View Master Modifications

[Geordie McBoyne]

The attachment shows the cover page of the View Master "big screen CRT" conversion instruction book. Has all the information to fit a rectangular CRT on the View Master chassis.
Seems a lot of work was needed to replace the 52* round CRT with a 14" or 17" 70" tube. For starters the line output transformer and scan coils will need replacement.  Also, an additional valve, a 6U4GT boost diode.

Geordie McBoyne.

[ppppenguin]

70 degrees was wide angle back then! Scanning that sort of CRT without an efficiency diode would have been very difficult.

[Geordie McBoyne]

The original View Master employed an efficiency diode, a selenium rectifier fitted under the chassis.

Geordie McBoyne.

[Jac Janssen]

A picture from David's shop:

   

Jac

[Geordie McBoyne]

Hello Jac,
the View Master was first marketed in 1949. I'd imagine the construction kits and parts were sold by shops that specialised selling radio components rather than selling fully manufactured TV sets.
The View Master was offered in different cabinet presentations. 9" and 12" table models and a 12" console cabinet model.
Also, a version for the Birmingham transmitter.

Geordie McBoyne.

[Murphyv310]

Hi
Dad made a 12 inch Viewmaster console around the time I was born in Walton on Thames, we had it till 1961 when I was 7 years old, I do remember it, he had a band 3 converter plus of course BBC on CH3 from Kirk O' Shotts

[Doodlebug]

I built one when they first came out. Received a strong signal on a piece of wire strung in the room,
in a block of flats in Shepherd Bush, London.

The 'snow' from passing traffic was sometimes more
interesting to watch than some programs. :-)

[Geordie McBoyne]

Hi
Dad made a 12 inch Viewmaster console around the time I was born in Walton on Thames, we had it till 1961 when I was 7 years old, I do remember it, he had a band 3 converter plus of course BBC on CH3 from Kirk O' Shotts

In the December 1955 and January 1956 editions of the Practical Television magazine details were published giving instructions how to convert London area View Master receivers to Band 1 and Band 3 reception. 

https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Practic...955-12.pdf

https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Practic...956-01.pdf

Geordie McBoyne.

[Murphyv310]

Of course being only seven at the time when the set went to my Dad's friend I'd have no idea if he did the official modification. Knowing him though he was extremely fussy and methodical so I doubt it would be a cowboy job
From memory the band switches knob appeared on the side of the cabinet. To my young eyes the picture looked good and I clearly remember early episodes of Coronation Street. At the time they lived in the top of a three story flat in Irvine and my Dad had access to the loft where the aerials lived he did though have to adjust the STV aerial a couple of times and I wonder if I remember 1959 when the Black Hill transmitter sorted out the polarization issues.

[Geordie McBoyne]

The double-deck chassis made for installation in console cabinets.
The first picture shows the chassis made for installation in simple box like cabinets. The second is for cabinets with canted CRT presentation.

Geordie McBoyne.