How to convert a vintage tube radio into a Bluetooth speaker

Everybody knows that Ducati is world famous for its powerful motorbikes. But maybe not everybody knows that they started the business after the WWII producing electronics equipment and tube radios. In this video I convert my grandpa's 1947's Ducati RR4060 radio into a Bluetooth speaker.

To do that I'll use a cheap two channels Bluetooth amplifier and I'll replace the original electrodynamic speaker with two smaller speakers.

This change is not irreversible and the radio may one day be restored to its original state. In fact, I will keep all the original components aside.

If you want to know more about it or if you have any suggestion please leave a comment below. I'll be glad to reply!

- "Chilling in the Sun" by Mid Knight
- "Hooch" by Hunting for Sunset
- "She Don't Like Me No Mo' " by Peter Crosby
- "Open Road (Instrumental Version)" by Chester Malone
- "Guide Me on My Way" by Mid Knight

[Chipchase]

You just can't beat the looks of a well-used old radio. They have a warmth and charm modern products cannot compete with. As a family air loom, it should be restored one day with the replacement of tired old components to give the best possible sound. Its wooden case came up beautifully with a bit of tlc. Very enjoyable video, thank you.

[TalmidAndy]

I am so glad that you went down the route or keeping the original hardware for future restoration. I almost felt like I was going to go off on a rant about destroying perfectly good, restorable, radios only to put in modern garbage. At least you didn't paint it white and beat it with chains to make it look 'better'..

[chuckmaddison]

I like what you did and support your decision to take the path you did.

[kwacz]

you know you can just tap into the radios tube amplifier section with the bluetooth module. You can even put a toggle switch to pick radio / bluetooth.

[odannyboy]

Excellent video! I love how particular and detailed you are, mixing vintage electronics and a bit of woodworking and restoration all together! We could be brothers!! Really enjoyed

[EduardCretiu]

I use a simpler method. I simply connect a small portable Bluetooth device, with a cable, to it’s record player input. 30s 40s and 50s models use a socket that is compatible with a standard modern European electric plug.

[bunkysbbq]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing!

[tayro]

Very nice. It probably wouldn't be hard to get the radio to work. Change out all of the capacitors and check the resistor values, change them out if necessary. Probably fire right up. That broken dial cable will probably give you more grief than the electronics. I hate those things. Some wraparound several knobs and pulleys, make 90* turns... Just a pain in the @$$.

[ChrisBrewer-sk]

Would it be possible to attach a list of items that you purchased to make this happen? Thanks!

[paulstubbs]

Nice, although a light bulb makes a poor replacement for a magic eye tube.

[MrGigi-dzcv]

You can allways attach an external bluetooth device, to your radio input sockets.
No need to make modifications.

[garyg]

I’m looking to do this with a old unit as well, thank you!

[davidecalzolari]

Good morning,
I would like to do the same thing with an old radio that I inherited... but I'm not very expert, is it possible to have the connection diagram between the transformer and the light bulbs? How did you connect with the old PC transformer and the amplifier power ? thanks so much for your help.

[leemartin]

Brilliant enjoyed the video what a lovely radio

[Cradley]

Brilliant job, sure he would proud have a nice day friend !!!. Brian UK !!!.😀😀👍👍!!!.

[jimmiemack]

Question: you clicked on a remote at the end, where did the music come from? Your phone? A flash stick? This is where I am confused about these.

[NMMorna]

What a truly amazing job, congratulations! My project these days is converting a B3X70U Philips Radio (1957) to bluetooth. I was wondering if you could post the eletronics/wiring details? Did you keep the old electronics working? Thanks!

[ahah]

usually old speaker elements are way better sounding than anything modern avaliable...

[DaveRobertson-jv]

How did you connect the bulbs to the power supply? Looks like you cut the wire and used some plastic gizmo? Sorry I'm a real newb

[gglee]

How is the laptop power supply maintaining power to the bluetooth module? Is it plugged into power somewhere? Please advise