IS THE SPEED SHIFTER TO SHIFT THE BELT TO THE DIFFERENT STEP PULLEY

TAPE COUNTER BELT IS OK

OTHER END OF TAPE COUNTER BELT

CAPSTAN FLYWHEEL PULLEY

CAPSTAN BRACKET

REMOVAL AND CLEANING, I HAPPEN TO FIND AN ACCEPTABLE BELT FOR REPLACEMENT. THAT’S ALL THAT WAS NECESSARY TO RETURN THE UNIT TO WORKING CONDITION

PRESSURE PADS

CIRCUIT COMPONENTS, ALL POINT TO POINT WIRING, ORIGINAL APPEARANCE

WAFER SWITCH COMPLETE WITH OXIDATION

DE OXIT TO THE RESCUE

TAPE CART INSTALLED, IT HAD OLD TIME RECORDINGS OF A FARMER TALKING TO VARIOUS PEOPLE AND SOME FAMILY RECORDINGS. CLEARLY SIMILARITIES TO THE COMPACT CASSETTE

DID A TEST RECORDING AND THAT FUNCTION WORKED

FINISHED AND RE ASSEMBLED, PICTURE FOR EBAY SOLD FOR A BIT OVER $70.00 USD I HOPE IT WENT TO COLLECTOR WITH THE SPACE TO DISPLAY IT.

THE SOUND CARTRIDGE

BTW THE SPEED WAS SELECT ABLE TO 3 3/4 OR 1 7/8, THE BELT WAS SHIFTED TO A DIFFERENT PULLEY BUT MECHANICAL MEANS TO GET THE DIFFERENT SPEEDS. SOUND QUALITY WAS MOSTLY ACCEPTABLE FOR VOICE AND MUSIC AS ON PAR WITH OTHER RECORDING DEVICES IN THIS SPEED RANGE. THE HIGHER QUALITY DEVICES OF THE AGE ALSO UTILIZED 7 1/2 OR 15 INCHES PER SECOND OF TAPE SPEED

WITH COVER, ALL CLEANED UP THE END

i HAVE MORE DRAFTS WAITING TO BE COMPLETED SO MORE OF “ON THE BENCH ” SERIES WILL BE COMING SOON

ON THE BENCH: Vintage Simpson Model 303 Analog Vacuum Tube Volt Meter – UNTESTED

Order Summary From shopgoodwill.com

Subtotal$14.99

Tax$1.90

Shipping $8.78

Handling$3.49

Additional Donation$0.84

Order Total$30.00

Ask around for a recommendation for a good multi meter and get plenty of suggestions. Most people like the digital auto readout that takes the guesswork out of changing knobs and settings to measure voltage and resistance. The name Simpson is synonymous with a high quality meter. Many techs from the day had one on the bench or in the field. namely the model 260 in a few variants. Just a rough check now, a current 260 new will be around $400.00 USD. they are know for reliability, ruggedness and accuracy. Because of the quality build, many, many of the 260 series can be purchased on the secondary market. That is if an analog meter is your game.

While digital meters can be inviting and easy to read they don’t show any transients quite like an analog meter. True, some digital meters have a bar graph display that will show changes, it’s not as telling as the sweep of the needle of the full analog meter. It’s better than digital when peaking measurements for calibration. Using the meter often the scales of the meter get familiar and are read with ease.

Presently I have a multi meter, another purchased used and refurbished the small Amprobe AM 2A meter also purchased from shopgoodwill.com for $18.03 delivered. It does the job after frying out a china sourced basic not more than a few dollars analog meter.

Without a long winded explanation of the benefits of a high impedance input meter for accuracy, another tech staple is the VTVM or irreverently know as the vommit meter. As the acronym implies, Vacuum Tube Volt Meter, has a vacuum tube on the input for accuracy. Mostly for bench use because of the need for 120 vac power, they are a must have if precision voltage measurement is required, especially for calibration of equipment to manufactures standards. Some calibration instructions will list a VTVM as a requirement and may even specify the brand.

