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Man creates crystal-clear transmissions through hobby
Published 1/10/2011 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
rgray@gctelegram.com
He's known as the "Radio Man."
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Rachael Gray/Telegram Roberto Salinas, ÒThe Radio Man,Ó has been fixing radios and electronic equipment for years. He recently repaired a 1937 Zenith radio which now plays a clear AM signal.
Roberto Salinas' apartment is filled with electronic equipment, gadgets and tools. About a dozen radios sit around the perimeter of his living room and bedroom, some stashed into a closet. He's been fixing radios for years, the oldest ones from the 1930s.
Salinas usually gets the radios and equipment from garage sales.
Recently, Salinas fixed a 1937 Zenith radio that now plays a clear AM signal.
Salinas, 52, a Mosaic client, said he replaced the bulbs and wires in the radio in order to make it work. He cleaned the device, added new lights and used a new extension cord.
Brian Schwindt, community relations manager for Mosaic, said Salinas' work is impressive.
"It's as clear as if you turned on your car radio," Schwindt said.
Salinas said he was able to listen to KBUF and KIUL Garden City on the radio.
For the repair of the radio, Salinas earned $170, which he used to buy a new flat-screen, high-definition TV. Salinas has various electronics hooked up to the TV, some old and antique.
"That's what he does. He mixes the old and the new and rigs them up," Schwindt said.
Salinas has other older or antique equipment in his house such as record players, old sound systems and a silver microwave from 1975.
"I fixed that," Salinas said.
Schwindt said when Salinas works on electronics he becomes focused and absorbed in his work.
"He'll work for hours, for days until he gets something working," he said.
Schwindt said fixing radios is something that utilizes Salinas' talents.
"He's pretty good. There aren't many he can't fix," he said.
Debbie Reynolds, Mosaic executive director, agreed, and congratulated Salinas on fixing the Zenith.
"This was a great opportunity for Roberto to demonstrate his talents," she said.
Salinas said he'll continue to fix radios because it's something he enjoys and knows a lot about.
"I'm pretty smart," he said.
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