Sparton Models 566 ("Bluebird" Mirror), 506 and 594 A.C.-D.C. 5-Tube 2-Band Midget Superhet

Radio Service Data Sheet
June 1936 Radio-Craft

June 1936 Radio-Craft

June 1936 Radio-Craft Cover - RF Cafe[Table of Contents]

Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early electronics. See articles from Radio-Craft, published 1929 - 1953. All copyrights are hereby acknowledged.

Sparton Models 566 ("Bluebird" Mirror) - RF CafeThis 'Bluebird' radio from Sparton has to be one of the most unique models of its era (mid 1930s). A Google search turns up quite a few examples of restored Model 566s. A Radio Service Data Sheet for the Sparton Model 566 appeared in the June 1936 issue of Radio-Craft magazine. It is a 5-tube, 2-band miniature design that operated on either an AC or a DC supply. Tuning covered 172 through 1710 kHz, which is shortwave and AM broadcast. The thumbnail image of the Sparton Model 566 'Bluebird' radio came from the TubeRadioLand.com website, where much more information can be found.

Sparton Models 566 ("Bluebird" Mirror), 506 and 594 A.C.-D.C. 5-Tube 2-Band Midget Super.

Radio Service Data Sheet

Sparton Models 566 ("Bluebird" Mirror), 506 and 594 A.C.-D.C. 5-Tube 2-Band Midget Super. Radio Service Data Sheet, June 1936 Radio-Craft - RF CafeRanges 550 to 6,000 kc, in 2 bands; A.V.C.; illuminated dial; dynamic speaker; tone control.

This A.C.-D.C. compact receiver should be tested for proper voltages at a line potential of about 119 V. The antenna should be dis-connected and the volume control turned on full with the wave-band switch in the short-wave position. A variation of plus or minus 15 per cent is allowable on all readings

All above voltages are measured to ground. Alignment should be made with an oscillator which can cover a range of from 172.5 to 1,710 kc. If the oscillator does not have a 0.1-mf. condenser in the antenna lead, such a condenser should be added. The lead should be connected to the cap of V1, and the other lead grounded to chassis. An output meter must be connected from plate of V4 to ground. Tune service oscillator to 456 kc., turn the set condenser all the way out of mesh, and adjust the I.F. transformer condensers. Set the station selector knob at 540 kc, and make sure the condenser rotor plates mesh evenly with the stator plates. Then align the set at 1,500 kc. after having first set the service oscillator at this frequency. Again align at 900 kc. on the set dial

 

 

Posted June 20, 2017


Radio Service Data Sheets

These schematics, tuning instructions, and other data are reproduced from my collection of vintage radio and electronics magazines. As back in the era, similar schematic and service info was available for purchase from sources such as SAMS Photofacts, but these printings were a no-cost bonus for readers. There are 227 Radio Service Data Sheets as of December 28, 2020.