New Vista RCA VGT 90 W K

[mattmatty]

Hi guys, I originally jumped in this forum elsewhere, but now I have my footing, understand this site better, and am starting a fresh post here.

I inherited a New Vista RCA VGT 90 W K from my wife's grandparents, original owners. I've come to learn it is likely 1965. Very cool unit, much sentimental value. (we also got 100's of records with it!)
> Serial # 55 5693
> Model 5 36 5
In looking for more info about this awesome cabinet and it's components. Someone on another forum told me: The letter "K" at the end of your model number identifies this unit as a "Custom Collection" set. These were sold only by certain dealers and very little advertisement or service information was published. Using the chassis and changer numbers, information is available since many non custom units used them. They sent me the yellow paged screenshot for a reference. I used this info to try and find things on Steve's Antique Tech, and Samswebsite, to no avail....

It powers on, only has static. The turntable is not working. It was well cared for, but 60 years is 60 years.

I have zero experience in this type of thing. I am basically trying to figure out what I want to do with it...?...? Feels like a few scenarios possible:
-Let if be a beautiful piece of furniture
-Begin a multiple year journey of making this my passion project, and learning many many new skills...
-Find someone local (or not) who could fix this up for us
-Do some sort of gut and rebuild with modern equipment

Any info or advice or support is appreciated. I see looking around this forum there are so many folks with so much knowledge and info it is mind blowing. I'm drinking water from a firehose at this point!

Thanks in advance y'all!
Matt in Sacramento, CA

[electra225]

The first suggestion I would make is for you to manipulate the controls to make sure you don't have a bad contact there. Function switches and external speaker switches are known for becoming electrically dirty, causing bad contact, killing some or all functions. The fact that the changer doesn't work is typical of an old stereo. It needs to be gone thru, cleaned, lubed so it will go again for another 60 years or so. When you find out what function works, or if no functions work, it will give us a better idea of where to advise you to start. Good luck!

Just in the way of my personal opinion....

Don't hire someone to fix your stereo. They don't know any more about it than you do. There are folks on this very forum who paid to have work done, then still had problems. There is more than enough talent on the forum to be able to talk you thru most repairs. If you are willing to learn, not afraid to make mistakes then learn the hard way, you will be starting out like every one of us did. We look forward to sharing your project.....

What do you have in the way of electronic repair equipment. Meter, soldering iron, etc?.......

[mattmatty]

Thanks Electra... That is my weekend plan, to gently work to see what is exactly working, and what is not. I didn't want to start too hard on it, and cause some damage unintentionally. I think I've gleaned enough in the last 72 hours to at least ramp up the tinkering.

My experience level = ZERO. I think I last soldered in high school shop over 30 years ago. It's just not my jam. I am not too mechanically inclined, at all. I don't understand electronics, and have never worked on them. I'm not helpless though, and am ok at learning new skills/things. Ugh, it kinds of hurts writing this, I'm feeling a bit less than!!

Anyway, that's the reality. Appreciate the help and support.

Cheers,
Matt

[William]

That is a good looking piece of furniture and is so much more than that and should be brought back to life. When you say it powers on but only static. Do both channels have the static? If you try other functions, radio, tape input do you get any sound or just static. Does the static get louder with increasing the volume control? Just trying to determine where the trouble might be.

As far as what to do with it, by all means restore it. Since this forum relates to consoles we hate to see them not working and really hate to see them altered from there original design. I would opt for the multiple years journey, which will probably not take that long, so roll up your sleeves and dig in. There are a few guys on the forum that have access to Sam's Photo facts so I am hoping one of them will help out with that, as long as Sam's has the listing. Others will be willing to help you with the process. The changer is probably the easiest part of the project so no worries there either.

Referring to you yellowish photo, and looking at your VGT 9 0 W K model number, look to the right of your model number and notice the other numbers. If I am remembering correctly, the RS-215C should refer to the amplifier number. The RC-1223B should refer to the tuner/radio, the RK-314C should be the power supply, and the RP217C-12 is the changer. If I am wrong on that, please someone correct me.

As I have told other "newbies", if I can do it so can you.

