Pilot "Portable" TV - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Hambone · #1 02-10-2011, 06:00 PM

I am new to this site but found it interesting. I have a question or two about an antique TV I picked up over the weekend at an auction. On the bottom is a paper label that reads "PILOT MODEL TV 37U Portable TV Receiver". Additionally on the label there is a list of about 15 tubes. The case is about 15" wide, 15" long and about 10" tall. It plugs into the wall. Channel selection is by a tuning dial like an old radio not a rotary tuner. The picture tube is round about 4" in diameter. It weighs about 15 lbs.
Condition is complete and VG, surprising since the case seems to be a heavy
hardboard material that would easily damage.
Questions:
Can anyone tell me when this was made?
Is it safe to turn ON or best left alone?
Doesn't it seem like a joke to call this a portable?
Does it have any value?
Thanks for your help.
Hambone

GeorgeJetson · #2 02-10-2011, 06:08 PM

I googled it and learned it's a 3" screen tv from 1948.

There were lots of portable sets that weighed more than 15lbs..in the "old days" people lifted tvs to work out!

Don't power it on without at least replacing all the capacitors first,that's the first rule of dealing with vintage sets!

miniman82 · #3 02-10-2011, 06:09 PM

If the CRT is good, it's worth money. I've seen restored ones go for hundreds on Ebay.

jr_tech · #4 02-10-2011, 06:11 PM

Regular poster Phil Nelson restored one and gave a lot of detail on his website:
http://antiqueradio.org/PilotTV-37.htm
Nice find!
jr

Hambone · #5 02-10-2011, 06:18 PM

Thanks for all the help and answers to my questions.
Hambone

Sandy G · #6 02-10-2011, 06:56 PM

It was made 1947-49, was the 1st TV under $100-$99.95, IIRC, & was marketed as a "second set" or to wealthy college students... They must have sold a BUNCH of 'em, 'cause they turn up fairly frequently on Ebay. Mine has a green phosphor CRT, the blue ones apparently didn't have long lives. They are undeniably "Cute", & GREAT conversation starters, especially if they work. They weren't much, in a way, but they WERE a Television, you COULD tote the thing around relatively easily, & in those days they were about the Kewlest thing going...

jr_tech · #7 02-10-2011, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy G

Mine has a green phosphor CRT, the blue ones apparently didn't have long lives.

I actually keep the P-1 (3KP1) in my set most of the time to preserve the P-4 CRT, but mostly because it is a real conversation piece!

jr

miniman82 · #8 02-10-2011, 08:44 PM

Idea: get a trio of TV-37's with RGB CRT's, watch in COLOR! lol

BTW, I believe they were marketed as 'portable' because they did in fact come with a case to lug them around in. Kind of the same idea as the cased versions of VT-71 I guess- though probably a lot heavier.

David Roper · #9 02-10-2011, 09:42 PM

I've wanted one for ages, but so far luck hasn't been with me. A shrewd design move was to eschew an audio preamplifier stage...apparently because the screen will keep you in close proximity to the speaker.

The same was done with the RCA 8PTs, no doubt using the same logic.

Phil Nelson · #10 02-10-2011, 10:12 PM

The carrying cases are much scarcer than the TVs. Perhaps they were an extra-cost option.

Hambone, nice find. I would NOT turn it on. Chances of it working are basically zero. All TVs that age need recapping to be safe & reliable. If you decide to sell it, the new owner will appreciate that you didn't fry it.

Phil Nelson