1950s General Electric 21"

[Yamamaya42]

Originally Posted by Chris K

Parts list in the schematic and DigiKey? Not exactly clear on what you’re asking. The only “kit” for restoring vintage TVs I’ve seen is an eBay seller who puts together vacuum tube sets for different Predicta models.

I would never trust any "Kits" found on eBay as a source of parts for any vintage project, always best to build them yourself from the SAMS list and dirctly from Mouser or DigiKey, there are WAY too many counterfeit parts out there, and going through a disto like Mouser or DigiKey, you are assured to get REAL genuine parts.

[pac.attack76]

Originally Posted by Yamamaya42

I would never trust any "Kits" found on eBay as a source of parts for any vintage project, always best to build them yourself from the SAMS list and dirctly from Mouser or DigiKey, there are WAY too many counterfeit parts out there, and going through a disto like Mouser or DigiKey, you are assured to get REAL genuine parts.

Sounds good. I'll go through one of them then.

[Chris K]

Originally Posted by Yamamaya42

I would never trust any "Kits" found on eBay as a source of parts for any vintage project, always best to build them yourself from the SAMS list and dirctly from Mouser or DigiKey, there are WAY too many counterfeit parts out there, and going through a disto like Mouser or DigiKey, you are assured to get REAL genuine parts.

Talking about complete sets of replacement NOS vacuum tubes and not caps, resistors, parts etc.

[Tube TV]

Another great source for caps and resistors is Dave at just radios. He ships out of Ontario Canada so it might take a bit longer to get if you're in the USA but he specializes in parts rated for tube gear and has the parts you need.

https://www.justradios.com/

Before you go to do a recap I'd pull the rectifier tube and check the transformer voltages and test for shorts considering how much outdoor time it's had.

[pac.attack76]

Originally Posted by Tube TV

Another great source for caps and resistors is Dave at just radios. He ships out of Ontario Canada so it might take a bit longer to get if you're in the USA but he specializes in parts rated for tube gear and has the parts you need.

https://www.justradios.com/

Before you go to do a recap I'd pull the rectifier tube and check the transformer voltages and test for shorts considering how much outdoor time it's had.

Thanks. Does it need to be plugged in? Probably a dumb question, lol

[Chris K]

Yes if you are going to assess voltage out of the secondary but you can check continuity of the primary and secondary coils using an ohmmeter and pulling the rectifier tube makes that easier as well

[old_coot88]

But make sure it's UNplugged when checking continuity.

[pac.attack76]

Which one is the rectifier?

[init4fun]

Originally Posted by pac.attack76

Which one is the rectifier?

It's the 5U4, the big tube in front of the (very rusty) power transformer.....

[Tube TV]

[Yamamaya42]

got a WEEE bit of rust there, dont we? :P

[pac.attack76]

Originally Posted by init4fun

It's the 5U4, the big tube in front of the (very rusty) power transformer.....

Ty. I'll check this week and post what I find.

[pac.attack76]

Pulled the 5U4 only to realize I have no idea what I'm doing lol. I hate to ask but I need to know what setting to put my meter on and exactly where to put the leads. Also need to know what reading I should get. I'm not well educated on tvs especially anything before 1970. After 40 years, I'm still learning.

[vortalexfan]

Originally Posted by pac.attack76

Pulled the 5U4 only to realize I have no idea what I'm doing lol. I hate to ask but I need to know what setting to put my meter on and exactly where to put the leads. Also need to know what reading I should get. I'm not well educated on tvs especially anything before 1970. After 40 years, I'm still learning.

The 5U4 is a Beefed up 5Y3 tube, and the pins you want to check for continuity (and thus you'll use your continuity setting on your DMM, and or your resistance setting) is pins 2 and 8 of the tube which are your heater pins, if you have no continuity between pins 2 and 8 on the 5U4 tube then the tube is bad.

[pac.attack76]

Ah OK, ty. I'll check it tomorrow