Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - Printable Version
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RE: Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - LarryD - 06-25-2026
I appreciate all the responses from everyone. It sure is great to have knowledgeable and giving people that are willing to help. Just wanted to say "thanks".
I'm sure I'm not done with this radio yet, then I have a few more in the garage to get going after I get this one done.
RE: Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - LarryD - 06-26-2026
After trying the 38-7 out last night I still have the loud buzz/hash around 580-590 megacycles. That was after I went throughout the house and turned off anything that would cause any interference.
I also tried out the shortwave at around midnight and I had nothing coming in at all. It sounded as if it was tuning in some stations, but there was nothing there, not even when turned way up.
Anyway, I'm going to replace the multi-section bias resistor and the other carbon comp resistors that I haven't replaced yet (even though they test to be in spec) and then I'll start another thread if I'm having any further opportunities in getting this radio to function right.
I had a 38-7 just like this one when I was an early teenager and it picked up AM stations from all across the country and Canada. The shortwave was equally impressive and I picked up stations from all over the globe at night. I kept a log of both the AM & shortwave stations that I'd tuned in. I know what this radio is capable of doing and I'd like to get it working properly soon, just like my old one.
After I get the work done I'll begin a new post with the results and possibly any new questions if I need to proceed further. Thanks for all your help with this!
Larry D.
RE: Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - David - 06-26-2026
If you have a touch lamp even turned off still make lots of noise on the AM an shortwave bands must be unplugged. David
RE: Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - LarryD - 06-29-2026
I checked the 3 section resistor and for the 202ohm section I'm getting between 308 to 521 ohms. It will settle on a number, but if I bump it it will change to a different number. My clips are hooked to clean sections with nothing to get a poor connection.
The 8 ohm section reads 15.6. The 35 ohm section reads 44.3.
Looks like I'll be replacing that resistor. I'll post again after I get that done. It may be a while. I have to order parts again....
L.D.
RE: Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - RodB - 06-30-2026
Okay people, I'm seeing this quite often. Someone is working on a radio and orders parts as needed ultimately paying shipping charges that total much more than the parts. Some may not care about it and some like to support needy causes (USPS, UPS, etc.). Here's a piece of advice for the others, take time to make that list of parts to buy at the start of your project. Measure all resistors, check all the coils, get to know each part and where it goes. Things go a lot smoother and quicker. If you're doing an additional chassis, buy in bulk. I get most of my parts from Mouser and they have an economy shipping charge for 6.00 and the box comes in about 4 days. If you're on a tight budget, like me, that's top notch service on a tight budget. I'm not scolding anyone because we've all had to bite that bullet when that darn 35L6GT burns out after your tube order came yesterday. But I'm seeing this over and over where the anticipation of getting on with a restoration blinds the planning process. I felt I had to say something and hope I didn't step on anyone's toes jumping off the soap box.
RE: Philco 38-7 Electrolytics replacement - David - 06-30-2026
I guess some of us have a little pack rat DNA in the gene pool. Yes tubes have gotten costly but over the years if I need one would order two. Have been into tube stuff since a kid now at 78 have extras. When visiting my late parents in the Tampa Bay area would try an stop at a flea market or two. The stuff you would find was amazing companies doing gov. contracts time and material would sell off the extra stuff cheap. David