Philips T-Vette - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Kat Manton · 24th Aug 2006, 12:25 am

Hi,

A while ago I was offered an unidentified dual-standard portable set. No mention of make/model has been made apart from a rough description by email. But, after a spot of google image-searching for pictures of portables, I strongly suspect it's the Stella version of the Philips T-Vette. It'll be interesting to see if I'm right when it's dropped off on Friday...

As I'm unfamiliar with the set, I'd be interested in any comments, stock faults, etc., which anyone knows about. Even if I've misidentified the set this will still be of interest as I might pick up a T-Vette anyway.

Regards, Kat

Steve_P · 24th Aug 2006, 12:46 am

These are Dual Standard Portables, with only one valve (EHT Rectifier - DY51) oh, and a tube of course. They were made by Philips and sold under the Stella name.

The tube heaters tend to go open circuit, and the system switch sticks. Check the mechanics carefully and dont start it up for the first time with the tube base on. The Power Supply stages tend to go a bit high, especially the tube voltage. Which is why the heaters go pop.

Nice sets when they work (Aren't they all) but can be nasty when they don't!

Cheers,

Steve P

Kat Manton · 24th Aug 2006, 2:27 am

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the tip - that could make the difference between a "Wanted - CRT" posting and a set perhaps only needing something more readily available

I'll mention this in an email, suggesting not to try the set out after retrieval from a loft before delivery. Whether it's a T-Vette or not, that's possibly a good suggestion.

I like this forum; there seems to be a good chance someone here will know something about anything

Cheers, Kat

Paul_RK · 24th Aug 2006, 7:54 am

Hi Kat,

As though you haven't enough encounters with their kind in the pipeline, there are a couple of AF115s and an AF117 in residence

One of the 115s was responsible for sudden complete lack of signal on one of my three T-Vettes. The sets have been remarkably free of trouble otherwise.

Paul

Focus Diode · 24th Aug 2006, 10:32 am

I obtained a mint condition Philips model years ago and is the only set I have that's never had a component replaced. Has very little use though.

Watch out for dry joints, these can cause peculiar effects such as frame collapse on a blank channel and full scan on a locked station! (Dry joint on frame output transistor).

Also watch the rear three pin plug- a poor design akin to a 3-pin plug without a cord grip. The wiring can break easilly.

What I find irritating is the single line hold control which needs re-setting when selected between 405 and 625. Does anyone know if there's a pre-set control internally? Both my examples are like this.

The ability to replay images from a VCR is a complete write off ,(don't know of any mods here), but stable with non Macrovision protected DVDs.

I have another example which suffers from low gain and frame cramping but havn't got round to looking at it yet.

It was "Simply Years Ahead". Incredible to think the sets dates from as early as 1966.

Cheers,
Brian

Steve_P · 24th Aug 2006, 11:39 am

Line Hold on these has two internal controls. L2050 and L2051.

L2050 is for 625 line operation. L2051 for 405 (To me it looks like both!). L2050 is out of circuit on 625 Lines. Switch to 405, adjust L2051, go to 625, adjust L2050 to bring in 625.

Cheers,

Steve P

Stewart · 24th Aug 2006, 1:16 pm

PaulRK's comments about AF11x transistors reminds me....I'm sure this model needlessly uses one as an audio pre-amp? A strange choice if I'm correct!

Kat - I've got the original Philips manual if you need a scan!

Kat Manton · 24th Aug 2006, 4:55 pm

Hi,

Well, I sent an email with a link to this page in it; the reply confirms I got the right set.

I gather there's full service information coming with the set; but thanks for the offer, Stewart

Ah, more AF11x transistors... excellent

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting a pic or two and an initial report. I suppose there's a chance it might be AOA in which case all I'll be able to do is use it

Regards, Kat

ppppenguin · 24th Aug 2006, 5:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kat Manton

Ah, more AF11x transistors... excellent

Haven't got the schematics to hand but it's quite likely that this set uses the AF118. This is nothing like the AF114-7 series as it's a video output transistor which can withstand relatively high voltages while still having good HF response. That was a difficult trick way back then. Probably liable to tin whiskers and not so easy to substitute.

Paul_RK · 24th Aug 2006, 6:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppppenguin

Haven't got the schematics to hand but it's quite likely that this set uses the AF118...

The circuit's in the '67-8 R+TVS. It must just have been sound that was lost in my set (about ten years ago now), as the two AF115s are sound IF stages and the AF117, as Stewart mentions, is the AF amplifier. There's no AF118 used.

Paul

Steve_P · 24th Aug 2006, 6:25 pm

There is a Transistor AF181, but I don't know if it gets the PROBLEM though. I think I'd have heard of it if it did. Does anyone know one way or't'other?

Cheers,

Steve P

Focus Diode · 24th Aug 2006, 8:56 pm

Thanks Steve P. I should've remembered the line osc. coils!
Cheers again!
Brian

Kat Manton · 27th Aug 2006, 5:15 am

Hi,

It's arrived, it's a Philips T-Vette (not the Stella version) and it's very unwell.

