Philips 206A - 1940 Sympathetic Restoration Part 1 

Fantastic work Dave! You may have to branch out into vacuum tube repair, that was great! (Ok, "Valve" repair :^) Thanks for taking the time to share your projects with us.

Excellent going there Dave, dauntless :-) That radio is almost 100% post war build. See the "A.F.N." on the bottom of the dial? Means "American Forces Network" They started up just as the war was ending and in the beginning they were working from teporary locations on temporary Frequencies till they later permanently opened up in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt etc when Germany was fully occupied. Also, if this radio was made in Nazi occupied Holland, the layouter of that dial depicting the position of the enemy radio station would have been instantly locked up and no dial made like that. The positions of the other stations hint that this is where they were before the Copenhagen wave plan came into effect 1948 and frquencies were reallocated. My guess: Late 1945 to 1947 Interestingly the City of Lahti in Finland is spelt wrong. The different voltage settings is pretty standard for 40s Europe, in Germany there was 110v in some city suburbs well into the 50s. Strange radio methinks.... Resocketing valves is big fun, yes? When I started resocketing 6E5s to make EM34 substitutes I also lengthened the wires, but later I took a spare valve base and cut out large openings in the side in order to position the wires with tweezers into the pin openings. If one then twists the valve back and forth very slightly and then withdraws it from this template base the wires will stay in exactly that position to then glue it into the original base and solder up. The best glue i came up with after a couple of errors is a non acedic, non conductive silicone called "Reinzosil" (not "Reinzosil-t" !!) It is a black gasket maker which goes up to 300 Celsius and sticks to glass really well. Cheers from Germany

I am in awe again. 99.9999% of us would give up in less than 5 minutes on something like this. Brilliant work! Can't wait for part 2. Thanks Sir David!!

Quite impressed by the valve restoration work. This old girl has seen some action back in the day. I think you got it well in hand and it should be up and running in no time. Looking forward to part 2. Take care Dave.

You are definitely the ‘Valve Whisperer’. !

Very enjoyable to see you fixing valves Dave! I hope you're fully recovered from your medical ordeal!

Wow! I have no interest in repairing radios other than watching you work your magic. I found myself holding my breath while you were taking that valve apart. Fabulously! Is there nothing you can’t do? Most impressed here in Tassie.

Hi Dave, I own the octal valve version of your Philips 206A. Although my Philips radio (I can’t remember it’s model number) has identical Bakelite cabinet, and a similar dial, the version you have was manufactured for the European market. Philips radios of around the time your radio was manufactured generally incorporated side contact valves, whereas those manufactured in, or for the Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and British markets generally incorporated octal valves. The reason I mention this; when I was watching you repair the valves, which I commend you for your dexterity and ingenuity, I thought if you was unable to get hold of the required replacement side contact valves at reasonable prices, you could change the valve bases, and convert the radio to octal valves (should you have any of those valves, and bases in your stash, as most valves are now pricey). You will find that particular model of Philips radio not presents a very pleasing tone, they are usually very sensitive, especially when aligned to specifications. I eagerly await the next upload: I know it will superb. Cheers my friend, Phil.

An excellent restoration, Dave, as always! And the trick on reparing the tube with the disconnected shield was just mindblowing! Cheers.

Dear Dave, it's incredible, you combine so many professions and skills: Electrical Engineer, Tube Specialist, Cabinet Maker, Plastic Worker, Painter, Label Reconstructor, Image and Video Editor, Metal Worker, Lathe and Sandblasting Expert.... I am absolutely thrilled! I would have to hire at least more than ten people for all these jobs.... Many thanks for your efforts to document all these work processes with perfect videos and sound, warm greetings from Munich

I was on the edge of my seat when you were threading the wires back into the valve, am i normal ? Great video and camera work once again Dave, can’t wait for part 2 now. Be well, stay safe and god bless 🙂

It's morning in the USA. A fresh pot of coffee and Dave's Radio Adventures. Life is good. Thanks, Dave!

A master class as always, Dave! Hope you’re doing well. -Jeff

P-type tubes, rimlock tubes, AA5 radios with a filament transformer, radios with station ID's instead of frequencies, and brands I never hard of. Never see that here. Dave, you are in a wonderfully odd part of the world. Great work as always.

it's raining here and having a hot cup of coffee ☕ and watching your video

Crickey Dave, your talent never ceases to amaze me......hope you have been well.

