Philco 315

Manufacturer: Philco Corporation of Canada Limited, Toronto
Model: 315
Approximate Date Of Manufacture: 1950s
Type: 6 tube ACC BC and shortwave band clock radio
Tube lineup: 6BJ6 (2), 12BE6, 6AQ6, 35C5, 35W4 (miniature)
Status: working, restored
Where purchased: gift, December 2004

Description

This is a plastic case clock radio with AM and shortwave bands. The shortwave band is marked Special Service and covers from 1.7 to 3.4MHz (at that time commonly used by police, ships, and aircraft). The band switch is located on the back. It has a clock with Telechron movement that can control an alarm, radio, or external outlet.

I was unable to find a schematic, but it is internally almost identical to the Philco model 190 in my collection which I do have schematics for.

As received, it was not working. Someone had partially replaced the multi-unit electrolytic filter capacitors with a new unit, which was hanging loose on the top of the chassis. After recapping all paper and electrolytic caps, the radio started working. I gave it a good cleaning and alignment. Two of the tubes are missing tube shields, but they do not appear to be needed -- the radio worked the same with or without shields in place.

Because it is a 6-tube radio with separate RF amplifier stage, it is quite a sensitive radio. After alignment I was able to pick up many stations on AM and shortwave.

Pictures