The PHILCO Phorum
Hello To All, Newbie here! - Printable Version

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Hello To All, Newbie here! - tobor - 01-04-2014

    Hello, today I picked up what I think is a Philco 42-400s got it for free. Now this is my first and have no idea where to start. The wires are frayed, the speaker cone is shot how ever the cabinet is in really good shape and I'm only missing two knobs! This unit does have a turn table but I would really love to get the radio to work.


Thanks All

Keith

from Youngstown,Ohio

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - morzh - 01-04-2014

Keith

Even if your speaker were in excellent shape and even knobs were present, forget about trying to plug it and see if it works.

You can start with seeing if all the wiring needs replacing (likely if it is rubber-insulated one) or not, and upon deciding that you have to:

1. Do the re-capping (change all capacitors except for mica ones)
2. re-carbing (changing all OUT-OF-SPEC resistors).
3. Making sure your transformer is OK and can output AC,
4. Test your tubes.

In the meantime you can send your speaker for being tended to, see the resources listed in this site (or others - they more or less list the same ones as there are only so many of them). I had good luck with The Speaker Shop, some people praise John's Vintage Radios in NJ.

Take it slow, enjoy it and learn in the process.

And - welcome!

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - tobor - 01-04-2014

Thanks Morzh! OH, I won't plug that baby in to many bare wires! I'm not very good with electronics that's why I'm not sure where to start.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - klondike98 - 01-04-2014

Welcome to the Phorum Keith! Its a little hard to see from the photo but it looks like you might have a 42-1008P ( http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1942a.htm#aw ) What are the numbers on the chassis? You can get free schematics for Philcos at http://www.nostalgiaair.org/ and get better (clearer and more) information from Chuck Schwark at http://www.philcorepairbench.com/schematics.htm for just a few bucks.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - klondike98 - 01-04-2014

Here's a recent thread with some starter information that you might find helpful. http://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=8321

The 1942 Philcos had rubber coated wire that has, in most cases, crumbled by now and will have to be replaced in addition to those capacitors and resistors that morzh mentioned.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - hsusmann - 01-04-2014

My only advice would be to make sure the power transformer is good in the radio before you send in the speaker to be re-coned. A bad transformer often is a deal breaker when making the decision to repair the chassis or save it as a parts chassis.

Herb S.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - morzh - 01-04-2014

I tell you this - if a cabinet is good, and the radio is the one I want, although I will cuss and spat when I find out the power tranny is pushing dasies, I will be chugging along with it as you can always find a transformer that will satisfy the electrical and power requirements and fits inside, and then there are ways of securing it.

It is a hassle though, a totally unwanted one, that I agree with. Plus a possible $100 setback.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - sam - 01-05-2014

welcome keith
best to get a schematic off chuck I did very easy and clear to read .
the hardest part will be that beam of light and record cutter working again
sam

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - y2kbruce - 01-05-2014

Hello keith.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - PhilcoJohn - 01-05-2014

Keith Welcome! This is the nicest forum on the planet! Only Good people here.

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - GarySP - 01-05-2014

Hello Keith. Can't agree more with the others that are telling you to order a schematic from Chuck. I couldn't believe how much more information was in his for my set than in the one I obtained free online. Best money well spent! Take care, Gary

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - Tom Hamilton - 01-06-2014

Hey Keith,

Here is a website that has lots of good basic information for newbies. I learned a lot there. Phil's Old Radios. Check it out at www.antiqueradio.org

Also, check out the You Tube radio restoration videos of Joernone. His videos are geared towards newbies as well.

The people here are really sharp and can answer most any question as well.

Good Luck,

Tom

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - gregb - 01-07-2014

Hi Keith!

I am a newbie to this forum as well and just so happens I have the same radio as yours. I restored it about 15 years ago and it sits in my livingroom and we listen to it all the time. It is a wonderful radio with fantastic sound! Yes, my record player works as well. It looks really cool when the record player works as that big pickup head glows from the light inside.

Good luck with your resto and if I can help just let me know.

Gregb

RE: Hello To All, Newbie here! - Eric T - 01-10-2014

Welcome to the Phorum. Icon_wave

That really does look like a 42-1008 with the (sort of) rare and unique Beam Of Light phonograph. That was the first tube radio I ever repaired. It was a learning experience, and I've been fixing electronics professionally for over 25 years.

Every minute was worth it. I have the old radio bug now. Icon_e_geek

Though nowhere near an expert, I'm willing to help with any questions you may have.