[Bob Andersen]

I picked up a couple vintage Philco TVs over the weekend.

This is a Transitone portable from the late 50s. I'm not sure about the model # since it's blank on the back cover. I like how it uses the same knobs for Vertical and Birghtness as Predictas
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/85512...29be_c.jpg]

[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/85512...1656_c.jpg]

The other looks similar to 37silverstreak's 51-T1601.
It has an all glass 16LP4 16" CRT and a metal cabinet. Rather pretty I think
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/85443...db6b_c.jpg]

[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/85443...0f0e_c.jpg]

I haven't had a chance to test the picture tube in either yet. I sure hope they have some life left [Image: http://www.jawaspot.com/smilies/pray.gif]

[Arran]

Forgive me for saying this but the colour of that Transitone TV is disgusting. The design is nice but it looks like a chain smoker sat in front of it for several decades. Is the circuit inside employ a series string or does it have a power transformer like the 51-T1601? That is one thing I have on my list is to get a Philco TV, or rather any early TV with Loctal tubes. Yes I know everyone seems to hate them but I always thought they had a retro-futuristic look.
Regards
Arran

[Bob Andersen]

That's the original color, but it did come in more pleasant options. Many are two-tone.

[Image: http://img1.etsystatic.com/011/0/7617295...7_sazo.jpg]

Yes, it's a series strung set. Here's a website that shows the insides: http://evilfurnaceman.tripod.com/id50.html

I'm pretty sure you'll need to find a 1950 or earlier Philco TV if you want Loktals.

[Big Dave]

Model E2004SP. I forgot to mention that on my website.

[Don Lind]

The designers were on a western theme in the mid fifties. Note the leather handle and side trim that does not appear on the more popular models. The original color was not that bad, but it's close. It will clean up better than shown.

[chris25260880]

Factory UHF on the portable!!!
16" My Grandparents TV, spent many night with them watching shows
on that TV such as Groucho, The Ames Brothers, Lawrence Welk, Steve and Edie. My Grandmother loved Steve Lawrence but would always say I hate that Edie Gormet

[Bob Andersen]

Factory UHF was another reason I picked it up. None of my other portables have it.

[Bob Andersen]

Here's the Transitone after a bit of cleaning. Unfortunately, it's badly faded except for one area on the left where some object must have protected it Perhaps I'll repaint it someday.
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/86012...ff3d_c.jpg]

I also popped it open for a look inside and tested the CRT.
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/86023...a73c_c.jpg]

It tests like new
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/86012...e3bc_c.jpg]

I also found a shattered 25DN6.
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/86023...0ddd_c.jpg]

I replaced it and powered it up with an isolation transformer and variac and got some signs of life. I think all it needs is a recap and it will work just fine.
[Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/86023...0a25_c.jpg]

[37silverstreak]

Hi Bob,
I really enjoy watching your You Tube videos! I'm just starting to get into working on old tv's and your video's have given me a lot of tips, so thank you and keep them coming!!
P.S. you should totally do a series on restoring your Philco 51-T1601 so I have something to go by when I try restoring mine!!!
Kevin

[Bob Andersen]

Hi Kevin. Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I have plenty of TVs and radios left to restore so there will be many videos to come. Since I started this thread, I discovered the 16LP4 in the 51-T1601 tests very good and a fellow collector donated the missing channel knob

[morzh]

Don't forget there is the H/V adjustment so that slanted thing may just disappear once you adjust them.

A vertical ripple is usually the sign of spent caps on the power decoupling of the H-generator/amplifier.

[wa2ise]

Forgive me for saying this but the colour of that Transitone TV is disgusting.

My grandmother liked that color, painted her kitchen and dining room chairs that color. Back in the 40's 50's, maybe it was a popular color in the day? I don't particularly like it myself, though.

[Chuck Schwark]

Reminds me of Fiestaware. We still use ours.
Bright colors...

Chuck

[morzh]

When I bought my first place in 98, there was the whole White-Westinghouse kitchen setup of the same finish - a fridge, a range with overhead oven and a trash compactor.
That place was built around 75 or so. All worked. I hated the color. Eventually I got not to notice it anymore.