Packard Bell RPC-215

Topics about all sorts and brands of antique radios including Grundig-Majestic and Telefunken.



Topic author
Jeriney
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:03 pm
Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Packard Bell RPC-215

by Jeriney » Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:14 pm

I just purchased a Packard Bell RPC-215 from a flea market and was told that it worked. I can get it to power on but cannot get any sound or tuning through the AM/FM tuner. I cannot seem to find any information about this model online. Any help that someone might have would be much appreciated! This is my first, big, vintage radio purchase and I'm very excited to learn more about these beautiful creations!

User avatar

MattTech
Senior Member
Posts: 1461
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by MattTech » Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:00 pm

While certainly not an antique (made around 1966) this console is transistorized (solid state).

It was a higher-end model of its time, probably costing as much as $1000.

Troubleshooting it and service really should be performed by an experienced professional familier with recent vintage electronics.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.


Topic author
Jeriney
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:03 pm
Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by Jeriney » Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:08 pm

Thank you MattTech

I'm currently trying to find someone in my area that can work on this console. It looks like I made a typo in the model. It is an RPC-21S not a 215.

User avatar

MattTech
Senior Member
Posts: 1461
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by MattTech » Tue Aug 02, 2011 7:28 am

The 21S is a tube based console, early 60s.
Same thing, get a tech to check it out.
One who knows tube equipment. (as well as I do LOL)
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.


Ron Rich
Forum Moderator
Posts: 8193
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Millbrae (San Francisco area)CA, USA

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by Ron Rich » Tue Aug 02, 2011 6:02 pm

Jeriney,
It might help if you added your location either to your "profile", or your post---
Someone may know of a pro in your area--but this is a world-wide, open forum, and despite what is said, this is a large world-- Ron Rich


Topic author
Jeriney
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:03 pm
Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by Jeriney » Thu Aug 04, 2011 2:49 pm

While I do want to find a pro to check out this console, I do want to start learning about this type of technology. Working in radio I use mainly digital. Any suggestions on a starting point?

User avatar

MattTech
Senior Member
Posts: 1461
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by MattTech » Fri Aug 05, 2011 7:08 am

Jeriney wrote:While I do want to find a pro to check out this console, I do want to start learning about this type of technology. Working in radio I use mainly digital. Any suggestions on a starting point?


Analog technology is as multi-faceted as digital, if not moreso.
Being a long-time technician in the field, it takes years of training and understanding to fully grasp.
This is not something that can be done with shortcuts, (or blogs online) as many tinkerers believe they can do.
I worked hard to get where I am in this field, and anyone with the desire to learn can do it, indeed.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.


tonni
Junior Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:40 pm

Re: Packard Bell RPC-215

by tonni » Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:32 am

I would have to say the same as Matt did. Although, it isn’t an antique for sure, the console is in a solid state and if you do some homework, you can find out that it was one of the highest end models back at that time. So when you take it to service, make sure the person is experienced.
"ALL IS WELL"

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

It is currently Thu Oct 06, 2016 9:25 am