[chris7001]

Hello,
I just acquired a Philco Model A 3766E suitcase style phonograph/radio combo.  The phonograph has a changer, and the radio has city names above the dial (possibly shortwave?)  Is anyone familiar with this model? Any information would be greatly appreciated! I can upload some photos if anyone is interested. Thank you!

[GarySP]

Welcome to the Phorum, Chris! Pictures are always helpful. Your set was built for European use in Great Britian, and included a turntable and receiver for broadcast band and long-wave transmission and operated on 200-250 volts AC. It was built in the mid to late 1950's. Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary

[chris7001]

Hi Gary!

Thanks for your response and great information! The light bulbs are going off for me now :~) Makes sense it was made for overseas use.
I went back and looked at my Philco after I read your post, and lo & behold, there is a voltage selector on the inside corner. Actually, two--one for the phono and one for the receiver (see photo). Happily, it is currently set to 105/110v and there is a US-style plug on the unit, so that makes things simpler (maybe).
Can I ask you... is it safe to apply 120v straight off? The unit was covered in dust and I'm sure hasn't been powered up in a long time. I've seen videos like Mr. Carlson's Lab that talk about applying lower voltages and/or current-limited supplies at the start to bring up a receiver gently. Of course, I am going to open it up first and make sure there is no obvious damage or deterioration first.
Also, is the manual/documentation for this unit available? I did a search in the Philco Library, but nothing came up.
Thanks again for your help!  Chris

[GarySP]

"Can I ask you... is it safe to apply 120v straight off?"
No! Do not power up an old set without going through the chassis, replacing all paper and electrolytic capacitors, and checking resistors for out of limit drift should be done and replaced as needed. Check wiring for signs of cracking insulation or brittleness. Then bring the chassis up slowly on a Variac and watch for any issues. Test all tubes if possible. This is what I do. Others will probably chime in with much more help. Have fun with the restoration, and post photos of your work as you go. Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary

P.S. You might want to read the information in our library ... https://philcoradio.com/library/index.php/shop-talk/

[MrFixr55]

+1 on Gary's comments. At best, there will be a loud hum due to failure of the electrolytics. At worst, shorted caps will burn out tubes and transformer.

The turntable is a BSR, a British make that did make it to the US in some US built radio - phono combos. Problem is that records will play faster and at a higher pitch, as the turntable is designed for 50 Hz operation and the motor will run faster. Some BSRs may have had an adaptor that was removed for 60 Hz operation.

Currently, there are no long wave stations in the US. There were a lot of long wave stations having to do with navigation until the 70s (I guess.)

[Arran]

It looks like it was maybe a British Philco model, which would explain why it has a longwave band, and a BSR changer. Those same BSR changers were very popular in Canada during the 1950s, I have a rather beat up one kicking around somewhere. I think that there is likely a procedure for reducing the speed of the changer for 60 cps power line frequencies, if you lift the platter up there is likely a sleave on the motor shaft to change the ratio. 
Regards
Arran