Attention vintage TV experts! I need help!

[bugsyjones]

A couple days ago I bought a 1955 Zenith 'Flashmatic' television.

Cosmetically, it's in superb condition! The cabinet is relatively scratch-free. I also found out that it's kind of a unique TV. It was Zenith's first attempt at a wireless remote. It had a ray-gun looking remote and there are 4 sensors on the tv that change the channel, off/on, and mute. Unfortunately, the remote is not with this TV. Apparently the Flashmatic was not very effective and in 1956 Zenith introduced the Space Command. A much better improvement.

I have two problems I need answered as I am NOT an expert on tube-type tvs.

Ok. First, the TV does power on. The picture tube comes on but it's a grey screen. No snow or anything. Just a grey screen. Does this mean there's a problem? If so, how is this fixed?

Second, I want to connect a VCR to it. I looked it up on the net but there's so much info out there that it was hard to pinpoint what I really needed.

I connected a 75/300 ohm converter to the antenna screws. I then connected that to the vcr coaxial input. I get no picture. I get sound but no picture. I can only get sound when the TV is set to channel 2. No matter what I set the VCR to, 3, 4 or any other channel, I get nothing. Just sound on channel 2. I've adjusted the brightness, contrast, etc. knobs and I get no change. Just a grey screen.

HELP!!!!

~Tim

 

[bugsyjones]

What the TV looks like when powered on...

 

[bugsyjones]

Rear connections...

The red antenna cable I couldn't get to do anything.

 

[danemodsandy]

Tim:

Why not join the forums at www.antiqueradios.com? They have a forum just for vintage TV sets, and people there restore some incredible stuff. It's a very helpful and informative bunch of folks.

P.S.: About the first thing they're going to tell you is not to power the TV on again until you've replaced some capacitors and performed a few checks.

 

[qsd-dan]

Cool TV! I have read about these models but never saw one.

Unfortunately, the remote is not with this TV.

No worries. A flashlight directed at the sensors will accomplish the same task. Keep the set angled away from the sun as the light rays will trigger those sensors, causing all kinds of mayhem while watching your favorite program, lol.

Can't help you with the picture issue. Usually dead electrolytic capacitors are the reason for that cause. Also, there could be some bad or weak tubes present.

It sure is a beauty and in fantastic condition!! Congrats!

 

[mattl]

digging back in my tube Tv days memory from long ago I would surmise it's a problem with one of the tubes in the front end system, around the IF coils. Don't know why but 6AX7 comes to mind.

My aunt had the brother to this set, not remote option but the same layout and almost the same cabinet. Repaired in many times as a kid, then she bought a round tube Magnavox color set in the late 60's and I worked on that more, what a POS.

 

[whirlcool]

Make sure the television is set to channel 3, or whatever the output is from your VCR.

In order to watch broadcast television on this set, you'll need one of those ATSC converter boxes.