RCA 8TS30 variations

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by ChrisW6ATV

That is the lightest-color 8TS30 that I have seen, unless there are all-blond ones I have forgotten. That channel disc looks like the right style (as opposed to a 630TS style one) and has channel 1 as it should. Could it be original to match the (oak?) cabinet?

I've been interested in vintage TV 's for decades I can say for sure that this set, for some reason, has the 630TS complete knob set. It is possible this is an early 8TS30 and this was done at the factory. If you want to make it correct though it should have, as I said, the gold "cup" knobs and the dark plastic channel selector without channel 1. No Chris, the blonde version did not use the brass channel plate. Also the set is the walnut version which is seen much less than the mahogany version. I like how it contrasts the dark trim. The blonde sets have tan painted trim.
Joe

[Polaraligned]

That is a very neat conversion, but I am glad my 8TS30 is original.

[ChrisW6ATV]

Originally Posted by decojoe67

No Chris, the blonde version did not use the brass channel plate. Also the set is the walnut version which is seen much less than the mahogany version. I like how it contrasts the dark trim. The blonde sets have tan painted trim.
Joe

Joe-

I agree with you about the knobs themselves; they are the 621/630 style, including the channel and fine-tuning knobs. The channel plate itself, though, is what intrigues me. It is not brass, but rather appears to be a reverse-color version of what is on my (mahogany) 8TS30. That is, gold-colored plastic with brown numbers, in a style different from what is on a 630TS. I just checked my two 630s and 621TS, and here is an interesting note: My 621 has the identical-appearing channel disc to this one as far as I can tell, and not the 630 (brass) style. Now, I am curious to know if other 621s have a plastic channel disc as well.

I have not been aware of any 8TS30s not having channel 1; aren't they the same chassis and tuner as a 630TS?

This is a very nice-looking set and will be a great restoration project (keeping the CRT mod).

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by ChrisW6ATV

Joe-

I agree with you about the knobs themselves; they are the 621/630 style, including the channel and fine-tuning knobs. The channel plate itself, though, is what intrigues me. It is not brass, but rather appears to be a reverse-color version of what is on my (mahogany) 8TS30. That is, gold-colored plastic with brown numbers, in a style different from what is on a 630TS. I just checked my two 630s and 621TS, and here is an interesting note: My 621 has the identical-appearing channel disc to this one as far as I can tell, and not the 630 (brass) style. Now, I am curious to know if other 621s have a plastic channel disc as well.

I have not been aware of any 8TS30s not having channel 1; aren't they the same chassis and tuner as a 630TS?

This is a very nice-looking set and will be a great restoration project (keeping the CRT mod).

I have noticed that there seems to be variations on knob/plates on RCA TV's from the late '40's. It's possible that, according to production dates, earlier parts where used. I had an 8TS30 years ago with 630TS knobs and gold plastic channel plate. I was told then that it could've been factory. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that what is shown in original literature should be considered what is original to that particular model. The 8TS30 should have the gold cup knobs and dark plastic channel plate. I believe some 8TS30's do not have channel one, but it seems some did even though it was dropped in 1948. I had heard once that although the 8TS30's chassis is basically the same as the 630TS, it has different length front control shafts, speaker type, and possibly other minor improvements.
Joe