Motorola VK-106 restoration

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by pdr-fml

Hello I just joined this forum and this is my first post. The reason I joined is primarily because I just acquired a VK106 with TS-9C chassis myself at an estate sale. I have never restored a tv before and am hoping to use this forum for advice when I can't figure it out myself. I enjoy watching your vids Banderson on youtube and hope you will have something on the VK106. Attached is a pic of cabinet which is in about the same condition as yours. It does have bezel I just removed it for cleaning.

Wow! That is really nice and better than mine. Now that I've pulled the chassis and knobs, I can really see how faded the finish is.


I've ordered the parts I expect to work on this and my tabletop VT-105 at the same time. Sorry but I really don't know when that will be.
Regardless, as Tom suggested try to gain some experience on radios before diving into a TV.

[pdr-fml]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

I'd recommend getting an AA5 tube radio and a 8+ tube console radio and doing capacitor replacement and resto work on those radios in that order before working on the TV to build the needed skills.

Thank you for the advice. In fact I was looking for old radios when I found the TV up in the attic at the estate sale. I did recently replace caps on two old radios from the 50s not too long ago and enjoyed it so much I am on the lookout for more finds. I do have a electronics background so I do realize the dangers involved. Plus I find out what I can from forums like this and other sources before I start something I've never done before. But again great advice for beginners like myself.

[bandersen]

Another potential concern is test equipment. Vintage TV specific devices like CRT tester, HV probe, flyback/yoke ringer, test pattern generator while not strictly necessary can be very handy at times. An alternative to investing in them is to join a local radio club or find another vintage TV enthusiast in you area.

[arvebe1248]

Very nice cabinet and the chassis is so clean

[pdr-fml]

Originally Posted by bandersen

Another potential concern is test equipment. Vintage TV specific devices like CRT tester, HV probe, flyback/yoke ringer, test pattern generator while not strictly necessary can be very handy at times. An alternative to investing in them is to join a local radio club or find another vintage TV enthusiast in you area.

Yeah I don't have any of that equipment as of yet, just a few voltmeters and a old oscilloscope that might be of some help later. Regarding the VK-106 I have begun work on replacing caps and resistors that need it but also am discovering that schematics don't always agree with actual equipment. I downloaded a Riders schematic that shows TS-9, 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D but some things on the 9C do not match my TS-9C. I will just have to remember I may not be able to go back to the prints for help in case I miswire something. One thing for instance is the high voltage filter cap on top. Yours is isolated from the chassis while mine is connected to chassis.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by pdr-fml

also am discovering that schematics don't always agree with actual equipment.

Welcome to the club...Between production changes and documentation errors all service info (especially Sam's) should be taken with a grain of salt. I always look to see if something looks factory or not while working, and regard factory work in the set as the last word till I have reason to think otherwise.