And I'm sure Pye sets had "You Can Rely On Pye" printed on them because the company's reputation was nearly destroyed by a bad batch of televisions they made in the mid 50s. They had to make them reliable or go under after that.

Yes, that is a slogan that survived well into the 1980s when Pye disappeared from the radar screen.

I have heard unconfirmed stories from several sources now that say Astor's reliability was not particularly good. This would be a major factor in the Astor brands demise as sales dropped away.

They did make some interesting looking sets though!

I think I've fixed the caption buzz now. I've got no instructions for adjusting the AGC on this type of Astor chassis, so I had to guess. I put on the Philips electronically generated test pattern, because optical test patterns like the BBC type make less of a buzz, and turned up the sound. I turned down the "AGC delay" control until video noise ("snow") just became apparent, then turned it back a fraction. Then I adjusted the "Contrast preset" control for the best compromise between picture tone control and low caption buzz. The set only buzzes now when there very bright highlights in a picture, and it's not objectionable at a normal listening level.

I should add that I also tuned the sound IF for the best sound to buzz ratio, adjusted the modulator for the highest distortion-free audio and video level, and reduced the modulator RF output a bit to avoid overloading the set.

I've found that the Astor series 4 chassis doesn't tolerate component drift well, and components will usually drift a bit in value after 50 years! Lots of papercaps in this one too, though only two had completely failed, one being the boost capacitor.

Wow, the channel indicator almost looks like a tiny nimo tube or CRT! If only it were one...

Did this Astor Plymouth ever find a new home?

Chris

Now settle. I see no radio in it. The magic eye is about 21, or 23 inches. If there is nothing on it it's either broke or there is no station.

I see no point in a magic eye. Its a CRO tube if the picture is wobbly you can see that & hopefully adjust.

Marc

Hi All,

I will be at Cataract Park, Appin Rd between Wollongong and Campbeltown on the weekend of January 4th/5th. I can have the set with me if somebody is interested and it is closer to you than Albury.

Let me know if you if you are interested. As mentioned, the set was purchased in a non working condition, but all the valves seem to be there. $100 firm.

Cheers, Jeff.