09-18-2012, 10:24 PM
Hello, and welcome!
That's a nice set. Well, let's say it has a lot of potential. You don't see them for sale very often!
As I do not know where you are in terms of electrical and mechanical aptitude, I offer the following:
1. This site is the best place to go for info, in addition to Chuck's site Philco Repair Bench ( http://www.philcorepairbench.com). Not only is there info here, but there are other Philco collectors who are happy to answer your questions, as long as it is not how to turn an old Philco into an ipod docking station.....
2. Ron's book Philco Radio 1928-1942 is the "bible" for a Philco collector. I have two copies, one that stays at the house and one that goes everywhere with me. There are several books out there about antique radio restoration, both cabinet and electronics. The one's by Al Corbin, Ray Bintliff, and Ed Romney were a help to me. I also liked Practical Radio by Moyer and Wostrel, but nearly everyone else that I have recommended it to did not. Sic transit..... It was one of the first radio books I read and served me well for a basic knowledge, since it was written in the 20s when radios were pretty basic.....
3. I would also recommend Chuck's schematic service, especially for an odd set like yours. For seven dollars Chuck provides you with TOP quality enlarged schematics and all other info, including alignment info, for your set. You will find that most of the schematics you pull from nostalgia air site tend to be difficult to read.
4. Tools can be purchased in most hardware or even department stores. Typically you need both a regular screwdriver set and a jewelers screwdriver set, pliers to include a couple sizes of dyke and needle nose pliers, a 1/4" wrench set, soldering iron. There are others but that will get you started. Equipment for now should just be a good multimeter and a tube tester. A variac or an isolation transformer is also a good idea, but I still use two fused strips like what one runs one's computers off of.
5. Do NOT plug in any radio until it's electrical condition is well known. Replacing electrolytic and wax/paper capacitors in your set is a very good idea. Replacing resistors that are way out of tolerance is also good.
6. Search out old time radio guys and learn from them. This was invaluable for me.
That's a nice set. Well, let's say it has a lot of potential. You don't see them for sale very often!
As I do not know where you are in terms of electrical and mechanical aptitude, I offer the following:
1. This site is the best place to go for info, in addition to Chuck's site Philco Repair Bench ( http://www.philcorepairbench.com). Not only is there info here, but there are other Philco collectors who are happy to answer your questions, as long as it is not how to turn an old Philco into an ipod docking station.....
2. Ron's book Philco Radio 1928-1942 is the "bible" for a Philco collector. I have two copies, one that stays at the house and one that goes everywhere with me. There are several books out there about antique radio restoration, both cabinet and electronics. The one's by Al Corbin, Ray Bintliff, and Ed Romney were a help to me. I also liked Practical Radio by Moyer and Wostrel, but nearly everyone else that I have recommended it to did not. Sic transit..... It was one of the first radio books I read and served me well for a basic knowledge, since it was written in the 20s when radios were pretty basic.....
3. I would also recommend Chuck's schematic service, especially for an odd set like yours. For seven dollars Chuck provides you with TOP quality enlarged schematics and all other info, including alignment info, for your set. You will find that most of the schematics you pull from nostalgia air site tend to be difficult to read.
4. Tools can be purchased in most hardware or even department stores. Typically you need both a regular screwdriver set and a jewelers screwdriver set, pliers to include a couple sizes of dyke and needle nose pliers, a 1/4" wrench set, soldering iron. There are others but that will get you started. Equipment for now should just be a good multimeter and a tube tester. A variac or an isolation transformer is also a good idea, but I still use two fused strips like what one runs one's computers off of.
5. Do NOT plug in any radio until it's electrical condition is well known. Replacing electrolytic and wax/paper capacitors in your set is a very good idea. Replacing resistors that are way out of tolerance is also good.
6. Search out old time radio guys and learn from them. This was invaluable for me.
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