But the poor little thing has competition and might have to wait a little while for attention...

Regards, Kat

Steve_P · 27th Aug 2006, 7:38 am

Just tell me what appears to be wrong, I'll get the manual out and have a think.

Cheers,

Steve P

Kat Manton · 25th Jan 2007, 4:54 pm

Hi Steve,

Belated reply...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve_P

Just tell me what appears to be wrong

Not a clue electrically, that's the least of its problems hence the "Wanted" post...

What I know so far:

Control escutcheon missing, hole in case front section.
One telescopic aerial broken but all the bits are there.
CRT replaced in 1980, reciept came with the set.
Solid-state EHT rectifier fitted in place of DY51.

Cheers, Kat

Steve_P · 25th Jan 2007, 5:57 pm

All the things listed are cosmetic, and somewhere in my garage (Ho Ho!) I've got a Philips T-Vette minus the tube. For why read above.

If you want to rob it for bits, I'll put your name on it. In the meantime, power it as above and see what is what. These aren't paticularly tricky to sort out. The solid state DY51 was common, as these are a bit tricky to get hold of. (I've got one somewhere!)

Hope this helps.

Steve P

P.S. Tube Volts- 11.0 V 66mA. Make sure the spark gap is clean!

Heatercathodeshort · 27th Jan 2007, 10:06 am

Hello Kat,
This was Philips answer to the little Sony 9-306 and 9-90 together with others from Japan. In comparison it was a poor performer both from operation and reliability. I remember visiting Philips service dept at Croydon in the late 60's [The set dated from 66/67] and they had a mountain of them stacked on Dexion racks awaiting service. The rack must have been 50ft long and 8ft high!
The 405 performance is quite good but 625/UHF seemed to produce a milky result lacking any punch. They did vary and of course and there were always the good ones. I have two of them. One works very well and the other is about average. Very well made sets but a bit dated in design even for the mid 60's. Hope you get it sorted. Regards John.

DoctorWho · 3rd Feb 2007, 1:43 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve_P

Tube Volts- 11.0 V 66mA. Make sure the spark gap is clean!

Just to clarify, do you mean the CRT heater is 11 volts Steve? If it's too high how do you suggest lowering the voltage, the use of a resistor, or another method?

Peter.

Steve_P · 3rd Feb 2007, 8:39 pm

Yes, CRT Heater is 11 Volts. Follow HeaterCathodeShort's advice here...

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=14556

Saves me writing it all out again!

Cheers,

Steve P

Kat Manton · 3rd Feb 2007, 9:52 pm

Hi Peter,

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorWho

If it's too high how do you suggest lowering the voltage, the use of a resistor, or another method?

As I suspect you're more familiar with circuitry of older valved sets, I think a little clarification is in order. The "HT" rail on this set is an electronically regulated 11V DC which also powers the CRT heater.

So if the heater voltage is too high, the supply to the entire set is high, probably due to a fault in the power supply circuitry. Alternatively it could just be out of adjustment but my experience is that things don't usually drift much.

But, if this supply is significantly more than 11V, the most likely suspect is that transistor T1513 (AD149) has failed short-circuit. The set (and CRT heater) would then be run from whatever unregulated voltage is present after rectification and smoothing, probably around 13V or more. While the rest of the set is likely to survive over-voltage, the CRT heater is unlikely to fare so well.

Hope that makes sense,

Regards, Kat

24th Aug 2006, 12:25 am	#1
Kat Manton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,700	Philips T-Vette Hi, A while ago I was offered an unidentified dual-standard portable set. No mention of make/model has been made apart from a rough description by email. But, after a spot of google image-searching for pictures of portables, I strongly suspect it's the Stella version of the Philips T-Vette. It'll be interesting to see if I'm right when it's dropped off on Friday... As I'm unfamiliar with the set, I'd be interested in any comments, stock faults, etc., which anyone knows about. Even if I've misidentified the set this will still be of interest as I might pick up a T-Vette anyway. Regards, Kat

24th Aug 2006, 12:46 am	#2
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Philips T-Vette These are Dual Standard Portables, with only one valve (EHT Rectifier - DY51) oh, and a tube of course. They were made by Philips and sold under the Stella name. The tube heaters tend to go open circuit, and the system switch sticks. Check the mechanics carefully and dont start it up for the first time with the tube base on. The Power Supply stages tend to go a bit high, especially the tube voltage. Which is why the heaters go pop. Nice sets when they work (Aren't they all) but can be nasty when they don't! Cheers, Steve P __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...? Last edited by Steve_P; 24th Aug 2006 at 12:52 am.

