Zenith Model 6-S-52 Black-Dial Console Radio (1936)
The nicely appointed 6-S-52 (6S52) console radio covers three bands:-
standard broadcast from 540-1550kc (Band A), shortwave from 1500-
4200kc (Band B) and shortwave from 5.6-18.2mc (Band C) (ranges
approximate). The 6-tube type 5619 chassis is the same as employed
for the season's 6-S-27 tombstone. The original purchase price in late
1935 was $69.95.
The tube line-up is 6A8G (LO/mixer), 6K7G (IF), 6H6G (2nd-detector/
AVC), 6K7G (1st AF), 6F6G (power output) and 5Y3G (rectifier). The
schematic can be seen here.
I found this radio in an antiques store and it had obviously been used
as a plant stand at some time or another as much of the lacquer on the
top was long gone - the result of exposure to moisture. I therefore re-
finished this section. However the rest of the finish is original and in
great shape.
Electrically, the output transformer primary was open but this turned out
to be the result of a break at the point where the lead-in wire connects
to the primary winding - an easy repair. I did the standard recap,
replaced all out-of-tolerance resistors and repaired an open section on
the candohm resistor (a common affliction of Zeniths). A re-alignment
completed the chassis restoration and it now plays very nicely.
I particularly like the illuminated colored dial when the radio is turned
on, especially when viewed in a darkened room. I know these radios
are famous for their "big black dials" but in operation they become a
mix of reds, yellows and greens! (photo to follow)
standard broadcast from 540-1550kc (Band A), shortwave from 1500-
4200kc (Band B) and shortwave from 5.6-18.2mc (Band C) (ranges
approximate). The 6-tube type 5619 chassis is the same as employed
for the season's 6-S-27 tombstone. The original purchase price in late
1935 was $69.95.
The tube line-up is 6A8G (LO/mixer), 6K7G (IF), 6H6G (2nd-detector/
AVC), 6K7G (1st AF), 6F6G (power output) and 5Y3G (rectifier). The
schematic can be seen here.
I found this radio in an antiques store and it had obviously been used
as a plant stand at some time or another as much of the lacquer on the
top was long gone - the result of exposure to moisture. I therefore re-
finished this section. However the rest of the finish is original and in
great shape.
Electrically, the output transformer primary was open but this turned out
to be the result of a break at the point where the lead-in wire connects
to the primary winding - an easy repair. I did the standard recap,
replaced all out-of-tolerance resistors and repaired an open section on
the candohm resistor (a common affliction of Zeniths). A re-alignment
completed the chassis restoration and it now plays very nicely.
I particularly like the illuminated colored dial when the radio is turned
on, especially when viewed in a darkened room. I know these radios
are famous for their "big black dials" but in operation they become a
mix of reds, yellows and greens! (photo to follow)
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..with all the worthwhile features of a modern radio receiver.
| "Zenith 6-S-52. 6 tubes. Tunes AMERICAN and FOREIGN STATIONS, police, amateur, aviation conversations, ships at sea. Tuning range 5 wavebands on three simplified dial ranges. 10-inch dynamic speaker. Black Magnavision Dial, bands individually illuminated in colors. Split-second Tuning. Overtone Amplifier. 39 inches high" |
| "Twirl the famous "Magnavision" black dial on this Zenith. Notice that it has two hands, like a clock! There's the reason why you can tune, log, relocate accurately practically any foreign station in the world with this set. One hand tunes the general station location. The other, super-sensitive, tunes within an area, separating closely crowded stations. Besides, you'll enjoy the clear, deep resonant tone and the beautifully designed cabinet of this Zenith" |
more..
Zenith. The radio that has everything...
..an explanation of "split-second" tuning extracted from a 1935 newspaper ad featuring the 6-S-52.