Electrohome World Cruiser/Viking 53-18

World Cruiser

Manufacturer: Dominion Electrohome, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Model: World Cruiser
Approximate Date Of Manufacture: 1953
Type: 6-tube Superheterodyne AM/SW band radio
Tube lineup: 6X5GT, 6AQ5A, 6AV6, 6BA6 (2), 6BE6
Status: working, restored
Where purchased: eBay, September 2004

Description

This is a 6 tube radio in a wooden case with AM and shortwave (9.0 - 15.5 MHz) bands and phono input jack. As received it was working but some static was heard in the audio. All of the tubes are miniature types except the 6X5GT which is octal. It is a transformer power supply design with 6.3V filaments. I was able to obtain a schematic from RCC.

I gave the unit a thorough cleaning, replaced the line cord, recapped it, and replaced one out of spec resistor. I tested the tubes -- some of them were marginal but the radio operates fine.

I was able to obtain a schematic from RCC. The case has some minor scratches but I did nothing to it except cleaning and waxing. The dial glass is very attractive with many city names listed on the shortwave band and it is illuminated by no less that 4 pilot lamps. It is a little unusual in that the shortwave only covers frequencies above 9.0 MHz. It has a tone control and a selector for AM, SW, or PHONO input. The speaker has a metal grille with cloth underneath. I'm not sure if the speaker grille is original.

Unlike cheaper 5 tube radios, this one has a dedicated RF amplifier stage. The schematic lists the sensitivity at 9.0 MHz as 5 microvolts, which is quite respectable. I was able to pick up many shortwave stations during the day from the basement using a few feet of wire as an antenna. Selectivity is also good, although it is a little difficult to tune a receiver like this on shortwave without a bandspread control.

Pictures