1935 GE Model A-53 AM/SW Tombstone Radio

[vortalexfan]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I got lost in the dialogue!
What transformer is damaged? The one in the GE A83 or the one in the Philco?

The transformer in the GE is bad, and I want to see if the transformer in the Philco will be a suitable replacement or not.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by vortalexfan

The transformer in the GE is bad, and I want to see if the transformer in the Philco will be a suitable replacement or not.

I checked the schematic and the power transformer looks close!
The B+ might be a little high!
Tag the leads when disconnecting from the original chassis, as the Philco colors might be different.

[vortalexfan]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I checked the schematic and the power transformer looks close!
The B+ might be a little high!
Tag the leads when disconnecting from the original chassis, as the Philco colors might be different.

I'm also concerned about the fact that the Philco uses the old style tubes vs. the GE using the Octal style tubes, would that make a difference?

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by vortalexfan

I'm also concerned about the fact that the Philco uses the old style tubes vs. the GE using the Octal style tubes, would that make a difference?

The tubes are identical, except the base. Same heater current and voltage.
Philco didn't switch to octal base tubes until the '37 model year.

[vortalexfan]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

The tubes are identical, except the base. Same heater current and voltage.
Philco didn't switch to octal base tubes until the '37 model year.

OK, so then the power transformer should be able to swap out for each other, the only other issue I could see being a problem is the mounting screw hole spacing for the power transformer from the Philco radio vs. the the GE's original Power Transformer.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by vortalexfan

OK, so then the power transformer should be able to swap out for each other, the only other issue I could see being a problem is the mounting screw hole spacing for the power transformer from the Philco radio vs. the the GE's original Power Transformer.

You might have to drill different holes to match the footprint of the replacement transformer. The original transformer is mounted a little different, with long through bolts, so it sits above the chassis.

[vortalexfan]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

You might have to drill different holes to match the footprint of the replacement transformer. The original transformer is mounted a little different, with long through bolts, so it sits above the chassis.

Well a little update, apparently the power transformer wasn't the problem, it was the power switch on the volume control I subbed in, apparently the power switch was bad...? because I put the original volume control and power switch back into the radio last night and the radio popped right on as soon as I powered it on... Weird, I didn't know those power switches could go bad like that.

Unfortunately that persistant and untraceable hum is still there and I still cannot figure out where its coming from.