Hello all:

I picked up a Philco Predicta Barber Pole in 2001, in original working condition. Picture tube was original but weak. A gentleman in Downers Grove restored the set for me and even had the picture tube restored by sending it to someplace in (I think) Iowa. He has passed away unfortunately a few years ago. And now 11 years after his restoration, my Predicta has finally developed a problem I can't deal with. I am a retired tinkerer only, even though I enrolled last semester in basic electronics and algebra, knowing full well sooner or later it would be up to me to keep this TV and other antique radios I have collected in working order. Repairing this stuff seems to be a dying are and I would like to keep it alive.

Anyway my Predicta finally bit the dust. Started out with an audio channel issue which I got around by running the audio outs from the DVD player to an amp. (I only watch old movies on this thing via a DVD player that has RF) then last week a horizontal hold problem started , which shortly went flat line with a fairly loud "buzzzzzz" going on. Whatever it is its above my head.

I know there is a place in Atlanta that will work on these, but they want me to separate the chassis out and send it there....which would likely lead to me screwing the thing up forever either when I take it apart, or try to put it back together.

Does anyone know of anybody in the Chicagoland Area who works on Philco Predicta TV's?
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I have had fun since 2001 watching old B&W shows and movies on this. It mesmerizes kids.

Thanks in advance,

David Sapadin
Western Suburbs

Wow, 11 years without a hiccup is an impressive feat for any old tube TV, much less a Predicta.

I would contact area radio/tv collector clubs and ask for a repairman recommendation. Here's a nationwide list of clubs:

http://www.antiqueradio.com/clublist.html

Removing the chassis from a barberpole set is not terribly difficult. It only involves removing some screws and unplugging the cables for the speaker and other items. This article may give you an idea what's involved:

http://antiqueradio.org/philc12.htm

I would label the ends of each cable with a tag of tape, to ensure it can be reconnected correctly. The only non-obvious cable is one that goes into the socket of the high-voltage rectifier tube. It's easier to see where that cable goes after you remove the tube. The cable simply pulls out.

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

Also, you could take pictures of the chassis showing how everything is plugged in before taking it out. If you print the pictures, you could write notes on them.

Thanks all. Believe it or not I just found someone who will work on it, and let me watch and ask questions! He's got me checking a few tubes first, but if that doesn't work he agreed to work on it. I think he understands I want to do what I can to keep the skill alive. I will definitely look into joining a local club...probably a good place to meet experienced people willing to share what they know.