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Help with old tube radio parts?

mr_floppy
I'm trying to track down an old radio tube for my Vet.

frontdisplay3.jpg

She's come in possession of and old radio receiver and the tube is in two pieces. I've found the patent number on the inside of the compartment and its listed as a Wireless receiving system patented Oct. 6 1914


label1.jpg

The label in the interior says
Tri-City Radio Electric Supply Co.
Model W-4
Serial # 2311

tube2.jpg

The tube is marked Magnatron in the Bakelite on the bottom of the plug. The sticker on the side is partially gone , but it looks like it reads
magnatron
DC-201A
Amplifier & Detector
Connewey Elec.Lab. NewYork

I have no idea what the information on the glass itself means.

It has 4 prongs on the bottom and 1 tab on the side for the tube to be locked into the housing.

Here's a shot of the interior and the empty socket for the tube in question.

interior4.jpg

I'd appreciate it, If anyone has any information or source I could ask in locating a tube for the unit. She'd like to see if she can bring it back form the dead.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • soop
    Try ebay.I used to have a bunch of old radio tubes.Thats where I sold them.
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  • He Dog
    Try the radiola guy. http://www.radiolaguy.com/
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  • buschmaster
    if all else fails, drop these guys a line

    dx@universal-radio.com
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  • FrancF
    Give these guys a call as well, Some of my old short wave radio's that needed tubes they had or could get them. However it may be a different/new updated part#. Caution it can get expensive!
    http://www.radiotubesupply.com/
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  • swamp_thing
    This is a 1930 tube used as a detector or amplifier in Direct current (battery) radios. I have included a link for the info on the tube. You can find them at various places by doing a search for vacuum tubes. The price can vary greatly and they are not easily found anymore. I would search a bit before getting the first one you find do to the great differences in prices.
    Remember this is going to be a battery operated radio, not 120 volt ac.
    As stated, the tube was made in 1930 so the radio will be about the same age frame. Good luck on your search.


    http://www.nj7p.org/Tube4.php?tube=201A
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  • buschmaster
    specs found here

    http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/tri_city_airline_special_w_4w.html

    says it's an Airline Special W-4, made in 1923, uses 1 tube: UV201A. mouse over, that says "Okt. 1922; Tyne p.217"

    the specs of which are found here

    http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_uv201a.html

    uv201a1.jpg

    uvsockel_5.png
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    TRW Ham Swapmeet over on Aviation Street by LAX on the last Saturday of the Month...There's several Collectors dealing in antique Tubes....or look up W6TRW...I believe He's hanging on 2 Meters somewhere..A call Book would have that information.........Best.....
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  • oldgunner
    I have a friend who restores old radios as a hobby, so i asked him about it.

    I think you have the tube figured out, but this might give you some idea of what to expect on the sound quality after you get it going:

    "The last couple of people have it correct It's a 201A.. A 01A and a 301A and
    a 401A are all the same tube. Just different companies making them..Cost is
    from $10 to about $16...

    It's just a simple 1 tube receiver that is a regen, detector circuit and it
    would be a very poor receiver with low audio output....Using high Z ear
    phones.. That company probably lasted only a year and maybe 2.."
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