PHILCO PHORUM

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This section of my website is provided to assist you in servicing your own Philco.

A large number of articles may be found here. Some of these articles may be applicable to Philco models other than the one(s) listed. As an example, other Philco sets may develop a bad mica condenser in the oscillator circuit as presented in the "No Reception" Problem in Model 90 service hint. Please look through all of these. I feel you will find some helpful information here.

In addition to all of these articles, be sure and view the page on Rebuilding Philco Pilot Lamp Sockets.

Have you ever wondered what all of those numbers mean in the part numbers of Philco resistors made after 1936? This primer on how to decipher Philco resistor part numbers will make it easy for you.

Have you ever experienced frustration at trying to figure out a Philco Model 60 and why its circuitry does not seem to match the commonly available schematics? This page devoted solely to Model 60 includes ALL of the documented changes to this Model, with no less than EIGHT different schematics!

The following is a complete list of tech articles available on this site.

Evolution of popular Philco Models, with all documented (and some undocumented) changes explained:
Model 19
Extra Coil in Model 19TX Front End
Model 60
Model 89

Notes on Models 20, 21, 70 & 90:
ERROR in Model 90 (1-47) Service Data
Correct IF Frequencies for Model 90
Notes on Model 21
The Speaker Problem in early Philco Cathedrals
Tuning Condenser Wiring Trouble
Unusual "No Reception" Problem in Model 90

Notes on Models 86, 87 & 511 Series:
Neutralization of Philco "Neutrodyne-Plus" Models (86, 87, 511)
Phonograph Jack in Model 511 Series
Speaker Replacement, Model 511 Series

General Info:
A Fix for Warped Mystery Control Dials
Audio Interstage Transformers
Capacitors with Three Leads in Postwar AM-FM Philco Sets
Connecting Cable Hookup, Models 14LZX, 19LZX, 19TX & 91RX
Dial Cord Replacement for Early Philco Radios 
Dial Cord Stringing Diagram - Models 14, 17, 18, 22, 23, 43, 47, 49, 71, 91, 118
Dial Drive Rebuilding, Models 16/34/44/144
ERROR in Model 38-690 Tweeter Wiring
How to Decipher Philco Resistor Part Numbers
Loctal Socket Problems and Their Cure
Philco Age Guide
Philco Bakelite Block Condenser Data
Philco Value Guide
Replacing the Off-On-Band Switch, Philco Models 14 (early), 19, 89 & 91
Rewiring Philco Pilot Lamp Sockets (1937-42 models)
Rubber-Covered Wiring in 1939-1942 Philco sets
Should I Plug It In and Turn It On?
Undocumented Changes in Model 116
What does the "B" in 16B mean (and other letters in Philco model numbers)?

Online Schematics

These articles are intended for the more experienced collector. If you are just getting started in collecting and restoring your own radios, may I suggest you visit the following website for some helpful beginner advice:
Phil's Old Radios - The Radio Beginner

I also recommend you invest in some books dealing with the repair of vintage radios. Visit my online Bookstore, which features many of these.

Wondering what to do about that Philco cabinet with the poor photofinish? Visit this site:
Do-It-Yourself Photo Finish

Wondering how to restring that dial cord? There is an online resource which covers many (not all) of the Philco sets made between 1939 and 1946, along with those of all other major manufacturers. It is located at The Old Radio Fixer-Upper Guy's website.

More Philco service hints may be found at the Philco Repair Bench.

Are you in need of parts, tubes, schematics, supplies, etc. for your Philco or other radio? Visit the Resources page.

DISCLAIMER: These hints and tips are provided here as a convenience to our site visitors. Use them at your own risk. A solid working knowledge of vintage electronics is essential in using these hints and tips. If you do not feel comfortable troubleshooting your own set, I strongly suggest you invest in several good books on the subject of servicing antique radios and study these as you practice on an unwanted radio, until you feel comfortable working on them. Old radios contain high voltages that can injure and/or kill! RON RAMIREZ shall not be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, including direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages, resulting from the use or misuse of the technical hints and tips presented herein.