[radiotechman]

I recently purchased a Philco model 48-482 AM/FM/SW table model radio in non-working condition. The cabinet looked pretty darned good. But I found a rat's nest inside and evidence of rat urine on top of the chassis. Underneath, the chassis looked very good. I now have the radio working pretty well. But, there is much left to be done--especially the cabinet. Anyway, my question is: "Is this the first Philco radio to incorporate the FM feature?" BTW, I also am looking for a loudspeaker for this set--5x7 inch oval.
Thanks for any help.

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi

I recently finished a 48-482. I've heard horror stories about this chassis and how difficult they are to service. Fortunately, I had no such issues. I had to replace about four or five tubes, including the oddball FM 1000 tube which was dead in this set. Once it was replaced, though, FM came to life loud and clear!

The first Philco radios to include FM were made in the 1942 season. However, they tuned the old FM band (42 to 50 mc). The first Philcos to use the modern FM band (88-108 mc) were made in the 1946 season (46-480 and 46-1213).

[radiotechman]

Thanks Ron. I approached the job with great trepidation due to what I had seen reported elsewhere on the internet. I, too, had no such problems. Restringing the dial cord was a little challenging but I managed to complete it in an hour. I guess I need to replace the FM1000 tube. The FM sounds a little distorted. I have three tube testers, Triplett 3444, Hickok 6000A and a TV-2, none of which I can find data to test the FM1000. Thanks for the info on the first Philco model to provide the modern FM band.

[codefox1]

The FM1000 seems to have no direct replacement, but is a heptode, much like the later 6BE6.
http://www.philcorepairbench.com/tube/fm1000.htm
I don't have one, but they shouldn't be too hard to come by.

[Ron Ramirez]

I bought mine from Bob Dobush at Findatube.com:

http://www.findatube.com/
He has the best price on the FM 1000 tube on the Net. Good fellow to deal with, also.

[radiotechman]

Thanks very much! I did find one listed at The Tube Depot in Orlando, FL for around $7 or $8 bucks. They also had the 7W7 listed for $1. Shipping would probably cost more than the two tubes combined. I'll have to see what other tubes I need before placing the order. This is a great forum. I have come to appreciate it in just a short time. As far as testing the FM1000 tube, I believe I can manage to set up the Triplett 3444 tube tester if I can find the tube specifications/data, perhaps in an old tube manual.