1983 RCA Colortrack sound problems - Videokarma.org TV - Video

liammc00 · #1 02-20-2025, 10:28 AM

Instead of posting on 1983 RCA connector trouble forum I decided to make a new one.

Back on the RCA Colortrack TV the sound is still messed up but I did notice that if I hooked it up to my Magnavox DVD/VCR the sound was better but you could still hear some distortion. That DVD/VCR hi-fi was one of those funai built ones form 2010. The sound is all distorted and speech sounds like DC biased tape recording. It is the CTC-120 chassis and I did try to adjust the one condenser with the square head. I did mess with condenser and that's best I could get it. Correct the sound IF is out frequency as I have a TV transmitter that lets you adjust Audi rf between 4.0-6.5 and if it's missed tuned it makes other sets sound like this set. I don't have the tools to align the set of it's out.

damen · #2 02-20-2025, 10:47 AM

RCA sent out a service notice about the sound issues on the CTC120 chassis. They recommended replacing two caps and the coil. We carried these parts on service calls and replaced all three of them if the customer's complaint was specifically about the sound. On sets where we noticed the sound wasn't right, but the customer hadn't mentioned it, we only re-aligned the original coil. It is the coil that uses the square alignment tool inside the metal can.

liammc00 · #3 02-23-2025, 01:54 PM

I remember that I did try to adjust coil L202 (sound IF) a few months ago I forgot to mention that earlier. My alignment tools I have anit great but I was able to adjust L202 and I remember the sound getting louder but not getting clearer when I was adjusting L202. On off topic not what is (L201) Quadrature do as I'm just curious.

I can use the set the way it is now just like I'm doing however I would like to fix the sound if possible.

damen · #4 02-23-2025, 07:23 PM

L201 is the coil I was referring too, the one we would replace/align to correct distorted audio.

liammc00 · #5 02-24-2025, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damen

L201 is the coil I was referring too, the one we would replace/align to correct distorted audio.

Well when i have time i will try to adjust L201

vol.2 · #6 02-24-2025, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liammc00

Well when i have time i will try to adjust L201

I would definitely pull those two caps from the circuit and test them as well. No use going in there and messing around without checking them too.

liammc00 · #7 12-08-2025, 10:54 PM

Well I got myself some aliment tools and I adjusted L201. I was able to get rid of the distortion and boy was it fair out of aliment. Now the TV sounds very good however there is buzz in audio that changes with whats on screen I except it's my fault as I messed up an adjusted L202. I didn't notice the buzz when TV was hooked to my test dvd player with high contrast image or i wouldn't have put the back on.

I have a PS3 connected to it not period correct by any means but it lets me play videos from flash drives, from my network, Blu-rays, and of course my Ratchet and Clank games and or Sly Cooper and on this TV it looks great.

liammc00 · #8 12-22-2025, 11:08 PM

Well this new one for me and that is the audio is interfering with picture. This symptom when someone speaks or music is played the image gets very noise like I don't have a good RF connection. Note I'm using a PS3 threw an RF modulator and PS3 might be to new for the TV do to high contrast content. On my VCR it seems to work fine or if I just use the PS3 to watch a movie but if I play a game that's when I notice the problem.

mrjukebox160 · #9 12-23-2025, 02:48 PM

I found out years ago that removing the shield from to coil corrected the problem. Usually didn't even have to adjust it just remove the shield.

olePigeon · #10 01-12-2026, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damen

RCA sent out a service notice about the sound issues on the CTC120 chassis. They recommended replacing two caps and the coil. We carried these parts on service calls and replaced all three of them if the customer's complaint was specifically about the sound. On sets where we noticed the sound wasn't right, but the customer hadn't mentioned it, we only re-aligned the original coil. It is the coil that uses the square alignment tool inside the metal can.

Would this by any chance cover the CTC140 as well? Before my tube went on the fritz, I had issues with the right speaker popping and then eventually not making any sound. I already replaced a bunch of capacitors, but not the coil. Once I fix the picture I hope to fix the audio.

Thanks.

damen · #11 01-12-2026, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Would this by any chance cover the CTC140 as well? Before my tube went on the fritz, I had issues with the right speaker popping and then eventually not making any sound. I already replaced a bunch of capacitors, but not the coil. Once I fix the picture I hope to fix the audio.

Thanks.

No, the alignment coils are in the front end before the audio amps. Your problem sounds like something in the output circuits.

olePigeon · #12 01-16-2026, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damen

No, the alignment coils are in the front end before the audio amps. Your problem sounds like something in the output circuits.

OK, thank you. I don't suppose you have the service manual for the CTC140? I only have the 2 service pamphlets from inside the cabinet. Might be enough for me to diagnose the audio, but I don't know what the correct voltages should be.

Thanks.

liammc00 · #13 03-04-2026, 11:01 AM

Well the TV has definite tuning problem as no matter how good a signal I give the TV I get a herringbone pattern on the picture. So I guess I'm going to have to look into that problem. If anyone has any information on what I should check it would be appreciated.