Now I know where to send all my Valves that need repair. Beautiful work David. 73 Joe

Hello David, Fascinating piece of history you have there. To imagine surviving the occupation and being active during that time. Those side contact sockets are something I have never seen. I have repaired many tubes with broken grid cap wires over the years. Once I had the wire soldered to the nib, I put epoxy to stabilize it, then epoxied the cap on. As long as no one plays with it they usually lasted the life of the tube. Chuckled as you struggled with getting the wires back in the tube base. Been there many times. Brought back memories. Still have a small container of conductive paint somewhere in a safe place. Now I just need to remember where safe is. Looking forward to the next installment.

Hi Dave, congratulations ! These pre-war and wartime Philips are as fascinating and advanced as they are a nightmare to restore now: wiring, grommets, wax caps, electrolytics, bowden cables ... I have an 890A and an 855A, both from Czechosvovakia, waiting for restoration since the nineties, but I don't dare starting up ...

A definite candidate for the "braver than I, Charlie Brown award"! Those valve repairs, wow! Can't wait for part 2!!

My goodness Dave! Just when I think I've seen all your myriad talents, you surprise me yet again! Unbelievable repairs! From radios to phonographs to valves! Bravo!

Another great episode Dave! Loved the frankenvalve! 🤣 I had a look in my collection, but sorry no EBL1's there..

P valves and a spring solder sucker, you sir have the patience of a clock making Saint. Anything that I've ever encountered with P valves has always ended up in the circular file. You have my complete admiration.

Good morning David. See you on part two.

Greetings from the birthplace of this radio! Philips is was huge in Eindhoven, and although the company itself is no longer there, its legacy is everywhere and so are its buildings.

The work you did on that tube shield was a joy to watch. It looks totally original. You never cease to amaze me with your inventive repair methods. Can't wait for part 2.

Thank you for another excellent video Dave. One little tip I learned a long time ago from someone wise was about repairing broken grid cap wires. Valve envelope glass is relatively soft and with care it an be cut with a fine file. This method can relieve the glass seal to expose enough wire to effect a reasonably good solder joint onto a longer wire which is fed though the end cap. Over the years I have brought back a number of valves this way that were otherwise destined for the bin. Thanks again and best wishes.

How fitting that Eye of the Tiger started playing when you turned it on after you took the amp grid cap off! Great work, can't wait for the next part!

Dave your creative workarounds for what seem like insurmountable problems are inspiring.

Brilliant work Dave. The screen repair with the conductive paint I thought was good and at the point when you said I'll take it out to the workshop I thought he is not going to match the red paint up is he? And yes, you didn't disappoint. Even to the stage of retaining the patina by roughing it up. Pure genius. The best restoration channel on the web, surely! Keep 'em coming!

Thanks David! Stunning repair of that tube, just to see if you can.... Its brighten up this rainy day.

You know your stuff David, you took radio repair to a whole new level, besides the chassis, there didn't seem to have anything else working lol Once again your video is both impressive and informative! Cheers Mate

The signal tracing equipment and the oscilloscope looks handy! Maybe later on for me. 😀 I am only doing light vintage radio restoration at the moment on reasonable working condition vintage radio purchases, so this restoration video is fantastic to watch and a good guide to positive outcomes in my own future work. Thank you very much! I like the wiring coils and solder joining. I am just using hooks. I am using Frog Tape from Bunnings on paint jobs. 👍🙋‍♂️ Have a great weekend David!!!

Glasslinger Ron would be proud of you Dave.

Very interesting video of a very interesting radio. I'm looking forward to part 2.

Repairing a valve requires steady nerves and hands, but as you mentioned it is about finding methods for the various problems you are faced with. Always a pleasure to follow your escapades. :-) Thanks for showing us.

I love to see a cunning plan come together. I would lack the courage to try the things you try, but they usually work for you.

Hi, those voltage settings won't need to imply exports to overseas. The common European grid and the 220(later 230)V AC default was established way after WWII, so before the war there were quite a mix of standards. 110V DC, 150V DC, 220V DC, 110V AC, 127V AC, 160V AC, 220V AC to name just a few "common" ones. I once got in possession of an old slide projector which used to be owned by the local school district in the 40s and 50s. Mounted on a board right beside it was a big, 150W variable resistor and a list of local villages (all within 25km) and all the different voltages used there... mostly 110V DC, 110V AC and 220V AC but I think there was a 150V DC one mixed in somewhere.

