1957 Telefunken Opus 7 Repair & Bluetooth Mod 

UPDATE: So I’m running a 3-part LIVE workshop that takes us on… A Time Travel Through Vintage Electronics. We’ll rewind the clock, dive into the tech of the times… (and study the very history of how things were broken and repaired has evolved) The workshop is coming soon, but if you're reading this then you're in luck (or not)... And there's still time for you to sign up using the link below: www.menditmark.com/mend-mark-workshop The workshop dates are mentioned in the link above too.

The confidence of Mark is unbelievable, an example of an expert who smiles when something goes wrong.

Always a great night when Mark gets a new video out!

There's nothing like the glow of a magic eye. Brought back memories of when my late father used to repair these. Thanks Mark

Hello Mark it’s a Yank from across the pond and I watched your full video last night on fixing the Cassette Player. I must say I am amazed at your ability and skill level. We live in a Disposable Society now a days. As a kid I was constantly taking anything apart before my Mom got home, those old heavy rotary phones were weapons and could save your life if a sneaky burglar came through the window from the fire scape. Those were tough times, we all had to pull our weight, shoveling snow, collecting soda pop bottles for the deposit, etc. This early obsession with wondering how things worked stayed with me through out life. I became a plumbing and heating mechanic and I learned on the fly. Oh I would attend any seminars for new equipment. I eventually got a Class C electrical license for low voltage. But I was originally a one man band, but a neighbor liked that I tried to do the best job, most people don’t understand various types of heating systems, Steam, Hot Air or circulating Hot Water. But as the old saying goes, Anything is Easy when you’ve done it before. LOL My friend was retired from IBM & NuTone, he was the only person I knew who had an Oscilloscope in his basement workshop. As time went by I showed him the sequence of the electrical system, most were a simple Series Circuit. But much like yourself he started to repair a broken controller box. This was when a controller had multiple ports and to let the controller handle other boilers, which was fine for a temporary repair in a Blizzard. But Insurance companies tend to object when a possible problem occurs and even causing a fire, which had nothing to do with the controller. It’s a bit ironic that people spend thousands for the system and jam it into a small closet or cupboard ? Usually next to a washing machine and clothes to near the firebox, or a leaky oil line, not a good idea. Although Paul knew how to rewire a controller, Insurance and Liability can make not a good idea. But as I started, we live in a Disposable Society, I still enjoy the challenge of fixing stuff. Perhaps it started at a young age with watching Sherlock Holmes ? Oh btw Mark, Thanks again for showing us that many things can be repaired and restored to great working quality. It’s sad that many of the Joes Fix It Shops are rare and far between. Oh Mark btw, do you have a website or any contact information. I recently started an old hobby again, collecting Vynil records and Vintage HiFi components. Cheers Mark 👍🇬🇧🍺

You made a fantastic job of that Mark, especially with the Bluetooth added to it.👏👏👏👍

If you have a bad day, watch Mend it Mark and you will be mended to! What a guy, love it!

A lot of the German made radios had a lot of features like this in this era. They were made so well too. Lovely radios when you get them going. A lot of the paper caps and electrolytics in the filter will be needing replacing in these, but it is always good to see some proper trouble shooting done instead of just wholesale replacing the capacitors. A lot will be like this one and not operational due to the capacitors and sometimes resistors that drift in value. Those old paper capacitors go acidic inside and the paper breaks down,. They basically turn into resistors internally, which is why a lot of restoration channels will just replace all paper caps. The "Black Beauties" are also paper and foil inside. Guess it is hard when you are doing it for a customer to know how far to go as it takes time. The Ferrite rod in this likely originally had rubber mounts and plastic brackets that held the ferrite rod in place. Epoxy will stop it moving for a while. I usually put the bluetooth on the tape input on these when I do them. That way the bluetooth only works if tape input is selected. I designed my bluetooth module to run off the 6.3V AC heater line rather than adding an extra transformer :) There is usually plenty of power available and the bluetooth takes very little current.

