Welcome Guest! Be sure you know and follow the Phorum Rules before posting. Thank you and Enjoy! (January 12) x

Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Philco 38-690 input jack
#2

I have not done this on a 38-690.  I don't own one but in general, the best place to add the input is right at the volume control.  This would allow for a "line level" signal such as the output of an MP3, Player, CD Player, iPhone, etc. If using a turntable, it must contain either a ceramic pickup or a magnetic pickup with a preamp.  The pic below shows the section of the 38-690 detector and volume control circuit:
   

The blue X shows where to "break into" the circuit.

The second pic shows the modification, in blue.  
   

The switch is shown in the radio position. The dotted blue line is the switch in the external audio position.

Use a SPST switch.  The common connects to Cap 73, one leg connects to the junction of 70D, 71 and 72.  The other leg connects to the tip of the RCA jack or other connector.  The outside ring of the jack should be grounded to the same ground as the volume control.  If the radio can be heard at low volume when the aux input is used, tune the radio to quiet place.  A somewhat fancier technique is to use a DPDT switch and add connections to ground the junction 70D, 71 and 72 to prevent radio signal bleed into the aux signal.

The above instructions are basic to adding a jack to any radio, only the part number designations change.  The biggest issue is to not excessively "molest" the radio, as this represents the Zenith (pardon the pun) of Philco technology.  This radio can be seen as a major competitor to the Zenith "Stratosphere", and I believe that these sets are worth quite a bit of money.  Consider putting the components into a metal box that can be screwed into existing chassis holes to minimize any drilling.  Use separate shielded cables for the radio to switch and switch to Audio in.

Judging by the circuit, any MP3 or other aux signal would make this thing ROCK.  I can just picture listening to Big Band music piped directly into this radio from an Aux Input.

Hope this helps.

"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
"Let us begin to do good"- St. Francis

Best Regards, 

MrFixr55


Messages In This Thread
Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 12-17-2024, 10:04 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by MrFixr55 - 12-18-2024, 11:12 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 12-18-2024, 11:23 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by MrFixr55 - 12-19-2024, 09:50 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by radiorich - 12-19-2024, 10:33 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by RGK20m3 - 12-22-2024, 11:40 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by morzh - 12-22-2024, 11:52 AM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 01-06-2025, 02:28 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by David - 01-06-2025, 07:02 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 01-06-2025, 07:11 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by David - 01-06-2025, 07:43 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by supertech - 01-06-2025, 08:26 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by David - 01-06-2025, 09:42 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by MrFixr55 - 01-06-2025, 11:15 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by fenbach - 01-08-2025, 01:44 PM
RE: Philco 38-690 input jack - by Arran - 01-09-2025, 03:48 AM



Users browsing this thread: 9 Guest(s)
[-]
Recent Posts
The list of my radio & TV collection!
Hello Peter, Thank you for posting that !! Sincerely Richardradiorich — 09:40 AM
Eico 232 VTVM Schematic
It's a microwave antenna. ?;-p?. I substituted 1N4002s off the 6.3 vac winding for the 1.5 volt battery. Uniprobe is the...RodB — 05:50 PM
Eico 232 VTVM Schematic
Try BAMA for a schematic. Looks like a replacement power source for the D battery has been installed. The tube may be...Chas — 04:51 PM
Eico 232 VTVM Schematic
Is that a battery holder?morzh — 04:43 PM
Eico 232 VTVM Schematic
A friend gave me this Eico 232 VTVM and I'm having trouble locating the schematic for it. This one seems to be a later v...RodB — 04:17 PM
Var resistor id
Considering what it is in series with, I doubt there should be any power requirements. Of course, we should know wher...morzh — 03:23 PM
Var resistor id
Trim pot, about 1/2 watt part of focus divider. As stated 2k ohms. This appears to be a rusty chassis, resolder all ...Chas — 03:19 PM
Var resistor id
Its a Sylvania 400 oscilloscope. here is a clip of r-100. Would be nice to know the current required. Not listed in part...Martinj — 02:10 PM
The list of my radio & TV collection!
Thanks Richard. I hope you enjoy it. Here I have created an English section on the history of radio with videos in Engl...RadioSvit — 10:23 AM
The list of my radio & TV collection!
Hello RadioSvit, first all happy new year ! I will watch your new videos this week. Sincerely Richardradiorich — 09:19 AM

[-]
Who's Online
There are currently 5664 online users. [Complete List]
» 1 Member(s) | 5663 Guest(s)
Avatar

>