Hi David Hope you are well and all your treatment is completed now. Incredible patience working on the “wobbly” valve and an outstanding result. I have done a couple of Philips radios and they can be very fiddly to work on but well within your skill set. Breaking news my dear wife has turned over the small bedroom to me for a radio room so no more freezing cold shed for my restorations! Spent several weeks redecorating and moving all my stuff in. Look forward to my next “warm” restoration. All the best Lynton.

Great! That Frankenvalve was very clever but the fixing of that another tube deserves an Oscar! And the fixing of the output tube also was a good one! The grill cloth deserves a brand new one from Corrien Maas (since the radio is from the Netherlands...). Thanks. Alvaro.

The history of the radio and where it was built is fascinating. I was blessed to be able to work in Eindhoven for 18 months during the Y2K period for the Phillip's IT arm, Origin. Eindhoven just ozzed wartime history, and the celebrations of the liberation of Eindhoven on September 18th was just stunning. I'm watching this video with great interest.

David, you are taking radio restoration to a new level. Most of us would have just binned that valve and got a replacement, but you carry out major surgery, bringing it back from the brink! Totally amazing! Eager for part II. Cheers, Jim L

Another well done repair work, Dave. The only thing missing is the humor you inject occasionally. Looking forward to part 2!

Always a pleasure to see your unique and resourceful methods put to work. Thanks for the informed trip into a piece that is older than I by a decade! Can't wait to see what you come up with to finish this one off. Brilliant work!

Bloody brilliant repair with the valve Dave, those side or P contact valves are increasingly difficult to source. Wish I had thought of high temperature engine paint excellent as always and I learned a new technique thanks!

Hi, that was pure genius David, many thanks from Nr Liverpool UK.

Good evening David Sir.Very precise work to restore the valve ECH J 69 IN original condition.Hats off Sir.👌👌👌👌👍

Can I join you for part 2??? I certainly can mate. Yet another enjoyable watch over breakfast here in a wet and windy UK. With magic fingers like yours I've come to the conclusion that your middle name is Merlin (ha ha). All the best mate.

Master repair. I especially liked me the repair of old radio lamps. I have a few of these isolated ones, and it's good to know they're fixable.

your (almost invisible) work on the ECH3 really fascinated me 👍👍👍

David Tipton what cool 206A Phillips mw shortwave radio Receiver from the 1940s

Wow! Nice job on that valve. I’m sure you could grind a bit of glass off that output valve and get a better connection. It looks like being a nice wireless when it’s finished.

Great work Dave. What I love about your videos is that we get to see mistakes and all. Followed by the trace and fix stage. It's really quite helpful.

Dave re seating valves is an Art onto itself . Hooking up the outside shield put it over the top! Fascinating to watch.

David I really enjoyed this. I could not believe it when you did the repairs to the valve... and like all your work the end result was amazing. All I could think of while watching you was how long I would have retained my temper while working with those thin wires :) I hope you continue in good health and that the treatment is working for you. God bless you and your family.

G'day from Melbourne! Great video as always, I hope you're in good health - looking forward to part 2.

What an incredible show. I can not wait for part 2. Thanks, for all you do.

Interesting, as ever, David. FYI, the Philips factory at Eindhoven was badly damaged in a daring low-level precision RAF bomber raid (Operation OYSTER) in December 1942 (with a follow up operation in March 1943). The USAAF also took some casualties flying a diversionary raid. Production at the plant took a big hit and never really recovered afterwards. German-controlled Philips would have been the jewel in the Nazi tech crown; fortunately their vacuum tube experts fled to the UK in May 1940 (taking with them plans and tooling for the really vital EF50 high slope pentode, a crucial component of Allied WW2 radar systems). Those Philips refugees moved into the UK's Mullard, turning what had been a pretty dull Philips subsidiary into a real wartime and post-war industrial/technical powerhouse. In occupied Holland, Philips employees were experts at 'going slow' and their wartime, Nazi supervised, research output was a masterclass in wasting time doing not very much. Eindhoven was liberated by British 2nd Army and US 101st Airborne Div in September 1944 - one of the (few) successes of Operation MARKET GARDEN.

Wow, radio surgery! Great work, Dave. Looking forward to the next installment of Dave"s Radio Adventures.

Great seeing a radio from here in the Netherlands from the war. There’s a museum in Texel here where they have Phillips radios from those days. Very innovative how you repaired that valve. Thanks for sharing this one, as well as others. Looking forward to the next chapter.

New year and David accelerates his speaking and repairing speed.

