Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

SeanMcDonagh · 18th Sep 2020, 9:32 am

Hi there,

I have a Philips F5G86A radiogram which was missing the cartridge from the tonearm. I was able to order a new cartridge (Philips GP 230) which I was told would fit and work. It's now arrived and I'm pleased to say it did fit, however I'm afraid something must be wrong as when I play a record, it's not coming through on the speaker.

I can confirm the speaker does work with the radio. Also, in case useful, I believe the deck is an AG1003.

One thing that I wasn't aware of however was what looks like a small crack in the tonearm (please see picture attached) - could there be something wrong with the wiring in the tonearm?

If anyone knows what might be wrong I'd be very grateful to know - otherwise I would appreciate if anyone could tell me anything I could check to help me identify the problem.

I've attached photos that I hope are helpful, but I can take more if needed.

Thank you very much in advance,

Sean

Station X · 18th Sep 2020, 9:42 am

Hello and welcome to the forums.

Type "buzz test" into the Google custom search box at the top of the page.

SeanMcDonagh · 18th Sep 2020, 12:39 pm

Hi Graham,

Many thanks for your help.

There seemed to be varying instructions for a buzz test, and I don't think I'd be able to easily access the wires inside the tone arm, however I tried the test with the pin at the end of the arm (it's a male tone arm) that goes into the female headshell. When touching the left side of this pin, there's a buzz in the speaker, but when touching the right side, there's nothing.

All the best,

Sean

AC/HL · 18th Sep 2020, 12:58 pm

That's OK, however it does seem to indicate that your cartridge is faulty.

Edward Huggins · 18th Sep 2020, 1:17 pm

Your "Buzz" test was successful in proving that the amplifier and speakers are working. Any "new" GP230 Mono cartridge you buy now will will be nearly 60 years old and so may have failed. Suggest you advise the supplier ASAP!

Michael Maurice · 18th Sep 2020, 11:37 pm

This is a new 'copy' cartridge. It should be ok.

Remove the bridging link that I've arrowed.

SeanMcDonagh · 19th Sep 2020, 7:02 pm

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Michael, I tried it without the bridging link, but it still doesn't work.

I also spoke to the supplier, Edward, and they said it would be the first one to not work and also said I could try making a wire bridge between the two lower contacts, using copper wire. I've now tried this, but still no joy...

Best,

Sean

18th Sep 2020, 9:32 am	#1
SeanMcDonagh Diode Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: London, UK. Posts: 3	Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker Hi there, I have a Philips F5G86A radiogram which was missing the cartridge from the tonearm. I was able to order a new cartridge (Philips GP 230) which I was told would fit and work. It's now arrived and I'm pleased to say it did fit, however I'm afraid something must be wrong as when I play a record, it's not coming through on the speaker. I can confirm the speaker does work with the radio. Also, in case useful, I believe the deck is an AG1003. One thing that I wasn't aware of however was what looks like a small crack in the tonearm (please see picture attached) - could there be something wrong with the wiring in the tonearm? If anyone knows what might be wrong I'd be very grateful to know - otherwise I would appreciate if anyone could tell me anything I could check to help me identify the problem. I've attached photos that I hope are helpful, but I can take more if needed. Thank you very much in advance, Sean Attached Thumbnails

18th Sep 2020, 9:42 am	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker Hello and welcome to the forums. Type "buzz test" into the Google custom search box at the top of the page. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

18th Sep 2020, 12:39 pm	#3
SeanMcDonagh Diode Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: London, UK. Posts: 3	Re: Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker Hi Graham, Many thanks for your help. There seemed to be varying instructions for a buzz test, and I don't think I'd be able to easily access the wires inside the tone arm, however I tried the test with the pin at the end of the arm (it's a male tone arm) that goes into the female headshell. When touching the left side of this pin, there's a buzz in the speaker, but when touching the right side, there's nothing. All the best, Sean

18th Sep 2020, 12:58 pm	#4
AC/HL Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 9,642	Re: Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker That's OK, however it does seem to indicate that your cartridge is faulty.

18th Sep 2020, 1:17 pm	#5
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,338	Re: Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker Your "Buzz" test was successful in proving that the amplifier and speakers are working. Any "new" GP230 Mono cartridge you buy now will will be nearly 60 years old and so may have failed. Suggest you advise the supplier ASAP! __________________ Edward.

18th Sep 2020, 11:37 pm	#6
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,225	Re: Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker This is a new 'copy' cartridge. It should be ok. Remove the bridging link that I've arrowed. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

19th Sep 2020, 7:02 pm	#7
SeanMcDonagh Diode Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: London, UK. Posts: 3	Re: Philips F5G86A Radiogram Sound Not Reaching Speaker Thanks everyone for your responses. Michael, I tried it without the bridging link, but it still doesn't work. I also spoke to the supplier, Edward, and they said it would be the first one to not work and also said I could try making a wire bridge between the two lower contacts, using copper wire. I've now tried this, but still no joy... Best, Sean