Philco Safari

[Whirled One]

Originally Posted by Thyratron

I've always found these things pretty interesting (and surprisingly big, once I finally got the chance to see one in person). I'm wondering how usable they actually are though, given the fact that they were early solid-state technology; are they particularly troublesome in any way? Also, what is the "going rate" on working ones in good shape?

I like Philco Safaris too. They're technically very interesting indeed, including their unusual optical arial 'projection' system. They seem to be pretty usable overall, though I haven't actually tried mine in a very wide variety of lighting situations.

Other folks here might know more or can confirm/refute this, but I think one of the more common trouble spots is supposed to be the CRT, which apparently tends to develop shorts.

I do know that a large percentage of Safaris are missing the "shade" that hinges down to cover up the rectangular viewport on the top front, as well as have a broken/missing/incomplete stand on the bottom of the cabinet.