Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. - Page 5 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Heatercathodeshort · 19th May 2013, 10:52 am

Before starting the restoration of the Vidor I checked all my files [or rather I thought I had] in the search for service information for model CN369A. It was all to no avail and I had to rely on good old Newnes first issue for pre 1953 models. [1948-53] The model is not listed but the slightly later CN377 is and this was the data used during the work.
While searching this morning for service data for another Forum member, I discovered a dirty folder marked Vidor....Yes you have guessed it, the full blueprint and parts identification sheet for the little receiver.
It is marked 'Passed by lab 17-3-48' but unfortunately I cannot make out the name on the signature. If your out there, please come forward!
Now, is this the largest television circuit diagram ever produced? It measures 3ft X 2ft 2in. The parts list alone is 1ft 7in X 1ft 1in. It is a work of art and a credit to the guy [probably] that put it to draft paper.
I remember it was discovered in a very old television shop that closed down after the owner died at the age of 98 I believe. There were bits of pre war receivers everywhere and I discovered the entire working power supply from a Cossor 902 [1947] being used as a door stop!This receiver never fails to amaze me. This time it will be filed with the rest of the Vidor story. Regards, John.

Heatercathodeshort · 15th May 2014, 9:13 am

Just a short update on this amazing receiver. It has given very reliable service over the last 12 months being switched on for long periods and even took a trip to Mikey 405's last year.
On powering up recently the frame sync was not rock solid as it had been. It locked but was uncertain and tended to roll on caption changes with very poor interlace.
Ah! The T41 Thyratron for sure! Not so. After carefull checking around the oscillator stage [there are only a few components] attention was directed towards the sync separator stage EF42. The voltages appeared to be about right and the cathode decoupler electrolytic proved to be blameless.
The fault turned out to be the 8uf screen decoupler that had decided that 65 years was enough and went O/C! Replacing it restored everything to normal.
The restoration of this Vidor CN369A was one of the most enjoyable restorations I have carried out. It is an incredible receiver, both mechanically and electrically.
The pictures show the EHT transformer and rectifier with it's now insulated top cap [it was originally BARE] in very close proximity to the local oscillator trimmer on the left.
The IF panel sitting on it's stilts rather like the London end of the M4 motorway with it's EA50 vision detector diode sitting proud.
The TCC electrolytic is 6 months younger than me...Regards, John.

FERNSEH · 15th May 2014, 1:15 pm

It should be remembered that Vidor radio and TV sets have heritage. C.N.Cole bought the Burndept company just before WW2 so in fact all Vidor products are of Burndept design. Top quality manufacturer.

DFWB.

FERNSEH · 15th May 2014, 3:42 pm

QUIZ TIME: What does the CN prefix in the model type stand for?

DFWB.

murphymad · 15th May 2014, 4:47 pm

Catalogue Number.

FERNSEH · 15th May 2014, 6:38 pm

You got it.

DFWB.

Focus Diode · 16th May 2014, 6:27 pm

An excellent restore and write up, I don't know how I'd missed this thread. To younger people Vidor were usually remembered for their batteries, likewise with Eveready/Ever Ready.

Cheers,
Brian

Courtney Louise · 16th May 2014, 8:44 pm

Dave, John, you are two of the most amazing people I have ever had the honour to meet. The memories and expertise are just so great to listen to..

19th May 2013, 10:52 am	#81
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. Before starting the restoration of the Vidor I checked all my files [or rather I thought I had] in the search for service information for model CN369A. It was all to no avail and I had to rely on good old Newnes first issue for pre 1953 models. [1948-53] The model is not listed but the slightly later CN377 is and this was the data used during the work. While searching this morning for service data for another Forum member, I discovered a dirty folder marked Vidor....Yes you have guessed it, the full blueprint and parts identification sheet for the little receiver. It is marked 'Passed by lab 17-3-48' but unfortunately I cannot make out the name on the signature. If your out there, please come forward! Now, is this the largest television circuit diagram ever produced? It measures 3ft X 2ft 2in. The parts list alone is 1ft 7in X 1ft 1in. It is a work of art and a credit to the guy [probably] that put it to draft paper. I remember it was discovered in a very old television shop that closed down after the owner died at the age of 98 I believe. There were bits of pre war receivers everywhere and I discovered the entire working power supply from a Cossor 902 [1947] being used as a door stop!This receiver never fails to amaze me. This time it will be filed with the rest of the Vidor story. Regards, John.

15th May 2014, 9:13 am	#82
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. Just a short update on this amazing receiver. It has given very reliable service over the last 12 months being switched on for long periods and even took a trip to Mikey 405's last year. On powering up recently the frame sync was not rock solid as it had been. It locked but was uncertain and tended to roll on caption changes with very poor interlace. Ah! The T41 Thyratron for sure! Not so. After carefull checking around the oscillator stage [there are only a few components] attention was directed towards the sync separator stage EF42. The voltages appeared to be about right and the cathode decoupler electrolytic proved to be blameless. The fault turned out to be the 8uf screen decoupler that had decided that 65 years was enough and went O/C! Replacing it restored everything to normal. The restoration of this Vidor CN369A was one of the most enjoyable restorations I have carried out. It is an incredible receiver, both mechanically and electrically. The pictures show the EHT transformer and rectifier with it's now insulated top cap [it was originally BARE] in very close proximity to the local oscillator trimmer on the left. The IF panel sitting on it's stilts rather like the London end of the M4 motorway with it's EA50 vision detector diode sitting proud. The TCC electrolytic is 6 months younger than me...Regards, John. Attached Thumbnails

15th May 2014, 1:15 pm	#83
FERNSEH Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. Posts: 7,444	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. It should be remembered that Vidor radio and TV sets have heritage. C.N.Cole bought the Burndept company just before WW2 so in fact all Vidor products are of Burndept design. Top quality manufacturer. DFWB.

15th May 2014, 3:42 pm	#84
FERNSEH Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. Posts: 7,444	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. QUIZ TIME: What does the CN prefix in the model type stand for? DFWB.

15th May 2014, 4:47 pm	#85
murphymad Heptode Join Date: May 2003 Location: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 650	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. Catalogue Number. __________________ Mike Barker.

15th May 2014, 6:38 pm	#86
FERNSEH Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. Posts: 7,444	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. You got it. DFWB.

16th May 2014, 6:27 pm	#87
Focus Diode Octode Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Borough of Gateshead, UK. Posts: 1,420	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. An excellent restore and write up, I don't know how I'd missed this thread. To younger people Vidor were usually remembered for their batteries, likewise with Eveready/Ever Ready. Cheers, Brian

16th May 2014, 8:44 pm	#88
Courtney Louise Octode Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Welshpool, Powys, Wales Posts: 1,326	Re: Vidor 9" table model model CN369A. 1948. Dave, John, you are two of the most amazing people I have ever had the honour to meet. The memories and expertise are just so great to listen to.. __________________ *33, 45, 78, around and around they go...*