Philips BX180U - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Wijnand · 11th Nov 2023, 4:13 pm

I bought this funny little Philips BX180U via marktplaats and paid 20 euros for it.
The radio was in poor condition, some of the wiring had been removed, some components were defective. The transmitter tuning cord was broken, two tubes were missing.

After the chassis was repaired, capacitors were replaced, and a new tuning cord was installed. The radio was ready for the first test, two resistors blown by my own stupid closure made by a clumsy movement with the metal tuning part. Anyway, those resistors were easy to replace, but the EL41 tube turned out to be broken. Finally the radio played like a charm again.

Then it was the turn of the Bakelite case for a thorough cleaning, and the cream-colored piping was reapplied with a small brush. Then the tuning scale, speaker and chassis were mounted back in the cabinet.

Ultimately we managed to restore this Philips radio to its former glory. I am surprised that many radio stations can be received with this small radio and the volume it produces.

Another project completed that I thoroughly enjoyed working on.
Now it is the turn of the Philips 638A, which has been waiting for a makeover since February.
Wijnand

paulsherwin · 11th Nov 2023, 4:18 pm

Very nice job.

The European Philips plants made lots of interesting models which weren't picked up by Philips GB so are rarely seen here.

Kentode · 12th Nov 2023, 4:33 pm

Looks very crowded in there!

We'll done Wijnand, it's a very attractive set.

paulsherwin · 12th Nov 2023, 5:20 pm

Yes, the Europe-only Philettas are also very crowded. I wonder if that's the reason they were never built by Philips GB, or even imported.

Gabe001 · 12th Nov 2023, 8:37 pm

It's a nice tiny set. Well done on the restoration.

Ive got one, it's part of the decor in the bedroom. Here it is:

https://youtu.be/nsR8C_Q31DU?si=-0ZvtrdCfePsoe5E

11th Nov 2023, 4:13 pm	#1
Wijnand Diode Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Ugchelen, Netherlands. Posts: 6	Philips BX180U I bought this funny little Philips BX180U via marktplaats and paid 20 euros for it. The radio was in poor condition, some of the wiring had been removed, some components were defective. The transmitter tuning cord was broken, two tubes were missing. After the chassis was repaired, capacitors were replaced, and a new tuning cord was installed. The radio was ready for the first test, two resistors blown by my own stupid closure made by a clumsy movement with the metal tuning part. Anyway, those resistors were easy to replace, but the EL41 tube turned out to be broken. Finally the radio played like a charm again. Then it was the turn of the Bakelite case for a thorough cleaning, and the cream-colored piping was reapplied with a small brush. Then the tuning scale, speaker and chassis were mounted back in the cabinet. Ultimately we managed to restore this Philips radio to its former glory. I am surprised that many radio stations can be received with this small radio and the volume it produces. Another project completed that I thoroughly enjoyed working on. Now it is the turn of the Philips 638A, which has been waiting for a makeover since February. Wijnand Attached Thumbnails

11th Nov 2023, 4:18 pm	#2
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 28,712	Re: Philips BX180U Very nice job. The European Philips plants made lots of interesting models which weren't picked up by Philips GB so are rarely seen here.

12th Nov 2023, 4:33 pm	#3
Kentode Octode Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Yorkshire, England. Posts: 1,334	Re: Philips BX180U Looks very crowded in there! We'll done Wijnand, it's a very attractive set. __________________ Regards, Ken. BVWS member

12th Nov 2023, 5:20 pm	#4
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 28,712	Re: Philips BX180U Yes, the Europe-only Philettas are also very crowded. I wonder if that's the reason they were never built by Philips GB, or even imported.

12th Nov 2023, 8:37 pm	#5
Gabe001 Octode Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 1,817	Re: Philips BX180U It's a nice tiny set. Well done on the restoration. Ive got one, it's part of the decor in the bedroom. Here it is: https://youtu.be/nsR8C_Q31DU?si=-0ZvtrdCfePsoe5E