Executive CTZ 100D $5 hamfest find

[BBB]

Nice old time tube CB radio I snagged at the Kimberton Ham Fest the other day for a Lincoln. The 1965-1966 International Crystal Executive CTZ-100D had a 1/4" of dust inside and it appears that it acted as a protective cover because after I vacuumed the radio out, it shined almost like new inside. I haven't detailed the outside yet but will get some pics of it when I'm done.

One thing I'd like to know from anyone that's had one of these is what is that large canister attached to the inside left side back of the radio? Its held in place by a bracket and is basically what appears to be just a steel canister filled with wax and a black top and two small gauge red wires coming out of the top. Only markings on it are inked on the bottom of it... "514-104". I'm going to guess its a capacitor?? Never saw one like that, especially unmarked as to what value it may be??

[BBB]

I see some "M-80" caps in there also

[bill]

You can find the Manual and Schematic here
www.cbtricks.com/radios/international_crystal/index.htm

I never had one, nor seen one....

[2600]

Don't think I've ever serviced one of those.

What it looks like is the big paper cap they would call the "buffer", wired in parallel with the B+ winding of the power transformer. Its purpose was to smooth the edges of the square wave the vibrator produced when running from DC mobile power. Any time you replaced a vibrator you were supposed to replace this cap at the same time. If you didn't it would void the guarantee on your new vibrator. If this cap shorted, it would destroy the vibrator pretty fast. Wasn't so healthy for the power transformer, either.

If it appears to be connected across two red wires coming out of the power transformer that's what it is. The schematic at the link above shows C95, a .01uf cap in this spot. Doesn't show the voltage rating, but 600 or 1000 Volts would be my guess.

And then again, maybe it's something else.

73

[BBB]

Thanks for the replies. This radio doesn't have a vibrator. I'll see where it connects and go from there as some of the wax melted at some point and spilled out.