Got this from a fellow collector today. I replaced two weak tubes, 11 capacitors, including three electrolytics. It's still not working right as you can see in the picture. The vertical part of the crosshatch is all wonky, the dots are extremely wonky, and the vertical bars are bent barberpoling rainbows.

Here is what the crosshatch is doing.

I honestly have not had great luck with tube based pattern generators....Sure they sort of work and will continue to do so even after the EMP from a nuke or sun storm, but they just never seem to be all that stable.

Most work I just use a free test pattern DVD for and convergence is covered by a 70's Heathkit generator.

Yeah, this generator will have to get me by for now. The genarator that I really want is a Leader LCG-400.

The LCG-400 is a GREAT unit. They have a tendency toward tantalum caps failing, often one after another. Once you replace them all (about 100 of the damned things!) the unit produces rock solid signals.

Yeah, that's the set I want. But for now, I'll just have to get by the RCA. Here is what the vertical was doing earlier today.

Looks like you might have some heater to cathode leakage on one of your counter tubes.
If you are looking for a Heathkit, avoid the IG-28. It uses RTL logic chips which might be difficult to find. I'd get the updated version IG-5228.

I honestly have not had great luck with tube based pattern generators...


All of mine work, turns out my flat panel doesn't like the signal they put out. Put the ones that supposedly don't work on a vintage set, instant satisfaction.

All of mine work, turns out my flat panel doesn't like the signal they put out. Put the ones that supposedly don't work on a vintage set, instant satisfaction.

You do raise a good point....Last time I owned one all I had were SS CRT sets, and they did not much like the signal...