Anyone know more about this set?

[joe_tbird]

Check out this item:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2186253512&category=3638


It's listed as a portable made to look like one of RCA's console models. I don't know if the part about the Bicentennial is true or not, but assuming it was made in the mid-1970s, that surely would put it as either a hybrid or solid state.

Has anyone heard of such a set, and if so, is it really a hybrid? Is it based on a common RCA chassis? If it has some vacuum tubes in it, it has my attention.



Thanks,
Joe

[Kamakiri]

Doesn't occur to me that these are ultra-rare as I've had two of them. It's a solid state set. I'm not sure about the "salesman's sample" part either, because after all, wouldn't a salesman carry around a TV that was color? :dunno:

[jstout66]

This set is a hybrid model. If I remember right it uses 4 tubes. It is known as a "salesmen sample" because RCA was proud of the cabinetry on their color sets, and made a few styles of "mini" versions in a 9" B&W. I believe each RCA dealer got 1 to display. I don't think they were for the general public. The eBay seller is getting this confused with Zeniths Bicentennial model that came out in 1975. This set is actually earlier and was made I believe from 1969 thru 1972. Typical problems to watch for on this set are bad solder connections. (RCA must have been practicing for the CTC-175) :rolleyes: