@ProperLogicalDebate I believe they made these sets from around 1958-1961. You should pull it out and take a look. They are very popular with collectors.
@enigma413 They all suffer the same problems. I doubt you'd ever find that that works correctly on original parts. Even if it did, it wouldn't for long.
Came across your video of the Predictas,,I have a 100% unmolested original Red Princess. Still has the original back cover,,,but the set needs the flyback x-fmr,,i have cobbled one in from a motorola and it did make high voltage enough to lite the tube. Do you have any parts ?? Jeff k. Simpsonville Ky.
@singlejeff69 My princess set has HV issues, but I haven't tracked down the source yet. The flyback on the parts chassis I picked up looks kinda cruddy too. If by some chance they're both good, I'll let you know.
Engineering-wise, has anyone ever found out how Philco could have been so wrong with the Predicta? Do you think that they were just rushed onto the market, without much thought? It's hard to believe that Philco also came out with the Safari, and most people say that when they find them, they still work after 50+ years, in the same time frame.
@Gibrocks Well, to be fair not all Predictas are so bad. The Siesta and Princess models I have with power transformers and 17" screens are the most reliable. All I had to do was replace one tube and the Siesta worked. The really bad ones series strung sets (no transformer) and have 21" screens. 21" was just pushing the technology too far and they had a high failure rate.
No wonder Philco got into financial trouble shortly after the introduction of these sets. No wonder some of the ex-tv-repairman members our radio club cringe when Predicta's are mentioned.
I bought one that looks older than that for $25 way back when, but I have to store it in the basement. Not good. Haven't uncovered it for years.
ProperLogicalDebate 2 weeks ago
@ProperLogicalDebate I believe they made these sets from around 1958-1961. You should pull it out and take a look. They are very popular with collectors.
bandersentv 1 week ago
love the color on this predicta looks awesome
MrRaddios 3 months ago
That's such a shame. There was a time once when Philco made quality products. Outside of the US they're still around. But it's a memory here.
enigma413 3 months ago
@enigma413 Oh, it's nothing to do with Philco really. These sets are over 50 years old. No TVs that old work properly without an overhaul.
bandersentv 3 months ago
@bandersentv That's true. I think it's a beautiful thing when any TV over 50 years old is restored.
enigma413 3 months ago
How hard is it to just find a similar model with not too bad damage?
enigma413 3 months ago
@enigma413 They all suffer the same problems. I doubt you'd ever find that that works correctly on original parts. Even if it did, it wouldn't for long.
bandersentv 3 months ago
Came across your video of the Predictas,,I have a 100% unmolested original Red Princess. Still has the original back cover,,,but the set needs the flyback x-fmr,,i have cobbled one in from a motorola and it did make high voltage enough to lite the tube. Do you have any parts ?? Jeff k. Simpsonville Ky.
singlejeff69 11 months ago
@singlejeff69 My princess set has HV issues, but I haven't tracked down the source yet. The flyback on the parts chassis I picked up looks kinda cruddy too. If by some chance they're both good, I'll let you know.
bandersentv 11 months ago
Engineering-wise, has anyone ever found out how Philco could have been so wrong with the Predicta? Do you think that they were just rushed onto the market, without much thought? It's hard to believe that Philco also came out with the Safari, and most people say that when they find them, they still work after 50+ years, in the same time frame.
Gibrocks 1 year ago
@Gibrocks Well, to be fair not all Predictas are so bad. The Siesta and Princess models I have with power transformers and 17" screens are the most reliable. All I had to do was replace one tube and the Siesta worked. The really bad ones series strung sets (no transformer) and have 21" screens. 21" was just pushing the technology too far and they had a high failure rate.
bandersentv 1 year ago
@Gibrocks As for the very difficult to service circuit boards, I guess they figured the sets would get tossed before they needed servicing ?
bandersentv 1 year ago
I LOVE PREDICTA'S and I have one from 1960. :)
56Mercgal 1 year ago
O M G ... painus in the anus... and that's still too positive of a way to describe it lol
Knaeckebrotsaege 1 year ago
No wonder Philco got into financial trouble shortly after the introduction of these sets. No wonder some of the ex-tv-repairman members our radio club cringe when Predicta's are mentioned.
batterymaker 1 year ago