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Early 1950's RCA console

PaulFerrell

PaulFerrell

New Member
Just found and bought an early 1950's radio, Phonograph, and Tape player. My profile picture.
My problem is that I like the way it looks and I want to be able to hear the sounds she still has but I don't know where to start. The phonograph and tape player of course are missing. The radio is still there which is the most important part for me.

I plugged it in and but I didn't get any snap, crackles, or pops. I know there is a problem somewhere.
I took the back off and looked at the speakers and the appear to be fine with no physical damage. (How do I test just the speaker?)

The lower half of the console where the heart and sole are, looks really good with all visual parts still there.

Once plugged in all the tubes from what I can see light up and look great. I took a few out and cleaned them up so at least they new NOB. I did read a few threats where I should at least clean everything. so once I get out of work, I'm taking what i'm guessing the receiver (that is where all the speakers are plugged into) out to disassemble and clean. look for frayed wires and so on.

I'm sure this is going to be my first of two projects the other working of the radio itself. After looking at it last night, I did notice that I would have to replace the tuner cord.

Please help if you have any suggestions in the path I need to travel down. I will update as often as possible and will start posting pictures as the project progresses.

My assumed tube shopping list (for now)
4- RCA 6BQ5 (output)
2- RCA 6FQ7 (amps)
1- RCA 5AS4A (Rectifier)
 
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That looks more like a late 50's or even early 60's RCA, a distinction that I mention because that means it probably has a stereo amplifier (4 6BQ5s are a giveaway).
Since your dial cord is broken, tuner can't tune, and no record player or tape deck how about trying a line-level input as a signal source to see if the amps work?
There should be a chassis number on the back edge of the amp or tuner (or both if it has separate chassis), let us know what those are.

The tubes might be fine - don't order replacements just yet. It will probably need capacitors though. And a dial cord (and three hands to install it). :thumbsup:
 
You could plug a cd player into it but you might be better off waiting until it is restored or partially restored because if it's not working properly it could take out a transformer. Post some pictures of the amp and the experts here will give you some good advice.

I agree with RWood that it's a late 50s or early 60s because of the tubes listed. I haven't ever heard an RCA like that but I bet it sounds very sweet.
 
How would I know what I would need to replace as far as the compositors are concerned. I can solder, that's not a big deal.
I do need to clean and take pictures of what is underneath with the tubes.
There are two separate chassisies, I guess that's what they are called.
Thanks for your advice.
I don't mind saving money.
 
Here a few photos. I did clean the tubes that look clean. I guess I need to pull the entire unit out and clean it completely.
 

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It's at least a '63, maybe a 64.That was RCA's TOTL unit for those years right before they went withe the "NEW VISTA" line. If the OP has the model # (something like 4VF 305) I can date it. I'll need the model #'s off the tuner/preamp (RCxxx) and the amp (RS-xxx). Amp is a P-P using 6FG7's as drivers and 6bq5's for finals. Good for about 11w downhill with a good tailwind.

Amp is probably a RS-193?
 
The tweeter is an RCA and the date code is 6/24. Since the tuner has the civil defense markers on it I'd have to go with mid 1956, on the tweeter dates anyway.

The main thing would be to put in new electrolytic caps. They are housed in the 2 silver cans on the amp. They could just be replaced underneath to keep it simple. Won't cost much either.
 
dan; RCA made so many of the tweeters they spent used late 50's tweeters all the way up to the LATE 60's in New Vista consoles.
The CD markings were used all the way up thru the end of the1963 model year (Aug.64). That style tuner didn't come out until 1962-63 and ran with it for at least until 1966. Let me dig thru some RCA stuff I have.

John. Which is why I put a "?" behind it. It could very well be a RS-199 too. It looks like the guts from my old 3VF-305 from 1963, which has a RC1205c tuner and a RS-199B amp. These are in the '64 Beitmans on pages 134 thru 136 inclusive.

The Record Changer is a RP-217/218. Pg 138 in the '63 Beitmans.

If I had a model # of the console itself I could nail it down to 1 year.

Larry
 
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You are giving me tons of information, too bad it is all over my head. But it is useful.
 

