The Assessment Process must start with a realization mindset and here are some critical points for consideration.
Starting the assessment process!
(This is not the X rig, just an example of what might be a starting point.)
1. The project radio is over 60 years old.
2. It was an off-brand rig with really low production run numbers, perhaps less than 500 units' total. It is estimated that less than 20 staff worked at this company. I believe my unit was in the 1st 50 units produced (#44) so expect the worst.
3. To keep costs down the components selected for the build were the absolute bottom of the barrel and the design reflects non-standard approaches and applications built around the low-cost parts at hand.
4. Unlike Swan or Yaesu gear there simply are not spare assemblies and mechanical parts or things like meters, knobs, switches or solid-state devices up for auction on eBay.
5. There are no You Tube videos, Product Reviews or group.io forums. The company folded and was literally a one man show. Two hams have been identified who have restored this rig so there is somewhat of a limited knowledge base that can be tapped.
6. The photos I have seen of this radio definitely support not putting this radio in the kitchen sink for a scrubbing and then the oven bake, followed by the sun-dried tomato process. This brings up another point regarding cleaning as likely any front panel lettering must not be subjected to ANY chemical as there is a high risk of destroying the lettering.
7. One arduous task is to take the schematic and identify every part and its actual physical location. I recall once on a Hallicrafters SR-150 restoration where the schematic showed a RF choke. Based on the circuit where it was used, I thought it was missing only to find it was 10 inches away installed on a terminal strip on the back apron. This is the time to find wires that are floating and only connected on one end.
8. Decidedly the assessment should flag any solder joints that look like they have been touched. Look also for discolored parts (burnt resistors) or leaking electrolytic caps. Since most of the rig is solid-state, I suspect capacitor issues more so than out of spec resistors. Another dimension to the assessment is to sort the task into two piles: 1) Cosmetic and 2) Functional. Priority rests with the Functional. New cabinet feet will round out the overall appearance but are not required to make it work functionally.
9. Many of the tunable inductors are non-shielded coils sitting out in the open and easily damaged and NO replacements. Extreme care must be exercised when working in, on or around the chassis.
10. In summary, there is but one chance to restore this radio and applying power is NOT one of the 1st things to be done. Thus documentation, photos and careful note taking plus having an actual restoration plan is mandatory before doing any work on the rig. Don't be hasty when buying parts, like don't buy the 1st substitute replacement part you see -- there is the same part 70% cheaper elsewhere on eBay.
At some point I likely will ask myself was this a really good project to undertake. Fools rush in with the intent of getting the best seats. Engineering analysis is critical to keep costs in sync with what the ultimate desired state is envisioned.
Today's Project X Clue. The finals are in the 6146 family of tubes, more than QRP!
Them that know can make things go.
73's
Pete N6QW