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Philco 40-170 question... - Printable Version

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Philco 40-170 question... - rogermjohnson - 11-05-2010


Hi Everybody,

I just acquired a Philco 40-170 code 121 yesterday. It has 6 'push-buttons' that I assume are presets. When I press them the dial indicator doesn't move. But also, when I rotate the 'tuning' knob the indicator doesn't move either. Inspecting the dial cord it appears to be recent (definitely not the orig). Its tight, the spring is firm, and all seems to be in order. I'm wondering if maybe one of the knobs or buttons needs to be in a certain position in order to engage the manual tuning (as opposed to the preset buttons).

Also, I'd love to find a copy of the instruction manual, print ads, or anything else pertaining to this radio.

Any info that I could get from you folks would really make my day! If you can be of any help, please either post here or PM me. If you need to send a file, just let me know and I'll PM you my email address.

Thanks in advance!!!

[Image: http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/142/l_296b377c59cf457397519a9c9f471d37.jpg]

[Image: http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/79/l_afc622409e8d4b47933eea7f25e745c8.jpg]

Once again... Thank You very much...

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - Chuck Schwark - 11-05-2010

See my site below (Schematic Info page) for full service info.
Clear photocopies of original service bulletin.
Also any Production Change notes as well.

Nice chairside version. Full, correct model number is 40-170CS (Chair Side)

Chuck

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - Ron Ramirez - 11-05-2010

Very nice indeed. I used to own one of those.

You do have to have the button on far right pushed in for normal AM and SW dial tuning. However, this button has nothing to do mechanically with the dial tuning. If you turn the knob but the dial does not move, then there is a problem with the dial cord stringing. Could be too tight? Sometimes you have to add some violin rosin to the string to make it "grip."

Bill Turner used to sell rosin in a liquid form, dissolved in acetone, which was perfect for this type of trouble. You could make your own by mixing a block of violin rosin (just the rosin, not the wooden block it is mounted to) with about 4 to 8 ounces or so of acetone.

Careful! Acetone is flammable, and will melt plastics, so you want to keep your mixture in a glass jar with a metal lid, and keep the lid tightly closed when not in use. The fumes from acetone are not exactly good for your body, either, so this type of activity should be done outdoors.

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - rogermjohnson - 11-05-2010

Thanks Ron,

I'll start looking into it from that end. Can you tell me how to set the other buttons? Do I have to have the dial working before that can be done? One of the pre-sets works for our local NPR station at this point. The sound quality is quite good!

Thanks for the help!!!

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - Ron Ramirez - 11-05-2010

If you order the service info from Chuck, I believe it will include complete instructions on setting the pushbuttons. Reading this would be easier on us both than my attempting to describe the procedure in detail. Icon_smile

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - Chuck Schwark - 11-05-2010

Yes, included in my standard info packets (when applicable) are the factory
specified push button alignment instructions, like Ron said.

Info also has the dial cord stringing diagram, which may be your problem.
Your set, if worked on before, could be strung incorrectly.

BTW, your set happens to have TWO dial cords; one from knob to tuning gang pulley center
and the other from the gang pulley to the dial pointer and pulleys.

Chuck

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - Glenn Roberts - 11-06-2010

The info from Chuck is the best $7 you'll spend. They are complete and clear. I couldn't have completed my restoration without them, and the help of the good folks here!

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - DeckApe - 11-06-2010

glennpr Wrote:The info from Chuck is the best $7 you'll spend. They are complete and clear. I couldn't have completed my restoration without them, and the help of the good folks here!

Motion seconded!

Re: Philco 40-170 question... - Radioroslyn - 11-06-2010

Very Nice find! I always enjoy having a look it the CS model. I've got a 37-620CS on it way here Should have it on Tuesday. Back in the '80's I had a 39-7CS I wish I had never gotten rid of it. Great sounding set and sensitive as all get out. Maybe someday one will appear at that auction place. Hmmmm.....
Terry