Friday, January 2, 2015

Philco C4608 Radio Bench-test

Philco Auto Radio Model C4608 (Mopar Model 802)

We did a bench test of the original 1941 Philco Auto Radio.  The unit draws 9.2 amps at 6.3 volts, so it was no suprise that it maxed out my 5amp variable power supply.  The radio slowly came to life with clips and chirps, tiny snippets of voices.
Dial Face


Chassis View

Tube Location Label

Chassis Stamp and Antenna Plug


Thanks to the folks at NostalgiaAir.org, it was easy to find the manual for Nora's dash mounted Philco Auto radio. 
Complete Schematic
Scan of the dial face.  The plan is to cut a new glass plate, then mask, paint and laser etch the text.
Dial face
Dial Face from owner's manual



Vectors for mask and laser etching.
Enhanced model with original font and graduation squares.

The black areas will be masked out with machine cut vinyl and the silver area painted first. Mask for the black lines when then be removed and painted.  The mask for the transparent area will then be removed.  A laser will be used to cut a jig for the glass plate and etch out text and graduations.