The Simpson Model 303 Analog Vacuum Tube Volt Meter is a good example of a good all around fairly priced used multi meter, rugged and well built as we will see. Made to last these are excellent candidates for over haul.

First a couple of tips if you are following and will attempt repairs:

BAG AND TAG FASTENERS AND PARTS WHEN REMOVED AND THEIR LOCATION.

TAG CIRCUIT BOARDS AS TO THEIR PLACEMENT WHEN REMOVED

TAG WIRES AS TO THEIR CONNECTION POINT AND FUNCTION WHEN UNPLUGGED/DE-SOLDERED

TAKE PHOTOS BEFORE DIS ASSEMBLY, AND/OR KEEP NOTES OR A LOG OF PROCEDURES AND STEPS

PREPARE FOR THE POSSIBILITY THE REPAIR MAY SPAN SEVERAL WEEKS AS PARTS ON ORDER OR OTHER JOBS ARISE.

DOWNLOAD/PURCHASE USER MANUAL. SCHEMATICS AND PARTS DIAGRAMS (ACTUALLY THIS CAN BE DONE PRIOR TO PURCHASE TO SEE WHATS INVOLVED)

NOTES ANY DIFFERENCES ON SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS, MANUFACTURES CAN BE NOTORIOUS FOR NOT SUPPLYING AN “AS BUILT” OR ERRATA OR REVISION SHEETS. SOME SCHEMATICS MAY BE FOR A GENERIC MODEL.

HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS AND TEST EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

CONSULT REPAIR VIDEOS AND FORUMS FOR INSIGHT AS TO WHATS INVOLVED AND COSTLY PARTS AND ITEMS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE

LETS GO

THE ARRIVAL

FIRST LOOK THE ACV INPUT HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A PUSHBUTTON SWITCH

THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS OBSESSED WITH THE SERIAL NUMBER, ETCHED IN SEVERAL PLACES ON THE METER

THE COAXIAL CONNECTORS OF THESE METERS ARE OF A PROPRIETARY SIZE, NOT READILY AVAILABLE, THERE ARE SEVERAL WORKAROUNDS RESEARCHED THROUGH THE INTERNET. EBAY OFFERS A CUSTOM REPLACEMENT SET IF YOU DON’T WANT TO MODIFY THE METER, AT A COST

WIRE WOUND PRECISION RESISTORS BANKS , ADJUSTMENT POTS, SELECTOR SWITCHES AND TRANSFORMERS

THE PUSH BUTTON IN THE PLACE OF THE ACV INPUT ??? TRACED THE SCHEMATIC, APPARENT IT IS A GROUNDING SWITCH PROBABLY FOR ZEROING THE METER DURING RESISTANCE MEASURMENTS

THE ROTARY SWITCHES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND WILL BE CLEANED WITH DEOXIT

BATTERY CLIP IN GOOD SHAPE NO EVIDENCE OF BATTERY LEAKAGE

ONE OF THE 2 TUBES , TO THE LEFT THE SELENIUM RECTIFIER THAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A DIODE

REMOVAL OF THE FACEPLATE AND GLASS

METER ASSEMBLY IS EXCELLENT

REMOVAL OF METER MOVEMENT FROM THE CASE

THE TWO TUBES, HAVE NO WAY OF CHECKING THEM AT THIS TIME

POTENTIOMETER ADJUSTMENT BLOCK

BATTERY CLIP AND METER CONNECTIONS REMOVAL

REMOVAL OF THE STANDOFF FOR THE RESISTOR GANG

THE OTHER SIDE IS A STEPPED STANDOFF FOR THE RESISTOR GANG

SET UP AS SHOWN

DCV INPUT JACK, NOT ORIGINAL WIRINGING

HOLDING THE INNARDS, ROTATE AROUND THREADED THE GROUND PIN JACK IN THE FRONT TO REMOVE GUTS FROM THE CASE. OR UNSOLD ER ALL THE GROUND LUG WIRES (NO)

