EB5AGV's Workbench: Collins 30L-1 restoration
A Classic Desktop Linear Amplifier
This page will be devoted to my Collins 30L-1 amplifier restoration.
I got the unit uncomplete, after being stored for a long time. Luckily, it is missing some non essential parts, which I hope to find so the unit will come back to its former glory. I plan to match it with my KWM-2A and my S-line.
Unit as received
I got the unit very well packaged (thanks Jose Luis!) and, as I already knew, missing some parts.
It is a Round Emblem unit, serial number 27366, and from military origin, as one label in the rear panel shows.
Here you have some pictures of it:
This is the pretty nice model label on the tubes cage cover:
This is a top view, with tubes cover removed:
And this is the serial number label, in very good condition for its age:
These are some of the input filter coils:
Some of the missing parts are a pair of plate caps and its corresponding parasitic suppressor. Only a couple are present:
All internal parts seem to be in good shape:
I hope the large power transformer is OK!
These are the high voltage filter capacitors, which will need replacement:
This is a bottom view, with cover removed:
Tube ceramic sockets are also on pretty nice condition:
More nice looking components:
This is the diode board:
This power resistor is dated year 1968, week 22, when I was about two weeks old!
Anothe close view of the bottom side components:
The fan seems in pristine condition:
Someday here there will be four 811A/572B tubes plugged!
The meter glass is broken but the meter movement seems to be OK:
This is a general view of the unit, upside down on the workbench. Front panel is in decent shape, with no big scratches. Cabinet is not in so good shape.
So far, so good!. Now I need to locate the missing parts and then probably rebuild the rectifier/capacitor board.
As always, any hint regarding this restoration or where to find parts will be welcomed!
Parts needed
These are the parts I need to complete restoration:
- Four 811A (or 572B) tubes
- Two plate caps and parasitic suppressor
- Feet
- Cabinet screws (most of them)
- HV rectifier / capacitor board kit
More to come soon... keep tuned!