The Pye PE41 is a 1951 export
version of the type A39J/H domestic receiver. This was one of a pair brought
back to the UK from Kenya. Although it basically worked it improved
dramatically after all the critical capacitors had been changed.
The
A39J/H's long wave and trawler bands are replaced by 2.5-8MHz and 7-18.5MHz
short wave bands on this model. The valve line-up is EF39 (RF), ECH35 (freq.
changer), EF22 (IF), ECC35 (Det. & phase splitter), 2 x EL33 (output), AZ31
(rectifier). The later, 39J/H, has an EF39 in place of the EF22 and an EBC33 in
place of the ECC35.
When received, the radio did work on all bands but
was lacking in sensitivity, output power and its bass response was poor. Both
halves of the AZ31 were poor, the ECC35 was at ~30% and the EBC33 was low. The
article, by Eric Kempshall, in Radio Bygones no. 76, describes restoration of a
39J/H. In addition to the components suggested for replacement there (C37, 39
& R 4, 16, 17, 21, 23, 26, 27), the main electrolytic, C64/5 was replaced.
In order to prevent later trouble and to fix the lack of LF response, the
output cathode de-coupling and the 0.1u, 0.01u and 0.5u capacitors were
replaced. The cracked and broken diffuser was replaced with mylar drawing
sheet.Following a full re-alignment the
radio worked extremely well. |