THANKS TO THE WIRING CABLES AND WRAPPING, THE GUTS STAY TOGETHER , SO MUCH FOR CONNECTORS AND FRAGILE RIBBON CABLES, ALL POINT TO POINT WIRING

THER ARE ONLY 4 CAPACITORS IN THE METER ALL TO BE REPLACED

CLEANING STORAGE AND BAGGED AND TAGGED ITEMS

THE BAKELITE CASE PARTS CLEANED

SOME OF THE PAINT WAS REMOVED DURING THE SOAKING PROCESS AS EXPECTED WITH VINTAGE ITEM

THE LETTERING WAS RESTORED WITH A PAINT PEN, SOMEONE DRILLED HOLES IN THE BACK TO ACCESS THE ADJUSTMENT POTS

TEST FIT OF THE CASE AND KNOBS

BECAUSE OF THE HEAT FROM THE TUBES, VENT TUBES ARE ON BOTH SIDES. NO HANDLE WAS INCLUDED

MAYBE OVERKILL, I BUFFED UP THE BAKELITE ON THE BUFFING WHEEL

METER MOVEMENT FINE, ZEROS PROPERLY

REPLACEMENT CAPACITORS FROM DIGIKEY

CHECKING ASSEMBLY

LEAVING THE RECTIFIER IN PLACE FOR PROPER SUPPORT, THE DIODE AND RESISTOR AFTER THE TRANSFORMER WAS HEAT SHRINKED INSULATED AND TUCKED AWAY

ONE THE THE CAPS REPLACED, NEW COMPONENTS ARE SMALLER THAN ORIGINALS

BATTERY IN PLACE

NOT SHOWN, WITH A DREMEL FITTED WITH A REAMER, I CAREFULLY MARKED OUT THE INCREASED DIAMETER NEED TO ACCOMMODATE THE 259 COAX CONNECTOR JACKS. MOST INFO ON THIS MOD SUGGEST THAT DRILLING HOLES WILL CRACK THE BAKELITE. THE CONNECTORS JUST FIT ! ALSO WITH THE SANDING DRUM MACHINED THE SURROUNDING THICKNESS TO ACCEPT THE DEPTH OF THE ATTACHMENT NUT.\ THREADS THE ATTACHING NUT WAS SLIGHTLY GROUND ROUND TO FIT THE CASE

THE CAPS REPLACED

CONNECTORS AND JACKS VIA ALI EXPRESS

SOMETIMES MYSTIFIED WITH THE MYRIAD OF REPLACEMENT CAPACITORS, HOPE THEY WORK

THE FINISHED METER LESS THE LEADS AND PROBES. AT FINAL ASSEMBLY IT WAS TESTED BY JUMPER WIRES, THE TUBE HEATER FILAMENTS GLOWED AND THE METER WAS ABLE TO BE CALIBRATED AS PER INSTRUCTIONS YEA! YES, WITH THE MALE CONNECTORS SCREWED ON THERE IS ENOUGH CLEARANCE FOR THE SELECTOR KNOBS TO BE ROTATED.

THE REAR, THE LINE CORD HAD BEEN SPLICED, NO PROBLEM FOR ME

LOOKING INTO THE PROCESS OF BUILDING MY OWN LEADS AND PROBES, HAVEN’T DECIDED YET AS THERE ARE AVAILABLE KITS ON EBAY SO I WON’T HAVE TO ORDER ALL THE PARTS I DON’T HAVE

MANCHURIAN CHICKEN WITH RADIATORS

Wow ! it’s been some time gone by till posting a recipe, not that I have stopped cooking, just nothing new lately, have to change that and expand my recipe repertoire.

One breast just about 300 grams. Didn’t adjust the marination. 1 cup macaroni. Cut back about 1/2 with the sauce ingredients. Serves 2

Adapted from Sooper Chef YouTube Channel

makes a pleasant dish, by ingredient amounts somewhat spicy, adjust to taste .

Once prepped, it’s a fast cook.

