Vintage radio operation - Some may think this is obvious, but it can be overlooked if you don't know about it - and how many of have the instruction manuals for our 60's radios?! I think this applies to most period radios, though some may have the trimmer accessed in another way. You must do this with the aerial extended fully as you would use it.
If you pull off the tuning knob, and look carefully, you will see beside the spindle a small slot with a slotted screw in it. This is the aerial trimmer (a variable capacitor) and is used to match your aerial to the input circuit. Try turning this with a small screwdriver (preferably with a plastic blade - home-made?) to optimise your signal. Turn it clockwise first and it will eventually reach the end of its travel, then back it off from there. Too far anti-clockwise and the screw might drop out, but it will turn several revolutions without problem.
The effect is not perfect over the band, and will be different for long wave, so find a compromise or optimise it for your favourite programme. This can make a dramatic difference. Hope this helps. Alan Cross HML
