A Tale Of Two Philips - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Paul Mathew · 12th Jan 2021, 6:38 pm

Here's a happy ending! These two Philips B3X08A sets came in for restoration, more or less simultaneously (what are the chances!?)

. One had a missing dial glass, with a crudely made perspex plate. Fortunately I could have a duplicate dial plate made from the good one, which I contracted out, as that kind of thing is above my pay grade. Not exactly like the original, but a vast improvement. A vinyl sticker on perspex.
I recapped the usual culprits, electrolytics and paper caps. The main electrolytic cans were left in place as they support the ferrite bar antenna.
Both sets developed the same issue after turn on (what are the chances!?)

. About 3 minutes into playing, the volume faded and any attempt to turn up the volume resulted in distortion. After posting my query about this on this forum, it was diagnosed as leaking EL84 output valves. Since I laid my hands on replacements they play perfectly.
The closest schematic I could find was the Philips B3X02A. Close enough! https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philips_b3x02a.html
Another minor change was fitting an RCA socket to bypass the original (unusual) socket for the pick-up input.

Wellington · 12th Jan 2021, 10:56 pm

Oh, they're nice Paul – I like those!

Good work on getting a dial made. Any reason for the change of colour (I like the blue, but I like the green better)?

Paul Mathew · 13th Jan 2021, 3:02 am

Hi Wellington,
I was charged a nominal amount by a friend, so I allowed total artistic licence!
The artwork is going through some tweaking, so I'll ask about the colour, as I share your sentiment.
I requested additional printing below the knobs to indicate their function, which unfortunately is covered by the same!

(didn't think that one through!)
The knobs aren't original as you can see, so it's back to the drawing board. Smaller knobs may work, or a reprint of the vinyl with the printing above the knobs.

Colin Ames · Today, 3:40 am

They are nice looking radios.

12th Jan 2021, 6:38 pm	#1
Paul Mathew Pentode Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 143	A Tale Of Two Philips Here's a happy ending! These two Philips B3X08A sets came in for restoration, more or less simultaneously (what are the chances!?) . One had a missing dial glass, with a crudely made perspex plate. Fortunately I could have a duplicate dial plate made from the good one, which I contracted out, as that kind of thing is above my pay grade. Not exactly like the original, but a vast improvement. A vinyl sticker on perspex. I recapped the usual culprits, electrolytics and paper caps. The main electrolytic cans were left in place as they support the ferrite bar antenna. Both sets developed the same issue after turn on (what are the chances!?) . About 3 minutes into playing, the volume faded and any attempt to turn up the volume resulted in distortion. After posting my query about this on this forum, it was diagnosed as leaking EL84 output valves. Since I laid my hands on replacements they play perfectly. The closest schematic I could find was the Philips B3X02A. Close enough! https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/philips_b3x02a.html Another minor change was fitting an RCA socket to bypass the original (unusual) socket for the pick-up input. Attached Thumbnails

12th Jan 2021, 10:56 pm	#2
Wellington Hexode Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cheshire, UK. Posts: 290	Re: A Tale Of Two Philips Oh, they're nice Paul – I like those! Good work on getting a dial made. Any reason for the change of colour (I like the blue, but I like the green better)?

13th Jan 2021, 3:02 am	#3
Paul Mathew Pentode Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 143	Re: A Tale Of Two Philips Hi Wellington, I was charged a nominal amount by a friend, so I allowed total artistic licence! The artwork is going through some tweaking, so I'll ask about the colour, as I share your sentiment. I requested additional printing below the knobs to indicate their function, which unfortunately is covered by the same! (didn't think that one through!) The knobs aren't original as you can see, so it's back to the drawing board. Smaller knobs may work, or a reprint of the vinyl with the printing above the knobs. Attached Thumbnails

Today, 3:40 am	#4
Colin Ames Tetrode Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Mesquite, Nevada, USA. (from Coventry, UK). Posts: 72	Re: A Tale Of Two Philips They are nice looking radios.