Fixing Zenith CCII Avante 25JC49

[drwatson32]

Bit of an update- I opened up the socket, not seeing any signs of arcing on the focus pin. https://photos.app.goo.gl/62gdRuM3AhLgeQzE6 (dumping photos off on google to maintain detail) I wish I had a before pic, it seems like possibly the connection between the focus wire and the tripler warmed up enough to melt the solder, else it was poorly done initially.

I also included pics of some possibly sketchy looking crystal formations on the bottom of one of the transformers in the flyback circuit. Are these typically a reliable part?

I've been checking around online for a good tripler for a couple months now, nothing available yet. Certainly a counterpoint to the longevity of the rest of the set haha Any tips on where to check these days? Thanks!

[zeno]

If you havnt try a WTB on the AR site also. So many of these sets were
built so there has to be an ECG sub. Used is possable also but I
wouldnt touch one thats cracked, bulging or discolored !

That white crap I have seen before. Seems to be harmless but wouldnt hurt to gently knock it off.

FBT's were 99.9 % reliable. If you look at the 4 tube hybrid, flat SS chassis,
& the CC2 I did 2 on hybrids ( BIG kits), none on flats & maybe one
on CC2's. Dont get better than that !

73 Zeno
LFOD !

[radiotvnut]

Originally Posted by zeno

If you havnt try a WTB on the AR site also. So many of these sets were
built so there has to be an ECG sub. Used is possable also but I
wouldnt touch one thats cracked, bulging or discolored !

That white crap I have seen before. Seems to be harmless but wouldnt hurt to gently knock it off.

FBT's were 99.9 % reliable. If you look at the 4 tube hybrid, flat SS chassis,
& the CC2 I did 2 on hybrids ( BIG kits), none on flats & maybe one
on CC2's. Dont get better than that !

73 Zeno
LFOD !

The only time I've ever seen a FBT fail on any pre-System 3 solid-state Zenith color is when the tripler shorted and took the FBT and HOT with it (likely caused by the customer constantly resetting the breaker in rapid succession). I don't recall seeing a bad FBT on the first-generation System 3 (9-153 module), but I've seen plenty of arcing/bad FBTs on the 9-160 modules.

As far as the tripler in the OP's set, I think that's the one with 5 terminals, and I seem to remember that the ECG sub would not work (it would trip the breaker), and an OEM part may be in order here.

I didn't really care for those CC2 sets with the EFL tube. The triplers in those would short the HV to the focus lead and burn up the CRT socket, and in some cases, ruin the tube.

[drwatson32]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

As far as the tripler in the OP's set, I think that's the one with 5 terminals, and I seem to remember that the ECG sub would not work (it would trip the breaker), and an OEM part may be in order here.

Yes, unfortunately it's that 5 terminal one.

[jr_tech]

AR site:

https://antiqueradios.com/forums/index.php

jr

[drwatson32]

Originally Posted by jr_tech

AR site:

https://antiqueradios.com/forums/index.php

jr

great, thank you

[drwatson32]

Like a nutjob, I snagged what I believe to be the correct paperweight to go with my giant paperweight. Joking aside, I remain committed to finding the tripler and getting this set working again. Here are some pics for the curious. I thought it was kind of funny how the PCB interfaces with the buttons with the same push-on connectors as the modules in the set. I can hear the power button, channel hi, zoom, and volume buttons. My phone registers the tones as being upper 8khz to mid 9khz. The other buttons seem to do something as my mic gets overwhelmed and shows 100db of all frequencies when I hold the remote right up to the mic with buttons pressed. Might be outside the response of the mic. I won't be able to test beyond this till I can power the set up again.

It's half tempting to fire this up again to see if I can witness what exactly went. I hate to break more things. Maybe worth disconnecting the flyback from the tripler to isolate that as being problematic? I have feelers out for a tripler but so far no luck.

Side note, I get 10ohms across the oil capacitor, but with it still in circuit.










Here, I noticed the ground strap from the aquadag cover (is that what we'd call it?) to the power supply board was baked by an adjacent wire wound resistor. The insulation is crispy now, but I pushed these apart from one another. Guessing this isn't of much consequence, but thought I'd throw that in here.

[drwatson32]

Originally Posted by zeno

If you havnt try a WTB on the AR site also. So many of these sets were
built so there has to be an ECG sub. Used is possable also but I
wouldnt touch one thats cracked, bulging or discolored !

That white crap I have seen before. Seems to be harmless but wouldnt hurt to gently knock it off.

FBT's were 99.9 % reliable. If you look at the 4 tube hybrid, flat SS chassis,
& the CC2 I did 2 on hybrids ( BIG kits), none on flats & maybe one
on CC2's. Dont get better than that !

73 Zeno
LFOD !

Very informative, thank you. What site is the AR site? Let's say I eventually find a tripler. Would there be anything worth doing to coat the housing for further longevity?

I tried sending a PM to the user that bought an ECG561 to confirm that it worked but hadn't heard a response. Just one discussion here is the only evidence I've seen that this is the cross reference part.