Ferguson 1500 series Television

[Newgirl2013]

I have just bought a Ferguson 20" 1500 series (BRC) television
I used to work on them in the 1980s and found them very reliable televisions
I have a Freeview box. if I connect the aerial output into the aerial socket on the television and tune it in will it work?

[slidertogrid]

A nice set, a late model by the looks of it! To answer your question the freeview box would need to have RF out and not just RF passthrough as a lot do have. If the box doesn't have RF out you will need an RF modulator or a VCR to plug the box into. This is of course if the set is in working condition. Have the tuner cams crumbled? Does it have any black Calluns capacitors in it?

Rich

[Newgirl2013]

Stock faults I found Loss of sync R44 also the rod at the back of the tuner had a habit of dropping off at one end and had to be resoldered
I might have to find an RF Modulator, I should think they should be easy to find
Also I have a DVD player if that has an Coax socket would that tune in like a VCR?

[Newgirl2013]

I will need to find out more when the television arrives

[Silvered_Mica]

I love the swing out chassis those things have, so easy to work on.

[PYE 405]

To whet the appetite until your set arrives, here below is a link to one I obtained four years ago. I thought it was more recent, but time has flown by !

https://www.radios-tv.co.uk/communit...ferguson-3821/

[Newgirl2013]

Hi Andrew
Really enjoyed reading all about your 1500
When I was in the TV Trade I had several of these sets through my hands
Very little work to do on them
The strange thing is I once had a 1500 come in with the brand name 'Alba'
I hope to be collecting the set from Bristol sometime in the next two weeks

[Welsh Anorak]

Yes - Alba as well as the more usual Ferguson, Marconiphone, HMV and Ultra. There were many cabinet variations ending up with a six-button varicap tuner version.

You may need to repair the plastic spacers on the tuner - I find large circlips do the job nicely.

I've sent you a PM regarding a Freeview box in case yours doesn't have RF - most don't.

[Lloyd 1985]

I have an Alba one! T1520 I think was the model number, it was the first vintage telly I got working properly. Nice sets to work on!

Regards
Lloyd

[Newgirl2013]

Hi Glyn
Thanks very much for your message
I have answered your PM
My Alba just had the normal four push button tuner
Best wishes
Sharon

[Newgirl2013]

Hi Lloyd
Thanks for your message
I always found the BRC 1500 series were lovely sets to work on
Best wishes
Sharon

[Newgirl2013]

I will be going to Bristol to collect the TV on Tuesday May 23rd

[slidertogrid]

Was your Alba the same as this one ? I did a write up about it's rescue here
https://www.radios-tv.co.uk/communit...t-in-the-rain/
Alba stopped making their own TV chassis and at first fitted Philips chassis the final Philips Albas were G6 and 210 I think. Then the single standard models were Thorn.
Rich

[TVJON74]

Originally Posted by slidertogrid

Was your Alba the same as this one ? I did a write up about it's rescue here
https://www.radios-tv.co.uk/communit...t-in-the-rain/
Alba stopped making their own TV chassis and at first fitted Philips chassis the final Philips Albas were G6 and 210 I think. Then the single standard models were Thorn.
Rich

Hi Rich,

I believe the G8 was also available with an Alba badge on it.
I collected an Alba branded 1500 a few weeks ago the same as yours.

Best regards
Jon

[Richard_FM]

The 1500 chassis hinges out, so both sides of the main board can be accessed.

[williamsunique]

Lovely TVs. There were several stock faults. I can't remember the circuit references, but I always changed 2 x 12uF, 1 x 330uF and 1 x 400uF and uprated R44 to a larger 47k. The 150ohm section of the dropper went o/c quite often.
The tube was under run and tended to go flat prematurely, it was on the end of the heater run. The answer was to fit a seperate heater transformer to supply the tube heaters. This would be bolted to the inside of the cabinet with nylon nuts and bolts, health and safety, no protruding metal parts.
Some cabinets were made of plastic, I remember one that was melted and deformed on it's top. It turns out that it had been used to dry washing.

Paul

[vinrads]

I have this modulator I think, it was marked up as video in rf out , just waiting for a new home ,it was in a nice aluminium box which I needed for a project , it's yours for the posting , Mick.

[Newgirl2013]

Hi Mick
I've sent you a PM
Sharon

[vinrads]

I remember working on these when they were new, I also converted a 1400 to single standard ,it was an insurance write off , burnt up board really bad so a new board was ordered , transplanted all the components that were needed for 625 UHF only ,Happy days . Mick.

[Newgirl2013]

Hi Mick
I also converted 1400s to single standards
First I removed all the VHF Coils and soldered all the components from the UHF 'Biscuit' direct to the contacts on the VHF Tuner, removed the turret, and the Solenoid and soldered all the main switching to UHF 625, Knowing 'Joe Public' I removed the VHF Aerial socket, removed the VHF Line Hold control.
I usually found all the work made a 1400 tv more sensitive