The PHILCO Phorum
42-327 pilot light - Printable Version

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42-327 pilot light - bridkarl - 09-05-2025

I found this pilot light installed in this 42-327.
Can someone confirm this is the right part? It looks kludged together so I’m not sure    

RE: 42-327 pilot light - MrFixr55 - 09-05-2025

Hi Bridkarl,
It may be possible. Here is a link to the schematic from our Philco Library:

https://philcoradio.com/library/download/service%20info/yearbooks/1942/split/Part22-Philco%201942%20RMS%20Year%20Book.pdf

Per the parts list, if this is the Code 122 version of this radio, the 120V socket and pilot light (OK, 115V based on the year) is correct. If the 121 version, a 6V bulb and socket was used. I am not sure if it was threaded or bayonet. Hard to tell from the pic if this is a kluge, as the bulb likely should have 2 wires. The repair to the socket is likely a kluge, but if this as a 42-327 Code 122, a 115 - 120V pilot light is correct. The bulb in the picture is a 3W "indicator" bulb.

RE: 42-327 pilot light - bridkarl - 09-05-2025

Ok. I’ll look into it. Right now just undoing previous “repairs” There’s a dual 40mfd electrolytic not the dual 20mfd cap called for. Replacing with two 20mfd 160v caps and using heat shrink on the bad wiring.
This is my weekend project.

Saw Jeff Dunham the comedian at the Fair last night. He collects Philco Predictas. Wonder if he hangs out here?

RE: 42-327 pilot light - Arran - 09-05-2025

The blob of silicone is obviously not correct but the 42-327 I have had a 120 volt candelabra type pilot lamp, basically a Christmas tree/nightlight type bulb. I think that metal reflector hooked into the inside top of the cabinet, I but can't remember. The reason they used those is because the 35Z3 rectifier tube does not have a pilot light tap on the heater, and whilst some sets used a power resistor in series with the tube heaters, and in parallel with the lamp socket to power a 6.3 volt pilot lamp, these did not, my guess is because the set has an extra IF amplifier tube. In the end it comes down to parts count I guess. That being said you could use an LED substitute to cut down on the heat somewhat, but then again how often are you going to use the set?
Regards
Arran

RE: 42-327 pilot light - bridkarl - 09-05-2025

I’ll see if there’s an led substitute just out of curiousity, but I don’t plan to use it that much.

RE: 42-327 pilot light - MrFixr55 - 09-05-2025

Homeowner H&!! (Oops, Home Depot) carries C7 LED nightlight bulbs. I use them in the bath and hall lights to provide enough light to walk to the Gents in the middle of the night without there being enough light to disturb Ms. Fixr. The LED version puts out almost the same amount of light and in reasonable color. Instead of 7W, it draws more like 0.7W.

RE: 42-327 pilot light - bridkarl - 09-06-2025

Thanks. For me it’s just not having to think about replacing the bulb ever. Plus less heat behind that dial which may save the paint.

I got a C7 bulb this morning and recapped this. Works just fine. I need to redo the dial string, check over some resistors, but progress. I’m still puzzled where this dial light is supposed to sit. It’s mounted on a piece of cardboard so maybe it just lies on top??

The remaining issues are touching up the black paint on the case and replacing the dial glass which seems somewhat worn.