1963 Silvertone "Selectra"

[jshtulman1]

Hey all,

It's great to be back! Unfortunately, my first time back on these forums after a brief hiatus is marred by tragedy. After a fairly heated conversation with some friends, I was feeling a bit upset. Wait, not a bit upset, EXTREMELY upset. So I decided to drive down to the local flea market (It just happened to be a Sunday) and peruse the stalls. Luckily, (or maybe not!) there was a dealer with a fair amount vintage electronics. I immediately spotted the Silvertone at the back of the stall and proceeded to negotiate, then purchase the damn thing. In my irrational state I wasted a whole weeks pay, which, as a 16 year old working an administrative position at a summer camp, is approximately 250 wing wangs. Worst part is, I'm unable to find any information on the set (dating it using model number) or the type of batteries the remote takes. Any help is appreciated. By the way, the guy claimed the set was "restored". Cabinet's in perfect shape, and it seems to work fine with no noticeable hum, so I'll leave it be. Thoughts or opinions welcome.
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[David Roper]

Could you possibly upload your pictures directly to VK? The picture tags won't work with the urls you're using.

[PaulOF]

Hi,
Can you tell us the model number?
Paul

[jshtulman1]

Yes, I will upload them, thanks for the notice.

@Paul, the model is 3114. I believe it is Sam's 651-3.

[jshtulman1]

Here are the pictures:

[David Roper]

That's a handsome set. If you peek inside it should be fairly easy to determine if the electrolytic caps have been replaced. This set is probably too new to have had any paper caps in it.

[PaulOF]

I agree, that's an attractive set. I looks to me like that remote may take an N cell.

Our pubic library has a pretty good collection of sams photofacts. I would be happy to xerox 651-3, but it may be a bit before I get down there. It is also available from Sams website for direct download for 15 bucks. Let me know if you would like me to grab it from the library and I will add that to my todo list.
Paul

[jshtulman1]

Thanks Paul. I opened up the set, and it looks fairly clean in addition to being recapped. I probably wont be needing that Sams anytime soon, but I'll be sure to consult you when the time comes. With regards to the battery, I attempted to insert an "N" size battery, but it was slightly too small. Any ideas? Long lost battery size? :-) Also, can anyone provide some information on the "Selectra" line? Thanks for all the great responses!

Best regards,
Jacob Shtulman

[Jon A.]

A battery-powered ultrasonic remote from '63? Man, that sort of thing must be rare. I saw a remote like that on eBay recently, funny how they look so big in pictures. I only realized how small this one is when I saw the pic of it with the AA battery sitting on it.

[jshtulman1]

I was just as surprised as you are, KV. The nifty remote has a little holder on the set too! Rather interesting when all Ive dealt with are the space command line.

[WISCOJIM]

The battery for that is 4.2 volts, Silvertone part # 6415.

Subs are:

Burgess H163

Eveready E163

Mallorty TR163

.

[jshtulman1]

Thank you so much! I will work on obtaining a suitable replacement. Any chance you can tell me some additional information about either the set or remote? Once again, thank you!

[Adam]

I don't think you can get those 4.2v batteries anymore, I looked for one for an RCA remote I have. I finally just taped 2 batteries in series to get 4.5v, which worked.

[jshtulman1]

I think I'll just hook up 3 1.5 volt batteries in series, maybe stick a washer at the end. When I was browsing, I actually came across your thread from 2009! Still enjoying that, what was it, CTC 11?

[Steve K]

Jacob:

In case you're interested, your set is pictured in the 1962 Fall & Winter Sears catalog. It is listed at $189.95.

Steve