Philco 38-7 Tuning question

9/8/2006 9:11:52 AMElton

Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
Thanks

9/8/2006 10:40:13 AMLou

If I understand your question correctly , your pushbuttons are not staying in or not engaging anything. Sometimes, the dust that gets into these assemblies stops them from working . You can push in a pushbutton, and it will not engage with the internal mechanism, so it pops out. The mechanism is frozen by dirt. A little tuner spray on the internal works will help this out as well as cleaning the contacts.
Lou

:Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
:Thanks

9/8/2006 11:56:05 AMDoug Criner

Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?

My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.

The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.

But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.

:
:
::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
::Thanks

9/8/2006 5:04:04 PMThomas Dermody

Regarding frozen cones, I don't have one of these sets, but if the cones are metal, soak them with P-B Blaster first, if they're frozen. You can get this at an automotive store. It's good for rust. If they're frozen with gunk (old lubrication, etc.), use acetone, though keep acetone away from all paints and plastics. This is EXTREMELY important. It's as dangerous as or more dangerous than brake fluid (if you remember what brake fluid does to the paint on your car).

Regarding fine tuning, again, I don't have this set, so I don't know what goes on inside of it. My Airline has a push to tune fine tuning knob. Inside there's a rubber washer that sits on the shaft, with a brass washer/flange towards the front to support the washer. The washer is nothing more than a valve washer. These can be found in many sizes and either flat or conical at your hardware store. If that's what your radio uses, and is missing, then that's how you can fix the problem.

Thomas

9/8/2006 9:10:19 PMElton

Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
:Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
:
:My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
:
:The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
:
:But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
:
::
::
:::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
:::Thanks

9/8/2006 9:16:46 PMElton

Also I did hear the tool for the cones was not very good, I also thought about trying to fashion one out of a screw driver, by grinding the tip to mate up with the cones .

:Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
::
::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
::
::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
::
::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
::
:::
:::
::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
::::Thanks

9/9/2006 11:03:41 AMDoug Criner

Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.

There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.

My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?

The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.

9/9/2006 10:29:49 PMRene

I have a 38-7 too and up till now, I thought the big knob had no useful function. But after reading Doug's comments, it is indeed for fine tuning by pushing it up against the knurled brass ring that holds the dial glass in place. I learn something new every day!

:Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.
:
:There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.
:
:My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?
:
:The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.
:
::Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
:::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
:::
:::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
:::
:::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
:::
:::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
:::
::::
::::
:::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
:::::Thanks

9/10/2006 7:30:58 PMElton

Well I guess my radios problem was the chassis was not centered to well, because if I depressed the knob to the knurled brass it would not move it , I re-centered the chassis so the tuner moves more freeley so now the knob does tune it although not very accurate as it can slip and slide , maybe thats why Philco gave up on this design only after 2 years of production, Thanks to all for your help. as rene said you learn something new every day.
E.
:I have a 38-7 too and up till now, I thought the big knob had no useful function. But after reading Doug's comments, it is indeed for fine tuning by pushing it up against the knurled brass ring that holds the dial glass in place. I learn something new every day!
:
::Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.
::
::There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.
::
::My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?
::
::The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.
::
:::Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
::::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
::::
::::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
::::
::::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
::::
::::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
::::
:::::
:::::
::::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
::::::Thanks

9/10/2006 7:40:54 PMDoug Criner

Elton, maybe you can spray some kind of adhesive on the back side of the large knob to improve traction.

:Well I guess my radios problem was the chassis was not centered to well, because if I depressed the knob to the knurled brass it would not move it , I re-centered the chassis so the tuner moves more freeley so now the knob does tune it although not very accurate as it can slip and slide , maybe thats why Philco gave up on this design only after 2 years of production, Thanks to all for your help. as rene said you learn something new every day.
:E.
::I have a 38-7 too and up till now, I thought the big knob had no useful function. But after reading Doug's comments, it is indeed for fine tuning by pushing it up against the knurled brass ring that holds the dial glass in place. I learn something new every day!
::
:::Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.
:::
:::There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.
:::
:::My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?
:::
:::The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.
:::
::::Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
:::::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
:::::
:::::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
:::::
:::::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
:::::
:::::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
:::::
::::::
::::::
:::::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
:::::::Thanks

