Overview
The Motorola 6-6397 is a classic carbon composition resistor designed for reliable performance in vintage and modern repair applications. This fixed resistor delivers 22kΩ nominal resistance with a ±10% tolerance, suitable for audio circuits, amplifier restorations, and nostalgic electronics projects where carbon composition characteristics are preferred for their warm, natural response.
Key Features
- Resistance: 22kΩ (22,000 ohms)
- Power Rating: 0.5W (1/2 watt)
- Tolerance: ±10% (standard for carbon composition)
- Termination: Axial leads (traditional through-hole)
- Construction: Carbon composition core
- Condition: New old stock (NOS), factory sealed
Technical Specifications
Carbon composition resistors like the Motorola 6-6397 are passive two-terminal components that limit electrical current flow. The 22kΩ value makes this resistor suitable for biasing, coupling, and filtering networks. The 0.5W power rating indicates it can safely dissipate up to half a watt without degradation, making it appropriate for low-to-moderate signal circuits.
- Nominal Resistance: 22,000 Ω (22 kΩ)
- Tolerance: ±10%
- Power Dissipation: 0.5W continuous
- Lead Configuration: Axial (both ends)
- Typical Lead Length: 0.5″–0.75″ (as manufactured)
- Operating Temperature Range: −55°C to +125°C (typical for carbon composition)
Typical Applications
The Motorola 6-6397 serves well in:
- Vintage tube amplifier bias and coupling networks
- Audio preamplifier input networks and cathode resistors
- Classic guitar amplifier circuit repairs (Fender, Marshall, Vox era equipment)
- Mid-century radio and receiver restoration projects
- Signal conditioning and biasing in analog circuits
- Vintage synthesizer and effects pedal repairs
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Vintage tube amplifiers (any design using 22kΩ 1/2W bias or coupling resistors)
- Classic audio equipment from the 1950s–1970s
- Analog synthesizers and vintage electronic instruments
- Standard PCB mounting with 0.100″ lead spacing
- Any circuit accepting 22kΩ ±10% power dissipation up to 0.5W
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
The Motorola 6-6397 directly replaces other 22kΩ 1/2W carbon composition resistors, including similar vintage Motorola series and functionally equivalent resistors from manufacturers such as Allen-Bradley, IRC, and Stackpole (when the same 10% tolerance is acceptable). Verify the original resistor marking before substitution to confirm exact specifications.
Works With
- Standard printed circuit boards with 0.1″ hole spacing
- Through-hole soldering processes (lead straightening, hand or reflow soldering)
- Any circuit simulator or design tool recognizing a 22kΩ resistor
- Vintage component restoration workflows and audio restoration projects
- No specific software or protocol required (passive component)
