Zenith 1512J Portable
 

Does anyone have any information regarding this set? I might consider buying it and wonder if anyone has had experience with the model. Thanks in advance.

I own that set in that color combination. It's a vertical donut chassis with the CRT neck going through the center hole in the chassis. The CRT is mounted to the chassis and they come out of the cabinet as a unit. Not quite as easy to work on as later Service Saver Zeniths, but nothing in comparison to tricky sets like the series string predicta.
Mine had a distorted raster as found and was a fairly easy recap and decent performer when completed. I forget if it was hotchassis or transformer powered.

They are unique looking, decent working sets. If the price is right, the CRT is good and you want to give it space in your collection, then go for it.

Thank you very much. Asking price is $60.00, which I think is too much, especially since I haven't evaluated the CRT. I am developing quite a collection of vintage sets; a couple from 1948 and several from the early to mid-fifties-all in very nice shape cosmetically and very complete. Some of them have been free, but for the most, I haven't gone over $20 to $25. I do like the looks of this set, though, and will look into whether it is transformer powered. Thanks again.

Your welcome. I think I paid over $60 for mine but with it showing raster I didn't have to gamble on the rare/expensive parts being good.

So, maybe if this set checks out, $60 might not be out of bounds. You input is appreciated.

I think I also have one or a close one in my to do pile.
Not rare but it looks all there so may be a decent buy. If it were
another color it would be better.
BTW when you pull the CRT socket of old sets use a thin screwdriver
to work it off slow. You can wind up with the bakelite base in your hand !

73 Zeno:smoke:
LFOD !

I had the same set, many years ago. IIRC, it's a series string, voltage doubler design. I think it has 450ma tubes, which was unusual for Zenith.
Asking price is a little high, as the set's a little grubby. It's also, a high hours set. $20 sounds about right.
BTW, where are you located?

Thanks, Zeno. You're right about those CRT sockets. They make me a tad nervous.

dieseljeep, I agree, nothing special except for the age and historical value. Thanks for the info. I'm in upstate NY.

I looked at the pictures again. It looks like an ex-hotel, motel set. There was a label that was there that was a guide to the channels that were available. Just a WAG.
If it's a 14", it has a 14UP4 CRT, which is a 8.4v 450ma heater. It seems that they were never re-gunned. Make sure the CRT is good!

I agree. Without the CRT it's another boat anchor. Thanks for the info.