Philco 511 - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jaymanaa · #1 10-08-2006, 11:07 AM

I didn't turn up anything on a search for this model. I "think" it's from around 1928, but I'm not sure. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about it. It's a metal table top with an external speaker. Thanks, Jay

jaymanaa · #2 10-08-2006, 01:11 PM

Would a pic or two be helpful?

Tony V · #3 10-08-2006, 02:04 PM

My book gives this description...Philco 511...built in 1928 .. two tone spanish brown...rectangular metal case...center front window dial...3 knobs...Broadcast band only...7 tubes and an AC current set. The other ones in this series are models 512(Manderin red), 513(Labrador grey), 514(Nile green) and 515 are the same basic model but with different two toned color combo's. The 515 is the rarest as it was called the "Impressionistic" because of its odd design of paint scheme and pattern. Your model is the most common and is the one that collectors usually think about when these models are mentioned. Its not alot of imformation but its better than nothing for now. Hopefully others will chime in and fill you in on more specifics of the set. Its rare to find it with the matching speaker. Nice looking radio!
-Tony

Sandy G · #4 10-08-2006, 02:38 PM

It ain't worth nothin'. In fact, it's Junque...I'll take it offa yer hands, & I won't even charge you th' UPS to send it here...<grin> Seriously, YOWSAH !! KEWL set ! Looks like it even has a couple of the old "globe" tubes innit...You got a keeper there, I'd say... Good show !!

jaymanaa · #5 10-08-2006, 05:05 PM

Well, I was sniffin around the Philco forum and some guy there has one of these running on original components (sept tubes). So I figured why not try this one out. I tested all the tubes and had two out of four 26s bad. The rect. and 27 were good and I don't have settings for the 117

I replaced the two 26s and brought it up slow on a variac, keeping a close eye on the current draw. It's rated at 50 watts and showed 54 at 100 volts. There was no magic smoke anywhere, but no sound either.

I popped the bottom off and poked around a bit. There's a 2meg resisitor that looks like a fuse, and it tested at 2.4 meg. There was one plastic cap that has been replaced at some time. I figured maybe I need an antenna and a ground, so I ran a wire from the ground post on the chassis to a water pipe, and rigged up a long wire for an antenna. Still no sound, not even a hum. I took the front off the speaker and it looks perfect

Any ideas? Thanks, Jay

jaymanaa · #6 10-08-2006, 05:31 PM

Well, upon further investigation, I found that there are two chokes in a large compartment that houses the PT, #80 rect., and one big honkin mother of a capacitor. The lower choke had about 150vdc in and about 139vdc out. The top choke had 12vdc in and nothin out

I'm thinkin open choke, but I don't want to go jumpin stuff out and screw something up. I'd hate to think that a radio could survive since 1928, and meet up with me and go out in a blaze of glory.

Surely there's some old-timers around here that used to have to get one of these goin to listen to Roosevelt

Tony V · #7 10-09-2006, 02:53 AM

One way you can test those old speakers is grab a 9 volt battery and touch but not hold the wires to the connections on the battery. If you hear a click the speaker is fine. If you dont hear anything you might have an open or stuck voice coil in the speaker.
-Tony

Tom Bavis · #8 10-09-2006, 08:50 AM

I assume you have this info, but if not...

Schematic and parts layout here (on p. 94-95) - http://www.audiophool.cjb.net/Misc/PHILCO_BOOK.djvu

jaymanaa · #9 10-09-2006, 02:51 PM

Many thanks Tom, I did not have that, and it will be most helpful