noob here with broken philco - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Donny · #1 10-23-2004, 02:06 PM

after reading AK I'm interested in old radios and stereo stuff I've had a philco 40-145 sitting in my parents kitchen for 15years lol I dug it out and plugged it in it lights up the tubes light but either I don't know how to work it (I wasn't alive in 1940) or it needs repair can not recieve station etc I have no sound at all

Sandy G · #2 10-23-2004, 07:14 PM

Welcome to AK, pal ! Yr old Philco was probly made 1939-40. I wouldn't plug it in again until you've had it checked out, you could get a nasty shock and/or ruin what looks like a VERY nice old set. All radios have capacitors & resistors in 'em; back when, caps were made out of wax & paper, & after 65 years they will undoubtedly have gone bad. Possibly a few resistors have gone out of spec, & maybe a tube or 2 has gone south as well. Just because they light up doesn't mean they're any good. I'd replace the A/C cord, too-it looks kinda iffy in the photo. More than likely, yr old Philco can be made to play again; there are several guys here that can do it for you for a reasonable fee, or if you know what you're doing, you can attempt it yrself. Be warned, though-Old radios are kinda like tater chips-nobody can stop at just one !-Sandy G.

asynchronousman · #3 10-24-2004, 07:45 AM

Hey! From our conversations I could not have gotten a clue as to what a NICE set you have shown us. Only some minor dings and the grille cloth is really swell looking and the dial glass looks in good shape for a 65 year old radio...you have a great set and now the only hassles are replacing bad electronic parts. Just remember not to take any guff from the Zenith crowd

because this is really neat! I wish my "first" set had been in such good shape, working or not.

In my opinion, you shouldn't have to always make them "showroom perfect" either. Some dings add character and giving up arms and legs isn't always worth it, unless you are doing it to sell or for someone else. But I'm way ahead of you

it's your first one. I got into this because I wanted my great-grandma's Firestone and couldn't have it.

Once again, welcome to AK...set a spell, won't ya?

Tom Bavis · #4 10-24-2004, 10:02 AM

The Philco service bulletin for this set (schematic diagram, parts list, alignment procedure) is on my website. You'll need to download the DjVu browser plug-in from lizardtech.com to view or print it.

My Philco Page

bgadow · #5 10-24-2004, 09:16 PM

I've got one of these models and they're decent sets. Chances are good that with new electrolytic caps this thing will work. I'm a fan of Philco's, at least of this vintage. Decent performers and classic looks.

Donny · #6 10-25-2004, 08:43 AM

I've cleaned on it some with it being in a kitchen 15years I have a slight cooking grease problem! I really don't want to damage the looks of the unit so I haven't taken it apart yet I pulled on the knobs I don't think they want to come off!!! these have a set screw or a clip holding them on? Oh I have no Idea what I'm doing this might be to nice a radio to be working on myself I gave away a big philco about a year ago I should have tried repairing it but it was in horrible shape it fell apart loading it!!!

Donny · #7 03-01-2005, 08:17 AM

Update the philco works! Thanks to Charlie

and a friend of his that donated a tube. btw those guys have some cool radios and tv's,that classic duster was neat too. I'm gonna have to go play with this philco,AM and short wave are a bit new to me. Thx everyone for your help.

Sandy G · #8 03-01-2005, 09:27 AM

If you REALLY wanna make that old guy sing, run a length of wire out a window over to the nearest tree, trying to keep the wire as high as possible. 20' length is good, 40-60' even better. Just remember to unplug it during Thunderstorm season !!-Sandy G.

Charlie · #9 03-01-2005, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy G

If you REALLY wanna make that old guy sing, run a length of wire out a window over to the nearest tree, trying to keep the wire as high as possible. 20' length is good, 40-60' even better. Just remember to unplug it during Thunderstorm season !!-Sandy G.

Sandy,

Who are you referring to as old guy???

Actually, Donny's Philco was extremely impressive with it's reception! It has a pretty hefty shortwave antenna inside considering the size of the set. It was pulling in stations all over the place! I was really surprised! The electronic presets work pretty good too.

If he were to hook up that outside wire, he'd probably be able to monitor those two robots' progress we have on Mars!!!

Donny, glad it all worked out. Watch out for those "numbers" stations on shortwave... they're pretty creepy at night!

Charlie · #10 03-01-2005, 12:07 PM

BTW... All we had to do to this set was a re-cap (maybe 10 total including lytics), replace a few nearly nude wires, and replace a weak 7J7 det/osc tube.

No... I did not say nearly nude wives... put your glasses on!

Donny · #11 03-01-2005, 01:13 PM

yeah the hard stuff is done now it's just perking up the finish,a string and some deox (the volume has to be fiddled with alot)