UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Powered By Google Custom Search Vintage Radio and TV Service Data

Go Back   UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum > Specific Vintage Equipment > Vintage Television and Video

Notices

Vintage Television and Video Vintage television and video equipment, programmes, VCRs etc.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 30th Jun 2014, 7:04 pm   #1
mark pirate
Dekatron
 
mark pirate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK
Posts: 5,185
Default Vintage TV washed up on beach!

While walking my dogs on the beach yesterday, I found a Philips TX+ B&W portable washed up on the shore. I have found some weird and wonderful items here over the years, but never a complete TV!
I put it by the bins at the top of the beach and continued my walk.

I noticed it was still there today, so decided to bring it home just to see if I can get any life out of it

It has obviously been thrown overboard from a boat, as it still has a 12v lead attached, and a 12v booster was still plugged in to the aerial socket.
I guess the CRT would have kept it afloat. It is all there apart from the door over the presets, and the tube is intact.

Unusually for a B&W portable, it has a remote sensor for channel change only.
So I guess it dates from the late 70's.

I have heard of damp problems with LOPT's, but this takes the biscuit

Mark
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100803.jpg
Views:	806
Size:	86.0 KB
ID:	94674   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100804.jpg
Views:	665
Size:	88.4 KB
ID:	94675   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100805.jpg
Views:	640
Size:	95.6 KB
ID:	94676   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100807.jpg
Views:	629
Size:	98.0 KB
ID:	94677   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100813.jpg
Views:	628
Size:	110.9 KB
ID:	94678  

mark pirate is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 7:13 pm   #2
Dickie
Octode
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK.
Posts: 1,477
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Does it have a message in a "bottle"?
__________________
Regards,

Richard, BVWS member
Dickie is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 7:45 pm   #3
SiriusHardware
Dekatron
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 11,482
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

The current issue of 'Flypast' - a specialist magazine for heritage aviation enthusiasts - features the story of two MK1a Spitfires which crash landed on French beaches, were dug out of the sand some four decades later and have both now been restored to flying condition.

...So how hard can it be to fix that TV?
SiriusHardware is online now  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:03 pm   #4
Heatercathodeshort
Dekatron
 
Heatercathodeshort's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING.
Posts: 9,145
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

It would be just my luck to be stranded on a desert island after a ship wreck, alone and starving and just about to give up all hope when I see something bobbing in the distance..
A food parcel! No a Philips portable TV complete with 13amp plug and nothing to plug it into. John
Heatercathodeshort is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:09 pm   #5
petertheorgan
Hexode
 
petertheorgan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Bromley, Kent, UK.
Posts: 332
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

well John , I give you an hour to get a picture on it !
petertheorgan is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:18 pm   #6
paulsherwin
Moderator
 
paulsherwin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,785
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Do they really float?

I wonder how long it's been in the sea. You've certainly got your work cut out there - plus there is presumably an original fault which caused it to be chucked over the side in the first place.
paulsherwin is online now  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:19 pm   #7
mark pirate
Dekatron
 
mark pirate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK
Posts: 5,185
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

I Have just opened it up, not sure if I should fix it or display it in an art gallery
Apart from the CRT band, the rust is not too bad, the speaker looks fine!
The LOPT looks like it is lounging on it's own private beach

I am amazed just how much sand was inside, a fair beet of seaweed too.

I will leave it out in the sun to dry it out fully before applying power (12v of course!)

Mark
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100826.jpg
Views:	673
Size:	132.0 KB
ID:	94687   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100823.jpg
Views:	562
Size:	99.6 KB
ID:	94688   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100825.jpg
Views:	526
Size:	119.3 KB
ID:	94689   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100815.jpg
Views:	536
Size:	136.4 KB
ID:	94690   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1100820.jpg
Views:	513
Size:	123.2 KB
ID:	94691  

mark pirate is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:22 pm   #8
Courtney Louise
Octode
 
Courtney Louise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Welshpool, Powys, Wales
Posts: 1,325
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

I am surprised at how little corrosion there is on component legs
__________________
33, 45, 78, around and around they go...
Courtney Louise is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:50 pm   #9
Boom
Retired Dormant Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 2,451
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

You do know you have to declare such finds to HM coastguard?
Boom is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 8:59 pm   #10
McMurdo
Dekatron
 
McMurdo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK.
Posts: 5,263
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

beware any electrolytics that smell of fish, probably leaky
__________________
Kevin
McMurdo is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 9:11 pm   #11
line sync
Heptode
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Kinver, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 628
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Really interesting thread mark .
Even though I would not want a TV like that , the challenge of getting it going after it`s been in the sea would be to strong , I would have to give it a go.
I think it might have to have a few weeks in the sun mark !
I`ll follow this thread and see how you get on .

Robin
line sync is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 9:12 pm   #12
Nickthedentist
Dekatron
 
Nickthedentist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,820
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Quote:
Originally Posted by paulsherwin View Post
Do they really float?
Yes, I can remember going on a boat trip on the Thames with school, when the Thames Barrier had just been opened, and seeing no less than two tellies float by!

That's a fairly late mono portable. My granny had the non-remote version, bought in about 1983, I'd say.

Nick.
Nickthedentist is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 9:18 pm   #13
greenstar
Octode
 
greenstar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Leicester, Leics. UK.
Posts: 1,681
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

You have probably thought of this, but I would think you need to get rid of the salt asap - boards in a dishwasher? Corrosion/conductive properties ... from what I remember on telly any machinery submerged in the sea can be in astonishingly good condition, but corosion starts in earnest once it's in the air.
greenstar is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 9:28 pm   #14
Lloyd 1985
Nonode
 
Lloyd 1985's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 2,814
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Nice find! For some odd reason I've always wanted to find a TV floating in the sea... All I've ever found so far is empty Coke bottles and suchlike.

