Author Topic: Measuring height of Becker radio (Read 15068 times)

rutger kohler · « **on:** April 27, 2014, 00:04:36 »

The Technical manual radio section shows the two different heights for early and later radios. The last photo shown in here http://www.ebay.com/itm/251512478533?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT shows two different hightsis this and early radio or would it fit my 1969 280SL plse?

66andBlue · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2014, 03:51:14 »

Rutger,
it is a bit difficult to answer your question since I do not remember what car you have. Is it a 280SL RHD?
{Why not adding this information to your signature line?}
In any case this radio is a "mutt", that is, it has the knobs of an early 'small-face' radio but all the type/model markings - the label on the left side (looking from the front) and the bar in the front - are gone, making it difficult to figure out what it is exactly, but most likely it is a later standard DIN radio. In addition the chrome is pitted, thus all in all not an attractive radio.
The answer to your specific question however is that it should fit - IF you have a 280SL LHD car because the body of the radio should go through the regular DIN sized opening in the dash. My guess is that a RHD 280SL is not different. Measure the radio opening in your car and then you know - the standard DIN opening is 180 mm x 55 mm.

I remember that you do NOT want a stereo radio, but what else is important to you? Does FM have to go beyond 106 MHz? If not then take a look at: eBay 261461161867, or 261458967653, or 171306152443
If you want the extended FM range go for eBay 310940539154 (even if it has 6 buttons and thus is a bit after 1970)!
Plenty of choices.

scoot · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2014, 13:06:38 »

A 280 SL takes a "big face" Becker. The auction listing is for a big face Becker that has some irregularities - in particular, it has been fitted with small knobs. I have no idea why.

The big face vs. small face change in Mercedes happened in the middle of the 250SL run, all 280SLs have the dash opening for a big face (easier to find) becker.

rutger kohler · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2014, 09:31:39 »

Hi, thanks for both your replies. I have added my car's details to my signature as you suggest. Regards the FM only going to 103 instead of 106 or 108, the car was picked up in Stuttgart, and as i understand it, Germany only went to 103. Was this extended there later?

Also I will be looking for U pushbuttons which I understand is German rather than FM for the States? Absolutely no rush on this, the more info I get here the better. When i return to NZ will post a picture of the Monte carlo 3 band radio i already have which several posters say they have not seen before.

66andBlue · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2014, 21:36:14 »

Quote from: rutger kohler on April 28, 2014, 09:31:39

... Regards the FM only going to 103 instead of 106 or 108, the car was picked up in Stuttgart, and as i understand it, Germany only went to 103. Was this extended there later? ...

That is a somewhat tricky question to answer, since I would need to know whether you mean FM transmission or receiving.
After WWII Germany lost a bunch of MW frequencies at the 1948 European Broadcasting conference in Copenhagen a vigorous FM development started and by 1959 there were about 250 FM transmitters( "public", or States-run) in Germany broadcasting in 43 different channels. However all of them were limited to frequencies between 87,5 MHz and 100. MHz. Only private stations - and so called off-shore "pirate stations" in the North Sea - would transmit at higher frequencies as did AFN (American forces network) and CFN (Canadian forces network) stations. Bot much changed during the 1980s, the state-run stations did not go beyond 103 MHz..
However, many radios - including car radios - could receive signals beyond the 103 MHz border. The Becker information that would tell us which radios were sold with the extended range and when they were introduced is difficult to decipher. As shown in the scan of the technical information a Europa LMKU model with the number J xxxx goes only to 104MHz whereas model D xxxxx goes to 108 MHZ. One would assume that the J-model came out later.

Also note that Becker radios were shipped with push button knobs that had to be installed. Below is a copy from the 1964 installation instructions of the Mexico/Europe/Monte Carlo TR models into a 230SL showing the sequence of buttons for the different models.

philmas · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2014, 13:04:12 »

Honestly, this radio looks like crap! The buttons are not period correct, the face plate is damaged and the chrome is badly pitted.And the Becker logo is missing! $:-\$
Besides, even if I don't know the current FM frequency range in NZ, I assume modern broadcasting is nowadays using the 103-108 mhz band as well, meaning that this set is clearly limited...
Look somewhere else, there are plenty of Beckers on ebay...

rutger kohler · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2014, 13:05:11 »

Hi Alfred, thanks for that, very interesting thanks. Do the radio cases come stamped with a code for each different model? I see some have sticky backed labels on them, but what if these are lost, and the front is damaged?

scoot · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2014, 15:35:57 »

Quote from: philmas on April 29, 2014, 13:04:12

Honestly, this radio looks like crap! The buttons are not period correct, the face plate is damaged and the chrome is badly pitted.And the Becker logo is missing! $:-\$ Look somewhere else, there are plenty of Beckers on ebay...

