The PHILCO Phorum
PHILCO 46-420 HIPPO - Gimmick on cap? - Printable Version

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PHILCO 46-420 HIPPO - Gimmick on cap? - BOB C. - 09-30-2007

I am still a little confused as what to do when recapping a chassis and there is a number of wire coils wrapped around a wax capacitor. I know this is called a gimmick. How much effect does this have on the operation and would it be noticeable to just replace the cap with an equivalent size. Please explain for us new guys. In this case its a .2 mfd cap with one lead clipped short and a piece of wire soldered on and wrapped 8 times around the cap and terminates on a lug. Thanks much, Bob

- Texasrocker - 10-01-2007

... cut that rascal loose and forget about it!! Just make sure your correct-value cap is replaced point-to-point and never worry about those weird connections overwrapping the old style paper condensers! I have dis-regarded that old theory many times now, and never any probs in a re-cap job!! I read somewhere a long while ago, those old "wrapped by 1 lead condensers" was done so for "shielding" of the old paper type condensers. "?" WHY !. oh well, new modern type replacement caps are far beyond that old theory now. Personally, I think some early techs on the assembly lines were "too lazy" to clip those extra long wires and "wrapped" them around the condensers instead? Just my thoughts!! Never had a prob getting rid of them in the past!! Randal (TxRockr)

- Carl Travis - 10-01-2007

Actually, a gimmick is two pieces of wire twisted together to form a low value capacitor.

Restoration complete! - BOB C. - 10-01-2007

Thanks for the tips on that pesky gimmick. I finished the radio without replacing the cap in question and played it for 15 minutes or so. Then I clipped out the gimmick cap and replaced it with the equivalent .2 and fired her back up again. No difference what so ever, if not better. This is a hot little set. Picks up lots of stations across the dial. Most likely one of the best performers I have to date. I appreciate the quick response, Bob

- Texasrocker - 10-02-2007

Sometimes, a old radio condenser will be coupled with a old style bakelite resistor from end-to-end. Those, I pay attention too indeed. Otherwise, that old "extra wire" wrapped vintage condenser was most probably done for "shielding" purposes on a old style paper condenser. Glad to hear your restoration is successful!! Enjoy your vintage Radio!! Randal