Space Command! :)

[drh4683]

Very nice looking set. Its a 1961 model. I see you also have a 15Y6C15 14" color portable. Those are hard to find sets, zeniths first color portable. Always hang onto that set!
You shouldnt need to adjust any of the detector coils just yet. Just replacing the BB caps should bring the set back into proper operation. Ive had faulty BB caps cause the trouble almost every time in the tube type SC chassis. Simpson made a special instrument for aligning ultrasonic remote receivers. Its call the "model 407 remote aligner". It used plug in crystals and you just select the output freq. Just put the output transducer in a hollow paper towel tube and direct it to the microphone pick up of the receiver like the zenith manuals indicate. Simply adjust and peak out the vtvm accordingly throughout the detector stage. simple as can be when you read how to do it in the service manual. Unfortunately this instrument is basically impossible to find. Ive been keeping an eye open for one on ebay for the past 6 years and nothing.......
Otherwise you have to align the receiver by using the remote itself trying to find the peak point on the responce when tweeking one of the detector coils. It works, but I like setting up the proper equipment whenever possible. When you get those detector coils set just right, that receiver will be so sensitive that you can almost change channels from nearly 60 ft! Ive done it with a set in the garage. Take the remote across the street, on the neighbors drive way and still be able to click the channels! No infared remote can come close to the sensitivity of an ultrasonic space command. I like how I can change channels no matter where or how I hold the remote.

[nasadowsk]

I *know* the detector coils on the SC are out of wack - the prior owner twiddled them.

I'm going to attack the SC later - right now, I want to fix my vertical issues.

Oh yes, that color set? I found it at a garage sale. I passed by it at first thinking 'cute generic 60's B&W Zenith with the tricolor logo'. Oh, hey wait, tri-color means COLOR!

It works but has some minor convergence/sweep issues. I have a screenshot somewhere.

I figured it was one of if not the first. interesting - it's a hybrid - the IF section's all solid state and there's a few extra transistors in there. Still, lots of tubes!