Can anyone give me some information on this black box 32v battery eliminator found in my Philco 32?
I can't see to find anything like a description, maker, schematic. etc.
Thanks in advance for your teaching me!
Please see the picture attached.
Scott
I am not the expert. It is an odd duck of a set if you ask me. Perhaps designed for battery? Farm Set? Remember Philco originally started as a battery company and made power supplies prior to making sets. Is there any labeling if you slide the eliminator out off that shelf, perhaps underneath?
Maybe that could provide a clue, or perhaps a more knowledgable member may add in.
Looks very spiffy though. Have you worked on it, does it play, a recent find? What is the story behind the story?
Paul
The radio was a 32v battery which has been converted to AC. The black box does its "magic." It seems like a period conversion of the 1930's or 40's. There's just no writing or logo on the black box.
Did Philco make it, or is it an after-market. It fits the radio in its own tray as if it were designed by Philco.
It is a surprisingly strong player - great volume, selectivity, and sensitivity. Very clear and with little noise. I couldn't be happier.
I've only seen a few of these for sale over the years. Since I didn't have one in my collection, I thought I would go for it. It was in a consigment store. I made a few offers a while ago, and was rudely rejected. So, I dismissed it. Until last week when it showed up again for sale at a reduced price. I made the same offer as before (under the listed price) and this time the offer was quickly accepted.
The cabinet isn't perfect, but it's an original finish - a survivor. I'll keep it that way. IAll I know aobut its history is that it came from the farmland in Indiana.
I have a 118 and several 144's with the clamshell design like this one. It may be my new favorite because of how well it works. It is a big radio and the eliminator/converter makes it heavy too! As a bonus, it had a small bundle of original antenna wire stuck up front in the cabinet. Woohoo!
What's the old adage - I rather be lucky then good? I was certainly blessed and in the right place.
That's the story and I'm sticking to it!
I’d love to know the circuitry inside and find a schematic... I’ve got a Delco 32V radio I need to build an eliminator for so I could run it off 120V AC without any hum....
The "black box" is original to the radio and serves as the set's power supply. (That shelf is there for a reason.) It was designed for use on 32V DC. If it is working on 115-125V AC, then the power supply has been modified. If it had been untouched, applying 115-125V AC would destroy it.
Schematic here:
https://philcoradio.com/library/download...l.%201.pdf
Nice radio, take good care of that grille cloth.
Thanks Ron! I wondered if that was original. The set has been converted and works marvelously.
Take care and blessings. Praying for you!
Scott
I have a 118 in this same clamshell design. Very art deco. One of my favorite cathedrals. Yours is a nice phind!
