Attempting first project - Some questions if I may

[albanks]

It works now but I'm getting extremely loud buzz/hum/interference. Something like that. any tips for that? Buzz control does nothing.

[Notimetolooz]

The buzz control is only useful when you have a good signal received.
Please don't use tape, it never lasts and can get messy. Check out heat shrink tubing, it takes a little planning because you have to put it on before you finish soldering.
Recheck you connections.

[albanks]

Thanks, everyone.

When the TV is plugged in alone the snow sound is normal.

When I have the DVD player, RF Modulator and Digital Video Stablizer plugged in it creates the buzzing. I have tried different outlets, unplugging nearby things not needed, nothing. Am I getting some kind of interference by having this setup near my other electronics?

Sucks to get this close and now have such a dumb problem.

[zeno]

Buzz can be a PIA on tube type Zeniths.
Try turning down the AGC control. Its along the back like the buzz control.
If its too high the set will buzz, too low & the pix will wash out.

Next problem is sources. These sets are before any add ons like games,
VCR, DVD, cable boxes etc so often they buzz or get torn up pictures.
Best test is usually a VCR direct to ch 3. The pix will tear at the top
but the buzz will be much less if at all if the TV is normal.

73 Zeno
LFOD !

[albanks]

Originally Posted by zeno

Buzz can be a PIA on tube type Zeniths.
Try turning down the AGC control. Its along the back like the buzz control.
If its too high the set will buzz, too low & the pix will wash out.

Next problem is sources. These sets are before any add ons like games,
VCR, DVD, cable boxes etc so often they buzz or get torn up pictures.
Best test is usually a VCR direct to ch 3. The pix will tear at the top
but the buzz will be much less if at all if the TV is normal.

73 Zeno
LFOD !

Thanks, Zeno. I hear ya, I'll try that. 2 years ago I had this thing playing Columbo from a DVD player with no buzz. I will try to fiddle again with the AGC and whatnot. The sound I am getting is like a ground loop type thing.

[albanks]

Buzzing is loud and won't go away. Stays the same pretty much if you lower or raise the volume.

Tried>
Adjusting AGC every which way
adjusting Buzz Control
adjusting contrast
switching outlets
moving equipment
different cables
different source material and players

I guess now I will have to open it back up. Is this a bad tube? Which tube would be most likely? I don't have testing equipment.

If anyone has anything else I can try please let me know.

[old_coot88]

Originally Posted by albanks

Buzzing is loud and won't go away. Stays the same pretty much if you lower or raise the volume.

Could it be described more as a "hum" than a buzz? Since it remains the same irrespective of vol control setting, it would be 'downstream' (in the signal chain) from the vol control. Shorted output tube maybe(?). See if tapping the tube has any effect on it.

[Electronic M]

Have you tried using a good 90s or newer set to check your signal source?

[albanks]

Originally Posted by old_coot88

Could it be described more as a "hum" than a buzz? Since it remains the same irrespective of vol control setting, it would be 'downstream' (in the signal chain) from the vol control. Shorted output tube maybe(?). See if tapping the tube has any effect on it.

It sounds exactly like this noise coming from an unrelated video I just watched:
https://youtu.be/CmEyYAjjsn0?t=429

Very loud, disturbing buzzing. Last time the set was on 2 years ago there was no buzzing like this.

I think the RF Modulator has something to do with this but I am apprehensive to order a new one and then be out the money if it doesn't help. I was hopeful when I read I should unplug one audio cable as the set is likely monaural but that didn't help. The buzz is coming in right through the video cable. Picture is perfect and enjoyable.

I will open it soon and try to tinker but I am at a loss. I appreciate anyone who can help me overcome this.

Thanks!

[albanks]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

Have you tried using a good 90s or newer set to check your signal source?

Yes I did and everything was fine with it.

[old_coot88]

Originally Posted by albanks

It sounds exactly like this noise coming from an unrelated video I just watched:
https://youtu.be/CmEyYAjjsn0?t=429

Very loud, disturbing buzzing.

But you say the buzz is the same irrespective of volume control setting

[albanks]

Originally Posted by old_coot88

But you say the buzz is the same irrespective of volume control setting

Yes, sir.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by old_coot88

Could it be described more as a "hum" than a buzz? Since it remains the same irrespective of vol control setting, it would be 'downstream' (in the signal chain) from the vol control. Shorted output tube maybe(?). See if tapping the tube has any effect on it.

+1
Another possibility is some open or bad connection in the audio path between the volume control and the output tube (or a bad filter cap)..... If there's an open in the audio chain where there is some capacitive pick up of the sound but strong(er?) Capacitive pick up of hum from literally anything running 60Hz that could do it.

[old_coot88]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

Another possibility is some open or bad connection in the audio path between the volume control and the output tube (or a bad filter cap).....

Also, if the resistance element in the vol control were open at the ground end, it would cause the control to have little or no effect (granted, this is a long shot and highly unlikely).

Assuming the vol control is good and operating correctly, then the buzz has gotta be getting in downstream of the control.

Al, just for the heck of it, roll the vert hold fully stop-to-stop while listening to the buzz. Does the buzz change pitch (frequency) as you turn the control? If not, that eliminates vertical sweep as the problem source.

[albanks]

Originally Posted by old_coot88

Al, just for the heck of it, roll the vert hold fully stop-to-stop while listening to the buzz. Does the buzz change pitch (frequency) as you turn the control? If not, that eliminates vertical sweep as the problem source.

No, it does not, the buzz stays the same while rotating the vertical hold.

I haven't had a chance to open this set back up to try the other suggestions but will try to soon and report back.

Thanks, everyone for pitching in. I just need to solve this problem ASAP, lol.