View Full Version : 1951 zenith 16" porthole


Radiotronman
11-18-2015, 03:56 PM
So I have a 1951 16" porthole with a 16gp4. I tested it on my bk cry tester and it looks completely dead. I attempted rejuvenating with it going up a little, then falling back to zero. Is something baking at a higher filament voltage would help, or is this tube gone?

rca2000
11-18-2015, 04:18 PM
I have a 16GP4 that is weak at 6.3 v. but rises to good at about 7 volts or so. Had it at the swap meet--no interest.

Electronic M
11-18-2015, 07:23 PM
The one in my 51' Zenith was STONE dead until baked at elevated heater voltage for a couple of hours....Then it slowly came to weak usable (with a brightener) life.

ALWAYS run the heater at mild over voltage for at least 15 minutes BEFORE you do or consider a rejuvination.....Else you risk burning the last of the cathode material off.....I hope you did not ruin your tube doing the rejuvination first.

I say if they are only usable with a brightener, then it is a hell of a lot better than a stone dead tube.

Radiotronman
11-18-2015, 07:24 PM
How much were you asking for it? I'd rather have a weak one over a dead one.

rca2000
11-18-2015, 08:01 PM
I would gladly take $50 for it....If you could somehow GET it. BTW....I did NOT "bake" mine long...just checked it on my 70...it showed weak...so I "gassed it " a bit--to about 7 volts or so and it came to the good area and HELD there. LIkely would work in a set. CERTAINLY it is NOT DEAD.

tvdude1
11-18-2015, 08:47 PM
I have a few good ones if it helps. Also bought one from Harry Poster and never used it.

Radiotronman
11-18-2015, 10:23 PM
It would....but id have to have them shipped. I've also got an unusual 16" travler pudhbutton console tv with a completely shorted 16EP4.. I'm on the hunt for that guy without paying a fortune too..

Radiotronman
11-18-2015, 10:38 PM
Forget to put a picture on of the set....

Radiotronman
11-18-2015, 10:40 PM
Here it is with the doors open and the chassis out...trying to cook the CRT.

Kamakiri
11-19-2015, 04:33 AM
I *may* have one too. If it's the one I'm thinking of, the tube tests like new. Where you at, anyway?

Radiotronman
11-19-2015, 05:55 AM
St. Louis, MO.

Kevin Kuehn
11-19-2015, 09:50 AM
I think that's one of Zeniths better looking porthole designs. Unfortunate that yours is tipped on it's side. :)

Radiotronman
11-19-2015, 10:24 AM
Yeah sorry, I upload pictures from my iPhone and that's how they load. I replaced two bad 6sn7s and my 1b3 was bad. I hooked up to a variac and brought it up slowly. It did light up a little and had about 6-7000 volts on the second anode. Below is the image I got. Maybe after restoration and s brighter it will be good enough until I find a replacement. I'm going to finish my Bakelite Crosley first, then I'll move onto it...

tvdude1
11-19-2015, 05:08 PM
If you decide let me know its yours for 50.00 plus shipping. Will re test and send you pictures of results on the meter.

kramden66
11-19-2015, 06:20 PM
Hold the phone sideways. Ever see videos when people take them with a phone and don't turn it sideways? You get a narrow long image. When rotated it will take a 16.9 image and it looks like that's the type of picture you are taking.

John Marinello
11-20-2015, 08:55 AM
Named the "Irving", very stout cabinet.

Steve D.
11-20-2015, 11:48 AM
Easier to view…...

Radiotronman
11-20-2015, 03:26 PM
Yep, thanks Steve! It is a heavy cabinet...one inch thick doors. I will probably take you up on your offer tvdude, if it's not a viewable picture after restoration.