I would tend to agree, although having said that I recently was trying to price one of my own radios for sell to a forum member and looked on ebay to see what was for sale and sold and was amazed at the lack of quality inventory. The OP has a big-face opening so can basically accommodate any big-face becker, which is most of them. I would select based on a) how important is originality b) stereo or mono c) mp3 input important d) presets important e) cassette important. Having said that, the basic Europa mono is a good reliable radio (one piece) and should not be more than $250 and will accept an input cable. I think you get better sound out of the 2 piece radios w/ the separate amp, but to each his own. I personally dislike the Mexico because a) I don't use cassettes b) the search bar seldom works c) you get no preset buttons and d) the input jack for a Mexico is MONO even on a stereo Mexico (I'm 90% sure on that one). Avoid 6 button radios as being period incorrect unless you totally don't care.

66andBlue · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2014, 15:57:03 »

Quote from: scoot on April 29, 2014, 15:35:57

... Avoid 6 button radios as being period incorrect ....

How many people know this? I know one 'high level' concours judge who did not!

Personally I like the 6-button Europa because in addition to the extra button its output is a bit higher, in the +10W range rather than 7W max on the older ones and it has better noise suppression.

Quote from: rutger kohler on April 29, 2014, 13:05:11

... Do the radio cases come stamped with a code for each different model? I see some have sticky backed labels on them, but what if these are lost, and the front is damaged?

Have not seen any stamped model ID on these Becker radios only stick on labels. I guess on an 'oldtimer' repairman would know when looking at the innards.

scoot · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2014, 16:39:19 »

Quote from: 66andBlue on April 29, 2014, 15:57:03

How many people know this? I know one 'high level' concours judge who did not!
Personally I like the 6-button Europa because in addition to the extra button its output is a bit higher, in the +10W range rather than 7W max on the older ones and it has better noise suppression.

I have no idea what judges know or don't know. I strongly suspect that some judges know everything about everything and will critique the firewall pad and the hose clamps and not notice that you have the wrong window crank insert. How many are going to check the part number on the wheels under the hubcaps? Having said that, my belief is that the earliest that the 6 button Europa existed (either stereo or mono) is 1973.

rutger kohler · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2014, 10:50:30 »

Hi, thanks for that Alfred and Scoot. I will be looking at Mono, Europa, single unit (no amplifierbecause of the extortionate shipping charges from the US and Europe ) and FM. I agree strongly with scoot, almost all the lower end beckers auctions. I have seen on Ebay recently go out of their way to say not tested. Have found a photo of my Monte Carlo and will post a photo soon as several members have said they have not seen this configuration.

scoot · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2014, 15:13:43 »

Quote from: rutger kohler on April 30, 2014, 10:50:30

...because of the extortionate shipping charges from the US and Europe

From the US -
USPS Priority International to NZ for a medium flat rate box is about $60.
USPS now offers first class packages to NZ, the cost is about $40.
It's still outrageous. Same for shipping to Australia.

It really cut into my ebay sales when rates went so high.

66andBlue · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2014, 15:25:53 »

Rutger,
does your Monte Carlo resemble this one? http://www.ebay.de/itm/191144893992
It appears that there are more offers on the German eBay site than on the USA one and also the prices are a bit lower. Here are 2 examples of decent ones that just sold:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/171306152443
http://www.ebay.de/itm/151283180596

scoot · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2014, 17:14:01 »

Quote from: 66andBlue on April 30, 2014, 15:25:53

Rutger,
does your Monte Carlo resemble this one? http://www.ebay.de/itm/191144893992
It appears that there are more offers on the German eBay site than on the USA one and also the prices are a bit lower. Here are 2 examples of decent ones that just sold:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/171306152443
http://www.ebay.de/itm/151283180596

That is extremely interesting. The Monte Carlo in the first ebay listing is a small-face radio which should make it big bucks. The other two are big face radio. The small face radio sold to cheap. I would have paid that for it to have it sit on my shelf.

