Porta color

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by 1911nutjob

Already got a set of spares. I could use a tester for some other projects anyway, so it wouldn’t be wasted money. I’m starting to think maybe I bit off more than I can chew, and should have started with black and white tv first. I’m learning that color has a lot more going on.

I was under the impression that the set was working.
What about the other set you mentioned as having for parts. Does it work?

[1911nutjob]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I was under the impression that the set was working.
What about the other set you mentioned as having for parts. Does it work?

Sorry for the confusion-yes, the restored set is working like brand new and has the upgraded polarized cord to avoid a hot chassis. I just like to have spares of everything, hence my search for parts. I’d like to start cutting my teeth on the donor set to learn what I’m doing.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by 1911nutjob

Sorry for the confusion-yes, the restored set is working like brand new and has the upgraded polarized cord to avoid a hot chassis. I just like to have spares of everything, hence my search for parts. I’d like to start cutting my teeth on the donor set to learn what I’m doing.

Every PortaColor ever made came from the factory with a polarized power cord from the first one.
It seems that every transformerless GE set, B/W and color was equipped that way. Also, most other US makes from the early 60's did as well. Probably easier to get U/L approval.

[maxhifi]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

Every PortaColor ever made came from the factory with a polarized power cord from the first one.
It seems that every transformerless GE set, B/W and color was equipped that way. Also, most other US makes from the early 60's did as well. Probably easier to get U/L approval.

Not Zenith though, or Admiral.

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

Every PortaColor ever made came from the factory with a polarized power cord from the first one.
It seems that every transformerless GE set, B/W and color was equipped that way. Also, most other US makes from the early 60's did as well. Probably easier to get U/L approval.

Well, there is no "easier" - you either get it or not. In the 60s or early 70s, UL increased the required temperature rating of all internal wiring. I remember Motorola replacing all their wire stock with the new stuff, which had to be stamped all along its length with the new temp rating number.

[1911nutjob]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

Every PortaColor ever made came from the factory with a polarized power cord from the first one.
It seems that every transformerless GE set, B/W and color was equipped that way. Also, most other US makes from the early 60's did as well. Probably easier to get U/L approval.

Didn’t know that. Mine came with a non polarized plug which proved defective later, so the seller replaced it on his dime. It didn’t look new, and it didn’t look like a blade was ground down. Old aftermarket replacement maybe? UL hadn’t even crossed my mind.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by 1911nutjob

Didn’t know that. Mine came with a non polarized plug which proved defective later, so the seller replaced it on his dime. It didn’t look new, and it didn’t look like a blade was ground down. Old aftermarket replacement maybe? UL hadn’t even crossed my mind.

The GE sets came with a male connector on the chassis that had a smaller and larger pin. I've seen where a non-polarized cord was forced on the connector. Most of the time it didn't make that good of a contact.
My earlier PortaColor didn't come with the proper cord. Driving down the street, I saw a small B/W GE solid state portable next to the trash. I wasn't going to stop, but I saw it had the perfect power cord for my PortaColor that was in perfect condition. Not too many later model sets came through with interlocking power cords.