any opinions?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/281075391667?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

That may be an RCA CTC-17 chassis in the TV, RCA's first rectangular-CRT set. It has no cataract, so the CRT may have been replaced in later years (which means it could be still strong compared to an original). If you have the room for a set like this, they are very nice to have.

You bought what looks to be an RCA CTC25 chassis color TV from around '67. The TV will be mostly tube. The stereo portion will be solid state.

IMHO, this chassis was better than later RCA tube sets such as the CTC38. The main problems these gave were bad 6GH8A tubes, poor solder connections (especially on the tube sockets and PC board ground tabs, and bad flyback transformers. Unfortunately, RCA tube color TV's from this era liked to eat flyback transformers.

It looks like the CRT is cataract free and it could possibly be a replacement tube. When working right, it will have a good picture.

As far as the stereo, expect to replace all of the electrolytic capacitors. I've fixed a few RCA stereo's for customers in recent years and they all needed a recap in order to work right. These stereo's sound good once fixed.

i have the same set in my garage.free,take it.i want it out

It's a CTC-17. The CTC-25 had that god-awful tuner that I think was a one chassis design.
Boy.. you must have some major storage with the combo purchases! lol!

Also, this should probably be moved to the rectangular screen forum. The set isn't solid state. Mod?

I had one like that, nice set, tube, cheapo SS tuner. really just a CTC-16 with a tacked on pincushion correction, which is a good thing since the CTC-16 was a very good chassis.

Another NICE one here. I wish I had room for sets like this... and the back to lift them!!!

Another NICE one here. I wish I had room for sets like this... and the back to lift them!!!

I pick it up monday, guy states it had a picture a few weeks ago. We talked for a few minutes, he said very matter o factly he couldn't give this away.

I'm guessing he paid $50 for it at an estate sale, thinking it was worth a lot.

btw, thanks for all the info.

Very nice tv, and yes its been around for a while, CL, and a few times on ebay as well. I would like to have that tv, but we have a portable size living area, and it lacks the button like George Jetson has on his car that folds it up into a small suit case for easy travel.

Does it have Nuvistors in it?

The only Nuvistors I've ever noticed in TV's was in the tuner. 6DS4, mostly. I've got some of these NIB.

You bought what looks to be an RCA CTC25 chassis color TV from around '67. The TV will be mostly tube. The stereo portion will be solid state.

IMHO, this chassis was better than later RCA tube sets such as the CTC38. The main problems these gave were bad 6GH8A tubes, poor solder connections (especially on the tube sockets and PC board ground tabs, and bad flyback transformers. Unfortunately, RCA tube color TV's from this era liked to eat flyback transformers.

It looks like the CRT is cataract free and it could possibly be a replacement tube. When working right, it will have a good picture.

As far as the stereo, expect to replace all of the electrolytic capacitors. I've fixed a few RCA stereo's for customers in recent years and they all needed a recap in order to work right. These stereo's sound good once fixed.



Per your comments that people always lie about if a set works or not, just got this from the seller today

""cheched tvg this morning. tv does go on fuzzy and sporadic. radio doesnt work. phonograph looks to be trying to go on. let me know if you are still coming on monday. thanks carly"



As opposed to the ad which says " Radio, record player and tv all turn on and appear to work so it would have to be an as is sale."


He did tell me he would refund my money and i can have it for free. but still??

FREE??!! Then it's worth it! That thing can be fixed. Go get it before he changes his mind.

really free is always good ,you can pass it on or parts parts parts !!

really free is always good ,you can pass it on or parts parts parts !!

I'm going to go get it, but obviously would have been thrilled if it had worked at $28. I am not a technician, but it looks like to be in this hobby u practically have to be one.

Yes, that is how I learned how to fix 'em. No one else was around to do it except me:) But, I also think that bringin' 'em back to life is most of the fun. I always wonder what was the last thing watched on them before they were retired for whatever reason.

Yes, that is how I learned how to fix 'em. No one else was around to do it except me:) But, I also think that bringin' 'em back to life is most of the fun. I always wonder what was the last thing watched on them before they were retired for whatever reason.

How often is it, that the repair is common cheap tubes or capacitors? Or is it usually something expensive and rare?

60's era sets often work as is sometimes needing a few tubes in the HV. I have found that caps are not nearly the problem as sets from the 50's

a new set of HV tubes and a meter to monitor (and setup) the HO tube cathode current is often all that is needed (cleaning of tube pins and the tuner contacts also a good idea).

60's era sets often work as is sometimes needing a few tubes in the HV. I have found that caps are not nearly the problem as sets from the 50's

a new set of HV tubes and a meter to monitor (and setup) the HO tube cathode current is often all that is needed (cleaning of tube pins and the tuner contacts also a good idea).

I'll definitely keep that in mind.

and a meter to monitor (and setup) the HO tube cathode current is often all that is needed .
Can u explain this? I'm new and have no idea what u just said

I asked you on another thread what your skill set was, that is your basic understanding of electronics, test equipment, fundamental knowledge about parts like inductors/capacitors/resistors etc...

with out that its hard where to begin and how detailed the explanation needs to be.

Also you should know TV's or any electrical devise that is connected to the mains has the very real possibility to kill you, so if no nothing I would prob not want give advise, at least until you have demonstrated some basic understanding of the potential for harm. If you litererally know nothing about electronics, I would suggest you read a lot before trying do do anything.

An excellent starting point would be a book "basic electronics" published by the office of the Navy, it covers theory and trouble shooting of both tube and SS circuits, mainly as it relates to radio waves.

I asked you on another thread what your skill set was, that is your basic understanding of electronics, test equipment, fundamental knowledge about parts like inductors/capacitors/resistors etc...

with out that its hard where to begin and how detailed the explanation needs to be.

Also you should know TV's or any electrical devise that is connected to the mains has the very real possibility to kill you, so if no nothing I would prob not want give advise, at least until you have demonstrated some basic understanding of the potential for harm. If you litererally know nothing about electronics, I would suggest you read a lot before trying do do anything.

An excellent starting point would be a book "basic electronics" published by the office of the Navy, it covers theory and trouble shooting of both tube and SS circuits, mainly as it relates to radio waves.



My knowledge is extremely limited. I have a multimeter and understand the very basics.

I do know that messing around with the Hv box or wires can kill you. I also know many sets hold a charge after their unplugged.

so how do u discharge a crt of hv?

Yes its true that having technical skill is a necessity if you intend to collect vintage electronics, but worth it if you have the space to be a collector, and your family/roommates are tolerant.

You certainly found an excellent set at a "righteous" price. I know what you mean about the tall tales some sellers have. :nono:

The good news there is that there are plenty of smart friendly folks with excellent restoration skills here in this forum that have shown a strong willingness to help others.

I don't have the space or time, but I do enjoy admiring the work of you all that are serious collectors!