[k9uw]

Hello, everyone!

The current project is a #655 console.  The chassis has several multi-section electrolytic cans and the lugs are color coded.  Philco part #30-2045 contains two caps ( 8 and 10 uf with red and bare metal lug markings) while #30-2122 contains 3 caps (1, 2 and 3 uf with green, yellow and unpainted lugs).  The parts list offers no insight as to which lug is which cap, or the voltage ratings of the caps.

Granted, I should be able to determine which is which with the aid of the schematic and I’m presently doing that while unraveling the logic of a previous repair that is making interpretation of the schematic more difficult.  Was there ever a standard for color codes for these multi-sectioned electrolytic cans?  Has anyone ever posted a list of these multi-sectioned caps that assigns meaning to the color coded lugs?

[Steve Davis]

Mike, I would use two 10uf in the 30-2045 and three 3.3uf in the 30-2122. Then it wouldn't make any difference which lug you connect to.

Steve

[jerryhawthorne]

+1 for Steve. Saves a lot of worry.
Jerry

[k9uw]

Mike, I would use two 10uf in the 30-2045 and three 3.3uf in the 30-2122. Then it wouldn't make any difference which lug you connect to.

Steve

Thanks, Steve!

Took your advice, and the set came to life earlier this afternoon.  

Based on the appearance of several replacement electrolytics and grease pencil notes on several tube bases, it looks like this set was last serviced on March 24, 1950.

Now it's time to restuff the Bakeline blocks!

[jerryhawthorne]

Mike, if you have not done those blocks before there are some very good guides on painless ways of doing them without even disconnecting any wires (in most cases). Some nice info on the Philco Phorum.
Best, Jerry

[k9uw]

Thanks, Jerry. I researched this forum before tackling my first blocks a year or two ago. Since then I've cleaned and restuffed 50+ Bakelite blocks and, as strange as it sounds, I like doing it. I don't post much but read and research a LOT. Sure helps to have this knowledge base available!

[Nathan Slingerland]

I've found the 'Philco Condensers and More' book by Ray Bintliff to be an invaluable reference. It covers much more than bakelite blocks, but I've gotten my copy smudged up pretty good since it's always open when I'm restuffing.

The book is mentioned in the tech section:
http://www.philcoradio.com/tech/blocks.htm

It doesn't seem to be available on Amazon or Antique Electronic Supply currently. Maybe here?
http://www.antiqueradio4.com/Merchant2/m...ry_Code=BL

[codefox1]

If you have the schematic, follow it. You can always go up 20% in mfd and as high as you can afford and fit into the cabinet in voltage. Multi-section caps are getting few and far between, but modern replacements ae pretty small, so shouldn't be a problem.