06-12-2026, 08:26 PM
Hi apERNA,
You could, but...
The issue is that the inductance of that coil is only part of the inductance of the total antenna that the radio was designed for.
In older radios that required an outdoor antenna, the inductance of the secondary of the antenna transformer matched the tuning capacitor to receive the desired range. In your set, the secondary of the antenna transformer and the loop, in series provide the specific coil inductance to receive the broadcast band with strength.
Your profile says that you live in Paramus, NJ, so you should be getting blasted by several NY Metro stations. I think that WABC's antennas are in the Meadowlands. You should receive strong signals from WFAN (660), WOR (710), WABC (770), WCBS (or whatever they call themselves now at 880), and WINS (1010).
If you want to try an outdoor antenna, leave the one that you are using, in series with the antenna coil
The tuning condenser in your set is a 2 gang condenser. The Oscillator section is at the top; the RF section is at the bottom. The loop should be connected between the stator tab at the bottom level of the tuning cap and Terminal 3 of the antenna coil. Terminal 4 should go to the AVC Line.
The link below takes you to the official Philco service document for this set. The terminals for the antenna are marked on pgs 62 and 63 0nthis document..
https://philcoradio.com/library/download...6-1947.pdf
Remember if the loop or loopstick that you are using is not providing a strong signal, reverse the connections. It may be out of phase with the antenna coil in series with it. When you get the connections that give you the strongest signal, you should be pulling the stations listed with absolutely no problem other than local interference.
Remember that loop and loopstick antennas are directional so rotate the loop, loopstick or radio for best signal with least interference.
Ther are "trimmer" condensers on the side of the tuning condenser (condenser and capacitor or "cap" are interchangeable). Adjust by peaking the one on the oscillator to ensure that the frequency received matches the frequency on the dial. Peak the lower trimmer (the RF trimmer) for strongest signal. The IF transformers can be peaked in the same manner. Mark the current position and don't turn excessively in either direction. A peak should be found for each adjustment. If you can't make a difference, return to marked position.
Once you are satisfied that you can receive the listed stations, try the weak station that you are trying to receive. Try an external antenna at this point.
What are the station call letters, frequency and location?
Keep us posted. This radio is the iconic "Hippo" style and should be very good at receiving signals. I wouldn't call it "HiFi", but the 6X4 speaker provides better performance than the standard 4" speaker.
You could, but...
The issue is that the inductance of that coil is only part of the inductance of the total antenna that the radio was designed for.
In older radios that required an outdoor antenna, the inductance of the secondary of the antenna transformer matched the tuning capacitor to receive the desired range. In your set, the secondary of the antenna transformer and the loop, in series provide the specific coil inductance to receive the broadcast band with strength.
Your profile says that you live in Paramus, NJ, so you should be getting blasted by several NY Metro stations. I think that WABC's antennas are in the Meadowlands. You should receive strong signals from WFAN (660), WOR (710), WABC (770), WCBS (or whatever they call themselves now at 880), and WINS (1010).
If you want to try an outdoor antenna, leave the one that you are using, in series with the antenna coil
The tuning condenser in your set is a 2 gang condenser. The Oscillator section is at the top; the RF section is at the bottom. The loop should be connected between the stator tab at the bottom level of the tuning cap and Terminal 3 of the antenna coil. Terminal 4 should go to the AVC Line.
The link below takes you to the official Philco service document for this set. The terminals for the antenna are marked on pgs 62 and 63 0nthis document..
https://philcoradio.com/library/download...6-1947.pdf
Remember if the loop or loopstick that you are using is not providing a strong signal, reverse the connections. It may be out of phase with the antenna coil in series with it. When you get the connections that give you the strongest signal, you should be pulling the stations listed with absolutely no problem other than local interference.
Remember that loop and loopstick antennas are directional so rotate the loop, loopstick or radio for best signal with least interference.
Ther are "trimmer" condensers on the side of the tuning condenser (condenser and capacitor or "cap" are interchangeable). Adjust by peaking the one on the oscillator to ensure that the frequency received matches the frequency on the dial. Peak the lower trimmer (the RF trimmer) for strongest signal. The IF transformers can be peaked in the same manner. Mark the current position and don't turn excessively in either direction. A peak should be found for each adjustment. If you can't make a difference, return to marked position.
Once you are satisfied that you can receive the listed stations, try the weak station that you are trying to receive. Try an external antenna at this point.
What are the station call letters, frequency and location?
Keep us posted. This radio is the iconic "Hippo" style and should be very good at receiving signals. I wouldn't call it "HiFi", but the 6X4 speaker provides better performance than the standard 4" speaker.
"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
"Let us begin to do good"- St. Francis
Best Regards,
MrFixr55
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