Need a 17VBDP22 CRT for a Zenith
 

I hate to admit this; but, the 17" CRT in my Zenith Chromacolor II is dying. It's an inline gun 17VBDP22 and I've already rejuved it once. It started slipping again and a second rejuv attempt just made it worse. So, if anyone has a good CRT they would be willing to part with; please let me know! The TV is fine otherwise and I'd hate to junk it. I know I'm getting old when Zenith Chromacolor CRT's start failing!

000

This one takes B&K socket CR18. The only 17" system 3 tubes I've seen took CR20. Anyway, I zapped this tube a third time (didn't figure I had anything to lose) and it's now producing a semi-decent picture. Don't know how long it will last; so, please remember me if you find a tube.

BTW, in my experience, the early Zenith inline tubes didn't hold up as well as the delta tubes.

bow wow
 

The 17VBDP22 is a one-of-a-kind dog.
No subs. The electron gun made for that tube was only for that tube, it won't function in any thing else.

Maybe VDC has one sitting in their warehouse ?
I remember a few TV repairmen ordered that tube, then they never picked it up, saying the set wasn't worth it.

Wish I could help. Maybe this tube is the exception to the Chromacolor lifespan rule since its an unusual one. Bet that set has a tn of hours on it though for the crt to be gone

I'm sure this set has a good bit of hours on it. It looks to have come from a fairly clean home; so, I can't tell by the amount of dirt inside. When I got it, I had to replace the chroma module and the 10uf, 350V cap in the B+ supply to the video circuit. I was a little shocked to see that it still has the original tripler. Those are usually the first thing to go in this part of the country.

I played the set for hours last night after the third rejuv and the picture didn't get worse. Actaully, I think it might have improved after playing the set for several hours. I turned it on again this morning and it still looked OK. Hopefully, the rejuv will last long enough for me to find a good CRT. I'll probably check with VDC to see if they have one. It may be a little expensive; but, I'd rather spend "x" amount of $ on a quality set than on some chinese garbage from walmart.

000

Well, I just fired off an email to VDC. Maybe they'll have something.

If not, I wonder if Scotty can rebuild it? It sounds like the guns are special to that tube though. You're right, you would be better off fixing the Zenith instead of getting something newer. I also have a 17" Chromacolor II, I love mine and would invest the money if I had to. Hopefully, you will either find a NOS tube or at least a good used one. Good luck to you.

Well, I finally heard back from VDC and the tube can only be rebuilt at a cost of $89 + S/H. I really don't know how to properly pack a CRT for shipment or what it will cost to ship; so, if anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.

Email them back and ask what's the best way to pack a CRT?

Styrofoam insert's in every corner of the box, wrap the CRT in bubble wrap (3 layers or so) and tape. Then fill each side with packing peanuts and wrap tape around the tube and the styrofoam to hold it in place. Main thing IMO is to make sure that the crt doesn't slide around in the box, no matter which way it is placed (upside down, on the sides, etc) This is risky though and there is no sure way to do it the way they toss around boxes.....

i think you'll have to put a sturdy bucket or something on the neck to keep it from being crushed if someone dumps something heavy on your box.

Given the strong possibility of tube damage; I may wait until the set becomes unwatchable to send the tube off. At least I have something now, even though it could be better. If the tube gets smashed, I'm just out a TV.

000