If you own a GE Superadio I or Superadio II and you would like an expert to restore and/or replace the capacitors, you’re in luck!
Chuck Rippel (K8HU) has announced that he will start repairing and restoring GE Superadios for anyone interested. In the past, he’s done this on a case-by-case basis when time allowed, but he has stocked up on top-shelf components and cleared off his workbench to bring Superadios back to life.
I can confirm that his work is superb. You might recall this post and video showing just how impressive his re-capped and restored Superadios perform. My restored Superadio held its own when compared with my Panasonic RF-2200 and even outperformed it in some respects. Click here to read that post.
Chuck asks that you contact him via email if you would like your Superadio recapped or repaired.
You can reach Chuck at:
A note about the Superadio III
As mentioned above, Chuck only works on the SRI and SRII models.
Chuck notes that the issue with repairing SRIIIs is: “[working with] the tuning mechanism and putting it back together so it works and the dial is in reasonable calibration. If the dial cord comes off, it’s terrible to tray and re-install so, I stay away from model III’s.“
I have a GE Super Radio mod 7-2880-A. The AM/FM SWITCH HAS BECOME SO THAT IT DROPS OUT. WIGGILING IT RESTORES THE FUNCTION. IS IT REPAIRABLE, IS THE SWITCH AVAILABLE AND CAN YOU GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE?
Hi Robert, it’s probably better to contact Chuck via the e-mail address above. In my experience an intermittent switch as you describe can be corrected with a cleaning. Sometimes the switch need to be disassembled to do so and sometimes not.
BTW I took advantage of Chuck’s recapping service on my SRII and I’m glad I did. The radio performs better than new now.
Best to drop me a note at [email protected]. If you have the newer switch assy, it’s largely plastic and is the one famous for breaking when the cabinet of the radio is taken apart. That said, it may the older, metal power switch which can be cleaned with Cramolin. Going back to the plastic switch, I have successfully changed that version of the switch with the older metal version. The chassis must be modified internally (you won’t be able to tell a physical difference) but it’s possible.
If interested, please write me and I’ll make sure I have a power switch for you. The change is included in the restore process / price I will send.
Can you do a Radio Shack Optimus 12-604. It looks like a Superadio with the old TV bands from Channel 2 thru 69
I stick to the GE Super Radio Model I and Model II as I have parts and documentation for those 2 models. RCA made the model III and it’s nearly impossible to remove the circuit boards to install the new capacitors, access the alignment points, etc…. due to the tuning mechanism. I’ve worked on 3 successfully but the process is exceptionally tenuous.
I just got done with a Realistic DX-150A, re-cap, re-align, cabinet re-finish and modification of the power supply to make it a choke input circuit v/s the stock capacitive. Result is there is zero 120 cycle hum the DX150 and 160 are known for. Not bad receivers even though they are single conversion.
Hello Chuck! I have a GE super radio 1. The reception is good but it lacks a strong volume that was once louder years ago. I’m not concerned much of the appearance because I use it as my work radio. I believe it needs new caps in the audio circuit but, your the best one to fix that problem from my research. Can you please send me an estimate about the repair? Thanks
I believe the SR Model I’s sound the best, to my ears anyway. They are electrically identical to the model 2’s albeit without the factory-installed tweeter.
Drop me a note, we’ll set you up.
[email protected]
Mr. Rippel took my GE SR2 and literally turned it into a near-mint radio. Switch rebuilding and cleaning, capacitor replacements, power switch replacement, speaker replaced, all old parts were returned to me, and the entire unit completely detailed out.
I highly recommend his service.
Tom
Do they also do Sony icf2010 mods. I’ve had almost every SW radio made in the last 50 years, and the Sony outperforms every one of them up to the Drake R8b. MW reception on the stock 2010 is however marred by the use of an RF filter that is too wide to keep out interfence from the adjacent channel. If you are into MXL or MXDXing you will need to switch out the stock filter for something narrower like a Kiwa.
It is great that this service is now available. Out of curiosity, does the newer C Crane EP Pro /CCRadio IIe / CCRadio III outperform the Ge Superadios, or are the Superadios still superior in some way? I also gather that Chuck is using top notch components, so perhaps after his repairs, the radios are now Super – Superadios?
The EP Pro and SR-x are close but IMHO, the nod goes to the GE. If nothing else, it sounds much better than the C Crane. Here is a shootout between the 2:
https://youtu.be/EPkvt6tCh_I
Chuck
Chuck worked his magic on my Superadio and I couldn’t be more pleased
This is good news! It’s a shame Chuck only works on 1’s & 2’s. I have a very good example of the SR 3 and I’d love to see what he could do with it. Perhaps I should look for a decent SR 2 on eBay.
Chuck did his magic on my GE-SR2 in December 2021 after reading about his service offering on The SWLing Report. I always thought my stock radio performed very well especially on AM. Chuck took it to the next level. He gave it a good alignment and the cap upgrade really made the audio come alive.
My advice is, “Just Do It.”
Chuck did my Superadio and it’s fantastic.