I have a Phillips European radio with marking MK 36749 on the back and a corner of a missing paper label that probably had a better ID on it. I currently run this radio with an external transformer but I'd like to rewire the radio for 120V if possible (a schematic would probably help!).
This radio is probably from the 1960's as it uses circuit board and tubes. It uses a big honking resistor with several taps instead of a power transformer. The currently used tap is stamped 240V, an unused tap is stamped 208V. Unfortunately there isn't one stamped 120V...

Any ideas on a 120V conversion?

Tube lineup: UCH 81, UBF 89, UCL 82, UY 85.

PS... It is really interesting taking an old radio through airport security! I was also bringing home an antique clock. They even x-rayed my shoes.

Success-

Someone emailed with information about the tubes used in this radio being equivalent to US tubes, using the same voltages, etc. With this info I got brave and checked voltages on the many-tapped power resistor and found that jumpering a couple of taps allowed 120 V to power the radio. Works great!

Thanks all-

Brad

: I have a Phillips European radio with marking MK 36749 on the back and a corner of a missing paper label that probably had a better ID on it. I currently run this radio with an external transformer but I'd like to rewire the radio for 120V if possible (a schematic would probably help!).
: This radio is probably from the 1960's as it uses circuit board and tubes. It uses a big honking resistor with several taps instead of a power transformer. The currently used tap is stamped 240V, an unused tap is stamped 208V. Unfortunately there isn't one stamped 120V...

: Any ideas on a 120V conversion?

: Tube lineup: UCH 81, UBF 89, UCL 82, UY 85.

: PS... It is really interesting taking an old radio through airport security! I was also bringing home an antique clock. They even x-rayed my shoes.

Hi,
add the heater voltages. How close does it match your
power line voltage?
If it is more, no chance exept splitting the heater circuit
in two branches.
Then: The tube set is made for an anode voltage of 170v
and more.
The radio will have a poor performance when powered with
120v.
On the filter capacitor you will have about 90v, the radio
will whisper and the FM might be quiet because the local
oscillator doesn't work.

Power it with the transformer, it's the better way and,
depending on the transfoermer, the safer way.

73
Peter DG7BAM