Channel Master 6506 Professionally Repaired. Works Excellent Vintage 1964
This radio is electronically restored. It works like when it was made and is in good condition. For a detailed description of the radio and the work done, please continue reading:
Initial inspection: This radio came to me 8-17-2026 in its carry case. It was absolutely filthy where it was difficult to even see its dial.
Removed from its carry case, I found it had a chip in its top left corner. This model is difficult to find without at least one chipped corner. Its battery holder had some green on it contacts, so I will replace it with a new one.
I connected it to my power supply and the radio squealed, howled, and as I moved its tuner, it seemed to make a difference… but I could not tell if it was actually tuning anything. Those symptoms are often caused by open electrolytic capacitors.
Research: Made in Japan, Sanyo produced this model from 1960-1968. Having repaired dozens of this model, I have learned that Sanyo made changes to this model during their production run. By the presence of Civil Defense (CONELRAD) markings on its dial, the radio was made before 1965. In ’65 they changed their grill from textured to smooth stainless. ’66 they changed their knobs from blue to black. Many people consider this as one of the most attractive radio ever made.
Working properly, they are exceptionally good radios. They have a long bar antenna and a large internal tuning dial. They run on four AA batteries.
Also… it is a fact that all… all of the electrolytic capacitors that Sanyo used during the 1960s are bad.
Repair: Since the radio was so dirty, I gave it a quick wipe down to assess its cosmetic condition. Initial tests revealed it would likely clean up well.
I carefully disassembled the radio and got to work replacing all seven electrolytic capacitors this radio uses. Four were wide open. Replacing them repaired the howling and whistling problem, and the radio tuned my local super-powerful KEX radio station, but it was not working properly yet. Sensitivity was poor. It was acting as if its antenna was out of adjustment.
I made a few checks and confirmed there was something wrong with its tuner. I replaced its tuner and the radio was restored to working order. It tuned well, sounded good, and was picking up weak stations… and had not even checked its alignment yet. Since I replaced its tuner, I re-peaked its antenna. The radio’s circuit was repaired.
Standard service checks include: a deox treatment for its volume control, check its earphone jacks, touched up antenna locking wax, clean and reinstall its knobs, locking screws as I go along, re-bond any peeling labels, cut a new battery anti-rattle pad, etc. (I do all I can to make the radios I see as nice as possible)
Next came the cleaning of its cabinet inside and out. That took quite some time. (I listened to the radio while cleaning). A good cleaning revealed that its dial glass was crystal clear and its cabinet was shiny and reflective. (I was surprised).
The last step was to carefully reassemble the radio and thoroughly tested it.
Performance: Volume control goes smoothly from totally silent to overload loud. For strong local stations it produces a sound that is Clean and Clear. These have a deep cone speaker, so they on a strong station, they sound really good.
These are sensitive radios, and one of my favorites. It tuned all the weak stations in my area no problem. I always try to find my favorite super-weak long ways aways station KEJB, a radio station that is in Eureka California. Eureka is 402 miles away. Found it no problem. (kinda staticy tonight. I compared it to my best long range radio and it was the same. It’s working like new)
Condition: One Chip in its top left corner. No Cracks. Its dial is bright and crystal clear. It is shiny and reflective like a grand piano. Its back has some signs it has been scooted around laying on its back. Light scratches.
It’s pretty.
It comes with an original carry case. It is good used condition. Please see my photos.
Collector quality: “C+”
Epilogue and Opinion: My opinion is: Obviously I think these are exceptional radios. I like to end my repair log for the really good radios I sell with the words:
“You won’t be disappointed”.
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I usually service the vintage radios I sell on eBay. Serviced = I clean the volume control, check the radio’s alignment, and check its current draw. I also fix whatever else needs attention.
I ship USPS Flat Rate. A tracking number will be provided the following business day after purchase. I will combine shipping when applicable, so please see my other cool old radios for sale.