Picked up an RCA CTC17 console

[radiotvnut]

A friend, who works out of town, found a flea market and he wanted me to see it. So, we took the 60 mile trip and when I walked in the door, I was greeted with the usual BPC/SPC crap. Then, I spotted what looked to be an old console surrounded with junk from all sides. I managed to get enough stuff moved to determine that it was a tube RCA color console.

I asked the guy for a price and he said $20. I gave him the usual speech about it being an old set that might end up being a dud and that I was not willing to gamble $20. I offered $10 and he took it.

I also found one of the unofficial GE 10" "porta color III's", from '83, that uses the "AB" solid state chassis. He wanted $15 for that one; but, I got him down to $10. Turns out that it's dead as a doornail.

He had another set that I should have gotten and may still get it if I have the chance to go back. It was a late '70's silver cased 15" RCA B&W. When Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 computer, the monitor was actually a tuner-less version of this RCA B&W TV. My friend currently works in the area and I may get him to pick it up for me.

Back to the RCA, the rain chances were pretty high; so, the shop owner loaned me some sort of cover than goes on a waterbed and he asked that it be returned. Lucky for me, I had the cover because we came through a few heavy showers on the way home.

After getting the set home, I discovered that someone had replaced the original CRT with an RCA Colorama in '69. This tube has a cataract around the edges and tested very weak. It came up after I rejuvenated it; but, the reaction I got from the tester led me to believe that it may not last long. When I opened the flyback cage, I felt on the backside of the tire and discovered a deep burn hole about as wide as my finger that extends from the HV rectifier tube socket down to the core. So, I suspect a new flyback is in order.

This is the first tube color console TV that I recall finding in a second-hand store in I don't know whenever.

After leaving there, we hit a couple of places that had "pie in the sky" ideas as to what stuff is worth. One shop was run by a Mexican who had a beat up Philco hippo radio that he wanted $60 for. He had an early Magnavox handwired transistor multiband radio; but, it was missing the back and he wouldn't come off of the $30 price tag. I asked him what he was getting for 45 rpm records and he said $3/each. I told him that was way too much and he replied that he had no trouble getting those prices. Somehow, I think he was lying. My dealings with the Mexicans and Indians around here tells me that they are the type to want something for nothing; but, want a big price for their junk. The guy at this shop acted like he didn't care if he sold anything or not.

The next shop had a pile of Magnavox/Funai DTV converters without remotes. I figured I could get them cheap; but, they wanted $30 each! No thanks! Considering that they had no remotes and no way to test them, $5 would have been a generous price. This shop also had a 13" clear cased RCA prison TV; but, judging by what they wanted for the converters, I was afraid to ask the price of the TV. I really wish these people would get a freakin' clue that this stuff is not valuable and they could sell more of it if they'd lower their prices.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCAzn-QPTwk