Space Command Remote Styles

[Oldstuff78]

I was searching eBay and saw someone had listed an old space command remote clicker. It got me to wondering when the round style buttons on them changed. Not having the luxury of having a old Zenith, I have no idea. I know all the roundies had round button remotes, but when did the other button designs come into place like the one listed here ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:B:SS:US:1123

[spkrman57]

I don't know the history, but I have a Zenith Space Command TV and remote that I've attached pics to.

I wish someone would come to my house and get it as the audio has hum last time I played it about 6 years ago, but it does work as does the remote. If you can travel to Columbus, Ohio and pick it up, it's yours!!!

Someone save it from a landfill!!!

Its only function in life other than taking up space is to set my other TV on.

Regards, Ron

[drh4683]

The oval button remotes were introduced for 1962 models. In 1962, there was only a space command 300 and 400. Interestingly, the space command 400 rocker bar remote is what was used for the '62 model 29JC20 chassis (first generation) color TV. In 1965, the space command 600 was introduced for color TV, this style of remote control remained unmodifed up through 1972. In 1973, the style and shape of the remote was still the same, but the colors were changed to a black and chrome look and the inclusion of a yellow button for the on/off volume. The '73 models with the black/chrome finish were the "SC600X" and the "SC500". I personally like the look of the '73 remotes alot, I would vote the "SC600X" remote as my favorite of them all.

The ugly rectangular remote controls came out for 1974 and was last used in various 1976 models. I believe the little 100 remotes were used on the 13" color sets as late as 1978. I personally do not like the rectangular remotes very much. They are not as ergonomic and are rather bulky. Besides, I like the "space age" look of the earlier remotes.

Check out this post I wrote back in '06. It shows all of the mechanical remotes and should answer many questions. Just to note, the SC600X, which is not shown looks like the 1973 "SC500" but has a fourth button. Also, the motorized hue control was no longer being implemented in space command sets after the '72 models. This is most likely the reason which constituted the face lift of the remotes that year. Also not shown is a 1956 model Space command 400. Otherwise, they are all shown here:

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59131

[Oldstuff78]

[QUOTE=drh4683;2610843]
The ugly rectangular remote controls came out for 1974 and was last used in various 1976 models. I believe the little 100 remotes were used on the 13" color sets as late as 1978. I personally do not like the rectangular remotes very much. They are not as ergonomic and are rather bulky. Besides, I like the "space age" look of the earlier remotes.

Thanks for the link and the info. I agree, the early remotes are my favorites and scream 1960's "space age". I have seen various ones show up on ebay and noticed the different designs and changes. I wouldn't mind having one as just a prop or collectible piece. I noticed RCA and Zenith remotes are the only old ones that turn up on eBay every so often.

[Eric H]

Doug, can you clairify a point about the
"pic 5, third generation space command 400, for 1959"

Was that used from 1959 through 1962? for all the SC 400 B&W sets or only in 1959?

I'm trying to establish which one is correct for my 61 SC400, I believe it's Pic 5?