9/10/2006 11:01:05 PMMarv Nuce

Doug,
I found a way to increase friction/traction. The craft glue that I'm so fond of, and that dries to a rubbery consistency. Didn't have regular dial cord when I re-strung my RCA 16T2, so untwined a 3 ply nylon string I had laying around and used just 1 ply (about the right size too), but after tying all those little knots, making springs, couldn't get it to stop slipping at random intervals. Smeared my glue (messy fingers)over the entire length, let it dry, re-installed. No more slipping dial string, and smooth as ever.

marv

:Elton, maybe you can spray some kind of adhesive on the back side of the large knob to improve traction.
:
::Well I guess my radios problem was the chassis was not centered to well, because if I depressed the knob to the knurled brass it would not move it , I re-centered the chassis so the tuner moves more freeley so now the knob does tune it although not very accurate as it can slip and slide , maybe thats why Philco gave up on this design only after 2 years of production, Thanks to all for your help. as rene said you learn something new every day.
::E.
:::I have a 38-7 too and up till now, I thought the big knob had no useful function. But after reading Doug's comments, it is indeed for fine tuning by pushing it up against the knurled brass ring that holds the dial glass in place. I learn something new every day!
:::
::::Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.
::::
::::There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.
::::
::::My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?
::::
::::The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.
::::
:::::Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
::::::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
::::::
::::::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
::::::
::::::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
::::::
::::::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
::::::
:::::::
:::::::
::::::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
::::::::Thanks

12/2/2008 9:12:27 AMRENE is no expert either

:I have a 38-7 too and up till now, I thought the big knob had no useful function. But after reading Doug's comments, it is indeed for fine tuning by pushing it up against the knurled brass ring that holds the dial glass in place. I learn something new every day!
:
::Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.
::
::There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.
::
::My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?
::
::The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.
::
:::Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
::::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
::::
::::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
::::
::::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
::::
::::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
::::
:::::
:::::
::::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
::::::Thanks

12/2/2008 9:34:21 PMmaybe rene needs to read about basic radio operation theory

::I have a 38-7 too and up till now, I thought the big knob had no useful function. But after reading Doug's comments, it is indeed for fine tuning by pushing it up against the knurled brass ring that holds the dial glass in place. I learn something new every day!
::
:::Hmmm, maybe the cone-centric tuning on your model is different than for my 38-4.
:::
:::There is no spring behind my large knob, at least not now. Yes, I would call it a fine tuning knob or a vernier, take you pick.
:::
:::My tuning dial is surrounded by a brass ring which is knurled and which rotates along with the tuning. When you push on the large knob and turn it, it gets some traction on the brass ring and turns it. Does your model have the brass ring around the dial?
:::
:::The inside of my large knob is smooth. It gets traction on the brass ring just through friction.
:::
::::Thanks for your reply Doug, according to philco repair bench the large knob is suppose to be able to push in against the spring and fine tune the radio?? mine all it does when you push it in and turn it is nothing , mine does not engage anything when pushed in, did I read the article wrong? and the large knob is not for veriner tuning?
:::::Elton, I have a Philco 38-4, which has the cone-centric tuning. I assume my set's tuning mechanism is similar to your 38-7?
:::::
:::::My large knob just engages the outer ring of the dial for manual tuning. You can also pull out the small knob and turn the tuning.
:::::
:::::The cone-centric tool allows loosening and adjusting the cones with the dial mechanism all together - by inserting the tool through the small knob. The reproduction tool that is being sold is just a cheap screwdriver with the tip ground into a shape that will engage the cones. You can probably fashion your own. The repro tool isn't strong enough to loosen stuck cones, so you first need to loosen them with a pair of vise-grips.
:::::
:::::But back to your original question - I'm not sure I understand what your issue is with the large knob. Doesn't it engage the large 6" knurled brass ring around around the tuning dial for fine tuning? That's what my large knob does, nothing more, nothing less.
:::::
::::::
::::::
:::::::Hey all, I got this radio about 3 years ago , I do not have the cone centric tool to adjust the pre-sets , so I just tune it normally, although I see the philco repair bench has a link to them , but my question is the large knob or the fine tuning , It does not make any difference if you depress it and turn it either way on my set, It does not apear to engage anything when depressed so is mine missing something? the article on philco repair bench does not elaborate on this function, anyone able to shed light on how this is suppose to work?
:::::::Thanks