The PHILCO Phorum

Hello all, Iam new here and glad to be here. I recently retired and now have some time to get involved with restoring some of the radios that I have acquired over the last few years--first on my list is a nice Philco 40-130T. I have electronics background from years ago and Iam going to take my time and refresh my radio repair skills along the way--ok that being said, my first question is about the tube line-up in thr 40-130, the output tube is supposed to be a 7B5, but has a 7C5 in it's place--is this going to cause a problem? Iam headed off to the radio swap meet flea market here in the Seattle area tomorrow and will be looking for some tubes-so maybe on original 7B5 would be in order for the set--heck I may try to get a whole set if available

Hi, and welcome - we're glad you've joined us!

7C5 is listed as a substitute for a 7B5. The 7B5 is more like a 6K6 or 41 in characteristics, while a 7C5 is more like a 6V6. Not exactly the same - grid biasing is different between the two. I think I would go back to the 7B5 if I were you, but no real harm will be done in using a 7C5.

There is no point in buying an entire set of tubes if you don't need them - this just lowers the availability of the other tubes for people who do need them. They aren't making these anymore, folks...so just buy what you need. That's my opinion.

Thanks Ron--I will seek out a 7B5 and go without a whole set of tubes

Yeah, get a spare of either one, and a rectifier tube as well. The radio and ears on a two legger will never know the difference. Agree with Ron, hoarding the other ones probably not necessary.

Most times I am replacing audio output tubes or rectifiers, it is amazing how the others will last in a set that has all the right current going into them. I do keep a small stock on hand of mostly common outputs and rectifiers.

Good luck.

Paul

Thanks for all the positive words and information so far--Yesterday I went to the yearly radio swap meet flea market event held by the Puget Sound Antique Radio folks--found the 7B5 tube I was after (actually got two) at $2.00 each ok with me. While I was at the radio meet I picked up a 42-321 Philco ac/dc set for future project--dealer wanted 45 bucks, I got for 30. I hope to get started on the original project the 40-130 this week--moe later

I have the 42 322, the 321 is fairly close to it and you may be surprised with it the extra RF stage helps a lot. On the 322 I get all my New York stations, and can usually get 740 up in Toronto from my spot in Boston. BTW that is without an external antenna. I like the veneer on the front of the 321 cabinet. A neat set with pretty good performance. Good luck with it! Post a pic if you can.

Paul

I would like to post a before picture of my 40-130, but I have not figured out photobucket or flikr yet--I will read over instuctions again

OK hope this works my Philco 40-130 before any restoration

I'm guessing that's not the original grill, am I correct?

Don't know if grill cloth is original--it's the way the set came to me. I will have explore the net and see if I can find what an orig cloth looked like

It is a cute set, like the dial. Check the archive on the Philco Radio.com site for a photo with correct cloth.

paul

Actually, that cloth is correct! That pattern was never reproduced, and the cloth looks like it is in great shape - only needing to be pulled tight and reglued onto the backing board.

That's good news. I can't wait to see it restored.

Well I have been so busy with family stuff, and vacation--I have not had a chance to get into the 40-130 hope to pull the chassis out of the cabinet for initial inspection next week---looks like my fall and winter project for the restoration