Before we had a television, we had a monster Philco console radio, which entertained us with The Green Hornet, Boston Blackie, the Lone Ranger and many other shows. When I got old enough, I sometimes was dispatched to the drugstore to test a vacuum tube and fetch a new one if it failed. Riding a bicycle with a brand new tube in my pocket was sometimes nerve-wracking. But, I never broke one.
I did the work on the Philco before I had a tube tester, so I hope that’s the problem. I remember going to the hardware store with my dad and a box of TV tubes to test. I use a AM broadcaster and play the old radio shows through the radio. Lots of fun. The old radios are time machines in their own way. You switch it on and it’s 1926 or 1948. Steve
I watched this last month when you released it and I just happened to pick up this model a couple days ago. The seller had it playing when I arrived to pick it up. Has a hum that I will need to take care of but otherwise in great shape. Looking forward to your future videos on this model. BTW, the jack in front is for a phonograph pickup. I enjoy your videos - short and informative.
I still have to pull the chassis from the ‘48 Philco to test the tubes. It’s a real chore and I’m dragging my feet on that one. The Philco 511 is really making me think. I don’t have all the “correct” replacement part but I’ll use what I have to hopefully make it play again. I’m glad you got one already in working condition. Thanks for watching my videos. I hope to have a new one this weekend. Steve