Ingredients for Chicken Marination:
Chicken boneless (cube cut) 500 g
Egg 1
Corn flour 2 tbsp ( cornstarch)
Soy sauce 2 tbsp
Black pepper powder 1/2 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Oil 1 tbsp
Oil (for frying) as required

Ingredients for boiling Macaroni:
Macaroni 2 cups (1 cup)
Oil 1 tbsp
Salt 1 tsp
Water as required

Ingredients for Manchurian Sauce:
Oil 2 tbsp
Garlic (chopped) 1 tbsp (substituted garlic powder)
Ketchup 1 cup
Red chili flakes 2 tbsp (you may want to adjust this less)
Soy sauce 2 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Water 1 cup
Chili sauce 2 tbsp (I used hot sauce, again you may want to adjust this to taste)
White pepper powder 1 tsp
Sugar 1 tbsp
Capsicum (small cubes) 1 cup
Carrot (small cubes) 1 cup
Onion (small cubes) 1 cup

Ingredients for Assembling:
Cooked chicken as required
Boiled macaroni
Manchurian sauce
Green onion (Chopped) as required

Directions for Chicken Marination:
1. In a bowl add chicken, egg, corn flour, black pepper, soy sauce, salt, oil and mix well. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a wok ( or fry pan) heat oil and add marinated chicken, fry it fully cooked and golden brown in color. Set aside.
Directions for Macaroni Boiling:
3. In a pot heat water and bring it to boil, add oil, salt and macaroni. Boil until macaroni is 80% cooked. Strain and set aside.
Directions for Manchurian Sauce Preparation:
4. In a pan heat oil and add garlic, saute for 1 minute. Now add ketchup, red chili flakes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, white pepper powder, chili sauce, sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes. Now add water ( here you can thin the sauce with the macaroni water ) and cook until sauce thickens.
5. Now add capsicum, carrot, onion and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Now add cooked chicken, boiled macaroni and mix well. Cook until chicken is well coated in sauce. Adjust if necessary with the addition of more of the macaroni water.
7. Sprinkle green onion on top and serve.
Preparation time: 10-15 mins
Cooking time: 25-30 mins
Serving: 3-4

Prepared ingredients, I use shredded carrots ( usually shred a pound or 2 of carrots and store them in the fridge so carrot can easily be incorporated into many recipes)

macaroni heat sinks are boiled and ready

Heating up the skillet

Starting the frying process of the chicken, I use quad blend pepper freshly ground.

getting the crisp on !

remove from the pan

boil up the sauce

Add the prepared veggies, mix in and heat, don’t over cook , leave some crunch

Add the chicken and the macaroni to the pan, heat through

mix and heat thoroughly

MMMMMMMM………… plate up and garnish with some chopped green scallions

shopping/prices

While the current economic conditions have changed and we have inflated prices to deal with of certain commodities, shopping defensibly for bargains that can be found is possible. Smart shoppers always have this in mind no matter what the economic conditions. Shop store brands, skip highly priced items till sales and consider delivery for time and energy savings now that transportation can be expensive. Delivery services will typically add a delivery fee and a service fee but some stores will vary the delivery cost to less expensive time slots later in the day. Shopping early and scheduling a delivery later in the evening can save a few dollars. Some have a loyalty program accumulating points etc. Some delivery shopping services will give promotions like free delivery or dollar amounts off your next order.

Here are some recent prices including the local store which now has it”s own delivery service. In the past I have used Instacart for this market but Instacart will add a markup usually about 10% to each item . The store also honors the sale prices in it’s flyer for delivery. We still use instacart and online order delivery services for non perishable items delivered within 2 days. Even deals are found on eBay etc for bulk items like toilet paper from institutional supplies.

Using a ride service, incorporate a drop off from an appointment for instance, to the local market within the return route on the way home. It may only add a few more dollars (most people are now valuing cost to the price of a gallon of gasoline) to the total return trip.

Prices are generally more expensive across the board for groceries but bargains can be found.

these were value pacs each about 4 lbs , T bones not a usual but Fathers day is here soon !

