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Chris Drumma · 11-15-2005, 09:02 PM

I just won a 42RP2 off ebay. Does any one have one? How does this work? Can't wait to try it.
thanks
chris

***Ron Ramirez*** · 11-16-2005, 03:09 AM

Hi Chris

The 42-RP2 is a wireless phonograph. It is a single-play 78 rpm phonograph. But insttead of having a built-in audio amplifier, it contains a small transmitter which broadcasts the record bring played to any nearby AM radio.

These built-in transmitters are normally set to the low end of the AM band. In operation, you would set the radio you were going to listen to the unit over to the low end of the AM dial, then play your record on the player. You would hear the record over the radio.

**Chuck Schwark** · 11-16-2005, 03:39 AM

Hi Chris,

The 42-RP-1 and 42-RP-2 came from the factory set to 540 on the AM dial, but are adjustable to any other clear channel.

Chris Drumma · 11-16-2005, 10:01 PM

Ron and Chuck,
Do the transmitters go bad? Can replacments be found? I have not recieved it yet so I can not see what shape it is in. I was told it was taken apart but all the part are intact.
thanks for the info,
Chris

**Chuck Schwark** · 11-16-2005, 11:02 PM

Most likely you'll find the crystal phono cartridge bad due to aging and moisture swelling/cracking. I'ts just one tube (not counting the rect.) so there's not a lot of "stuff" in there. Few caps, resistors and trimmers and a coil. The usual stuff to replace and or check. Motor may need attention and any rubber iders obviously.

Doug Houston · 11-21-2005, 05:13 AM

I have a couple of the '41 model players as described above. The 41-RP-1 is in an open case and the RP-2 has a closing lid on the case. The 41-RP-2 belonged to old friends, and I have known it since new. They gave it to me many years ago. The oscillator has a 6A7 for the oscillator and modulator. A 6Z4/84 is the rectifier. Circuitry in the oscillator is very simple. Unlike most wireless players, this one couples into the AC line, and transmits as a carrier current transmitter. The original owners used it in their living room with an old US Radio & TV superhet radio and it worked beautifully. About 1963 or so, they bought a new stereo console and gave me the RP-2.

The only difficulty today, if a live cartridge can be found, is finding a quiet spot on the AM band, even down at the low end. As one may expect, Philco's circuit engineering made this player a cut above most other makes in performance.