The PHILCO Phorum
Philco 680 - Printable Version

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Philco 680 - vaguy22 - 05-08-2016

Just got a Philco 680 from an estate. Are there any pitfalls to watch for when restoring one of these? Where there more than one cabinet for this model? I barely remember reading on this phorum about a source that is better than Riders for schematics for Philco radios. Thanks in advance for your help. Norman

RE: Philco 680 - KCMike - 05-08-2016

Is that a 680X congrats. on getting it. You should consider ordering a schematic package from here.
http://www.philcorepairbench.com/schematics.htm
It will really help you in the restoration. If possible put up some pics.

RE: Philco 680 - palegreenthumb - 05-08-2016

Yes, there were two cabinets for that model. Each was about a half-year model.

The early version had the controls facing straight upward, with a hinged lid to cover them. 2500 were made:
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philco_680.html
[Image: http://www.radiomuseum.org/images/radio/philco_philadelphia/680x_160_early_683956.jpg]


The late version had the controls facing straight forward with no lid. 1500 were made:
http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philco_680x68.html
[Image: http://www.radiomuseum.org/images/radio/philco_philadelphia/680x_late_683959.jpg]

RE: Philco 680 - Phlogiston - 05-08-2016

I like the first one. Now THAT is a "no stoop" design that looks good (too).

RE: Philco 680 - morzh - 05-08-2016

The bottom one reminds me of 37-116 or 116x.

RE: Philco 680 - Radioroslyn - 05-08-2016

Welcome and Congrats!
The 680 is a rare find and Philco's top of the line set for'36. Second in line to have the variable bandwidth IF( the 200X in 1934 being the 1st and the 37 and 38 116/690 3rd and 4th.)Philco's departure in the the High Fidelity line of sets. Where not a lot built so probably not a lot of hands on info on this model. I would be careful about replacing the caps inside the bakeolite blocks you may find that there is an inductor inside one rather than a cap. Some of the HiFi chassis use a small choke to attenuate the hf audio response in the low level audio stage.

Have fun but go slow.
Terry N3GTE

RE: Philco 680 - Radioroslyn - 05-08-2016

(05-08-2016, 04:37 PM)morzh Wrote:  The bottom one reminds me of 37-116 or 116x.
It's nice though it doesn't have the D. Grimes curse!!!


Terry

RE: Philco 680 - Radioroslyn - 05-08-2016

(05-08-2016, 01:21 PM)Phlogiston Wrote:  I like the first one. Now THAT is a "no stoop" design that looks good (too).

Read somewhere the the lid obscures the dial a bit. But it's a very kewl set!
I'd grab one if there was one to be had!!

Terry

RE: Philco 680 - vaguy22 - 05-08-2016

Thank you folks for the fast replies. Mine is the late one with controls facing front will try to put pictures on tomorrow or Tuesday. Regards Norman

RE: Philco 680 - titan1a - 05-08-2016

Good show! Yes, the radio chassis can be a hand-full to restore but the end result is worth it. Beautiful cabinet and beautiful sound. Maybe someday I can get one?

RE: Philco 680 - vaguy22 - 05-10-2016

As promised here are a few pictures of my  680. I shot these on a very old camera so hopefully they are not too wide. if they are too big someone PLEASE let me know. thanks. BTW couldnt get it out of photobucket

RE: Philco 680 - KCMike - 05-10-2016

 The cabinet looks to be in good shape. Should clean up nicely. Icon_thumbup

RE: Philco 680 - Arran - 05-11-2016

 I wonder if someone had that cabinet refinished at some point during it's life? The finish has a sort of dark mahogany red colour, and the speaker grill bars are that same colour. The grill cloth, or cloths, have also been changed, the original cloth used had a chevron or "V" shaped pattern.
Regards
Arran

RE: Philco 680 - vaguy22 - 05-11-2016

Dont think it was refinshed grill cloth replaced for shure  is anybody selling the correct cloth for this? BTW only put one picture because I could not get them out of photobucket. Thank you Norman

RE: Philco 680 - SteveG - 05-11-2016

vaguy22,
Nice radio! Can't say as I remember seeing either version of that cabinet for sale anytime recently. Great find!
Steve