Bill

[electra225]

Without putting Bill on the spot, I can testify to what he told you. We became friends one time when it is alleged I was nice to him. He has worked on a lot of stuff way above his pay grade and came out alive in every instance, and he never gave up. I swore I would NEVER, never in a million years, ever work on a record changer. Period, end of story. Bill asked why, if I could work on a radio, a task with which he had little to no ability, why couldn't I work on a record changer? He nursed me thru my first VM, then I tackled a Collaro, then a little RCA 45 changer that was alleged to be unrepairable. We work together here on the forum and the we believe there is no such thing as a stupid question. We like questions, we like pictures and I personally enjoy seeing someone excel at something they thought they couldn't do. So just jump in with both feet and we'll enjoy your project as much as you will. When you hear the old RCA singing before you know it, that will be a good feeling and well worth any angst you may have now.......

[mattmatty]

William and Electra, Thank you so much for the encouragement! Really, thank you, it was what I needed to hear.

A couple updates, and more questions......

I started checking things again last night.
-It powers up.
-I mis-described a "hum", its actually a random crackle, with some some fluttering crackles, and some loud, popping crackles. Both sides.
-I actually got AM Radio to work, and could hear the channel pretty clear!
-The volume is not smooth up and down, and seems all wonky. Lots of gaps in audio, or crackles, etc, when turning it up and down.
-Old FM antennae "cord or cable"? had snapped of on the back of the unit where the wires are set in the antennae receiving screws. Just old and brittle.
-Balance knob not true, needs to be 75% to the right to be about even. Kinda sorta
-The record changer actually does spin! The finger knob was broke off. I didn't realize the power and mode dial was underneath the record speed dial. It wasn't able to play anything through the speakers with a record, no sound at all, no static, etc.
-The record changer hardware seems to be not working either.

I'll get more clean pictures of all the various components over the next week and share as they come.

That's the unit update. For myself I did a deep dive last night into what it would take to learn basic electronics, soldering, and that sort of thing. Seems like a good 4-8 months spending about 2-4 hours a week would move me much farther down the track than I am now (just arriving at the departure station ) I won't start anything yet, without some feedback from y'all and the forum. I don't need to learn anything I don't need to know, but I've quickly learned there are a lot of basics I would like to understand. Just for the sake of expanding my knowledge, if not for anything else. Its easy to see it could be a life long journey, or not. I'm not sure how much I'd take to it, or not, so have no misconceptions or preconceptions on how this might go, and how passionate or disinterested I may become moving forward.

I won't go into details, buy I've had a dramatic life change over the last 18 months, survived, and am more focused, mindful, and capable than I've been in some time. I think this project landed on me at the right time. I loved my wife's grandfather as my own, and this seems like a project good for my soul.

Cheers.

[William]

Hey Matt. It sounds like a project that is good for the soul is just what you need, and now your need as been full filled with the RCA. Where to start is what Electra stated, and from what you just described that is what needs to come first. If you go to your local hardware or box store and pick up a can of what's in the link I just provided it will get you started with the first step. After that, it will be one baby step at a time and before you know it you will be listening to all of the records that came with the RCA.

Also just for the heck of it, try connecting a better antenna to the FM antenna connections. Maybe an old set of rabbit ears if you have them, something to help pull in some FM stations.

https://www.crcindustries.com/qd-electronic-cleaner/

This is the other product you can purchase. I have used both, some swear by the Deoxit, personally I think they are both about the same.

https://www.divegearexpress.com/deoxit- ... 8EROYoAs7M

Keep us posted!

Bill

[mattmatty]

Thank u!

I have some DeoxIT, a FM antenna, & some canned air ordered, arriving Saturday. Borrowed a c clip spreader from work for the turn table.. (curious what’s under there).

Onward!

[electra225]

It won't take you four months to learn electronics. It may take several years, and you may never know it all. What you should do is to become familiar with how to read a schematic, learn basic soldering skills, and learn how to operate and read a multimeter. How to make AC measurements and where in the circuit to do that, how to take DC+ and DC- measurements and where that voltage is in the circuit. How to take resistance measurements, making sure to do that with the power turned off. Learn how to work around live electrical circuits. Learn basic safety when it comes to working with electronics. Much of this will be trial and error, actually the best way to learn. Don't work at someone else's pace, find your own pace and work to it successfully. As a courtesy to those trying to help you, be sure to at least try the suggestions that are offered. Remember also that we can't see what you are working with. All we can do is to rely on our experience to try and help you. It's up to you to actually see what is going on and to accurately relay information to the forum. The schematic is invaluable in that it is the road map for how the electricity moves thru the circuits in your stereo. There are books available on how to read a schematic, which might be a good investment to help you at the start. Asking questions, being willing to learn with an open mind is also really important. Never give up. The answer is out there. Finding the answer and seeing your stereo working and singing again is the fun part.