24th Aug 2006, 2:27 am	#3
Kat Manton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,700	Re: Philips T-Vette Hi Steve, Thanks for the tip - that could make the difference between a "Wanted - CRT" posting and a set perhaps only needing something more readily available I'll mention this in an email, suggesting not to try the set out after retrieval from a loft before delivery. Whether it's a T-Vette or not, that's possibly a good suggestion. I like this forum; there seems to be a good chance someone here will know something about anything Cheers, Kat

24th Aug 2006, 7:54 am	#4
Paul_RK Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fakenham, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 4,256	Re: Philips T-Vette Hi Kat, As though you haven't enough encounters with their kind in the pipeline, there are a couple of AF115s and an AF117 in residence One of the 115s was responsible for sudden complete lack of signal on one of my three T-Vettes. The sets have been remarkably free of trouble otherwise. Paul

24th Aug 2006, 10:32 am	#5
Focus Diode Octode Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Borough of Gateshead, UK. Posts: 1,420	Re: Philips T-Vette I obtained a mint condition Philips model years ago and is the only set I have that's never had a component replaced. Has very little use though. Watch out for dry joints, these can cause peculiar effects such as frame collapse on a blank channel and full scan on a locked station! (Dry joint on frame output transistor). Also watch the rear three pin plug- a poor design akin to a 3-pin plug without a cord grip. The wiring can break easilly. What I find irritating is the single line hold control which needs re-setting when selected between 405 and 625. Does anyone know if there's a pre-set control internally? Both my examples are like this. The ability to replay images from a VCR is a complete write off ,(don't know of any mods here), but stable with non Macrovision protected DVDs. I have another example which suffers from low gain and frame cramping but havn't got round to looking at it yet. It was "Simply Years Ahead". Incredible to think the sets dates from as early as 1966. Cheers, Brian Last edited by Focus Diode; 24th Aug 2006 at 10:35 am. Reason: Forgot to include the line hold variations between 625 & 405

24th Aug 2006, 11:39 am	#6
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Philips T-Vette Line Hold on these has two internal controls. L2050 and L2051. L2050 is for 625 line operation. L2051 for 405 (To me it looks like both!). L2050 is out of circuit on 625 Lines. Switch to 405, adjust L2051, go to 625, adjust L2050 to bring in 625. Cheers, Steve P __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

24th Aug 2006, 1:16 pm	#7
Stewart Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: N.E. Surrey, UK. Posts: 361	Re: Philips T-Vette PaulRK's comments about AF11x transistors reminds me....I'm sure this model needlessly uses one as an audio pre-amp? A strange choice if I'm correct! Kat - I've got the original Philips manual if you need a scan!

24th Aug 2006, 4:55 pm	#8
Kat Manton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,700	Re: Philips T-Vette Hi, Well, I sent an email with a link to this page in it; the reply confirms I got the right set. I gather there's full service information coming with the set; but thanks for the offer, Stewart Ah, more AF11x transistors... excellent Hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting a pic or two and an initial report. I suppose there's a chance it might be AOA in which case all I'll be able to do is use it Regards, Kat

24th Aug 2006, 6:25 pm	#11
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Philips T-Vette There is a Transistor AF181, but I don't know if it gets the PROBLEM though. I think I'd have heard of it if it did. Does anyone know one way or't'other? Cheers, Steve P __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

24th Aug 2006, 8:56 pm	#12
Focus Diode Octode Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Borough of Gateshead, UK. Posts: 1,420	Re: Philips T-Vette Thanks Steve P. I should've remembered the line osc. coils! Cheers again! Brian

27th Aug 2006, 5:15 am	#13
Kat Manton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,700	Re: Philips T-Vette Hi, It's arrived, it's a Philips T-Vette (not the Stella version) and it's very unwell. But the poor little thing has competition and might have to wait a little while for attention... Regards, Kat

27th Aug 2006, 7:38 am	#14
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Philips T-Vette Just tell me what appears to be wrong, I'll get the manual out and have a think. Cheers, Steve P __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

25th Jan 2007, 5:57 pm	#16
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Philips T-Vette All the things listed are cosmetic, and somewhere in my garage (Ho Ho!) I've got a Philips T-Vette minus the tube. For why read above. If you want to rob it for bits, I'll put your name on it. In the meantime, power it as above and see what is what. These aren't paticularly tricky to sort out. The solid state DY51 was common, as these are a bit tricky to get hold of. (I've got one somewhere!) Hope this helps. Steve P P.S. Tube Volts- 11.0 V 66mA. Make sure the spark gap is clean! __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

27th Jan 2007, 10:06 am	#17
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: Philips T-Vette Hello Kat, This was Philips answer to the little Sony 9-306 and 9-90 together with others from Japan. In comparison it was a poor performer both from operation and reliability. I remember visiting Philips service dept at Croydon in the late 60's [The set dated from 66/67] and they had a mountain of them stacked on Dexion racks awaiting service. The rack must have been 50ft long and 8ft high! The 405 performance is quite good but 625/UHF seemed to produce a milky result lacking any punch. They did vary and of course and there were always the good ones. I have two of them. One works very well and the other is about average. Very well made sets but a bit dated in design even for the mid 60's. Hope you get it sorted. Regards John.

3rd Feb 2007, 8:39 pm	#19
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Philips T-Vette Yes, CRT Heater is 11 Volts. Follow HeaterCathodeShort's advice here... https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=14556 Saves me writing it all out again! Cheers, Steve P __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?