How on earth did you acquire such intricate knowledge of your subject Mark? You surley must have started when you were very young. With your enthusiasm for the work, you make it look so straightforward but to be able to identify faults amongst such a hornets nest of components is a truly gifted talent. Your videos are an absolute joy to watch.

I know nothing about electricity or electronics, but these videos are fascinating! Thank you Mark, always a pleasure!

If you ever need dual can caps, they still make them. I service tube amps and regularly order them. Usually from Hotrox or Watford valves. JJ, F&T and ARS are all decent and always available. Excellent video, as usual!

Mark makes working on electronics like tying shoes. He has such a positive demeanor when approaching a electronic problem. If only World Leaders be more like Mark 😊

Reminds of my childhood. The sound, the smell, the broadcasts. Great piece of history.

I love the old switch gear - a solid vintage "CLICK"....how satisfying. A little finesse of the contacts and its ready to go after all those years.

It’s a real joy to watch someone with such competence go about doing their work.

As always, a pleasure to watch Mark. You really brighten up my day. They sure don't make them like they used to, in many ways it's so much easier today.

Amazing to watch you repair these old radios, it looks like first port of call, replace every capacitor before you start fault finding as you will probably fix 90% of the problems instantly 😂

Best electronics repair channel on yt by far. All the best Mark.

its unbelievable how the circuits were constructed without circuit boards it all hangs in the air .. brilliant repair!! nice work

Mark has steady hands laying those micro parts in position. Amazing intelligence Thank you.

You cannot beat UK electronics engineering channels, so relaxing and informative. Big Thumbs Up.

What a clever chap you are Mark. Even thought I don't understand electronics I still really enjoy your content. Brilliant!!!!!

In the mid-60s, my parents had exactly this Modell.Es was in our living room.I did an internship as a radio and television technician in 1976 and repaired the radio more often than it was defective. Greetings from Germany.Thank you great video

Fantastic Mark one of the more challenging projects you have done and certainly one of the more interesting ones too. It amazes me just how knowledgeable you are nothing seems to upset you and you keep coming through with results. keep the jobs coming Mark you have a very loyal following we continue to need a "fix" from yourself. Take care.

My late Father had 1 of these radios at our home in Essex...I think it was Bush but looks identical. I am in awe of your knowledge, skill and patience.

As always attention to detail and their is one thing I do like very much is just the humming of your workshop with just your voice and the sound of your tools 😊

Wonderful upload, thanks Mark. I really enjoy wizards like you bringing these old gems back to life.

31:58 Your initial repair brought Hall & Oates back together! Love your channel. Cheers from Canada!

Amazing radio. I have the 1956 American version, different colors and the 4 smaller speakers are mounted on the side. Still all original, still gets played a few hours a week. 😊

Always find these videos soothing.. a professional doing a professional job with utmost pride in his work, and some bonus ASMR from the various screws and stuff being removed 🙃 Really high quality content.

fantastico trabajo!!!! yo aprendi con valvulares en 1982 aqui en santiago del estero al norte de argentina a los 16 años. me trajiste hermosos recuerdos de esas epocas ... hoy ya etoy casi retirado del oficio a los 59 por la vista y la firmeza de las manos. pero el amor a la electronica no se va mas...me especialize en computacion a los 45 años y eso me permite prolongar el vicio que es la tecnologia electronica.celebro que todavia haya gente como vos que trabaje con cosas de epocas antiguas electronicas... saludos desde el norte de argentina mark de un colega que se niega a retirarse...

Mark, lovely old radio! I've collected vintage valve radios for 14 years, and what I've found is that initially when a radio is turned on after many years of slumber, it'll work okay for a while, but then the old capacitors will short or go open, sometimes explode after an hour or two's usage, so that's why it's advisable to replace as many caps as possible, even the low voltage ones!

