Quote:
Originally Posted by Rog Beltmann
My favorite RCA chassis to service was the CTC16. Almost every brand used it except Zenith. Least favorite was the vertical XL-100 chassis and their damn SCR sweep system. Very problematic to diagnose.
Best picture was the GTE super sets. They ran at 32kv second anode voltage.
We kept the SONYs at the other end of the showroom so they wouldn't get embarrassed! To me the CTC 125 is not too memorable... good or bad.
|
The CTC125 was a low-end chassis, but it was remarkable in its reliability (just the filter cap really) and excellent performance for the cost.
The SCR sweep was unusual, but we were an RCA ASC and had the field training classes and workbooks (RCA had great training manuals that explained everything). The SCR system was very reliable, very efficient, and produced a very linear sweep. Other than an occasional bad connection from those large inductors on the PCs or a cranky SCR socket, they were no trouble at all. The later ITR versions were a bit cranky if you ask me.
The GTE Supersets caught everyone by surprise. Excellent circuitry along with that near black tinted faceplate was unbeatable. Unfortunately, GTE forgot to upgrade the CRT gun assy to handle the strain of producing a bright picture through the dark tinted faceplate. We changed a lot of those tubes during the first few years they were out. RCA also ran a nominal 32.5KV chassis during the XL-100 years.
John