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9pc41
js,
Congratulations on your score! The series of RCA projection consoles that started in 1946 and ended in 1949 with your model (and mine) all share the same four chassis and optics. They all have Channel 1. Projection TV's are much more of a challenge to restore to reliable operation than the more common direct view receivers which we are more accustomed. You have chosen quite a challenge for your first foray into this interesting hobby.
I have two of these with plans to eventually restore one of them which is now on display in my home. It is one of those non-urgent future planned projects.
I know that there are a couple collectors who have restored these projectors who might be willing to give you some advice.
I'll contact one I know and see if he will agree to me giving out his contact info to you.
Quite good service and setup info on this set is published in the Rider TV books.
One thing you must really be cautious about is to never operate the set with deflection circuit problems as when the raster is not present the high energy of the electron beam operating at reduced or no deflection will easily and quickly burn a permanent mark (dead spot) into the delicate phosphor of the 5TP4 projection CRT, a tube that is now somewhat rare and difficult to obtain. Another CRT used in small theater projectors from the same era (yes they were doing 15x20 foot projected TV screens in those days!) is the 5AZP4 CRT. It can be successfully installed in these vintage RCA RPTV's. Another suitable projection tube, the newer version of the 5AZP4 is the 4820A. That one is a very bright CRT due to phosphor improvements. Always use the least amount of brightness from the control until you can verify that you have a proper scanned raster before turning up the brightness. Do this in a darkened room and look into the flat corrector plate lense surrounding the CRT with the light blocking sock removed. Once you have verified that the optical system is properly alighned you can trust what you see on the actual fresnel viewing screen up top.
Your major work will involve mindless replacement of very many wax-paper capacitors and testing tubes and replacing the bad ones. Do not tamper with any of the adjusting screws in the cans or coils! You may shoot cleaner/lube spray into the potentiometers and work them back and forth between their end stops to clean them up. Return them to where they were set or mid position if you don't know. They can be set properly once the set ius operational. I'm going from memory here but would advise not tampering with (don't try to clean) any of the pots in the High Voltage box. It will take proper steps by an experienced tech to restor those settings. This includes the Focus control which shouldn't be cleaned anyhow. This TV uses 28 kilovolts on the small picture tube. There is about 6 kV on the socket of the CRT for focus voltage as well. Keep fingers away from the tube while operating!
Best to find a fellow collector in your area with vintage TV restoration experience to at least work with you on this project which I suspect you will really enjoy.
Rob
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