1970s Zenith Console - Troubleshooting

[BeamT]

I am at the same place with my 25DC56 restoration. My set has the original Zenith 25VBQP22 CRT. I believe my set is low hour but it was plugged in it's entire life, prior to me purchasing it on FB last year. My CRT tests good on a Sencore CR70 but does not test well with the life test. The red gun is the weakest of the 3 and no matter how I set it up, it does not want to track well. The focus peaks but isn't very good. It looks much better in low light. I did not try to rejuvenate/restore because it is still watchable. I'm hoping to get my set to a better level.

I have several generations of Zenith, Video Display, and Sylvania CRT guides and came to the same conclusion you did that the 25VAQP22 was a substitute. I was able to find a VDC 25VAQP22 and plan to install it over the holiday weekend and will let you know. Is the tube you are considering NOS or rebuilt?

I haven't been able to understand how a rebuilt VDC 25VAQ compares to the original Zenith CRT? Black Matrix? How did the rebuilders, Zenith, Sylvania, RCA, VDC, compare with each other?

[zeno]

Zeniths solid states with DC, EC FC & maybe CC chassii are
instant on. Be sure its working, when turned on cold it should come
right up in a few seconds.
All flat chassii & early CC2 uprights MUST have new 22-5001 HV
safety caps IF they are white. Orange ones are OK.
Late EC & FC chassii uses the 4 lead cap. Be sure it is orange.
Also be sure you use the right one ! There are at least 3 others for different
Chassii such as 13", EFL CRT's , System 3 etc. Most uprights
used the 800-860 kit BUT be sure !

enuf fer now
73 Zeno
LFOD !

[ThePlague]

Originally Posted by BeamT

I am at the same place with my 25DC56 restoration. My set has the original Zenith 25VBQP22 CRT. I believe my set is low hour but it was plugged in it's entire life, prior to me purchasing it on FB last year. My CRT tests good on a Sencore CR70 but does not test well with the life test. The red gun is the weakest of the 3 and no matter how I set it up, it does not want to track well. The focus peaks but isn't very good. It looks much better in low light. I did not try to rejuvenate/restore because it is still watchable. I'm hoping to get my set to a better level.

I have several generations of Zenith, Video Display, and Sylvania CRT guides and came to the same conclusion you did that the 25VAQP22 was a substitute. I was able to find a VDC 25VAQP22 and plan to install it over the holiday weekend and will let you know. Is the tube you are considering NOS or rebuilt?

I haven't been able to understand how a rebuilt VDC 25VAQ compares to the original Zenith CRT? Black Matrix? How did the rebuilders, Zenith, Sylvania, RCA, VDC, compare with each other?

I look forward to hearing back from your efforts! I was able to get a NOS tube, but am currently working the shipping logistics part of it.

I currently have the same issues as well, but have done all of the replacements mentioned by Zeno. (Set comes on quickly). Thanks again Zeno and all who chimed in for helping getting my set to at least the "usable" level it is at.