1. Ham, Amateur Radio Communication For Sale
  2. sku: 2168098742030321
  3. RCA AR-88D

RCA AR-88D Receiver

Ar-88d Rca Receiver Reconditioned

( Brand: Rca ), ( Model: AR-88D ), ( Type: Base Station ), ( Frequency Band S : Hf ), ( Supported Modes: Am )

Review RCA Receiver Reconditioned

The AR-88D RCA Receiver is a versatile and high-performing audio system that delivers exceptional sound quality for both home and entertainment purposes. This receiver boasts a powerful 88W per channel output, ensuring that your music, movies, and games come alive with rich, detailed sound.

The AR-88D features a sleek, modern design that fits seamlessly into any living room or home theater setup. Its front-panel controls, including an LCD display, allow for easy operation and adjustment of settings like volume, treble, bass, and balance. It also includes a built-in AM/FM tuner, allowing you to enjoy your favorite radio stations without the need for an additional external device.

This receiver supports various connectivity options, including RCA, coaxial, and optical inputs. This means you can connect a wide range of audio sources, such as CD players, turntables, satellite receivers, and even game consoles. The AR-88D also includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The AR-88D RCA Receiver is built with high-quality components, ensuring reliable performance and durability. It features a Direct Energy Design, which reduces internal noise and improves power efficiency, and a high-current toroidal power transformer, which provides stable and clean power to the amplifier.

In summary, the AR-88D RCA Receiver is a versatile and powerful audio system that delivers exceptional sound quality, supports a wide range of connectivity options, and is built with high-quality components for reliable performance. Whether you're an audiophile or just looking to enhance your home entertainment experience, the AR-88D is an excellent choice.

AR-88D RCA Receiver: Pros:

1. Affordable price point: The AR-88D RCA receiver is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for individuals looking to upgrade their audio setup without breaking the bank.

2. Versatile connectivity: This receiver offers a variety of connectivity options, including RCA, optical, and coaxial inputs, allowing users to connect multiple devices such as CD players, turntables, and even streaming devices.

3. Easy to use: The AR-88D RCA receiver features a straightforward user interface, making it simple for even novice users to set up and operate.

Cons:

1. Limited power output: With a power output of 120 watts per channel, the AR-88D RCA receiver may not be suitable for users with larger speakers or home theaters requiring more power.

2. Basic features: Compared to more advanced receivers, the AR-88D RCA receiver has a limited set of features, such as no Bluetooth connectivity or built-in Wi-Fi, which may be a drawback for some users.

3. Aesthetic design: The AR-88D RCA receiver's design may not appeal to those looking for a more modern or sleek appearance.

Conclusion:

The AR-88D RCA receiver is a great option for budget-conscious individuals looking to upgrade their audio setup with a versatile and easy-to-use receiver. However, its limited power output and basic features may not appeal to users with more demanding audio needs or preferences for a more aesthetically pleasing design.

Recommendation:

If you are looking for an affordable and versatile RCA receiver for your home audio setup, the AR-88D RCA receiver is a solid choice. However, if you require more power or advanced features, it may be worth considering investing in a more premium receiver that better meets your specific needs and preferences.

Details:

Two of the metal tub bypass capacitor assemblies were already removed and replaced with modern individual 600 CDC capacitors. However, I cannot claim it is dead on at every point the dial face for each selected band. The oa3 regulator tube was properly re-wired along with a new loading resistor installed. This sale is buyer pickup-only.

Two of the knobs have slight chips in there flared outer rims that are barely noticeable. In this case, I decided to gently clean the top with a soft brush and special cleaning liquid. The cabinet was not bead blasted to bare metal.

Previous modifications to the regulated 150 CDC circuit rendered oa3 tube regulator as not properly regulating. I elected not reface this Shiite nos meter with a replica of the original Rca printed face, but instead retained carrier level white face. The actual chassis top was covered with dust and grime collected over years. Repair capacitor replacement of the bf if oscillator circuit successfully restored rec.

Two of the spot welded front panel threaded mounting studs were in their respective chassis holes, but no longer attached to broken welds. There is plenty of volume level into a 4 ohm speaker. Electronic reconditioning: all tube sockets and potentiates were detoxed cleaned lubed. All tubes checked for emission and leakage shorts.

