All Things Analog

All Things Analog

Philco Jr. model 80 Cathedral Radio



Philco model 80

Description

The Philco model 80 was released in 1932 as a low cost option in Philco's yearly model line. The set was competetivelty piced at an economical $18.75 (appriximately equivalent to $350 in 2019) including parts and tax. At the time, this made it one of the least expensive sets on the market. As a concequence, it also sold very well for the company.

For the time, this was considered to be a 'bare bones' set. There are no frills or extra niceties about it. Upon it's release, Philco was critisized for undercutting the competition and attempting to start a price war at a time when many companies were struggeling to keep their doors open. However, that was not really the case. This was intended to simply generate extra foot trafic in their stores. It was hoped that potential customers would see the better models offered and would isntead purchase those over this one. This plan backfired on Philco. The 8B would up selling near 200,000 units while it was being produced. This eventually sparked the creation of an entire new 'under $20' market segment for home radios at the time.

The chassis is an AC powered superheterodyne radio. The electrical design was bare bones, and definately built to a price point. In this radio there is no IF stage meaning it only required four tubes, there was no AVC or even a simple tone control. While there is no IF stage present here, there is a regeneration circut on the second detector.

This model uses four of what were at the time high effeciency 6.3v tubes.

Tube Lineup
  • 36 - Autodyne-type oscillator / mixer
  • 36 - Leaky grid 2nd detector, with regeneration
  • 42 - Output AF pentode
  • 80 - Rectifier

  • The type 36 tube was a 6.3v sharp coutoff screen-grid tube which was similar to the 2.5v 24/24A tetrode that it replaced in the Philco lineup. Also, the 80B was one of ther very first sets touse the new type 42 tube which was the first power pentode to be indirectly heated at 6.3v and the first to use cylindrical electrode construction.

    Specifications

  • Power type and voltage - Alternating Current supply (AC) / 115 Volt
  • Loudspeaker Electro Magnetic Dynamic LS (moving-coil with field excitation coil)
  • Material - Wooden case
  • Shape - Table/Cathedral-Type (upright, round top or gothic arch, not rounded edges only).
  • Dimensions - (WHD) 300 x 335 x 210 mm / 11.8 x 13.2 x 8.3 inch
  • Notes - The 80 series models were referred to as "Philco Junior" and were inexpensive entry-level radios employing a superheterodyne circuit with a regenerative stage to increase gain in the absence of an IF amplifier stage. Model 80B is a cathedral (with low-cost flat front), 80C is a compact rectangular wooden tabletop model, 80P is a plug-in "portable," and there is also an 80 Colonial clock.
  • Net weight - (2.2 lb = 1 kg) 6.5 kg / 14 lb 5.1 oz (14.317 lb)
  • Price in first year of sale 18.00 $
  • Downloads (free)

  • Schematic and Service Manual