Green Giant Fresh Celery (1 ct) 1 x $1.99Replaced item price:$1.99 Wellsley Farms Wellsley Farms Celery Sticks 2.5 Lb (2.5 lb bag) 1 x $5.49$5.49

Items found (BJ’s Wholesale Club)	6
Household
Berkley Jensen Facial Tissue (8 x 8 ct) 1 x $16.19$16.19
Wellsley Farms
Wellsley Farms Ground Italian Sausage (32 oz) 1 x $7.49$7.49
Dairy & Eggs
Wellsley Farms Whole Milk, 1 Gallon (1 gal) 1 x $3.29$3.29
Produce
Dole Iceberg Lettuce (1 count bag) 1 x $1.89$1.89
Yellow Onion Bag (3 lb bag) 1 x $2.39$2.39
Canned Goods
Hunt’s Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes (14.5 oz) 1 x $8.69$8.69

on replacements you approved and what was available.

Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (16 oz) 1 x $4.39Replaced item price:$4.39 Happy Farms Shredded Italian Blend Cheese (12 oz) 1 x $3.75$3.75

Items found (ALDI)	9
Dairy & Eggs
Happy Farms Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese (32 oz) 1 x $8.35$8.35
Produce
Iceberg Lettuce (each) 1 x $1.65$1.65
Broccoli Crowns (~ 1.33 lb) 1.52 lb x $1.55$2.36
Little Salad Bar Spinach Flat Leaf (8 oz bag) 1 x $2.19$2.19
Snacks
Clancy’s Corn Chips (9.25 oz) 1 x $1.29$1.29
Dry Goods & Pasta
Specially Selected White Basmati Rice (32 oz) 1 x $3.29$3.29
Dairy & Eggs
Goldhen Grade A Large Eggs (12 ct) 2 x $1.45$2.90
Produce
Crimini (Brown) Mushroom Package (8 oz container) 1 x $1.75$1.75
Celery Package (1 lb container) 1 x $1.49$1.49

on the bench: the robots have arrived: Roomba 690

irobot 690 (alpha)

goodwill $9.99

total with shipping and handling 29.17

As of this writing a fleet of irobot products keep my floors clean

This is the first one. Was lucky to attain this one working, but needing a good clean.

Disassembly is easy, many of the parts are modular and meant to be replaced. The 690 is a WiFi model compatible with the iRobot app. Also the irobot product is popular, parts are plentiful as also the on line resources to repair and service these.

One feature here is that I assumed that the robot simply swept dirt, dust, excetera, into the dust bin. But these are a true vacuum as the dust bin has a small fan motor providing suction and a filter, the motor gets power from contacts to the main chassis, allowing easy removal for emptying.

The brushes are easily removable without tools for cleaning

The bottom cover removes with 4 screws and the removal of the side brush , one screw for that. The battery is exposed and removable. The battery was also able to hold a full charge.

The battery, contacts and swivel wheel.

as with the wheel and motors, the brush holder is removable with a few screws. All powered modules are plug in, no soldering needed. The circular metal disc is the “dirt detector”

rectangular connector for the wheel/motor assembly

The removable wheel/motor assembly

same with the side brush motor

IR emitters and receptors are for edge detection, so the robot doesn’t jump off a cliff (or stairs)

Front bumper retainer removed

detail of the front bumper spring steel and IR beacon that attaches with 2 small screws

front bumper removed, and front swivel caster, note more ir emitter and detectors along the front edge

front swivel caster socket again easily removable

top trim panels simply unclip

making our way to the motherboard

all plug in connectors to the motherboard

Top cover fully removed

WIFI module and antenna connector

bottom view

Parts after tear down and cleaning

ready for assembly

ready to roll !

