Philco PT-25 Transitone - First Look & Restoration Plan

Introducing a Philco model PT-25 Transitone, code 121, BC, 5 Tubes from 1939 that I'll attempt to restore over the next few months.
The playlist for this series:
• Philco PT-25 Transitone
Thanks for watching and subscribing to my channel on vintage radio repair.
#restoreoldradios
#PhilcoPT25

[@rosshollinger8097]

This should be a fun one. Sometimes stripping them to nothing is better than trying to weave your way through the forest.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Ross - I agree. This one was so bad, just starting from scratch seemed more applicable. Best, Don

[@nor4277]

Looks like it will be a nice radio with your repair.good luck with it look forward to your next video.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Much appreciated Ron. Thanks again for following along. Best, Don

[@jp040759]

Looking forward to this resto. I just started working on a PT-30 I picked up at a garage sale a month ago. It is a 1941. The only major problem I see now it the plastic window on the dial is melted and distorted. One of the wax caps totally melted and drained out. That must have heated up the window. The wires on mine are a disaster also.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

jp - I hope your restoration continues to go well. The old rubber wire is a common problem; you can look at it and it falls apart. I haven’t looked at the schematic for the PT-40, does it have a Field Coil? If so, would you know what the inductance measures? Best, Don

[@jamesbruno5896]

Cool project Don!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

I appreciate it James. Thanks again for following along. Best, Don

[@tinkeringwithelectronics]

That became a project!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Josh, it sure did. This one will keep me busy for a while. Best, Don

[@skycarl]

Fun project Don. Just think, 40 years ago you would have taken those chassis pictures, then ran down to the corner drug store to have them developed, then hoped they came out okay lol. Oh the happy and horror of technology.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Carl, it’s amazing how technology has advanced over time. I appreciate you watching and reaching out. Best, Don

[@RadioRetired]

Look forward to seeing this series. I’ve got an almost identical model, so this is going to be a great help! I’ll be interested to see how you fix or hide cracks.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you. I've given thought to the hairline crack and may let it be unless it’s all the way through to the other side. I need to clean the cabinet well and look closer at the damage. I’ll provide an update in a future video. Best, Don

[@rogermatthews8391]

Just got a P-25 model 122, thinking of restoring myself here in South Carolina too.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Roger - they are neat little sets and fun to work on; not a great player without a good long wire antenna in my area. All the best on your project. Don

[@rogermatthews8391]

@@RestoreOldRadios I took it out of the cabinet and cleaned. All there with wire antenna. After watching your video I don't feel comfortable in restoring by myself. I definitely won't plug up. Is there anyone in the Charleston area who restores this radio?

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Roger - try sending a message to Radio Rescue on KZbin at: youtube.com/@45AMT If you don’t get a reply, let me know and I’ll forward another possible… Best, Don

[@rogermatthews8391]

No reply from Radio Rescue

[@RestoreOldRadios]

@@rogermatthews8391 Roger - try sending an email to the club at the bottom of this page at: cc-awa.club/arc

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

I have those tools from HF as well, nice, but bends easier then one would want. Not sure if your a subscriber, if not, you should check out David Tipton, he's like you...very methodical and always does an above then stellar job. 73's OM. ~Jack, VEG

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Jack, you’re right about the carving set. I reckon you get what you pay for. I subscribe to David's channel and watch as often as I can. I enjoy/appreciate his approach and abilities. Best, Don

[@cjay2]

Don, you're going to have to come up with a back-panel with antenna coil for this baby. Unless you're thinking of creating one fresh, which might be a first here on youtube. Admirable work you're doing.

