The PHILCO Phorum

I finished the re-capping including the tone control block, but it still has the same problem before the re-cap job, ie. volume/reception is near dead.

Originally the radio played well until for a couple of days the volume started to die until the radio went mute except for some light static. I can now take an adjustment stick (plastic stick with metal tips) and tap the 6A7 grid cap and get perfect volume and reception. I can trace the grid cap wire and tap connection at the bandswitch... perfect volume reception, and all the way to first connection of the wave trap. tap again, and get the same result... perfect volume and reception.

I know I'm almost there..... Can someone give me a starting place to determine fix for this condition?

Thanks,
Britt Abbott

Start checking solder joints. You may very well have a "cold" solder joint somewhere in the front end of your set. And it may or may not be one of the solder joints you made - it could be a joint you did not touch.

Replace the 6A7 with a known good one also.

Thanks Ron, I did try replacing the 6A7, but it had the same problem. I've tinkered with it some more since my last post, checking resistors, micas, etc.
I starting twisting on the antenae fahnestock clip on the exterior of the chassis and the sound came in bright and clear. Is this antenae clip suppose to be isolated from the chassis (ground)?? The clip appears to be mounted on a fiber washer top and bottom of chassis to isolate it. I'll also check the solder joints from the band switch to wave trap to antenae clip.

Also, while I've got your attention, I'm getting a loud buzz in the higher end of the broadcast band above 90. Can you give me a starting point?

Thanks,
Britt Abbott

Yes, the antenna clip MUST be isolated from ground, else you would receive no signals! The rivet which holds the clip to the solder terminal under the chassis (on the underside of the fibre washer) may have come loose. A small screw and nut in place of the rivet will fix that.

Can't really help you on the buzzing above 900 kc, other than to suggest looking for any light dimmers, computers, wall warts, etc. in the vicinity of your radio. Could be interference from one of those types of devices?