new side brush installed

charging base cleaned up also

close up of the cleaned unit

At home base awaiting commands

According to my time stamps, The robot has been on duty for slightly over 10 months at time of this writing. preforming flawless as far as operational. The only bugs are robot proofing your home. Such items are thick shaggy carpets and throw rugs , some are small rugs , not wall to wall, that the robot may faulter on , that is drive on the rug , and then off becoming stuck in a small area because it will not climb back on the carpet. Cords are the worst enemy that will cause a jam or worse, snagging some knitting yarn and entangling itself hopelessly in the processing causing the knitter to shout expletives after the robot digests the latest knitting project. (though the robots can be linked to voice controlled devices like Alexa, shouting at them will be fruitless.) Sneakers and shoes may be dragged across the room also. Small tables like on hardwood floors may be moved or jostled so those knick nacks may be damaged by the relentless contact of the robot maneuvering about. Lower kitchen cabinet kickpanel areas may be just the right height to jam the device, 690 can be a brute negotiating some thresholds, closing doors that are easily moved, shutting itself in the bathroom as an example and can move small light weigh furniture on hardwood and tile floors from it’s impact. Though the IR “eyes” work on some barriers and slow the robot, some don’t.

Since all of our floors are either hardwood or tile the robot tirelessly bounces around the areas relentlessly in some cases till it returns home to replenish it battery , all automatically. Currently I have 2 Roomba 960’s, scheduled to sweep and vac daily running alternating days of the week. It’s surprising to see the accumulation in the dust bins, hair, dirt and dust with occasion onions skins etc. These are not made to pickup large debris but once used on a daily basis here the floors are kept very clean. ( Ive also employed Scoobas and Braavas for wet mopping.) rarely you will need the broom and the dustpan again just once in a great while to touch up some spots unreachable by the robots side brush. Overall cleaning is excellent with a obsession sometimes with the edge cleaning pattern. Not all ares are covered daily, sometimes a room will be missed but cleaned the next day. The run cycle is about 2 hours, way more than you would do it manually, the noise level is acceptable to most and of course can be scheduled to clean while you out. Suddenly need a mess swept up? Instead of grabbing the broom, place the roomba where needed and hit the spot clean button. The robot will do a circular spiral dance in the area and stop.

The app will give you feedback on progress and errors requiring human intervention. The robots firmware can also be upgraded if necessary and keeps statics with the mothership like number of cleaning jobs (479), total job time (503 hrs and 58 minutes) and a dirt event count (19795 events) A “dirt detector” is located in the brush compartment and will cause the roomba to spiral an area before proceeding ahead.

While these are used and discontinued models, they are inexpensive compared to the newer ones. On a daily basis or so simply empty the dustbin and periodically clean the roller/brushes. Several more iRobots have crossed the bench with the Scoobas and Braavas and should be posted later in the blog. it’s one of those chores you never want to do again, sweeping and cleaning the floors. Now reduced to periodically servicing these machines.

ON THE BENCH : HORN BAROMETER

Order Summary

Subtotal $9.99

Tax $1.48

Shipping $8.12

Handling $2.99

Order Total $22.58

Usually barometers and such may come attached to wooden boards, a ships wheel or just a round wooden disk. Some are contained in a brass case as the previous post.

This one was mounted inside a circular horn. Makes for an interesting display either on the wall or shelf.

Don’t see too many of these a-round.

As usual a bit of cleanup and a repair to the mechanism.

I returned the metal to a polish finish from the original which also had some red tape affixed to the circular pat of the horn tubing.

The dial is approximately 3 1/4 inches and the horn diameter is about 4 3/4 inches

unboxing

dis assembly of the mechanism

some rust on the case to deal with, the mechanism is in good shape

rear case

the horn mouthpiece

the red tape on the tubing.

cleaning

the dial is in excellent shape after a cleanup

one side of the pivot had to be reset, it was knocked from it’s intended position. No idea how it got like than other from a sharp knock

An aneriod barometer, the silver circular chamber is sealed and pressure changes are linked to the to the pointer shaft through levers and finally a tiny chain the is wound around the indicator shaft. Cleaned and oiled all rotating and moving pieces.

re assembly, the circular part of the tubing was plated metal.

finished for now.

