[Robert Miller]

Is there supposed to be a dial lamp in the Philco 20? Mine does not have one and my tired ol eyes do not see one on the schematic.

[Chuck Schwark]

No, the Model 20 never had one -- neither the early nor late versions.
.

[Ron Ramirez]

Oops, not quite true, my friend...

Only early versions of the "plain front" Model 20 sets did not have a dial lamp. These models also have a very light dial scale - nearly white in color. Even though no dial lamp is shown in either "early" or "common" Model 20 schematics, later plain front models and all original "Deluxe" Model 20 sets DID indeed have a dial lamp. The later 20 sets have a darker dial scale, tan or amber and translucent, made of the same material as the dial scales of all larger 1930 Philco models as well as most 1931-38 models.

I have previously owned Model 20 sets that did have a dial lamp in them, and I am sure several other people would also tell us that their Model 20 cathedral or lowboy does indeed have a dial lamp.

Another one of those undocumented Philco running changes that make collecting and restoring Philco sets so interesting (and sometimes a bit aggravating)...

[Chuck Schwark]

Ok Ron, I stand corrected.

I was referencing your two Early and Late Model 20 schematics online and the originals in my archive which show no pilot lamp drawn in either.

Guess I didn't have that tid-bit - I do now. Will add this info to my archihve and Model 20 sheets.

"Philco'ed again"!

[Robert Miller]

What bulb was usually used and did the voltage come from the transfomer or the filaments of the 71a tubes?

[Chuck Schwark]

It would be tied to the 2.5 VAC filament winding.

It would be a screw-base type -- #41 lamp then.

See the Pilot Lamp section of my PARTS pages for reference.

[Robert Miller]

If indeed I have the earlier version w/o a dial lamp and the more whitish dial scale (mine is pretty white), would it hurt to add a pilot lamp-will it shine thru this earlier material and would it melt this earlier material? Guess I can try to shine a little light thru it myself. Don't want to damage what is already there. It just seems like it should have a light back there.

[Texasrocker]

Didnt mean to highjack this thread, but in my past experiences with 2.5 volt dial lamps, they wouldn't even get hot enough to bother clear seran wrap if the dial-lamp was wrapped in it? I am assuming this is a early TRF set? If so, most I have, the 2 wires that power up the dial lamp come directly from the filament-pins off a tube socket (2.5 v tube filament string), to the dial-lamp socket. Correct type bulb must be used, then you have a lighted dial. Ron, or Chuck will know better advise on your model, as I have only serviced a few Philcos in the past few yrs. Great Vintage Radios indeed!! Light that Dial!!! Randal

[ckc]

i have the model with no dial lamp on the tube shield it has the words philco model 20 and 20 a . it also has a catalog type picture of the radio . the picture showing the early model 20 is on the right side of the tube location picture , the dial cover is nearly white in color and looks wider than the dark dial cover on mine the one that most 20 and 20 b radios have.