Hi guys, its been a while since I have been on the forum, work is getting the best of me
. I took a road trip out to Indiana last week to pick up this beautiful Philco 95 Deluxe console. I have wanted one of these for my collection, and I have to say it is one of the nicest cabinets I have come in Philco's early years. The tube shield is missing but I was able to locate a parts chassis, online, I am waiting for that still. The story behind this one, it's been in the same family since 1929, and still retains every original part except for one filter cap on the bottom, and the tubes. I did a initial test run of the radio just a few minutes ago, the transformer is good, all the tubes lit up, and I was able to pull in over 7 stations including the one on my SSTRAN. This set will need a recap though. I still have two projects in front of this one, but have a few questions for you guys.
Where there several different variations of the 95? Mine is the 7 tube model, some original Philco information shows a 95 schematic, but with 9 tubes. I have looked underneath the chassis, and the layout is different than the parts chassis I bought.
I notice this set does not have the Bakelite blocks, instead tubular capacitors with tar at each end, are these easy to re stuff?
Also, since I am still a novice, I wanted to test the transformer by pulling the rectifier 80 out. Can I measure the Plate and Filament voltages; how do I do that exactly?
One other thing, one of the audio transformers, by the push pull 45's is different than the others, is this a replacement?
Thanks for your responses, much appreciated.
Jon
Hi Jon
Congratulations on your acquisition! If I may ask...what part of Indiana did that nice set come from? I would be bummed out for missing out on it since I'm in Indiana (southwestern), but I really don't have any room for any more consoles, so it is good that it went to a good home!
If your Philco has 7 tubes, it is a model 76, not a 95. If you can't find a 76 tube shield, one from a 77 will fit and is basically the same except for its decal on back that says "MODEL 77" instead of "MODEL 76."
I don't believe the chassis is a model 95 as it would have more tubes. It does look a lot like a model 87 but it uses triode rf amp tubes your screen grid tube set up. Would bet it is a model 65.
The 95 has some features that haven't been developed in early 1930 like the AVC system.
Terry
ps yes the audio driver transformer has been replaced.
Wow, I thought it was a 95, did they put model 76 chassis inside this type of cabinet? I would of never known, I have $70 worth of parts of a 95 coming to me from eBay right now. Will the audio transformers and power transformer still work for this set? I must say I am kind of bummed, I was hoping for a 95. Well, my main concern is if the chassis is original to the radio cabinet and speaker? Please let me know, thank you Ron and Terry.
Jon
Yes, the 76 was used in this cabinet, as was the 40 (110 volts DC) and 87 (8 tubes):
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1929c.htm#g
In these early years of Philco radios, they often used different chassis in the same cabinets.
You can use a 95 power transformer in a 76 - the voltages are the same - but the interstage audio transformer from a 95 will not physically fit a 76 chassis without some modifications even though they are similar electrically. And the 95 tube shield will not fit a 76.
Unfortunately, this drives home the fact that you should always do your research before spending money on a set.
And if the set is a Philco, that research should include the information available at Philcoradio.com . This is why the site exists - to help folks out.
Edit: One more thing. The model number in Philco sets made from 1929 to 1932 helps tell you how many tubes are in the set.
50, 51, 52 - 5 tubes
62, 65 - 6 tubes
70, 71, 73, 76, 77 - 7 tubes
82, 86, 83, 87 - 8 tubes
90, 91, 95, 96 - 9 tubes
111, 112 - 11 tubes
Jon, that's a very nice cabinet!
With respect to your chassis, since you have a model 95 coming to you, why not just get that chassis working? I have a model 95 chassis here in nice shape, although the primary of the audio sp/ppg interstage transformer is open, would be glad to let you have it if you pay the postage.
With respect to the open interstage transformer, there is an excellent article here in this site that provides instructions for bypassing the primary or secondary, or both, with a combination of caps and resistors. I used this technique on my daughters model 95 and it worked VERY well.
Ron, I see your point. This is really the first radio that I "jumped on the gun". I was excited about the radio. I am disappointed in my self for buying 70 dollars worth of 95 parts. I have learned my lesson, and I did look up the Philco 76 on your web site last night after I read your post. If your forum and website did not exist many of us would be in the dark with the Philco's, much appreciated.
TA Forbes, Thanks for your response. I do have parts of a model 95 heading this way, actually it is every part off of a 95 chassis, even the caps and dog bones from underneath. I am interested in your 95 chassis, is it in about the condition of my chassis I posted pictures of, also do you think the 95 chassis would work with the 76 speaker and audio transformer that sits on top of it. Just a thought. Thanks
Jon
Hello, Jon: the model 76 and 95 both use PP45 tubes for output, so the speaker should work. Additionally, the speaker jack is the same.
My model 95 chassis is, in my opinion, close to being in the same cosmetic shape as your 76. It is dirtier, but minimal corrosion, just dust/dirt.
Let me know.....
Hi TA Forbes,
I'd be interested in your Philco 95 chassis if Philco281989 isn't.
I have a Philco 96 here with the tube shield missing. I think one from a 95 would fit.....Ron?
It also has a replacement interstage transformer cobbled onto it. I could use the shell from the 95 transformer to put a modern replacement in.
Thanks,
Ed
FYI my extra 95 does not have the tube shield...
When the dust settles after all the trading I could use some parts from the tuning condenser. Namely the supports for the rotor. I have a model 95 too. Someone was nice enough to remove and lose them for me. I'm in no hurry.
Tnx guys
Terry
Hi Ed
Yes, the 95 and 96 tube shields are interchangeable.
To All
The 1929 Philco speakers are interchangeable within models 65, 76, 87 and 95. This does not apply to the 40 as it is a 110 volt DC set and uses a speaker with a much different field coil.
TA Forbes, now that I have all the parts and no chassis for them, I am interested in taking the 95 chassis of your hands if you are still interested in parting with it. One question though, are the components under the chassis; resistors, capacitors, etc. still original or has everything been replaced. I wouldn't mind putting this chassis in the cabinet I already have if it is compatible with the speaker. Thanks for the offer, will hear from you soon.
Jon
Hello again! It's an un-molested early model chassis with the local/distance switch for the right control vice the tone control. I do not have the tube shield, as I mentioned before. oh yes, and like I said, the interstage SP to PPG transformer primary is open, but this site has excellent instructions for bypassing this.
If you will send, oh, lets say 20.00 for shipping, I'll box it up and send it priority mail to you.
Wow, that would be great, could I get it to you this weekend, please pm me on the details if possible. Thanks TA Forbes. I do have a tube shield, extra power transformer, all RF coils, dogbones, capacitors, filter caps, audio chokes and transformers. I am set to go for that chassis. Talk to you soon.
Jon