The two broken front panel mounting studs were spot MiG welded back to completely disassembled plate rear side, without damage existing original wrinkle paint on. Still attached to the front panel, non-original mounted small s-meter, plastic dial window assembly and vertical pointer indicators were separated from removed rear of panel. The actual tuning gear box was covered with grime and dried grease. Utilizing an 8 ohm speaker will drop the volume level somewhat but there is still plenty of to be had.

The actual front panel plate was also thoroughly cleaned. Fabricate a steel cabinet bezel frame to cover front panel gap on the existing original. Typically it only takes about volume rotation to achieve a comfortable listening level with pair of 8 ohm headphones, however that will vary different types headphones. 5 MHz outer dial setting.

The maximum transformer temperature measure during evaluation burn-in was 97. Mechanically, main dial tuning now rotates smoothly and freely. This is one of the longest and most detailed write ups I have ever released to an listing. A new grounded three prong plug power line cord was also installed.

This bezel is completely removable once the front panel mounting screws are removed. 2f degrees on top of the transformer and I do not know authenticity this signature date origin no clue about its history. Regardless, considering a small section the top of front panel had been cut away, rest is in remarkably excellent cosmetic condition. The write up assumes that potential buyers have some knowledge of Rca AR-88D communications receiver.

There was obvious indications this gearbox received some previous repair adjustment work. All front panel lettering is in tack and complete surprisingly excellent readable condition. All of the front panel switches mechanically operated with some stiffness on select and shaft looseness potentiate controlled functions. The Shiite s-meter face is very close to size of original Rca AR-88D and covers dial window beautifully.

Some of the replaced lower value carbon resistors were as much 50 out tolerance. Electronic alignment if Soc RF: overall, the 455 khz was straight forward without issues.

This meter contains, by design, a round disc moving magnet fixed coil type movement. If it has any type of historical significance or otherwise, can still be referenced at this location. Underneath the chassis, both if and Soc mixer chassis sections still have their bottom shield plate covers in place. The local oscillator was verified 455 khz above dialed frequency for each band.

Please consider this detailed descriptive write up as part of radios reconditioning documentation. 1f degrees on the bottom side near chassis mounting screws. Both front panel chrome trim strips are in good condition.

In order to cover the cabinet front panel gap top, created by existing shorter height operator panel, a steel bezel was fabricated surround both sides and of. 3 CDC regulated. Some gearing had obvious wear, which was expected.

Closer inspection of this coupling revealed it to be in good condition and will reused.

End results evaluations: the reconditioning of this ar-88 was more challenging than many other re-conditioning's I have completed over years. The regulated 150 CDC voltage changed. The front panel knobs and then operator plate were physically separated from radio chassis.

The original black wrinkled paint on cabinet contained some scratches and chips.

After complete gearbox disassembly, all gears were inspected and none missing teeth or damaged. The completed reassembled gear box was set aside until ready for remounting to chassis. Selectivity response is excellent with all if band pass selections. The frequency and index rotary dial faces were removed from their rotational shafts.

During the reconditioning process, this coupling would be evaluated closer. There are no missing words letters or rub outs. I have not obtained any information regarding the past history or previous owners of this AR-88D.

After ensuring there were no shorts in the power supply b circuits, radio was powered. By original design, the index rotary dial printing is marked every five points units with printed numbers and between are unit marks bottom scale. A new mounting bracket was fabricated to mount the Shiite s-meter rear of front panel onto plastic dial window assembly.

At 6db down, the 455 khz alignment produced if selectivity about 15, 8, 4, each bands local oscillator including main tuning plates for bands 3 and 6 only were adjusted to give best overall dial accuracy across limits. I did not inject a signal into the antenna receptacle while powered, but instead elected to stop further observations evaluations and start with actual disassembly reconditioning of radio. Again, the sale of this ar-88 is local pick-up only at vicinity stated beginning write up. This Rca ar-88 has been electronically, mechanically and cosmetically reconditioned, with modifications.

Observations underneath component bottom the chassis reveled a partial recapping capacitor replacement had taken place at some point. Despite the shortened front panel height , is in remarkably excellent cosmetic condition. Two of the gear shaft axle pensioner adjustment screw slots were broken at end. I document notes before, during and after most every radio recondition.

All dial index markings are complete. Cosmetically, mechanically and electronically this AR-88D was in repairable condition. Since two of the metal bypass capacitor tubs had already been removed by a previous owner, I elected not to retain remaining tub assemblies house new capacitors.

