Anyone have any Zenith Convergence Coils?

[TinCanAlley]

Originally Posted by andy

The core is probably cracked (I hope you weren't using a metal hex key). If you can remove it (you'll probably have the break it up) you can replace it with one of similar length from just about any old coil.

Well at first I tried every tool that come with the plastic alignment set I purchsed, but nothing would fit. I then found a small torx driver that fit and worked like a charm. All three coils adjusted just fine until the blue reached the end of its travel up. Once there, it wouldn't turn to go back down. I know you're not supposed to use metal tools, but there wasn't anything I had or could find that wasn't metal to do the adjustments.

So I should remove the coil from the board and get the core out? The bottom is just a small hole and the top seems to have some kind of stop. If I break the core, will the replacement core get past whatever is stopping the current one from coming out?

[TinCanAlley]

Good news. I found out from Talon Electronics that the coil I'm looking for S-87341 has been superseded by S-73854 and they have them for 5 bucks. Since I was already about to order a bunch of OEM transistors and diodes, I just added on the coil. Should have it here by Saturday.

Sometimes things just work out.

[andy]

...

[TinCanAlley]

Originally Posted by andy

A Torx screwdriver will definitely crack those cores sooner or later. Even with the proper size plastic tool, you have to be gentle.

The core can normally just screw in and out fully with nothing stopping it. If you have to, you can always enlarge the hole at one end.

If it were to screw completely out, it would be from the top. The bottom hole is about 3/16 or less while the top is about 5/16 or more (to lazy to do exact measurements).

You wouldn't happen to know where I can get a nice set of alignment tools and non-conductive as well?

[zeno]

Originally Posted by TinCanAlley

If it were to screw completely out, it would be from the top. The bottom hole is about 3/16 or less while the top is about 5/16 or more (to lazy to do exact measurements).

You wouldn't happen to know where I can get a nice set of alignment tools and non-conductive as well?

For diddle sticks.
http://gcelectronics.com/order/SubCa...%20380-387.pdf
For hex tools there are 2 common sizes. The Zenith uses the
most common on & there is a smaller one sometimes used.
Also a square one for RCA. Screwdriver ones are mostly used in JP sets
& small radio.
Another tool that are almost a must have is a LONG 1/4" (#8)
nutdriver. Xcelite used to make it. About 30" long with a
magnet, gets to screws holding tuners & deep in anywhere.
Be sure a used one isnt worn. Should be lots of NOS around.
They also made a yellow handled one (dont remember size)
and a phillips. The phillips is essential for some old JP sets.

73 Zeno

[Findm-Keepm]

Originally Posted by zeno

Another tool that are almost a must have is a LONG 1/4" (#8)
nutdriver. Xcelite used to make it. About 30" long with a
magnet, gets to screws holding tuners & deep in anywhere.
Be sure a used one isnt worn. Should be lots of NOS around.
They also made a yellow handled one (dont remember size)
and a phillips. The phillips is essential for some old JP sets.

73 Zeno

I used to sell Xcelite - the nutdrivers were prefixed as follows:

P - Pocket (P8=Pocket Red=Pocket1/4")
Number only = 5" (nominal) shaft (8=standard length Red=1/4")
HS - Hollow Shaft, beefier, but bulkiness limited their use.
L = Long = 10" (nominal) shaft
LL = the longest, as you mentioned, the LL8, also available back then in the yellow, and through special order, the green.

Now it's all 99-series if you need longer lengths or magnetic tips in most sizes. The pocket, and standard (5") are being produced, and the L8 and L10 nutdrivers are also being produced.

Xcelite's XST-series (Xtra True Tip) Phillips screwdrivers are the best. I have a set I bought in 1983, still going, in all sizes and lengths. Best tool investment I ever made. Sadly, not made anymore.

Cheers,

[TinCanAlley]

Originally Posted by zeno

For diddle sticks.
http://gcelectronics.com/order/SubCa...%20380-387.pdf
For hex tools there are 2 common sizes. The Zenith uses the
most common on & there is a smaller one sometimes used.
Also a square one for RCA. Screwdriver ones are mostly used in JP sets
& small radio.
Another tool that are almost a must have is a LONG 1/4" (#8)
nutdriver. Xcelite used to make it. About 30" long with a
magnet, gets to screws holding tuners & deep in anywhere.
Be sure a used one isnt worn. Should be lots of NOS around.
They also made a yellow handled one (dont remember size)
and a phillips. The phillips is essential for some old JP sets.

73 Zeno

Well then it looks like I make the right purchase the other day. Spent some time searching as many ways as I could figure in order to find them. I ended up finding the 9 piece set from the company in your attachment. They should be here early next week. Just in time to adjust the new coil I am installing.

I'd love a long nut driver. What I've been doing is putting together all of my bit holders together to make a long one. Only issue with it is that it flexes like crazy and I have to hold it about 2" higher on the back end so the head is at the level of the fastener. LOL!

[TinCanAlley]

Well the new coil worked like charm. It's an exact replacement.

I managed to get the convergence touched up, but the darn blue lines on the left and right (especially right) side of the screen do not curve like the red and green. If they would just bend up about 1/4 inch or so, the convergence would be about perfect. Oh well.