The Ferguson 353 was an early-1950s table radio made in two versions, the 353A for AC mains and the 353U for AC/DC.
Specifications (353A)
- It’s a 4-valve superhet (three valves plus a rectifier) with a 470 kHz IF, covering long, medium and short wave. It runs on 200–250 V AC, has a permanent-magnet moving-coil speaker, and comes in a large, low-profile wooden table cabinet.
- Valves: ECH42, EBF80, EL41 and EZ40.
The 353U
The 353U uses the same 4-valve, 470 kHz, three-band design but is an AC/DC set for 200–250 V. Like any AC/DC set, its chassis may be connected to the mains, so use an isolating transformer when working on it.
Related models
The Ferguson 356A uses the same chassis in a different case, with a sloping-front veneered cabinet. The 353A, 353U and 356A series differ only in their casings. Richard’s Radios has a write-up on the 356A covering:
- a frame aerial in the back cover for medium wave, whose short leads must be connected for the set to work.
- a three-position tone control.
- the original 1953 price of £16 3s 1d
- the fact that the chassis comes out without removing the knobs helps the service engineer.
RADIO SPECIFICATIONS
Manufactured from 1953
Long Medium and Short Wave
Valves – ECH42 EBF80 EL41 EZ40
AC Supply
SERVICE MANUAL PREVIEW
The Trader service sheet for the Ferguson 353 series, covering the early and late versions of the 353A and 353U, is available to members. Here's a taste of what's inside.
These pictures are faded on purpose, just for this preview. Members get the complete service sheet, unfaded, to view and download.
The service sheet includes:
- The full circuit diagram
- Component values, with where to find each one on the chassis
- Valve analysis for both the AC and the AC/DC models
- Diagram of the waveband switch, with a table of switch positions
- The changes made between early and late production
- Step by step circuit alignment
- How to replace the drive cord
- Photos of the top and underneath of the chassis