Always enjoyable to watch you work your magic on these vintage radios!

Welcome back Mr. Tipton" Hope your doing great . Got my cup of tea and cinnamon role, ready to be educated once again with your knowledge and humor ! "CHEERS"

David, as always, your amazing !!!

Had to laugh Dave, now I know i'm not the only bloke who makes Frankenvalves to get things to work. It's quite a challenge isn't it. Good work as usual David and hope you and your family are all doing well. Thanks for the video.

Another very enjoyable vid, David. When you discovered the slip of paper under the valve, I was hoping it was a secret message from the Resistance, still in its secret hiding place. Oh well....

"Solder Sucker." I love it. Many years ago you removed melted solder with a braided copper strip. I'm sure you remember that. Anyways, I hope you are feeling O.K.

Way more peril than usual. Fantastic valve surgery!

Things are worse in the U.S., if that's possible. I want to scream. I want to cry. I am numb. But one thing is for sure, Dave always makes me forget about things for a little while. Take care.

Good heavens, this man has the patience of a Saint! Great stuff.

Amazing work, Dave! Most people wouldn't even attempt to repair a vacuum tube but you made it look easy! You even restored the conductive coating AND the red finish on top of that! This is another one for my "Keep for Future Reference" notebook. BTW, despite the popular belief that JB Weld contains 5-10 percent iron filings and is therefore conductive, most websites agree that it is not and classify it as an insulator. Your use of conductive paint is therefore brilliant.

Another great video from David Tipton down under. I got my son to watch this one

David, you are quite remarkable. Well done. That was fun. Thank you.

International voltage comment, I enjoyed reading the comments made by your subscribers Dave, to add to this thread on voltages, early in the electrification of the states one area of Texas, imported Phillips generators operating at 50 cycles, then a course as the rest of the Texas and country went to 60 cycles. I expect that's why we have our old equipment marked as 50 & 60 cycles

That valve repair was interesting to watch!!!

I loved the Frankenvalve part !

Wonderful David! Looking forward to Part 2. John

Great job on the tube repair. Really cool how you soldered the fine wires to pull the others thru. Very clever. 73 de KB7ICI....Bill.

Now thats a show that you can learn from .thank you greetz from holland

I have never been much into domestic radios, but you seem to find some very interesting ones! I'm thoroughly enjoying seeing all the work you put into your restorations!

I'm a tad late to this one, so I'm now halfway through a double dose of David (Part 2 coming up)...my initial reaction is that it was well worth the wait! Dave

Lovely work as always David. One way I use to reconnect to the broken off top connectors on valves is to use a tiny spring soldered inside the cap to press onto the stub of the wire in the glass and then bond the cap on Sometimes the stub will take a blob of solder then you can connect a fine strand of wire which will not create any mechanical stress when run out through the top cap.

Thanks David! Always look forward to seeing you work!!!

I really have no interest in radios (grams are my thing) but this captivated me, especially the valve repair! Top shelf stuff as always. Looking forward to part II.

Glad you are back

Love the videos.... Great work.

Fantastic as always Dave!

Great video Mr David you are the best

That was just great fun to watch, there's a lot more to story of the radio, it's cleaned and working, first class job, always a great watch cannot wait for part two,

Great video as usual!

Brilliant work as usual Dave looking forward to part 2

Great job, Dave. Always fascinating!

Valve repair. Amazing. Thanks Dave.

Always a joy to watch one of your videos, Dave. Your attention to detail is awesome and your techniques are fearless. An inspiration to us all.

Amazing valve repair. Cheers! S

Thanks David, looking forward to part two. Was holding my breath when you were taking the top cap off the output valve.....

Perfect start to my weekend, watching your amazing work! Thank you!

OMG Dave, this is next level. I am in shock after watching your MAGIC. This video illustrate there will be a next level waiting for us, we only need to dare. Amazing stuff💯

Amazing valve repair David. BTW this set is quite an enigma, during the German occupation of Europe they restricted access to radios. They promoted their two valve sets to Germans which would not pick up foreign broadcasts but they could receive local stations . Also materials were in short supply so one wonders about the use of a power transformer and short wave bands. I wonder who the people these sets were sold to. I saw in Silicon chip some years ago in the historical radio section, a restoration of a Phillips Theaterette built during the war. It was bare bones, almost no metal no chassis no power transformer and the speaker made of compressed cardboard! I couldn't find any information on the net about this models history.

Great work