Mark, you make it look easy, but obviously you are one talented man 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😎

Omg I just found your videos , my late father use to repair TVs radios ,all those names and the components you mention brought back so many memories of when I use to watch him as a child ,im now 59, btw your knowledge is amazing how did such a young guy learn all about these old period sets , thanks great watching on a Sunday afternoon

Mark you are very skilled at repairing, restoring and adding Bluetooth to an old Telefunken German made radio. Between you and "Paul Carson's Lab" of Vancouver Canada, both of you are among the best electronic technicians on RU-vid!

Your knowledge, skill and cheery banter make you one of my favourite you tube channels! Thanks Mark!

Congratulations,friend Mark. I from Perú.I dont speak english. Y me gusta como abordas las reparaciones,con tu carisma y toda la instrumentación profesional. Dios te bendiga. God blessyou.

Your style of presenting things is really something. Its so enjoyable to watch your videos. Thank you!

Dude, your work on the jam box 📻 was amazing. The fact that you customize pieces - so cool!

fascinating to watch you do your magic as usual Mark-great work!

Thanks for sharing your know how, and taking a 60+years radio and give it one more life of making music.. and demonstrating at the same time how precious thes old technologies were.. and they were within reach of the people who wanted to learn about them and repair them, right at the corner of the street, nearby. Now, try to open any recent Dac or Streamer and see if you can get it to work again.. my EAD Dac just died, and no one can repair it.. sigh. Thanks Mark! 👍

You really are an amazing technician. Love watching your videos.

I'm glad you were able to revive Grandpa and install Bluetooth for him. Thank you very much.

"Thanks(for)giving" us another stellar peak into your brilliance in the workshop.

Superbe video!!! I am an old man and I remember these. They were expensive and very good. Cheers from Patagonia. Argentina

A fine choice of song to initially test the bluetooth board on an old West German radio! Love your content Mark.

first class work Mark,well done..and a really nice piece of vintage radio..great video.

Beautiful work, Mark!

Hi Mark, I'm using the VHM-314 MP3 BT stereo BT module - it's in BT5.0 version and doesn't bother with any messages, but your solution is perfect 👍 Nice day 🙂Tom

You are so cheerful even when faced with a mess of failing capacitors.

its all well over my head but I can see just how smart and talented Mark is at his trade, well done Sir and cheers from NZ

Watched this with fascination, because although I'm not technically minded, the assurance displayed here made compulsive viewing. I do like restorations, and this one fitted the bill perfectly. Thank you Mark.

I have one at home right now, better shape than the one of the video because it works when i turn it on but i'm going to give it a little clean up maybe change a tube or two and try to set up a bluetooth mod with this video as a guide :)

My Mrs recognises the opening music when I start a video she always makes me go back to the start so she can see you get a shock 🤣 great work as always Mark, keep it up 👌🏻

bonjour de la France mark ,je connaît strictement rien en électronique , quel patience ,et quel savoir faire ! vos vidéos sont excellente et passionnante a regarder ! tu a gagné un abonné.

I love the adjustable ferrite rod antenna!

Nearly choked when you put the neutral on the fuse until I remembered our British plugs are fused. Very nice work.

Excelente video, saludos desde Tegucigalpa ,Honduras

What a cracking piece of audio furniture! Nice video, Mark. 👏👏👏

My Parents had an unusual Philips radiogram in the 50s & 60s that had separated individual Bass & Treble speakers. With a record player in a cabinet. Unfortunately I no longer have it. It did have a good sound. I think they bought it in Holland, we lived there when I was very young. I wish I'd kept it now, it was an unusual layout. Not as sophisticated at the one you're working on. My mother used to play Sachmo 78rpm Recordings in it.

Nicely done with the radio.

I could go into deep sleep... every time i listen to Mark ... the broken electronics whisperer.

I've gotta say, that's one of the prettiest pieces you've had on your bench.

Wow! What a stress buster to watch Mark fix things up. Highly optimistic. Thank you so much. 🎉😊 Good luck and best wishes to you and yours.

Mark you make it all look so easy. Great work once again.

Very cool... I grew up with one of these as my introduction to music, in my parents house...early 60's.. that magic eye always fascinated me when it was on... it was like something from outer space.. It also had a peculiar, (to me) smell... Sounded pretty good too from what I can remember... & it's probably the main reason I got into music & became a bass player. Great job Mark... I enjoyed every minute..

