Welcome Guest! Be sure you know and follow the Phorum Rules before posting. Thank you and Enjoy! (January 12, 2025) x

Thread Closed

Philco 38-690 input jack
#2

I have not done this on a 38-690.  I don't own one but in general, the best place to add the input is right at the volume control.  This would allow for a "line level" signal such as the output of an MP3, Player, CD Player, iPhone, etc. If using a turntable, it must contain either a ceramic pickup or a magnetic pickup with a preamp.  The pic below shows the section of the 38-690 detector and volume control circuit:
   

The blue X shows where to "break into" the circuit.

The second pic shows the modification, in blue.  
   

The switch is shown in the radio position. The dotted blue line is the switch in the external audio position.

Use a SPST switch.  The common connects to Cap 73, one leg connects to the junction of 70D, 71 and 72.  The other leg connects to the tip of the RCA jack or other connector.  The outside ring of the jack should be grounded to the same ground as the volume control.  If the radio can be heard at low volume when the aux input is used, tune the radio to quiet place.  A somewhat fancier technique is to use a DPDT switch and add connections to ground the junction 70D, 71 and 72 to prevent radio signal bleed into the aux signal.

The above instructions are basic to adding a jack to any radio, only the part number designations change.  The biggest issue is to not excessively "molest" the radio, as this represents the Zenith (pardon the pun) of Philco technology.  This radio can be seen as a major competitor to the Zenith "Stratosphere", and I believe that these sets are worth quite a bit of money.  Consider putting the components into a metal box that can be screwed into existing chassis holes to minimize any drilling.  Use separate shielded cables for the radio to switch and switch to Audio in.

Judging by the circuit, any MP3 or other aux signal would make this thing ROCK.  I can just picture listening to Big Band music piped directly into this radio from an Aux Input.

Hope this helps.

"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
"Let us begin to do good"- St. Francis

Best Regards, 

MrFixr55


Messages In This Thread
Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 12-17-2024, 10:04 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by MrFixr55 - 12-18-2024, 11:12 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 12-18-2024, 11:23 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by MrFixr55 - 12-19-2024, 09:50 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by radiorich - 12-19-2024, 10:33 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by RGK20m3 - 12-22-2024, 11:40 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by morzh - 12-22-2024, 11:52 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 01-06-2025, 02:28 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by David - 01-06-2025, 07:02 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 01-06-2025, 07:11 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by David - 01-06-2025, 07:43 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 01-06-2025, 08:26 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by David - 01-06-2025, 09:42 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by MrFixr55 - 01-06-2025, 11:15 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by fenbach - 01-08-2025, 01:44 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by Arran - 01-09-2025, 03:48 AM



Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)
[-]
Recent Posts
Plug Voltages Needed For A 1943 CRV-20130 Power Supply
That looks a lot like an aircraft connector of some kind, even if it's a U.S.N power supply. I have a book somewhere abo...Arran — 02:56 AM
Plug Voltages Needed For A 1943 CRV-20130 Power Supply
hello david, I have a similar generator in my collection that features a cast iron, single-cylinder Briggs & Stratt...radiorich — 01:00 AM
under chassis parts locator diagram for 1938 Zenith 9s262
Has anyone gone to the trouble of creating an under chassis parts locator image?  Yes, I can identify components by foll...bobloney — 08:57 PM
Plug Voltages Needed For A 1943 CRV-20130 Power Supply
Try looking at this site the book mark is for a old generator that I was given. David    https://radionerds.com/index.ph...David — 08:36 PM
Plug Voltages Needed For A 1943 CRV-20130 Power Supply
Hello Everyone, I am looking for voltage identification for all the pin positions on the socket of a CRV-20130 power su...Tonym4704 — 08:16 PM
Philco P45-6365 Universal Transformer Instruction Manual
Can anyone guide me to where this may be found?GRG — 03:00 PM
54C Complete Teardown/Rebuild
I don't think that I have encountered a 12Z3 before, curious how it uses one of those but includes a #43, which is a 25 ...Arran — 02:17 PM
HiFi (Chifi) tube amp build - but my own design.
It's the other forum. I'm also in DIY, but mostly read there. Honestly, I kinda jumped into this without much thought to...TV MAN — 10:43 AM
Philco 71 Code 125
Hello,  I am in need of a schematic for this radio. Mine has the three separate circular tube shields and a shadow me...dconant — 08:06 AM
Stromberg Carlson 1500 Squeal
And life just keeps getting more complicated.dconant — 07:57 AM

[-]
Who's Online
There are currently 1748 online users. [Complete List]
» 1 Member(s) | 1747 Guest(s)
Avatar

>