[Jsmith5690]

Hello all.  New member here. I bought a Predicta TV for my teenage son (who is into all things vintage, see attached pic). He loves it but the images are very dark. Is there anyone within a few hours of Mobile AL that can do some refurbishment to improve picture quality?

Thanks in advance. 

Jeff Smith 
Mobile AL

   

[morzh]

Have you tried Alabama Historical Radio Society?
They possibly could recommend someone.
I remember a name of Dee Hanes, if he is still there...

[TV MAN]

Love the pic! I'm southern IL, so wouldn't be much help and Bob Anderson is very good on those, but lives in Chicago area.

[morzh]

Good picture,
When was it taken? You don't look in it like a guy who has a teenage son

[radiorich]

Hello jeff,
Welcome aboard !
Sincerely Richard

[MrFixr55]

Welcome to the Philco Phorum Jeff, A Phamily Phriendly Phorum phull of phine pholks phluent in Philco and other radios, TVs, etc. (Note a pattern here? And how's that for alliteration?)

Jeff, offhand, unfortunately, your issue sounds like a soft picture tube. There are several causes of a dark picture, but a weak CRT is one of the most common causes of a dark picture.

If you can find the model number and a pic of the TV functioning, please post. Also please post the CRT number. I am not an expert on Predictas, but I fixed my share of TVs. Some of these sets are transformer powered, others have a series heater string. Some of these sets have CRTS whose filaments are rated 2.5V, so this must be known before attempting to use a "CRT Brightener".

There are several parts that go bad even sitting, especially the electrolytic filter capacitors. in addition, any paper dielectric caps should be replaced. Resistor values must also be verified.

The bottom line is that all employ dangerously high voltages and if the picture tube breaks physically with covers removed, it implodes, throwing glass all over the place. Please read and heed all safety precautions and wear protective equipment. On "hot chassis" models, please use an isolation transformer. Please follow the "one hand" rule. If you are uncomfortable with high voltage, please refer servicing of this unit to experienced persons

Keep watching this thread and post your prigress.

Again, Welcome!

[Arran]

Nice, a 1960 Plymouth four door hardtop. Is it a Fury? As for the Predicta it could be dim for a number of reasons, the high voltage could be too low, due to power supply issues, the 1958 models used a voltage doubler power supply and if the electrolytics are shot the HV will be low as well, or bad paper caps could be dragging it down. It could also be that the picture tube is worn out, if it's an original tube on a 21'' set from 1958 this is possible as they had a short neck and a short electron gun, though most of those were changed within the first five years because of this. But yes, contact someone at the Alabama Historical Radio Society as Mike suggested.
Regards
Arran

[radiorich]

Hello guys,
I know bob has talked about in his also what Arran said about that Picture not being the greatest I have one sitting because of a bad picture tube mine has a short !

Sincerely Richard

[Jsmith5690]

Thanks for the info and the warm welcome, everyone. I am not very good with electronics, so I am hoping to find someone to refurbish. I’ll reach out to the Alabama group as suggested. 

I’ll get some pictures of the TV posted soon.

[radiorich]

Hello jsmith ,
I am glad that you were able to get some help and far as "I am not very good with electronics," hopefully we can help you change that not everyone here has come from electronics background even if so, there we are always learning new things from each other.
Sincerely Richard

[morzh]

Well, to be frank, when it comes to radios, especially the older types, a person with no electronic background could be (given some aptitude) coached, guided and instructed to take on one of those.
With TVs, let alone the Predicta, I would advise against such an endeavour.
A CRT TV is way more complex, way more sensitive to things a radio could tolerate, and, after all, waaaaay more dangerous.
I have to say, myself, even though I will eventually get to my Predicta, but my TV repair experience having been limited to a few repairs in the days of my youth, plus me being an EE and having decent experience with all kinds of electronics, I still will have to seek tons of advice from folks like Tim or Bob Andersen, and learn, learn and learn.

So, when comes to TV repair, seeking a specialist is a good idea.

As for starting to learn (if there is such an intent, which I have not seen stated so far), an old transformer radio (like Philco 70 or 96, like the one I am working on right now) is the best way to learn. And the weight of teh chassis for a young person should not be a deterrent

[Bob Andersen]

Hi. I specialize in refurbishing Predictas, but I'm in Chicago. If you can get it to me, I'd be happy to go over it. I know another guy that does quality Predicta work but he's in Detroit.