Posts: 111
Threads: 27
Joined: Oct 2007
City: Livonia, MI
Picked up a 38-7 yesterday and it was missing knobs on the bandswitch and volume control. The knob on the power/tone control doesn't look original either. Was going to look at Radio Daze for replacements - should they just be round knobs, or the type with a pointer on them? Being that there aren't any decals to indicate what the controls are I'm not sure that the pointer types are needed (unless was a visual indicator to the user somewhat). Also brings up a question as to why Philco didn't label controls on the face of the unit?
Posts: 225
Threads: 14
Joined: Oct 2005
City: Grand Blanc, Michigan
I will look at my 38-4 but if my memory is correct they are the knurled round ones with pointers. A good source for knobs is David Frush, if you need an email address let me know. A picture link for a 38-7
http://radioatticarchives.com/radio.php?radio=1979
Posts: 111
Threads: 27
Joined: Oct 2007
City: Livonia, MI
David's email would be great - it doesn't appear that the replacements offered by RDaze are quite the same. Thanks!
And by the way, that table model 38-7 is a sharp looking radio as well. Maybe I'll tell my wife that the console needs a little brother...
Posts: 111
Threads: 27
Joined: Oct 2007
City: Livonia, MI
In looking at one of the alignment procedures for this unit, it mentions setting the freq. generator to 470Khz and the "multiplier" to 1000. Bit confused on this one - did the 'multiplier' actually raise the 470KHz or was the scale on the old equipment screened for different multiplier bands?
I won a bid on a Conar 280 generator and should be getting it next week. Had an Eico 324 around '81 in my senior year of high school, but got rid of it long ago thinking I would never use it again. Sigh...
Posts: 49
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Joined: Jul 2007
City: Denver CO
Multiplier refers to the output signal level, not the frequency.
Most Philco generators had step attenuators and a variable adjustment as well. One thousand means to start with a high level output. Lower the level if the radio goes into overload as you go through the alignment.
Posts: 111
Threads: 27
Joined: Oct 2007
City: Livonia, MI
Recapped the 38-7 last night and everything is working fine with one exception. On the shortwave band near the top of the range there is a spot on the dial where it sounds like tapping on the cabinet etc. is getting picked up and amplified. Also at the very top of the shortwave band there is some sort of feedback. Didn't align the set as of yet but wondered what may cause this. I've heard about a microphonic problem with tubes, but since this is only on one spot of the dial could that be it? Thanks in advance.