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RS 177 has 2 6fg7's and 2 el-84's. RS-199 adds 2 EL-84's.
3vf604 uses the RS-199b & RC1205c tuner. It's a 1963 Model. Last year for the CD Markers on the tuning dial.

google "BEITMAN's Manuals" there are 1 or 3 places that let you download for free. Get the 1964 manual. Your chassis' models start on pg 134 and end pg 136. It's not a hard amplifier to recap. The preamp is part of the tuner. Get all of the 6FG7's tested and make sure they are good. They have to be as they are the preamp and driver tubes. Same with the 6bq5's. Get them tested for at least shorts and gas. Replace any gassy or shorted or weak testing tubes. At least one of the 6bq5's has been rode HARD and put away WET.
 
larryderouin said:
dan; RCA made so many of the tweeters they spent used late 50's tweeters all the way up to the LATE 60's in New Vista consoles.
The CD markings were used all the way up thru the end of the1963 model year (Aug.64). That style tuner didn't come out until 1962-63 and ran with it for at least until 1966. Let me dig thru some RCA stuff I have.

Larry
Click to expand...

I learn something new everyday. Man, they must've had a boatload of those tweeters to be using them that long.

PaulFerrel, if you can solder you can fix it unless you have a bad transformer. You could fix it even then but it would cost more money.
 
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I just don't want to throw money at it. I'm sure it can be fixed. It does look like one of the tubes is gone. It will be replaced, just have to find who can sell me one cheap enough.
I bought it to be a project, and I'm sure it will. I want to hear those woofers and tweeters pumping out the sounds. Once this box has been fixed, I'll start on the rest.
It's late now and I'm one my phone writing this, once I return to work I'll reply to each of the comments as best I can.
Thanks to all that spoke up. If there are others with advice, please post.
 

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The RCA China Cabinet stereos were regionally popular from ~ 62 through ~ 64. They offered a Country Kitchen opportunity in decoration, with the obligatory 3 or 4 different furniture styles. As a kid, one of my neighbors had one and the mom had her best decorator plates on little stands across the top. I think I have a brochure somewhere and if I can find it I will post.
 
[QUOTE="larryderouin, post: 10497177, member: 42316
John. Which is why I put a "?" behind it. It could very well be a RS-199 too.
Larry[/QUOTE]

Understood,,, RS-193 is the only RCA console pull I worked on,,, grabbed it cheap for the OPTs, and found it sounded good, so I rebuilt it and gave it to a friend who wanted to get into tubes...
 
RWood said:
That looks more like a late 50's or even early 60's RCA, a distinction that I mention because that means it probably has a stereo amplifier (4 6BQ5s are a giveaway).
Since your dial cord is broken, tuner can't tune, and no record player or tape deck how about trying a line-level input as a signal source to see if the amps work?
There should be a chassis number on the back edge of the amp or tuner (or both if it has separate chassis), let us know what those are.

There are only two that I found. I'll focus for now the audio part. I would like to at least use the speakers if I have to replace the turner part with modern equipment.
Click to expand...
 
PaulFerrell said:
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I just don't want to throw money at it. I'm sure it can be fixed. It does look like one of the tubes is gone. It will be replaced, just have to find who can sell me one cheap enough.
I bought it to be a project, and I'm sure it will. I want to hear those woofers and tweeters pumping out the sounds. Once this box has been fixed, I'll start on the rest.
It's late now and I'm one my phone writing this, once I return to work I'll reply to each of the comments as best I can.
Thanks to all that spoke up. If there are others with advice, please post.
Click to expand...

Looking at the underside How does everything look? I mean does a visual "okay" for all to be alright? If i get the noticeable bad tube replaced, what are the odds that I can start with the next phase, the tuner? The tube should be a "6BQ5". Does anyone know where I could get a working replacement for a descent price??
 
Once again, looking underneath the chassis, What are the large brown rolled components?
How would I find replacements?

What are the long tan/grey components?
How would I find replacements?

Told ya I was new at this without a clue in the world. Thats why I'm here asking the pros that know.
But I would also love to hear the sounds of music. So I'm not giving up on this project.
 
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