[Michael Dennis]

Where can I get information as to how much wattage is drawn by a Philco 41-255, and a 42-1008. This info isn't in the service bulletins I sent for and received in July. I wish to calculate how much amperage each will draw as I'm now looking for a variac and need to know how much power handling I need to look for. Unless I miscalculated incorrectly, an old "Maggie" I used to have drew 175 watts, so at 120 VAC that's just below 1.46 Amperes.

[exray]

If you cannot find anything specific my best guess would be in the 100-120 watt range as a maximum for either of those radios.

-Bill

[AI2V]

On the 42-1008, rough calculations show between 50-60 watts. That's not a very powerful set of tubes.

You might want to invest in one of those cheap "Kill A Watt" digital boxes that show line volts, current drain, wattage, and watt hours; they cost less than $25. They can be used very effectively with a variac to monitor current and voltage. Mine has been used extensively for locating household current drain as a solar electric system comes on-line.

[Raleigh]

I don't have data for a 41-255, but the 41-250, 41-280, and the 41-285 are rated 60W, according to Riders. The 41-255 has a similar 9 tube chassis as the 41-285, so it is probably rated 60 watts as well.

The 42-355, with 8 tubes, is rated 70 watts, according to the Philco service package Chuck Schwark provided me.

[Michael Dennis]

Ok, thanks fellas. I'm watching ebay for some American made used variacs and some are rated at only about 2 Amperes.