This is really the first CTC203 i have run into. the power supply mosfet is smoked, and so is the main line fuse.

Anyone experience this? and know of an RCA part # for a rebuild kit?

Check the horizontal output transistor as there's a good chance it's shorted. If it's shorted, there are two common causes. The first cause for a shorted HOT is loose connections on a small coil in the base circuit of the HOT. To properly fix, you'll need to remove the coil from the chassis and remove all glue from the coil and the PC board. Then, re-solder the coil to the board. The second cause for a shorted HOT would be a bad flyback; which, is very common on 32" and 36" versions. The only way you'll be able to check the flyback is to check it with a flyback ringer.

When the HOT shorts for whatever reason, an excessive load is placed on the power supply. The immediate result is a squealing power supply. If the AC cord is not unplugged quickly, the power supply will burn up.

I think MAT electronics sells a kit that contains all the parts that usually blow up when one of these power supplies fails.

The CTC203 and it's similar ATC113 were the last semi-decent RCA's. After that, they started using low end Chinese built guts that were very poor quality.

The CTC203 and it's similar ATC113 were the last semi-decent RCA's. After that, they started using low end Chinese built guts that were very poor quality.

I got an ATC113 from a co-worker in '08 with the power supply squeal. got it free cause he 'upgraded' to a flat panel (which he now admits looks worse in a lot of cases than the RCA) had a bad flyback, shorted HOT. got the parts for under 90 bux. power supply on that one survived and a new HOT and fly got it working, still have it today as my living room set. looks AWESOME for a standard def set when using component inputs.

He was watching it and it just "shut off" no squeel.

I had to cut the flyback lead. the damn anode cup is siliconed into place. its a 36" tv

The CTC203 Training material (http://www.scribd.com/doc/56015984/Thomson-Training-Manual-CTC203)is available free at Scribd (http://www.scribd.com/doc/56015984/Thomson-Training-Manual-CTC203). Do a Google Search - one of the top hits is the scribd link. LOTS of valuable info. We had a paper copy with markups from the training seminar (shortest ever that I've been to - only 3 hours!)

Cheers,