Pilot TV-37 Back From The Dead
 

I had this set on the shelf for decades. This week, I decided that it was time to see if I could do something with it. After all paper capacitors were replaced, it was able to pick up a signal from one of my Blonder Tongue modulators. No picture but sound so I knew that it was working from the antenna all the way to the speaker. I put an NE-2 neon lamp next to the HV transformer and it lit up! We have high voltage. After fiddling with the controls, I got a picture. Mind you, the shutter speed of the phone camera has caused the issue with the screen picture.

Also, that Micamold domino capacitor is a .1µFD capacitor so it has to be paper. It even tested good for value, but leaky at 250 volts. It got replaced with a "Safety Cap".

Success! It works.

Most of the resistors were close enough for value. But if I had to lift one end to replace a capacitor, that resistor got changed whilst I was in there. Tubes were mostly marked Ken Rad and manufactured by GE. The had 1949 dates on them and this set has I would guess most of the original tubes.

Looking good, congratulations! :thmbsp:

Is that a spare jug next to it?

jr

JR, good eye, I only wish, but... it is a green, 3KP1 that was in another chassis. But it's good for testing.

Nice. It look like you lucked out and got one with a bright CRT.
I still need to add a Pilot to my collection.

Thanks, it does work well in a room which is not brightly lighted (as they were designed for!) It is back in the case with original electrolytic capacitors at this time. I literally removed all connections, measured the capacitors for value and then leakage at the rated (150VDC) voltage and they appear almost NOS. Maybe later, I will re-stuff them. For now, I will leave well enough alone. I have three other parts chassis but they are picked over. Maybe one can become a working set... with a green 3KP1 CRT.

Next up was a Philco Safari transistor TV. To my surprise, it just works. I have done absolutely nothing to it after I bought it about 15 years ago on "The Auction Site".

But I think the next up will be the RCA 630-TS. I will start a separate thread for that of course.

When I get a chance, I will get a better picture of the Pilot working. Thanks for following this thread.