Zenith Porthole - Lapeer, MI - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jeyurkon · #1 10-24-2009, 12:20 PM

I was tempted to go for this myself and not post it, but I just don't have room for it.

http://flint.craigslist.org/atq/1415493503.html

John

bgadow · #2 10-24-2009, 09:56 PM

Attractive cabinet design, one of those that can hide from you in an antique store.

John Marinello · #3 10-25-2009, 09:07 AM

That model uses the 16EP4 CRT, which is a real toughie to find. I know where you can find a glass 60-degree NOS replacement, but you'll have clearance issues, as a few tubes will be in the way. That chassis does have a few extra knockouts for tube sockets, but that may cause different interferance issues, who knows.

jeyurkon · #4 10-25-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Marinello

That model uses the 16EP4 CRT, which is a real toughie to find. I know where you can find a glass 60-degree NOS replacement, but you'll have clearance issues, as a few tubes will be in the way. That chassis does have a few extra knockouts for tube sockets, but that may cause different interferance issues, who knows.

I take it that this is a metal CRT? Are they rebuildable? I guess that would be a question for Scotty.

John

Adam · #5 10-25-2009, 01:31 PM

I saw that one. I've been thinking about it, weighing that I really want a porthole against really not wanting a combo set. In the end, the fact that I would have to rent a truck or van to pick it up, adding significantly to the price, is probably going to keep me from getting it.

classicradios · #6 10-25-2009, 07:37 PM

My back hurts just looking at that combo. I don't know why they never installed casters on those heavy beasts! Cool set though, I once had the Blonde '51 model but sold it when I needed the space for other vintage stuff.

Hey Adam,
If you decide to get it and need help loading and/or unloading let me know I'll give you a hand.
Jim

jeyurkon · #7 11-07-2009, 07:57 PM

Well I hope I didn't step on anybody's feet. The seller wanted to give me first chance since I was the first to contact her. When I found out there was another party interested I asked her to contact them and find out if they were going to restore it or turn it into a fish tank.

She said that when she called she found out that they were interested in restoring it. It was his wife who gave the information since he was in the hospital having open heart surgery. So, I said they could have it. But wanted to be second in line if they declined. I was getting nervous since it didn't seem that it was any "one of us" who was interested. I think I've become prejudiced about the ability of anyone who doesn't have the resources of the VK gang to rely on.

They never called her back. I guess there are some things in life that are more important than a TV.

It turns out that it's a model G3276Z. It might have belonged to a German couple. It came with German children's records.

It looks nice and has all the knobs. A couple need repair, that's why one doesn't show in the photo. The veneer on the front is missing, or damaged. Someone used a carpet tack to hold one end in place.

The cheater cord interlock was broken so they ran the cord directly using the contacts from the cord.

I've never seen such a cheaply made CRT socket. It's functional though.

It seems that mice started to take up residence. I don't think there's more than you see in the photo though.

The CRT is a Sylvania 16EP4A. When I first looked at it I thought it was rebuilt because of the joint in the neck. I decided that I shouldn't assume this since it's the first metal CRT I've ever seen up close.

I tested it with a Sencore CR-70. After a two minute warm-up the cutoff was right where it should be and the emission was 3/4 the way up the good scale. It's like the CRT was new!

I've put the set away and might not get to it until I retire or semi-retire.

BTW, it does have the back. You can see it beside the screwdriver.

John

David Roper · #8 11-07-2009, 08:35 PM

This is one of the sets that uses a 6AG7 for audio output, right? That has always kind of intrigued me. 6AG7 is a prewar-era video amplifier that was utilized more in broadcast applications than in consumer sets. It also found use in some ham gear. But a Zenith TV set is the only place I've seen it used in place of a 6V6 or other ordinary power tube for audio output.

jeyurkon · #9 11-07-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Roper

This is one of the sets that uses a 6AG7 for audio output, right? That has always kind of intrigued me. 6AG7 is a prewar-era video amplifier that was utilized more in broadcast applications than in consumer sets. It also found use in some ham gear. But a Zenith TV set is the only place I've seen it used in place of a 6V6 or other ordinary power tube for audio output.

I didn't look at the tube chart before I put it away, but I assume you're correct. That does seem like an unusual use for it. I see the class A1 power output for that tube is about 3 watts.

I'm a little ticked at samswebsite right now. I purchased two e-files that were supposed to be for the Zenith G3276Z and one turned out to be for a Sparton radio and the other for a Teletone television. I had hoped to check out the 6AG7 circuit, among other things.

John

Adam · #10 11-07-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by classicradios

Hey Adam,
If you decide to get it and need help loading and/or unloading let me know I'll give you a hand.
Jim

Thanks for offering to help me carry it. But I decided against getting it. I never even contacted them about it, so I wasn't the other person that asked about it. That is a cool set, it's good to see that it will get restored.

bgadow · #11 11-07-2009, 10:28 PM

John, I just checked this and it's an index problem. Mine, dated 1989, lists 91-12 for the TV & -13 for the radio. I checked my list and have several copies of 91-13 so pulled one and it is a Tele-tone TV. (and the index lists it correctly) I only have one copy of 91-12 and didn't really feel like digging into that pile tonight, but I bet it is wrong as well. I would suggest a very old (contemporary to the set) Sams index. I have some but they will take some digging as well! See, if some of you guys would drive over here and haul away some of these surplus sets and stuff....

Adam · #12 11-07-2009, 10:38 PM

They're in 91A 12 and 13, not 91. I have them here, but they're schematics only, no additional service information. I can make a scan of them if you want.

jeyurkon · #13 11-08-2009, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam

They're in 91A 12 and 13, not 91. I have them here, but they're schematics only, no additional service information. I can make a scan of them if you want.

Thanks, I'll see if samswebsite can properly fill my order first. If not, I'll ask you. Thanks for the numbers.

John

jeyurkon · #14 11-08-2009, 01:05 AM

I forgot to mention that the set has the jack for the "Phonevison" adapater.

John

Sandy G · #15 11-08-2009, 05:33 AM

Still a "Kewl" set, any way you cut it...those REAL "Roundies" just do something for/to me...I sure would like to have a "Clairidge", a 1950 10" leather-covered tabletop, someday...There's one on YouTube, showing "Nola" w/ Liberace playing the piano...