66andBlue · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2014, 19:40:56 »

Sorry for digressing a bit but for anyone who likes old tube radios, here is an ancient Becker Mexico with a still funktioning seek bar:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/371052487876
Now that would look good on your shelf!

scoot · « **Reply #15 on:** May 01, 2014, 05:30:17 »

Quote from: 66andBlue on April 30, 2014, 19:40:56

Sorry for digressing a bit but for anyone who likes old tube radios, here is an ancient Becker Mexico with a still funktioning seek bar:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/371052487876
Now that would look good on your shelf!

I like it but it's out of my area of expertise. I have a slightly later small-face Grand Prix with mechanical automatic tuning that works. It is wonderful. I'm sure someday when I really need some money it will come in handy, or some day if I own a really expensive 1963ish MB... Way too nice to put in my driver fintail with dents...

rutger kohler · « **Reply #16 on:** May 01, 2014, 09:29:53 »

Hi Guys, I have discovered a photo of my Monte Carlo Becker radio on the camera that we have brought over to Sydney and have attached it ( the photo not the camera). The radio goes really well and the green light works, Have never really understood what the right hand button with the musical note on it does. I would say the radio is a larger height model as it fits snugly into my 1969 280 SL dash. Would be interested to know its approx date of manufacture

I did have a look at the german Ebay closed auctions thanks, couldn't open the photos up any bigger but yes they look quite good.

scoot · « **Reply #17 on:** May 01, 2014, 13:42:04 »

Becker Monte Carlo LMK - 1969 - 1971
I thought the Q button was for external input, but I'm not seeing an input jack on the back of the radio...
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/becker_monte_carlo_lmk_1.html

rutger kohler · « **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2014, 05:33:04 »

Hi Scoot, thanks for that. I guess the period is spot on for my car albeit no FM. Going back several posts of yours, could you plse give me the maximum dimensions and wight for the first class package at $US to Australia and NZ

scoot · « **Reply #19 on:** May 03, 2014, 06:04:11 »

Quote from: rutger kohler on May 03, 2014, 05:33:04

Hi Scoot, thanks for that. I guess the period is spot on for my car albeit no FM. Going back several posts of yours, could you plse give me the maximum dimensions and wight for the first class package at $US to Australia and NZ

It's easier if you look them up at https://www.usps.com/ -- The actual weight of a radio will depend mostly on whether or not the radio has a separate amplifier. I think in my guess I put in a weight of 3 pounds, which I made up. On the postage calculator you can see if a radio is cheaper to send by first class mail, USPS Priority mail, or USPS Medium Flat Rate Box. If the item is heavy and will fit in a flat rate box, that will be the best deal. If it isn't heavy, the best deal will probably be First Class (which was not offered on-line until recently).

It will just want a source zip code (which I think will not effect the rate - you can use 91001 for a s. Cal zip code) and a destination country.
the calculator should allow you to add insurance options for the total cost. If you ship priority mail, the boxes are provided by USPS.
Scott

66andBlue · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2014, 17:21:58 »

Quote from: scoot on May 01, 2014, 13:42:04

Becker Monte Carlo LMK - 1969 - 1971
I thought the Q button was for external input, but I'm not seeing ......

Look again, it is not a "Q" button (Q stands for the German word Quelle = source in English) but a "0" button.

rutger kohler · « **Reply #21 on:** May 04, 2014, 08:47:03 »

Hi Alfred, the button we are talking about is on the right had side. The button on the left hand side is an "O" and does start and stop the radio. The one on the right is the one I am interested in. It seems to be a musical note to me?

66andBlue · « **Reply #22 on:** May 04, 2014, 17:00:15 »

Hello Rutger,
indeed "O" is an on/off button and the musical note button is for high/low tone (less or more bass) setting.
--
BTW, the shipping rates from Germany are not that high. A 2 kg "Maxibrief" costs Euro 17 plus Euro 2.15 for "registration/tracking". Thus a radio seller should not charge much more than that.

rutger kohler · « **Reply #23 on:** May 05, 2014, 23:08:55 »

Hi Alfred, thanks for that. great to find out what that button is for. Thanks for the German info too.

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Author Topic: Measuring height of Becker radio (Read 15068 times)