The removed main cabinet was then sprayed with same black wrinkle finish paint. The bottom of s-meter lens face contains a very thin fabricated metal cover to hide internal workings this installed as viewed from front panel window. The corrected wiring of regulated 150vdc circuit now measures this created like new knobs with a beautiful finish and shine. The bf cw functions as designed with slight improvements in injection.

As all of the documentation and posted web articles have stated, this ar88 is no exception, receive sensitivity across its entire coverage, especially in higher bands truly remarkable for a radio vintage. Before reconditioning observation evaluation notes: when I received this ar-88, the cabinet paint was in poor condition. Each of the anti-backlash gears sets were checked for proper movement and spring loading.

However, by design, this tuning stop system is a weak point with the ar-88. Minor modifications to the audio circuitry were made improve performance and protection of 6k6 output tube. Attempt to find a used front panel or of volt during the continuous power on test. A very small left hand zero s-meter not an Rca ar-88 original was installed by previous owner, but electrically connected.

This ar-88 now has the recognizable and expected sensitivity selectivity with very clear clean audio recovery. As well a modified bracket had been fabricated to hold this meter in place the back side of front panel. Cw Sb transmissions are still better tuned by reducing the RF gain slightly and turning up volume a bit. As received, a large 2.

Now, tuning a signal at the narrowest if band pass will maintain only very slight change in level indication between and widest selection. Both dial faces were gently cleaned and set aside for reassembly to the radio. As it turned out this was no exception. Headphone volume into a pair of 8 ohm headphones is more than plentiful.

Led power is from the 6 vac tube filament circuit. A very interesting find on this radio during the initial observation was inner variable tuning condenser metal shield. At some point in its life time there was an obvious repair of the gearbox to main ganged tuning capacitor shaft flex coupling.

It continues to operate flawlessly. When the front panel was cut, exposed edge sanded and painted black. The radio chassis itself was covered with a film of dust grime. After a 48 hour continuous power on test, the reconditioning reveled no changes in if RF alignment.

All original cabinet feet were missing. With considerable work, this radio can be brought back to its original performance level and continue maintain some of cosmetic appeal those that may interest in owning an AR-88D. This was evident by obvious bent tuning condenser plates in the oscillator sections. I was a bit perplexed why such small section of the top panel cut off.

In darker room settings, the color of s-meter illumination very closely matches soft amber incandescent illuminated frequency and index dials. The places a very slight amount of rotational drag on potentiate knobs when rotating. Three new gear axle adjustment tension screws were machined lathed with the ball bearing carrier pockets recessed in end of each set screw.

However, no amount of adjusting created an absolute perfect tractable dial for each band. On the rear of chassis newly installed s-meter adjustment potentiate, fuse holder and grounded power cord were electrically wired for operation. Cw mode was not operating. Interested buyers should understand the potential risks associated with purchasing owning operating a radio of this vintage era.

The underside of chassis electronic component side was found very clean and neat requiring little cleaning maintenance. This radio is very electronically stable. Possibility beyond repair.

Each knobs white line indicator was repainted with automobile paint. Even though I repaired reconditioned modified this radio, it still contains hundreds of original parts. The most shocking observation found regarding this radio deals with front operator panel.

As received, about one quarter inch of the top metal front panel has been cut away, across entire width panel, reducing height . The 6 vac power to new led circuit board is full wave rectified, electrolytic capacitor filtered and resistor dropped prevent visual flickering 60hz of s-meter dial needle as it moves while been illuminated. Power up after mechanical and electronic reconditioning reveled no surprises.

The mounted front panel Rca emblem was missing most of its red paint and in rough condition. The new bezel was sanded then primed and painted with black wrinkle finish paint see pictures. I did not attempt to rotate the tuning control dial each end of travel, until gear box could be removed, cleaned and repaired. After removing the larger main tuning condenser tube shield, inner shield was exposed.

Update: I have been using this ar-88 in my shack ever since reconditioning completion. The original front panel paint labeling is in excellent condition with all function lettering tack. As well, the main ganged tuning capacitor shaft couplet looked if it received a repair in which actual housing had been soldered. The large sectional main power supply electrolytic capacitor was not replaced and showed no signs of oil leakage.

Other than the partial bypass capacitor replacement and 150 CDC regulator circuit modification by a previous owner, everything else look as original in place. The front panel black wrinkle paint finish is also in excellent condition. The other remaining tub capacitor assemblies were still mounted but showing signs of heavy oil leakage.

Four mounting holes were drilled in the steel bezel to match cabinet front screw. All bypass capacitors are replaced with polypropylene orange drops rated at 600vdc. A couple repair options presented themselves in this case. B voltage s supplies and current levels were as expected.

