This is the iconic Bush DAC90A radio, first manufactured in 1950. It uses miniature B8A valves and covers long and medium wave. It’s the successor to the DAC90, first manufactured in 1946, which also covers long and medium wave and it uses octal valves.
The DAC90A is ideal for newcomers to vintage radio restoration as it’s relatively easy to work on. The chassis is easily removed from the Bakelite cabinet. The components, such as old wax capacitors, can be replaced without any problems. The chassis layout makes fault finding far easier than some other makes and models.
I would recommend this radio as a starting place for anyone interested in repairing or restoring vintage valve radios. If this is something you’re considering as a hobby, you might be interesting in my Members’ Area.
As you can see from the photo below, the Bush DAC90A chassis layout is not at all cluttered. Most components are lined up on the Paxolin board for easy access, rather than hidden beneath switches and other components.
The B8A valve line-up for the Bush DAC90A is as follows:-
Oscillator/mixer = UCH42. IF amplifier = UF41. Detector/audio pre-amp = UBC41. Audio output = UL41. Rectifier = UY41.
The valves are 100mA series heaters. Replacement valves are rarely needed but they are available on the internet. The most common fault is open circuit heaters.
The Bush DAC90A Radio – Variants & Versions
There were several versions of the famous Bush DAC90A radio. The radios were basically the same but the dial glasses and knobs differed. The cabinets also varied from ivory to brown or black Bakelite. Pictured below are five variants. I will be adding more as and when I obtain photos.
On the above version, the dial print is yellow and there are large holes stamped in the speaker grille.
On this version, the dial print is yellow and red and the holes stamped in the speaker grille are large.
On this version, the dial print is green and gold and there are small holes stamped in the speaker grille. Also, notice the different knobs.
On this version, the dial background is gold with gold lettering and there are small holes stamped in the speaker grille. Again, notice the different knobs.
This is the famous ivory version. The dial print is green and gold and there are small holes stamped in the speaker grille.
Bear in mind that, over the years, your radio might have had its knobs replaced with different ones. The dial glass may have been broken and replaced with another type. Having said that, most of the radios I’ve seen have original parts.