Starting to restore the Philco 41-231

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by TUD1

I've had enough of this thing. I've worked hard all morning getting the new capacitors in, and all I get in return in an explosion in the face. I confirmed that my 1960's GE circuit breaker system works.

You must have a dead short across the power line, to trip the branch circuit breaker. Make sure that the insulation didn't crumble off the wires leading to the line switch.
This is a great radio for restoration and a great performer, but due to the wire insulation, not a good project for a beginning restorer.
I've done many radio restorations in 50+ years and that one, I would have to be real careful doing, because of this issue.

[Tubejunke]

I don't mean to sound flip, but I would recommend some time studying electronics if for nothing else a safety standpoint. The thing that I love about the "old school" equipment is that you get to deal with hundreds or thousands of volts as opposed to boring modern stuff that works off of 5 volts just to throw out a number.

Anyway, your odds of really getting hurt with a hot chassis radio and wondering about what a capacitor does are BIG. Lucky for you there are plenty of online resources that will teach you enough to be safe and get by on parts swapping. Beats going to college for a few years like us "old school" folks! LOL!

I am glad that you have the interest and desire to save something like that old radio. A bit of learning will curb some of that frustration that I sense. Many capacitors can only be connected according to polarity (+ or -) and if you get that wrong it smokes you out or blows up. AND they can give you a jolt if charged even with the set off and unplugged. Take some time and learn about these things and you will do fine! Great restoration vids on YouTube!!

[TUD1]

Near the end of the year, I will try to send this off to be restored by a professional. Even I do get it working, I think it deserves better than what I can currently provide.

[Tubejunke]

Originally Posted by TUD1

Near the end of the year, I will try to send this off to be restored by a professional. Even I do get it working, I think it deserves better than what I can currently provide.

I think that is a good decision. It seems that you care about it and just want it to work. One thing I love about electronics is there is never a point where you stop learning. Also, you can't repair what don't have the resources to repair and sometimes that resource is knowledge or for me it can be that and time. Just recently I thought about trying to find an older TV repairman to go over an old set that I wanted to have right and didn't have time and a certain amount of knowledge.

I have formal training in electronics, but that doesn't mean that I can fix just anything that comes my way. It may be lack of equipment or the knowledge of certain devices, etc. No matter how you look at it I think a good foundation in the knowledge of basic electricity, circuits and components, backed up by Ohms Law, other Laws, and Trigonometric function is essential to anyone aspiring to repair old or new electronic equipment.

I encourage you to take some time and learn a few things and you will be able to enjoy the hobby quite a bit.

[TUD1]

Next weekend the BirmingHAMfest will be here. Since I live in Birmingham, and I like vintage electronics, I will be going. I went last year, and they had a whole section devoted to tube radios and televisions. Usually, the Alabama Historical Radio Society pays a visit, hands out pamphlets, displays their restored radios, etc. I will be asking about getting the Philco restored by them.