It'll be interesting to see if there is any life left in it! Probably an idea to get a hose pipe on it to wash out some of the sand.

Regards,
Lloyd.
Lloyd 1985 is offline  
Old 30th Jun 2014, 11:45 pm   #15
mark pirate
Dekatron
 
mark pirate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK
Posts: 5,185
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Quote:
You have probably thought of this, but I would think you need to get rid of the salt asap - boards in a dishwasher? Corrosion/conductive properties ... from what I remember on telly any machinery submerged in the sea can be in astonishingly good condition, but corosion starts in earnest once it's in the air.
Good thinking, remove the LOPT and stick it in the dishwasher
I have started cleaning it out and it looks like the caps are beyond use, a few are hanging on by one lead, the salt has already eaten those, the presets also look pretty bad.

I will have a better look in the morning, I will stick the B&K on the CRT, at least that should be ok!

Mark
mark pirate is offline  
Old 1st Jul 2014, 12:39 am   #16
paulsherwin
Moderator
 
paulsherwin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,785
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Just to state the obvious, there's no point in restoring or even repairing this set other than as an exercise, as thousands of similar sets are being 'recycled' every week. I can see that it's an interesting and challenging project though.
paulsherwin is online now  
Old 1st Jul 2014, 1:59 am   #17
hamid_1
Heptode
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: High Wycombe, Bucks. UK.
Posts: 811
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Many years ago, in the centre of Bristol, I spotted an old dual standard TV (with rotary VHF and UHF tuners) floating down the River Avon. So yes, old tellies do float!

I actually had one of those Philips TX+ portables, complete with the infra-red remote control - a rare luxury for a black and white set. It dates from around 1982. Picture quality wise, it had a proper black level clamp circuit - another luxury. Unfortunately my brother threw my set out 5 years ago. I've been looking for another one.

I'm afraid your beach find may be a bit too far gone, but it's got to be worth a try. I would first rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt deposits, then dry it thoroughly and test it. There's nothing to lose at this stage.

In the past, I've rescued televisions and other electrical items that have been left out in the rain and were soaking wet. After drying them out, they quite often either worked or were repairable. Most of the components can survive being soaked in water, at least for a short time. The LOPT in this Philips TV should be a sealed, potted type which shouldn't absorb water.

However, sea water is more corrosive than rainwater, and this set has been soaking for a long time.

Looking at the photos, the skeleton preset pots on the main board have gone rusty and may no longer work. Easy and cheap to replace, or just solder a couple of resistors across for a quick test. Another thing to check is the 12v DC socket. It has contacts that switch the power supply from mains to battery. If it's gone rusty, you may find no power and a dead set due to contacts open circuit. The contacts can be temporarily wired out for testing, if necessary. No need to buy a new socket or any new parts for that matter - just bypass the fault or raid your junk box for any vital parts you need.

It's obviously not worth spending a lot of money on, but it will be interesting to see if you can get any signs of life out of it. There may have been nothing wrong with the set when it was thrown away, possibly just because the analogue signal had ended. So I reckon it could be brought back to some sort of life fairly easily. Have fun!
hamid_1 is offline  
Old 1st Jul 2014, 7:55 am   #18
Nickthedentist
Dekatron
 
Nickthedentist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,820
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

There's a similar 14" R/C mono set in this 1985 Argos catalogue: https://www.***********/photos/lavala...7619206330728/

£79.95, so one of the most upmarket models around!

Nick.
Nickthedentist is offline  
Old 1st Jul 2014, 8:09 am   #19
Heatercathodeshort
Dekatron
 
Heatercathodeshort's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING.
Posts: 9,145
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Back in the 60's it was almost impossible to fish off the end of Margate pier. You were more likely to catch a Bush TV22 or a discarded perambulator than anything that was actually alive..

Give it a jet wash as fast as you can and see how it cleans up. Salt is very bad mixed with electronics and may have eroded the component connecting leads and print.
Regards, John
Heatercathodeshort is offline  
Old 1st Jul 2014, 8:42 am   #20
mark pirate
Dekatron
 
mark pirate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK
Posts: 5,185
Default Re: Vintage TV washed up on beach!

Quote:
Give it a jet wash as fast as you can and see how it cleans up.
Hi John, I think a jetwash would blast out most of the capacitors as well as the sand
I will desolder the LOPT and swill off the boards with fresh water and leave them in the sun to dry out.

Quote:
Just to state the obvious, there's no point in restoring or even repairing this set other than as an exercise
This set is well beyond even a very brave restoration, I think all the electrolitics would need replacement at the very least. The rest of the components such as the resistors look fine with no sign of corrosion, and may well be ok.
The boards themselves also look fine. The LOPT does appear to be well sealed and may still be usable.

I checked the CRT heater on my bench power supply, and it lights!
the fuses are also intact, so probably was working when chucked in the sea, I suspect it was discarded due to the digital switchover.

I am just curious to see if I can at least get some life from the audio stage, or even any EHT, a raster would be amazing!
If it was dumped in fresh water, I am sure it could have been saved, I pulled a nice Sharp B&W TV/ghetto blaster from a skip full of water some years ago, after drying it out thoroughly, it actually worked fine with only the tape deck needing attention.

Mark
mark pirate is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 1:41 pm.


All information and advice on this forum is subject to the WARNING AND DISCLAIMER located at https://www.vintage-radio.net/rules.html.
Failure to heed this warning may result in death or serious injury to yourself and/or others.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.