[@hestheMaster]

I see the original radio design was for an outside the cabinet antenna only because there wasn't any room. The back was flush against the chassis.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Cjay - the antenna coil is mounted beside the tuning assembly and it test good, so I’ll use it with a wire antenna. To your point, a new back cover is needed. Thanks again for watching and reaching out. Best, Don

[@cjay2]

@@RestoreOldRadios Gotcha. I was assuming that the set used a back-panel loop to receive on. I guess this one's early enough to expect an actual antenna connection.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

I made this unpublished video for a viewer on building a loop antenna: Loop Antenna kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZuWg62Xds2gpcU

[@steelcity321pb6]

Hi Don, This radio is somewhat ‘boxy’ looking - what I associate with many British Vintage Radios but It is definitely worth restoring. By the look of things, that radio’s IF transformer (on top of the chassis), and oscillator coil etc. look very similar to ones on two Philco, model 46-420 radios I’m currently working on. Once that wee radio is restored I feel confident adding here it will both look good, and sound good. Best regards from Phil.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Phil - it’s great to hear from you. I hope you've been well during these unsettled times. They probably used the same coils would be my bet. Are you finding the rubber wire degraded too? Best, Don

[@steelcity321pb6]

@@RestoreOldRadios Hi Don, The connecting wires associated with each of the stages, or sub-circuitries, within each of the two Philco ‘hippo’ radios I’m currently restoring are surprisingly in good condition. The mains lead on one of the radios was in very poor condition (the other radio’s mains lead was severed). In most instances rubber sheathing becomes brittle, cracks, and is easily broke into pieces when disturbed. Not so in this instance. Small areas, especially where the lead connected into the rubber boot at the rear of the chassis, the rubber sheathing had turned to a soft, sticky jelly. I’ve seen this effect countless times on British radios. I’d have preferred to save the original rubber boot but it was far too decayed to remain useful. When I upload my restoration videos featuring the two Philco ‘hippo’ radios hopefully later this month, you will see I’ve fitted a length of salvaged single insulated mains leads, and a salvaged boot. I say salvaged mains lead - single insulated mains lead ceased being regulation here in England in 1975, therefore it is no longer available. To maintain some authenticity, I salvage old single insulated mains lead whenever I repair Vintage Radios, record player, radiogram etc. - I have to do that so they comply with current UK electrical safety regulations. I use it where required when restoring American Vintage Radios since, as far as I’m aware, white and black [green] double insulated mains lead is not readily available here in England (only the usual blue and brown [spiral green and yellow] is available). The two Philco 48-420 radios are now working. There are several tasks outstanding such as: cleaning both chassis; fabricating a frame aerial for one of them (original is missing); general alignment procedures; sorting out each cabinet (one has a piece of Bakelite missing from its left hand rear corner); rebuild both speaker cones - this list could go on but I will endure 😆 Lovely chatting with you Don: keep safe my friend, Phil.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Phil - likewise. I look forward to watching when published. Stay well my friend. Best, Don

[@Theoobovril]

Don, you've got yourself a lovely wiring job to do, there,...looking forwards to your progress.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Yep, one wire at a time. Thanks for watching and following along. Best, Don

[@z95m]

Looking forward to this restoration. I have a PT-41 with a very similar chassis (including the rotten rubber wire). I don't have the nerve to completely strip it, so I'll replace one wire and capacitor at a time. The flea market seller from whom I acquired mine actually had it playing so I should be successful if take my time.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Nelson - it will slow going and hopefully both of will be successful. Thanks for watching and reaching out. Best, Don

[@Backtothefutureradios]

Looking good Don! Should be a fun project! Thanks for sharing....Take Care-Larry

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Much appreciated Larry. This one will take some time. Best, Don

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

What a great project Don, I have a wooden case Transitone in my shop waiting for me to get to it as well. I'll be watching this one closely to see what I'm in for. Stay safe sir!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thanks Gregg. Hopefully you won’t find all the rubber wire compromised in yours like this one. I appreciate you watching. Best, Don

[@jimnewman5596]

That's a very compact radio for that age of radio, and the second IF has a interesting look Don.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Seems Philco designed the second I.F. form factor to barely fit under the chassis. Hopefully I can tuck it back in without damaging the coils. Best, Don

[@hestheMaster]

All that rubber wiring needs replacing , yikes!. Take lots of photos first guys before attempting that ! I think she is in good hands with you Don. Schematic at philcoradio.com/library/index.php/service-info/philco-1940-rms-year-book/ Then scroll down to the PT-25 page on page 11. Fun to follow along!

