My Attempt at Predicta Restoration

[Phil Nelson]

Originally Posted by PredictaNoob

Since I don't have a television signal generator, I intend to use a VCR for the signal. Is this an OK idea, or worthless?

If you just want to check operating voltages or eyeball things, a VCR signal is as good as any. To adjust things like linearity & centering, it's better to use a pattern generator that will give you a crosshatch pattern, cross, dots, etc. B & K made some Dynascan generators (1230, 1245, etc.) that are small enough to hold in your hand and often sell very cheap on eBay. Search for "color generator" or "pattern generator." For test gear like this, I'd generally avoid a vintage device, which will need the same kind of service as any old tube equipment and may also need calibration that you're not equipped for.

Phil

[PredictaNoob]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

If you just want to check operating voltages or eyeball things, a VCR signal is as good as any. To adjust things like linearity & centering, it's better to use a pattern generator that will give you a crosshatch pattern, cross, dots, etc. B & K made some Dynascan generators (1230, 1245, etc.) that are small enough to hold in your hand and often sell very cheap on eBay. Search for "color generator" or "pattern generator." For test gear like this, I'd generally avoid a vintage device, which will need the same kind of service as any old tube equipment and may also need calibration that you're not equipped for.

Phil

I found a post tonight where a guy described using a test pattern card that he printed, taped to a wall and shot with his video camera. He then fed his video camera into the television he was working on. Sounds like a pretty simple 'poor boy' solution. Not the perfect solution, but perhaps good enough?

[Phil Nelson]

Originally Posted by PredictaNoob

Sounds like a pretty simple 'poor boy' solution.

Caught red-handed! That was my po' boy solution when I did my Predicta 1,000 years ago and didn't own a pattern generator. I had forgotten all about that scheme until you mentioned it.

http://antiqueradio.org/philc12.htm

Phil

[PredictaNoob]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

Caught red-handed! That was my po' boy solution when I did my Predicta 1,000 years ago and didn't own a pattern generator. I had forgotten all about that scheme until you mentioned it.

http://antiqueradio.org/philc12.htm

Phil

That is great Stuff! You're a legend, Phil (AKA Phil's Old Radios)
I love reading about your projects! I don't how many people you've helped, but you've sure helped me! Thanks.

[PredictaNoob]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

If you just want to check operating voltages or eyeball things, a VCR signal is as good as any. To adjust things like linearity & centering, it's better to use a pattern generator that will give you a crosshatch pattern, cross, dots, etc. B & K made some Dynascan generators (1230, 1245, etc.) that are small enough to hold in your hand and often sell very cheap on eBay. Search for "color generator" or "pattern generator." For test gear like this, I'd generally avoid a vintage device, which will need the same kind of service as any old tube equipment and may also need calibration that you're not equipped for.

Phil

OK, I said the heck with it and bought a Dynascan 1245 from a guy on eBay for 10 bucks. I hope it actually works...