57 Motorola
 

I have a 1957 Motorola model number y21k55ma, I want to restore this set but am brand new to this. I broke rule number 1 and turned it on when I got it, it worked and the picture looked good! Does anyone have any info they can tell me about these sets? i bought a kit with all new resistors, so I thought I would start with that. It will be a lot of learning because as of now I know nothing about old Tv sets!

Forget resistors for now.

If you have not restored any tube electronics before, I recommend setting the TV aside for a while and practicing recapping on a cheap 5-tube radio. TVs have higher voltage and they are more complex, meaning there are more places to mess up if you're careless.

The Sams service manual for your TV is available here:

https://www.samswebsite.com/en/photo...&submit=Search

Some public libraries have Sams manuals, so check with your library in case they can supply a free copy.

Before replacing anything, I would clean all of the tube pins and sockets, as well as the controls (volume, etc.).

When you're ready to tackle the TV, begin by replacing the electrolytic and paper capacitors. This article has basic information about that:

http://antiqueradio.org/recap.htm

If your TV basically works, it should work just the same -- or better, we hope -- after you recap it.

Check off each capacitor on the schematic and parts list when you replace it. Try the TV after replacing every one or two caps; then, if you make a mistake, you'll know where to check.

If you skim a couple of the TV articles listed on this page, you'll get a general idea of what's involved in making them safe & reliable to play:

http://antiqueradio.org/restoration.htm

Again, a TV is not a very appropriate beginner's project. If you don't feel up to the challenge, you could contact an area radio/TV collector club to see if anyone there is interested in mentoring you or providing some tips. Here's a list of clubs:

http://www.antiqueradio.com/clublist.html

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

I have/had a few late-50's motorola 21" black and white sets. One common thing I've noticed between them is the tuner... kinda loose and sloppy feeling. Being that anything like this will simply stay on Channel 3, it's not quite as much an issue as it was before signals went all digital.

Currently, I have two '59 motorola 21" sets... both series strung tube heaters. If one heater goes out, they all go out.

Peaking coil replacement is common. Seems they get corroded and break in two or fall apart... I had that problem in two Moto's.

Surprisingly, one of those Moto's still has all the original caps and electrolytics and plays well.

Phil is right... it will likely do you some good to first practice on an old radio first so you can get the feel for it. Your TV does not use printed circuits.. it has point-to-point wiring. If you can, get a radio without printed circuits to practice on. A good place to start would be any old Zenith AM radio from the 1950's. You can usually pick up a Zenith tube radio pretty cheap. You don't have to get anything too fancy... it's just going to be for practice before you tackle the TV.

The fact that your TV already plays is great. Like Phil said... it should only get better.

My experience is like Charlie's; I have one of the same models he has. They aren't real hard to work on. Get the Sams Photofact, but don't pay Sams for them. One of us can get you a copy for next to nothing if you can't find it locally. (I may have a spare) The resistors are probably all fine but for reliablity you really need to swap out all the caps, except the ceramic discs. The biggest problems will show up in the vertical circuit: picture will be too short, won't stop rolling/will need constant adjusting, or everyone looks like the coneheads.

Seems I remember the vertical circuits in my table model uses one of those damn combintation components. I built one from scratch, which isn't too bad, can be a pain in the rear if you're doing it for the first time.

A "couplate". Been there, done that. Fairly easy after the first one.

WOW! Thanks for all the info guys, that is great. I am checking out Ebay to see if I can find a radio to practice on. That's a good idea. I'll try to post pictures and let you know how it's going. Thank you again!! This should be lots of fun.

Good luck to you tjh58. Welcome to VK. Starting with a radio is something that I was told when I started and didn't follow. Later I regretted that I didn't follow that advice. Have fun with your first, and keep us updated.