Hi all,

I'm wondering, what is the difference between AWA P1 and AWA P1P portable televisions? I know that they have slightly different circuits, but was the any external difference between the models?

I have what I thought to be a P1 (the model number has worn off), but it was raised to my attention by Nathan Brown that it might actually be a model P1P (due to it's similarity to a P1P he had).

Any help would be appreciated,

Chris

The AWA P1 family of portables are a complicated lot!

There are three different coloured cases available, blue, red and white.
There are also at least 5 model variants: P1, P1P, P1Q, P1T and P1Y. There could possibly be more but the ones listed are ones I can confirm.

The P1 was the first followed by the P1Y. Next seems to the the P1T and the last two are the P1Q and P1P.

The major difference between the early P1 and late P1 models is the CRT and front case bezel. The early models use a 11TP4 CRT while the later models use an AK11X2 CRT. The AK11X2 CRT has a much flatter CRT face and the front case was changed to match it. The later CRT also differs by having the EHT anode connection at the top of the CRT while the earlier one was at the right hand side.
Another difference was in the PCB artwork. Early models had a dark brown PCB with blue artwork. Later models had a light brown PCB with green artwork.

Minor circuit changes also occurred. The most obvious change was deleting the top linearity preset control (replaced by a fixed resistor) and a simpler video output circuit. At some stage, a 3 wire mains lead was used with an earthed chassis instead of the earlier 2 wire double insulated design. Chassis number types that I'm aware of are the 46-00, 46-02 and 46-05.

The most accurate way to tell the difference between variants would be by the serial number of the TV but at this stage I don't have enough serial numbers matched to models to be accurate. What I do know is a P1 with a serial number starting with Y, three P1T models with B series numbers and a P1P with a FL series number.

Wow, I thought these AWA P1s only came in shades of blue green. Do you have a photo of the red and white ones? I'd love to see some!

Where would I find the serial number on this beast? I'm guessing it would be inside the case somewhere? Aside from that, all I know is the anode connection is on the top face of the CRT cone, and the valve line-up (would that help in identifying the exact model?).

Chris

The colours have tended to dull over the years plus AWA was somewhat generous in the descriptions. The red is more of a maroon and the white seems to be almost grey/silver now.

The CRT type will determine if it is an early or late model. Yours is definitely a late model either a P1Q or P1P. The rest of the valves are the same for all models I think (I'll need to check).

The serial number will be stamped into the chassis. It is usually visible through the vent slots underneath the TV.

Pictures are below, added on the 25th May:-

It has a green & brown PCB, and FA0030 is stamped into the chassis. Unfortunately, the label on the CRT seems to have disappeared, so I have no clue what it is.

Chris

I've checked to confirm that the valve line-up in the P1 portables never changed. There is one correction I need to make about the CRT types. The early P1 model used a 11LP4 CRT.

Your set will have the AK11X2 CRT. I have not come across the FA series serial number before but since the P1P model I have has a FL serial number, I guess that your set is most likely a P1Q model.
There will be date codes on various components in your TV that will give an approx build date. At a guess, I'd say somewhere around 1970-71.

I've sent some pictures to Brad. The first is an AWA ad showing a red P1.

The next two are of my white P1T. This also shows what the early case looks like.

The last picture is of my blue P1P. This is the late style model.

TV collector, would you possibly sell one to Chris or me?

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"I'd rather have a CRT than nothing" - me
"people just throw working CRTs out, it is NOT FUNNY!" -me

Thanks for that, I'm looking forward to seeing the photos! I never knew they came in those colours... I guess I'd better get out and start searching the antique stores and dumps again!

Chris

AWA made a clock radio in the same colours and style around the same time. One is pictured below. Ignore the dial scale, it is definitely not the original.

Not sure of the model number. I also have the blue version but not at hand.

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A valve a day keeps the transistor away...

My P1P had an 11LP4 CRT so it might have been an early one

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"I'd rather have a CRT than nothing" - me
"people just throw working CRTs out, it is NOT FUNNY!" -me

That brings back memories, my Grandparents had a red one of those in their Millard caravan at Umina Beach. Quite a luxury in those days. We kids weren't to touch it, my Grandfather was the only one allowed to to make adjustments. A real novelty for us at the time because the only TV we had at home was a 1950's Healing that rarely worked.

I don't know the date of manufacture but I'm sure they had it in the late 1960's, a great picture from memory. I'll have to find out if it's still in the family somewhere.

Warren

Thanks for those photos! That burgundy set is awesome! I saw one of those earlier P1s on EBay a while ago, and it had that older 'sunken' bezel around the screen. It was one of the blue P1s though.

Chris

Same as mine but working unlike mine which was fatally half working

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"I'd rather have a CRT than nothing" - me
"people just throw working CRTs out, it is NOT FUNNY!" -me

If it half worked it should be repairable.

You give up too easily on the old Tellies!

That and his mum threw it out... Nathan seems to have had a few very nice portables pass through his hands over the years, only to have them thrown out by his mum because they aren't 100% working.

Chris