Emerson Model AL-149 Bakelite Table Radio (1937)
The cabinet styling on this bakelite
radio is the same as for my plaskon
AC-149. I believe the AC-149 and
AL-149 both came in plaskon and
bakelite versions, however.
The difference between the AC and
AL models is in the chassis type.
The AC- chassis is ac-powered with
a power transformer, whereas the
AL is ac/dc powered with series
connected filaments and a ballast
tube.
As is the case with the AC-149, this
model covers standard broadcast
from 540-1580kc and shortwave
from 1580-4200kc.
It uses the five tubes 6A7
(converter), 6D6 (IF), 6Q7 (2nd
detector/AGC/1st AF), 25L6 (AF
power), 25Z5 (rectifier) plus a
plug-in ballast resistor. Schematic
radio is the same as for my plaskon
AC-149. I believe the AC-149 and
AL-149 both came in plaskon and
bakelite versions, however.
The difference between the AC and
AL models is in the chassis type.
The AC- chassis is ac-powered with
a power transformer, whereas the
AL is ac/dc powered with series
connected filaments and a ballast
tube.
As is the case with the AC-149, this
model covers standard broadcast
from 540-1580kc and shortwave
from 1580-4200kc.
It uses the five tubes 6A7
(converter), 6D6 (IF), 6Q7 (2nd
detector/AGC/1st AF), 25L6 (AF
power), 25Z5 (rectifier) plus a
plug-in ballast resistor. Schematic
The chassis is interesting in that the tubes are a mix of early Octals (having grid caps) and even earlier 6 and 7 pin types.
The plastic cabinet is constructed in three parts, as shown in the lower right photo. The chassis, shown lower left, is loaded from below. In
my opinion this is a clumsy design since all the pieces, including the chassis, need to be aligned and held together before the screws can be
inserted from below. Also, I'm mystified by the positioning of the dial lamp, since the top edge of the dial cover is somewhat opaque and it
seems to barely illuminate the dial, even in a darkened room! Nevertheless, I've electrically restored this radio and it does perform quite well.
The plastic cabinet is constructed in three parts, as shown in the lower right photo. The chassis, shown lower left, is loaded from below. In
my opinion this is a clumsy design since all the pieces, including the chassis, need to be aligned and held together before the screws can be
inserted from below. Also, I'm mystified by the positioning of the dial lamp, since the top edge of the dial cover is somewhat opaque and it
seems to barely illuminate the dial, even in a darkened room! Nevertheless, I've electrically restored this radio and it does perform quite well.
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