Any information on a RCA CTC-39VA

[Phil R]

I don't have any testing equipment. (other than a multimeter!). I wish I had the schematics but I couldn't find that exact chassis model on SAMS photofact. Most CTC-39 chassis seem to have an "X" after the "39", mine has a "V" instead (at least, that's what's clearly stamped on the flyback cover).

Maybe I don't need the exact model but...

I'm really not familiar with TV sets. I haven't touched to the AGC, I have located the control at the back but I don't even know what it is for (I know it means "automatic gain control" but I don't know what that means!). I don't want to sound stupid but I'm really missing some basic understanding and I can't find the most basic information on internet! I have seen videos of people rejuvenating picture tubes, making adjustments, testing the high voltage but I was missing the more basic things... I wish there would be detailed explanations on how to service old TV sets on internet but I haven't found anything for people who also need to get the basic knowledge. The most complicated electronic job I have done so far was replacing 3 capacitors in two microwave ovens which had display problems... That fixed the problem but I went from instructions that I found online, not from my own diagnostic!

I don't even know what the service switch is for at the back of the TV! I noticed it has 3 positions but I didn't try anything that I don't understand by fear of causing other problems... I also have been electrocuted when playing with an old tube radio when I was a kid and I'm careful not to touch anything in TV set. I don't even know what has the potential to shock you! I know most users of this forum are experienced but I'm not! I'm fascinated by these TV sets since I was a kid but couldn't ever find somebody to explain me how they work in detail!

Yesterday, I went to the only place in town that repairs electronics. I went there years ago with my Pioneer SX 800 receiver and when the guy noticed it had tubes in, he told me he couldn't service it... I guess he knows how but he's not interested at all. I just asked about the TV and I got the same answer... Needless to say there's not a lot of action in this store, as people don't care about having newer stuff repaired anymore!