Some touch up polishing and cleaning to be completed, fasteners for the bottom of the case needed

on the bench: wempe barometer and clock

purchased from Goodwill online $43.88 , total with shipping and handling $63.00

parts needed 1 battery LR 1 , $2.85 total

arrival of the imstruments

in fairly good shape, the second hand on the clock is bent, no battery

mounted on a wooden base for hanging

bent second hand

on the side some major pitting in areas

pitting and corrosion present

a full circle dog handle, nice touch

removal from the board

rear of the clock

dis assembly of the lenses

all metal construction of the cases

removal of the case from the rear plate

removal of the clock from the case

rear of the clock and the time setting knob

battery contacts in good condition, need LR-1 battery none in stock

barometer lens

removal of the front cover

starting the cleaning

aligning the clock hands

cleaning , a combining of polishing compound and metal polish (Brasso)

making progress

better looking

reassemble the cases

bright and shiny

An old pump motor acquired from a lot, with a chuck attached and an arbor set up with buffing wheel. Clamped to bench, powered polisher/buffer wheel

remounted to base, didn’t refinish the board

elbow grease and polisher machine with the Brasso brought the finish back to high gloss.

No sign of the pitting and corrosion

done for now , battery ordered

arrival of the battery

clipped into place

The clock is running !!! Keeps perfect time !

Not bad for just a cleanup, aligning of the clock hands and a battery. Was going to sell it, but it’s such a beautiful piece I still have it. Wempe instrumentation is a bit scarcer than a Shatz or a Chelsea. The clock ,though it is battery powered vs. a windup with chimes is still very good quality moment.

ON THE BENCH: INSTANT VORTEX AIR FRYER OVEN

SOURCE EbAY

1 item$37.48

Shipping Free

Tax$2.62

Order total$40.10

FOR PARTS OR REPAIR

LETS FIX IT!

CAN YOU SEE PROBLEM ?

SMOKED WINDINGS ON FAN MOTOR

ALSO SMOKED OUT THIS TRIAC

ORDERED FROM MOUSER

ALSO THESE

REPLACED COMPONENTS

NOW WE HAVE POWER TO CONTROLS, STILL FAN MOTOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. NONE TO BE FOUND AS A SINGLE ITEM , WILL CONSIDER ANOTHER PURCHASE OF A OVEN AS A PARTS DONOR.

AS MY GOOGLE PHOTOS FILL IN THE HISTORY, ALSO FUSES WERE REPLACED. ALI EXPRESS

NOW FOR THE DONOR OVEN, HOPEFULLY WITH A WORKING FAN MOTOR

1 item$38.47 SOURCE EbAY

Shipping Free

Tax$2.69

Order total$41.16

THIS ONE WORKED FROM THE BOX, A PRO MODEL WITH STAINLESS STEEL SIDES AND A FEW MORE OPTIONS SUCH AS PROOFING CYCLE ETC THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE CONTROL BOARD AND FRONT PANEL. IT DID NOT HAVE ANY RACKS, SPIT OR BASKET.

SINCE THE DONOR OVEN WAS A PRO MODEL , I USED THE ACCESSORIES FROM THE FIRST UNIT, THE DONOR (2ND OVEN) DID NOT HAVE ANY OF THE ACCESSORIES, SPIT, RACKS, AND FRYER BASKET.

THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRST OVEN, LESS FAN MOTOR, WAS LISTED AS INDIVIDUAL PARTS WERE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SALE, RECOUPING SOME OF THE COST. FOR INSTANCE , THE DOOR SOLD, ROTISSERIE MOTOR, CONTROL BOARD, FRONT PANEL, ETC. NOW YOU CAN GET THE SAME FOR 80.00 TO 100 DOLLARS BUT THE SATISFACTION OF THE REPAIR AND EDUCATION IS WORTH IT TO ME.

ON THE BENCH: NATIONAL PANASONIC MODEL 782 AM/FM RADIO RECEIVER

Purchase date 02/04/2020

cost 12.05

with tax, shipping and handling, and donation TOTAL $24.00 Goodwill

sold for 50.00 Ebay

A nice radio, electronic tube construction. monophonic.

Check operation and clean up, very clean and in working condition a great radio. Most other ones I’ve seen have a lighter tone panel around d the dial. Wood cabinet,

Just getting some catching up to do. Still cooking though not posting recipes.