I enjoy your work and your videos!!! On those old radios, all those old paper caps need to be replaced even if they test ok as they will inevitably fail a leak test for sure!

love watching you work, and i am surprised how accurate the VFO was with all those old caps

Great video as always Mark, thoroughly enjoyed this one, love the old valve radios. At first glance this set looks very similar to the Philips 1001 - bd483a chassis which was also from Germany from around the 1950's, which I actually own but which is in need of restoration. Hasn't been switched on for 60 years or so, caps are definitely dried up but that is a project for later on ;) Thanks for keeping another classic set alive ;)

I can remember this radio from my childhood in the '70s, my father used to repair them even though they were already a bit old. I find it very nice to see you doing this, keep it up!

Your skills are amazing Mark. Thank you for sharing.

Awesome - well done! Fun seeing these vintage radios come to life.

your knowledge is priceless,well done Mark,great job

This was a great video. I love how you got this old beast to play smooth music.

Stayed up till after 12 watching this. Lovely piece of kit. Well done on the fix Mark as always. Keep 'Em Coming.

You Wizard 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Enjoyed that ! Well done our Mark , if I have a project for you , you maybe hearing from me 😃😃

Great Mark, i follow many restorer but you're my favourite. Thumbs up

Гарна робота, як завжди. Сподіваюся, цей апарат прослужить ще довгі роки своєму власнику.

Just for all who are interested in this: Volkswagen actually produced and produces only commercial vehicles in Hannover. The other main production location is Wolfsburg (sometimes also called „Golfsburg“ because of the quite famous VW Golf line of cars; a city that as a matter of fact only became one because of the factory). The actual first factory was build in Braunschweig though.

Brilliant. An old Opus repaired and upgraded with Bluetooth! ❤

I inherited two old Danish radios from my father, an early 50's B&O with faux ivory buttons and fittings, and an LL (Linnet & Laursen) Kardinal from 1959. Both with a mahogany case really great looking things with a beautiful deep sound.

I’m astounded with your knowledge Mark, it’s addictive to watch just to listen to the information.

Digging around inside that old radio, snipping away, reminds me of that incredibly fantastic British film called 'Juggernaut' ... that's the film where a Royal Navy bomb disposal squad has to disarm several time bombs on board a luxury liner at sea... just brilliant ... at least you didn't get to the end of the repair and have to decide which final wire to cut to disarm the thing... the red or the blue? Be careful... the wrong decision will blow you sky high 🙂

Throughly enjoyed that, so have now subscribed, thank you, takes me back it!

I learn quite a bit watching these. Thanks!

another Educational video thanks mark awesome skill ,knowledge, learning so much

Nice job Mark.👍

Glad to see that you’re doing another video Marc this device looks like my father‘s Grundig blue spot radio that I still have too this day

Absolute.electronics fixit heaven. Thank you.

Absolutely wonderful and the icing on the cake was listening to Andrea at the end of the video.

Great to see another video up again. Loved the antique radio brought back to life.

That was amazing!! Thanks for Sharing Mark...

It’s funny, I’m American and I far prefer the term ‘valve’ over ‘tube’, to me it makes more sense. Given the frequency that caps turn out to be dodgy, why not just replace all of them to start with? The OG ones in there will likely just have issues in the future as well.

Great work Mark. Fingers crossed it settles down OK!

Incredible skills, you can exactly find where the problem is and solve it.

Top notch as always Mark

That's a great find. I remember seeing Telefunken radios in doctor's waiting rooms when I was a kid.

My uncle was the agent for these in Cape Town I remember seeing one in his repair bench I was just 6 yrs old - inspired me to unscrew everything in sight become an it audio engineer

Superb video Mark, enjoyed immensely

You actually CAN purchase those double can caps in the USA... I think they ship internationally too. The company is called Antique Electronic Supply. They make them NEW using the old equipment.