Selectivity was obviously poor listening by ear. The installed Shiite s-meter did not contain any provisions for dial face illumination.

Above that top, the scale is printed with half marked units. All gear box shaft ball bearing carriers were cleaned again and repacked with white lithium grease. Typical volume levels with headphones, as well speakers, will vary different make model's. Repeatability of the index dial from either direction is very close, within one marked unit point bottom scale rotation.

During alignment it was a matter of give and take as far maintaining dial frequency accuracy for the selected bands.

All mechanical select switch ball detentes were cleaned and re-greased with white lithium grease. The Rca emblem was cleaned and buffed then repainted red white. The actual original adjustment screws are made of a high carbon steel content and very brittle. This replacement plastic dial window assembly is in excellent shape with all printed band number identifiers and lines complete.

With the new three prong power cord installed, radio chassis is now connected to line ground when incoming. Antique vintage radio: every effort has been made to this Rca ar-88 prolong its operational life and ensure as close possible factory specification performance. All wafer select switch contacts and potentiates were detoxed lubed with proper electronic lubricant. The tuning gearbox assembly was completely removed and ultrasonically cleaned as a whole before its disassembly.

A tremendous amount of work was performed to bring its operation performance back as close possible original specs. After careful lithium greasing of all gear pivot ball points and tooth mesh points, reassembly the box was performed to ensure pre-loads were achieved between sets. The three remaining capacitor tubs, containing bypass capacitors each, were replaced with individual replacements. The tuning index dial rotary face has only a slight discoloration in one section and barely noticeable when rotated.

Other than some obvious modifications to the 150 CDC regulated voltage section and partial recapping of if section, rest electrical electronics seemed be original untouched. There were few areas of minor surface rust on top the radio chassis. I made a point to leave this writing in tack during the reconditioning of radio.

All front panel function knobs obtained an attractive shine. All low signal levels were measured verified with a hp-8566b spectrum analyzer. Cleaning aggressively will lighten or partially erase the ink stamping and other identifiers on chassis. Rca AR-88D up for sale is a am cw shortwave receiver, serial number completed capacitor replacement inside the bf transformer assembly was necessary.

Four new large rubber feet were mounted underneath the cabinet to support massive weight of this radio. Visual inspection of the main power supply transformer and choke housing showed no signs detraction. This is a very unique series of communication receivers with considerable amount history behind them. During the 48 hour burn in, main power transformer idled along effortlessly, only getting slightly warm to touch on its top.

The yellow black index rotary dial has some very slight discoloration in one area. All remaining original paper bypass capacitors were replaced, regardless of their condition.

The chassis underside electronic component of radio was surprisingly clean and neat. The main tuning dial would rotate but with considerable drag brake screw completely released. All tube sockets contacts were detoxed and cleaned. I absolutely fear shipping a radio of this size and weight.

I do not usually aggressively brush or polish the top of any radio chassis unless it is extremely dirty stained rusted. Signal sweep alignment of the 455 khz if circuits produced very well defined band pass images skirts for each setting selectivity control. The rounded head recessed cabinet mounting screws are brass with washers. All older original IRC resistors were replaced as well some non-IRC.

The cabinet had been repainted over sprayed in some areas by previous owners at point its life. The front panel decorative trim chrome strips were carefully removed cleaned and polished.

So with that, I will not chance destroying this radio by a careless shipping handler. An AR-88D plastic dial window assembly was located purchased and installed to the rear of front panel replace original that badly cracked. The if section bypass capacitors replaced by a previous owners also have 600 CDC ratings.

Finding a used front panel in as good or better cosmetic condition paint, lettering, etc. 2 meg resistors and others obtained readings as high 10 or higher.

The newly painted bezel trim hides actual front panel mounting screw slots 6 thus giving radio a nice standalone cabinet look. Electrically they functioned perfectly.

The radio power transformer primary winding is fused 2 slow blow with an installed fuse holder on rear of chassis. I purchased this radio with the intent of reconditioning and resale. This will ensure minimum gear backlash between forward and reverse dial tuning.

Unfortunately, this ar-88 was not in an original unmodified cosmetic condition as found. However, due to the age of this radio, inevitably electrical, electronic and mechanical components will eventually fail. This type of cleaning will not leave a like new spotless shine on the chassis top but remove all loose dirt and grime. Cw mode did not produce any audio and seem to function.

