19AP4 picture tube - possible substitutes?

[RetroHacker]

I've got a line on a Dumont RA-109, but it has a broken picture tube. From what I can tell, this set uses a 19AP4 - the person that has the set is going to call me tonight and let me know what kind of tube it uses (er... used). Is there any known subsitute? AFAIK, the 19AP4 is unobtainium.

-Ian

[Big Dave]

19AP4's are hard to find, but there are some out there. For a temporary measure, you could use a 19" rectangular tube. It wont look right with the round face, but it would work.

As I understand, some repairmen used a rectangular tube to replace the 30BP4 in the DuMont Royal Soveriegns. I believe there is a glass equivilent, but we need confirmation. One collector restored a DuMont that used a 20BP4 and replaced the CRT with a glass round 19" tube. The restoration is noted at AntiqueRadios.com.

Once you get the set, especially if you have a test CRT, recap it and restore it. Hopefully there is a 19AP4 out there, but consider using a rectangular tube. You could always adjust the yoke to give it the round tube look.

Just a thought.

[Tubejunke]

It does use a 19AP4. Good luck!! How do you like the weight of that power transformer??

[eberts]

I have a 19AP4 in a Dumont.
I'll take a photo of it and post it.
I don't want the TV, it's too heavy. It's a blonde cabinet.
It was my grandparent's TV set.

[bgadow]

Hmmm....one of my prized posessions is my great-grandparents TV set. It's going nowhere, not ever. But not everyone is as sentimental, I know.

[peverett]

I also still have my grandfathers 1953 table top Emerson TV. (As he watched "Gunsmoke" regularly, I am supprised that James Arness is not burned into the screen). I also have his battery operated tube radio.

As to some people not being sentimental, this is clearly seen at any Cracker Barrel restaurant with all the old pictures of people, etc. These were someone's relatives. All I can gather is that either the family did not care any more or died out.

[eberts]

dumont 19AP4