6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - Printable Version
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+--- Thread: 6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help (/showthread.php?tid=25599)
6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - R3Sons - 02-07-2025
Hello, I have a Philco (Ford) 6TPZ and a 5TPO radio. I replaced the electrolytic capacitors in both. I have the SAMS manual. When I connect power, ground, and antenna, the bulb lights, but there is no sound at all. Volume all the way up and down, power on and off. No static, no nothing. If I scrape the speaker connections I can hear a faint hiss, but that's it. I'm trying to get my signal generator working, but so far, I'm not sure where to look. The potentiometers both test ok. Visually everything else looks ok. Am I missing something big, or just overlooking something simple? I just find it really odd that both radios have no output at all. I've searched for any troubleshooting info, but I have not been able to find anything. I would really appreciate any assistance.
Thank you
RE: 6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - GarySP - 02-07-2025
Welcome to the Phorum, R3Sons! I have very limited experience with car radios other than installing custom radios back in my early years working for Montgomery Ward Auto Service. Plenty of our members here willing to help you out, however. Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary
RE: 6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - morzh - 02-07-2025
I am not a specialist in car radios.
I suspect they might use vibrators to convert 12V to acceptable tube voltages, so you need to measure your voltages (tubes plates or B+ towards the common/chassis), and only spend effort troubleshooting the radio itself if those are OK.
If not, you will need to fix your power supply first.
RE: 6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - R3Sons - 02-07-2025
Thank you Gary. Hi Morzh. These radios are 6 transistor radios. Sadly no tubes. Thanks though.
RE: 6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - GarySP - 02-07-2025
Since these radios operated in harsh environments (temp changes and vibration) you could touch a soldering iron to all the solder points on the boards to eliminate possible cold solder joints. Just a thought... - Gary
RE: 6TPZ and 5TPO Radio Help - morzh - 02-07-2025
Transistors are easy.
No converters. If you have input voltage, then just put some signal through.
Or touch your finger to the Base of any audio-amp transistor and see if it hums.
You might also check the speaker first to make sure it works. Desolder one wire and touch a 1.5V battery to the lugs, see if it makes that scratchy sound.
If you put the manual link or PDF file here, we could be more specific.