At least I think it's a PC, it doesn't have the name on it anywhere though it is a GE set.

It's definitely a later model set, it's tubed but it has the newer style knobs and the CRT is a Slot Matrix instead of Dots, cosmetically it's excellent but it's missing the paper model and date tag on the rear.

Looks like it needs a little more green, but I am glad to see another PortaColor TV. Surprised to see a tubed set, but with slot masks.

That means my Hitachi isn't the only set that's got some tubes but with a slot mask type CRT.

No doubt about it being a Portacolor, but I've sure never seen that control panel before. I'm thinking '76+?

I have heard rumors that some sets were found dated in the very early 80s and late 70s that were tubed!

I believe there's a date stamp on the picture tube label....there is on mine.

Bingo Tim, looks like late February of 1975. The chassis is a 10HE.

I don't think the back has ever been off it before, the cord interlock was stuck fast and all the tubes seem to be OEM Compactrons.

Wow, in that case, that TV is working superb for all original parts!

One question, is the slight blur just RF tuning, or does the CRT need to be re-focused?

Not to hijack this thread but what is the going rate for one if these nowadays? Before the DTV change over I would see ports colors and other little 70s sets all the time in little thrift shops usually for sale cheap like 20$ but I have not seen hardly any sets like this anymore.

Nice! I've never seen a control layout exactly like that. I have a similar looking 10HE chassis model from '73 that has the older style UHF tuner. I've had a couple late-'76 models that used the side-by-side channel knob arrangement. I wish one of those '76 and later models would fall into my lap.

Not to hijack this thread but what is the going rate for one if these nowadays?


The going rate for this one was $5 :D

One question, is the slight blur just RF tuning, or does the CRT need to be re-focused?

A little bit of both, the signal was weak, the camera was slow, the picture is soft and it's a Porta Color so the picture was probably never real sharp.

The CRT may be a little weak, it was really red at first, then settled down to a decent gray scale.

A little bit of both, the signal was weak, the camera was slow, the picture is soft and it's a Porta Color so the picture was probably never real sharp.

The CRT may be a little weak, it was really red at first, then settled down to a decent gray scale.

I see yours has the high focus voltage CRT.
I have two, one early 70's and one, mid 70's. The earlier one has the low voltage focus CRT. :scratch2:

GE HAD to make bucketfulls of money on Porta-Colors...They started in '65, & other than detail cosmetic changes, made 'em virtually unchanged til 1980 or so...That HAD to be some sort of longevity record in consumer electronics...

Nice! I've never seen a control layout exactly like that. I have a similar looking 10HE chassis model from '73 that has the older style UHF tuner. I've had a couple late-'76 models that used the side-by-side channel knob arrangement. I wish one of those '76 and later models would fall into my lap.

I just looked at and fired up my newest Porta-color. The sticker states: January 1976. It has the tuners, side-by-side and the three controls, horizontally under the tuners. I've seen most of the later ones like this one. :thmbsp:

There's been speculation on the 1980 Portacolor for sometime now, but does someone actually have one? What is the newest known portacolor among us collectors? I believe Marty was the name of the guy who made that portacolor website which has been around for years and he's the one who stated the 1980 thing, which is where the rumor started, but I've yet to even hear about a 1978 or 79 model. They seem to be non existent after 1977...

I've heard that the TI 99/4A computer monitors were actually Portacolors with no tuner....how true that is I'm not sure, but they sure do look a lot like one. That would take it up to '85 or so if you count them.....

Nice find, and that's a WEIRD control panel!!! Definitely one of the last ones of the Gen I style, and I see it has a 10VADP22 in stead of the hated 11SP22.

The only later model of the Gen I style, is one I saw which was solid state, and had click UHF. I think by '81, they went to the smaller cabinet with the pocket type handle, and with Hitachi-inspired board ("AB-B/AB-C"), and dropped "PortaColor" in favor of "Performance".

Charles

Nope,

The monitors for the TI-99/4a where a 13" made by Zenith and a 10" made by Panasonic that was a rebadged pro monitor.
The TRS-80 Model 1 used a monitor made by RCA, Apple II/III monitors where made by Hitachi or Samasung, the IIgs monitor is Mitsubishi.
Commodore monitors are JVC and can be driven with S-Video with a 4 pin din to dual RCA adaptor.

I think I remember reading where the solid state AA chassis came out sometime in '77 to replace the tube-type HE chassis. Of course, they could have continued production of the tube chassis for a while longer in order to use up old stock and I'm sure the tube version was offered at a lower price than the new solid state model. Years ago, I saw an early AA solid state set that used the same tuning knobs as the tube portacolor. The later Ax series sets used more modern tuning knobs. The newest tube portacolor that I've actually had my hands on was made in late-'76 and I've heard many reports from reliable sources that some '77 models exist. If any newer models exist, I'd love to see one.

Somewhere I have a service bulletin from GE dated sometime in '77. It is headlined something like "Goodbye HE, Hello AA!", stating that production had ended on the tube chassis and begun on the new one. But, I've seen several reports of the old one being built as late as '80. Nobody ever seems to have a photo, though. I have to wonder if this is just a case of people confusing the two models.

It could very well be confusion. I know the solid state Ax series was around for several years. BTW, didn't GE make a 15" tube set that used an inline CRT and a portacolor style chassis.

No name on it anywhere? What's with the GE emblem on the front next to the tuner??

No name on it anywhere? What's with the GE emblem on the front next to the tuner??

It has a GE logo on it, it just doesn't say "Porta Color" anywhere on it that I can find.

The styling is outdated, even by 1976 standards.

Someone here mentioned a 13" Zenith monitor perhaps used on the TI99 computer system. I have one of those monitors and it is a Zenith "System 3" unit in almost new condition. Can I trade it for a 1966 Porta-Color??

I only have 1 "Real" tooob Porta-Color, but I have 2 of the SS versions-A terra-cotta colored one & an eggshell colored one...Both from '84...

It could very well be confusion. I know the solid state Ax series was around for several years. BTW, didn't GE make a 15" tube set that used an inline CRT and a portacolor style chassis.
I remember seeing one in the GE service manual. Quite a bit different than the 10" job. Never saw one for real. :boring:

Nice, Im looking to buy a Porta Color if anyone has one.

thanks