[vecher]

All, Here are some pictures of a RCA 5T .. Question is do you think this is a original Transformer? It looks a little small. Plus under side shows tar From Transformer.. or did RCA put tar on this? Looks like the 80 tube got very hot..

But the plate winding measured OK About 600 Ohms and NO lead to Ground short..

Skip

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[morzh]

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/vintage-RCA-5T-T...ect=mobile

[mikethedruid]

Without more pictures of the Transformer, closer, showing the mounting more clearly, it's hard to say if it is original., but, looking at the topside picture, with the holes to the right of the transformer, it makes me wonder. The "tar" you see is a sign that the transformer was running somewhat overloaded for some time, got hot, and the insulating tat inside it melted. This can be a result of operating with a bad filter condenser in the power supply, or other heavy load on the B+ supply. I've seen a bad filter condenser cause the plates of the rectifier tube to actually glow red. If allowed to continue for a few minutes like this, the load can overheat the transformer to the point the tar melts.

[Radioroslyn]

Hi Skip,
Yes RCA did use tar when they constructed transformers but for the most part they kept it on the inside rather than the outside like yours. [Image: https://philcoradio.com/phorum/images/sm...on_lol.gif] This is what I would do. Remove the 80 tube, plug the set in, and the room doesn't go dark measure the voltage on the hv winding from the ct to each end. Voltages should be pretty equal within a few volts. If more than 5v it's probably a goner. Leave it run for 5 or 10min and check the temp if you can fry an egg or very uncomfortable to touch it's scrap.[Image: https://philcoradio.com/phorum/images/sm...wisted.gif] All of this is good news because now there is no worries about that one setting your house a blaze or having a distinctive odor, some folk have a sensitive proboscis.[Image: https://philcoradio.com/phorum/images/sm...n_evil.gif] Criteria for replacement. Something that will fit, was removed from a radio chassis that was used with the same number tubes or more, has this same filament/heater voltages, and the hv within about 20% either way.
Looked at the diagram and it's a Philco model 66 more or less...

Mike,
I would hand rewind a transformer before dealing with a profiteer.

[morzh]

Terry

If you addressed me, I was not suggesting buying it - I gave the link t show the picture of the chassis with the transformer to compare against the one that Skip has, as he was expressing concern the transformer in his chassis was not original.

[Radioroslyn]

It was address at the seller. Someone splits up a set and is fishing for a high return on each piece.
If memory serves me correctly Ron mention a yr or two ago that this seller dissembled a some what
low production Philco set. Buying all of the pieces to reassemble would haven't had make sense $$.
To me it's a very annoying tactic.
Not aimed at you at all my friend.

[vecher]

Thanks Guys...

I have a couple of transformers from Donor sets

1. from a RCA R7
2. from a Philco 20

Not sure if either will fit... But will get them out to see.. Then look up Specs

Thanks
Skip

[morzh]

Terry, I know it wasn't.


This is the Catman. We all know what he does.
This simply was the first image of the 5T Chassis I found.

[mikethedruid]

Take a look at the specs on these transformers. One may work for you. Others here can advise you better as to which one. You may want to look at all the other offerings from AES to see is something matches best.
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/tr...ntal-mount

[Paul Philco322]

The Catman, was he married to Catwoman? Honestly I have had sets that defy repair. So if a consensus is reached it probably should be broken down and perhaps tubes, trfr, speaker should go to a set that can be saved, like an organ donor.

[Image: https://img.cinemablend.com/filter:scale...jpg?mw=600]



I would say though that it should be worked by those who can barter, work it out, who can help each other and get helped. I understand the marketplace. No one like to feel like they were had, even though they are one part away from a masterpiece.....

I have heard of the evil Catman.

Paul

[morzh]

Michelle Pfeiffer is my favourite.

[Ron Ramirez]

If memory serves me correctly Ron mention a yr or two ago that this seller dissembled a some what
low production Philco set.

This guy will disassemble any radio he buys, no matter how low the production, and try to sell the pieces at ridiculous prices.

"Me buy radios. Me tear up radios. Me sell parts. Me make BIG money."

He keeps doing it because there are enough suckers out there willing to pay his sky-high prices for parts.



anyway...

Yes, Skip, the transformer is original. In all likelihood, the transformer has been stressed by bad electrolytic capacitors as has already been mentioned. I remember one of the first complete old radios I ever owned, an RCA 5T1. It used the same chassis as the 5T but had a different cabinet and smaller speaker. Also different dial scale. In any event, it had a bad power transformer which sizzled when power was applied. It required a new power transformer. Once replaced, I was amazed at how well that radio performed.

[vecher]

Ron What transformer did you use to replace it?

Skip

[Ron Ramirez]

Goodness, Skip, that was about 300 years ago...

...okay, actually about 42-43 years ago. As I recall I was able to find one at an Evansville wholesale electronics parts distributor. I had to remove one of the new transformer's bells (the one where the wires went through) to retain the original tab mounting to chassis.

Now, your choices are to find a similar RCA with a good power transformer, or pick out something suitable from Hammond. You'll want a horizontal mounting transformer (if you can get one). The RCA service data will help you find a replacement. Suitable RCA donors include 5T, 5T1, 6T, 6K, 6T2, 6T5. Possibly others.

But do test your transformer first as Terry suggested. If it sizzles with no load (all tubes removed), then it has died the death. The power transformer on my RCA 6T2 had lost a lot of tar but it turned out to be OK.

[vecher]

Ok will do.. I thought you had a memory like a elephant?? All kidding aside.. Hope you are felling better.. Thanks for the input..

Skip