[@jdmccorful]

Thank s, good idea and good info.

[@RestoreOldRadios]

That old rubber wire has had better days. Wonder who made the wire for Philco? Thanks for sharing the link for others to follow. Best, Don

[@joseayllon7599]

Good afternoon , Did you do any more videos about the Philco PT-25 Transititone Restoration I only found the very First Look and Restoration Plan video

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Here’s the url for the playlist for all of the videos in the series: kzbin.info/aero/PLjLu4V-71S1I836Lb_QqWKhRXHgiNeau4&si=2pramhLcRMFv7-7R Best, Don

[@joseayllon7599]

Good afternoon . I have a Philco 1941 Transitone PT10 that I'm try to restore even though not a technician just a retire person trying to be useful . The dial lamp wires got disconnected an can find the points to resoldered with new wires.Can you help me ? Thanks Jose

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Jose - here is a link to the schematic below for reference. Hope this helps. Best, Don www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel/566/M0013566.pdf

[@waynethompson8416]

I noticed that on the schematic I found for this radio, that there is a need to use Safety capacitors. One is across the line and the value they show is 0.04µF. Another one is attached to the ANT terminal through the primary of a transformer that has the secondary feeding the coiled "antenna" coil. That one has a value of 0.0015µF. There is also another one, that while not "necessary", might not hurt to use a safety cap on, and that one is across the 4.7 Meg resistor attached to the cathode of the 7A8 tube. Would like to make a request. How about using an inductor in the filter instead of a resistor? Say something of about 500 Ω and oh, 25 mH? Wondering...are you going to clean the chassis before you add components and wire back? Do I understand correctly that you are not going to clean the plastic cover for the dial because you like the look with it "yellowed?" If this is correct, you are the first person I have come across that actually likes it that way. There may be many that do, just you are the first that I have come across. You probably already know this, but something that really helps in cleaning the sockets for the Locktal tubes in the radio is to use your favorite chemical and a "Dental Flossing Brush" to work it in the sockets. Looking forward to the next installment of this set.

[@cjay2]

You're wondering whether he's going to clean the chassis before rebuilding it? And you're 'requesting' him to use an inductor instead of whatever existing part was used? And you're 'understanding correctly' that he may want to leave the old plastic as it is, but he's the only person you know who might do that? Sounds like this channel may not be for you. Just saying.

[@waynethompson8416]

@@cjay2 I was simply asking questions to learn, NOT judging him as a certain person seems to be bent on doing!!!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Wayne - thanks for reaching out. I definitely plan on making the capacitor across the line a safety... in addition to the antenna coil primary. Of course, the values I use will be a little different. I’ve got a couple of chokes, but space on the chassis is limited, so we'll know in time if I can go that route. I’ve already cleaned the chassis well, which I’ll show in the next video. Regarding the plastic dial cover, I’ll clean it too and if the yellow limits the visibility of the dial, I’ll reproduce it. The tubes and sockets will be cleaned with DeoxIT to your point as well. Thanks for watching and again reaching out. Best, Don

[@i82996]

When has a horrible condition ever stopped you!

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Too funny. I’ve always enjoyed the dumpster radios. Best, Don

[@mackfisher4487]

I kinda like the low-key introduction, I thought that radio tv phono nut has kind of a negative connotation to it which you don't deserve.

[@cjay2]

Hehe, radiotvphononut is a different channel. You're on RestoreOldRadios channel here.

[@mackfisher4487]

@@cjay2 My apologies, I still like your intro

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Thank you Mack. I appreciate your feedback. All the best. Don

You forgot to say " This is Radiotvphononut" and what we have here......

[@RestoreOldRadios]

Wrong guy. Thanks for watching. Best, Don

[@cjay2]

You're speaking of another channel. Don's channel here is RestoreOldRadios.