IF Alignment with a VTVM

[6GH8cowboy]

I have a early 14 inch RCA (49 /50s) . I replaced some caps in to get it going to triage my futeure work. The service info shows a if alignment uing a signal generator, VTVM and bias source....that's it. Being this is a B&W set could it be a practical simple no frills thing that does the job? A sweep setup let's you everything at once, this is one at a time using a meter. I've pondered this kind of thing in the past but its the first time I've seen it in print.

[Don Lindsly]

If the set has stagger tuned IFs, you can get pretty close. Traps (minimums) are straight forward. The others will be close enough for consumer products. Follow the instructions closely and start with the traps to get the feel of it. If in doubt, don't adjust it.

[bandersen]

VTVM alignment was the norm for early B&W sets and works well. I think every set I've ever worked on had VTVM alignment instructions followed up by a sweep (if available) to double check the response curve.

[6GH8cowboy]

Well, I went and gave it a try. I put a freq counter on my signal generator and followed the directions. The slugs only needed a half turn or less (if at all). There is a noticeable difference in resolution and the sound is clean. There were a couple tube shields missing and it was obvious what a difference they made in the VTVMs reading.
This is turning out to be a fine running set. I struggled with a vertical frequency/ hold issue that turned out to be a mica cap that was skipped during my standard recap. this set is a Bakelite tabletop model, I'll post some pic's soon.

Dave

[6GH8cowboy]

Well, I went and gave it a try. I put a freq counter on my signal generator and followed the directions. The slugs only needed a half turn or less (if at all). There is a noticeable difference in resolution and the sound is clean. There were a couple tube shields missing and it was obvious what a difference they made in the VTVMs reading.
This is turning out to be a fine running set. I struggled with a vertical frequency/ hold issue that turned out to be a mica cap that was skipped during my standard recap. this set is a Bakelite tabletop model, I'll post some pic's soon.

Dave

Photos added. I wish I had the channel indicator ring, but it's good to go for now. A special event is in store for this one. In the mean time Happy Thanks giving from South Florida!