The 6k6 audio output tube was replaced due to low emission. From a cosmetic standpoint the new paint and clean looks brings lot of character, nostalgia appeal to this 70 plus year old radio. If you are a SQL enthusiast or ham operator, as I am, with good antenna system it is an addictive adventure to operate ar-88 that operating at its designed performance level.

This Rca ar-88 radio is being sold as modified repaired reconditioned. All original wiring harnesses were in place. 5 x 1 inch angle steel, welded and ground sanded at right joints to form seamless. As purchased, the new s-meter contains a standard relative signal strength reading face plate marked ins units.

All front panel knobs were ultrasonically cleaned, then sanded and polished with 1500 to 6000 grit sandpaper in a series of multiple passes turning lathe spindle. Cosmetic mechanical reconditioning: the empty cabinet and top hinged cover were lightly sanded cleaned. I cannot think why someone would want to cut this very thick copper plated steel panel, other than attempt fit the chassis into another type of non-original Rca cabinet or rack.

This reconditioned radio will not be shipped. Evaluation of the gear box revealed considerable slop lost motion between some gearing as well several sets not being correctly reloaded. 8k wire wound 10 watt resistor was electrically connected across the regulator tube sockets spare non-usable pins to emulate 150 voltage .

At initial power up, even with the supply operating less than full potential, I did hear some static coming from attached speaker each selected band in rec. On the rear of chassis, new a power line fuse holder, s-meter adjustment potentiate and so-239 antenna receptacle were mounted. The removed s-meter was set aside to be replaced by a larger Shiite right hand 5ma that is closer size of original Rca ar-88.

After cleaning the chassis all original markings and stamping were retained. A nos right hand original Shiite 5ma s-meter carrier level was purchased to replace the smaller non-functional non-original left. A couple of the original IRC resistors had been replaced but most were still in use.

Mostly, bypass capacitors in the if circuit were replaced. To help minimize some the loose feel of these shafts, a soft felt pad is placed between mounted control knob and front panel plate provide extra potentiate shaft rigidity. Typically most all radios I recondition will end up in my shack for a period of time before putting sale and this ar-88 is no exception.

This bezel is made from Cosmetically after reconditioning: the newly painted cabinet looks good but wrinkled black paint did not spray as evenly I would have liked most of front panel mounted potentiate controls volume, noise, RF, hf contain small amounts mechanical looseness side to in their rotational shafts. Cw signals are easy to dial tune and adjust as well Sb. The frequency yellow black rotary dial received a small repair at some point in its life to replace chip that had broken off on very outer edge of near 28.

The dial end of travel functions as designed with positive stops. On the back side inside cabinet of front panel, small led circuit board is mounted top s-meter lens and aligned to illuminate downward onto dial face. 5 khz with equal if gain at each selection. Without question, hitting hard or forcing pass a stop will damage the gear sets in box.

As described in this write up, ar-88 contains electronic, cosmetic and mechanical modifications from the original Rca design.

specifications hamamateuradio:

  • brand: Rca
  • model: Ar-88d
  • type: Base Station
  • frequency band s : Hf
  • supported modes: Am

Seller hamamateuradio:

  • city: Spout Spring, Virginia
  • zipcode: 24593

Offer hamamateuradio:

  • best offer: false
  • quantity: 1
  • bids: 0
  • Started: March 19, 2018, 2:16 am
  • Sold: 0

Shipping hamamateuradio:

  • type: NotSpecified

Ratings:

  1. Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. 03-15-18
  2. Great Success! Much wow! 03-16-18
  3. A Thank you for shopping with SWEN Products! Great transaction! 02-19-18
  4. Thanks for your purchase from UPE-GROUP 02-16-18
  5. Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. 02-25-18

Returns hamamateuradio:

  • policy: no returns

Payments hamamateuradio:

  • PayPal

General hamamateuradio:

  • condition: Seller refurbished
  • in stock: Yes
  • consumer electronics > radio communication electronics > ham amateur radio communication
type: base station, frequency band s: hf, supported modes: am,
category: electronics > radio communication electronics > ham amateur radio communication, sku: 2168098742030321,
Review#1 Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. ()
Review#2 Great Success! Much wow! ()
Review#3 A Thank you for shopping with SWEN Products! Great transaction! ()
Review#4 Thanks for your purchase from UPE-GROUP ()
Review#5 Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. ()
Rca AR-88D Is Similar To:

Copyright © hamamateuradio.com