The reason the volume control acts wonky is because it is electrically dirty. The contacts inside the control are corroded, causing opens in the control as you rotate it. A shot of De-Oxit should return it to normal operation. The fact that the volume control is dirty gives credence to the theory that the rest of them are dirty as well. Cleaning all the controls and switches is indicated. The fact that one channel is weaker than the other (the balance control tells you that) may also be due to a dirty balance control or another control or switch.

[TC Chris]

A follow up on the volume control. You need to get the cleaner inside, under its steel shell. That's usually via the gap where there will be 3 or 4 lugs coming out with wires or printed-circuit traces soldered to them.

I bought DeOxit in a pump can, not aerosol, for better control. More is not necessarily better.

For selector switches, I use a small artist's brush to apply DeOxit to the switch contacts. That's more controlled than just spraying stuff all over.

Chris Campbell

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Matt,

We have a "Getting Started" section that may also be
of assistance to you.

We can guide you to some neat video series with good
presenters who explain the basic workings of audio
circuits.

When you actually start some repairs/parts replacement,
take before and after photos of the area of
the circuit you are working in.

Many of us are still travelling the learning path, and as
others said, we all started where you are.

And please remember : there is no dumb question.

[mattmatty]

Hi Folks, Great advice and support. Love it and thank you! Really, I think it is great how quickly y'all encouraged me.

I'll get to cleaning knobs and controls soon, when the cleaner arrives. I am hearing the advice, and will definitely listen to advice. No ego or foolishness issues over here! Less is more with the cleaning sprays. Use brushes, use q-tips, take pictures, go slow, don't mess with anything without getting some understanding of what it is first. No stupid questions. Don't rush. Don't assume I'm going to know what I'm doing for many many months. I'm down with the plan and advice.

And hopefully I understand in general where to start on the basics of just learning new things. I've spent a good 2-3 hours on the YouTube the last couple of nights just trying to get a footing on the big picture. Watched videos from AH-Fix-It and Vintage Audio Addict and many others, about learning how to solder, how to use a multimeter, etc. It is all so fascinating, and of course overwhelming at this stage. I asked AI (Microsoft Copilot) a lot of questions about where/how to start learning basic electronics. It recommended lots of things, such as the book Make: Electronics, & Forrest Mimms Getting Started in Electronics books, and many other options from other YouTube videos to joining this forum! I'm not diving in on anything yet. I think my plan will be to continue to watch YouTube educational videos and get to cleaning the knobs and connections once the cleaner arrives. I'll be getting better pictures too. I'm open to purchasing a few key books and watching specific videos you all recommend. Just looking for where to take the first step, or two steps in that regard. I see already I'll be leaning towards teaching content that really speaks to the novice with absolutely no experience. I will not be insulted to start with basic middle school/high school level materials.

I'll dive into the getting started forum too. Don't worry, I'm not going to do, or touch, or tear anything apart without checking in here first, and/or learning what is needed first. I'm in no hurry and am looking forward to the learning journey. I don't want to ruin any part of this system, and I am not looking to get injured!

Thanks again, YOU WILL be hearing from me.

Cheers, Matt in Sac

[electra225]

Chris Cuff was known as a record player and changer guru. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, but his videos are on YouTube. Highly recommended as his explanations of what he is doing and how it all works is great for a beginner. His tutorials were a great help when I did my little RCA 45 rpm changer. ShangoO66 is also good for diagnostics, although he mostly does TV. Still worthwhile as he discusses safety procedures and how to power something up for the first time. A plus is that his videos are entertaining. Jordan Pier is another good one as is Uncle Doug. Look these up on YouTube, then select the video you are interested in.

I've been re-arranging in the shop, so I can't find my book on how to read schematics right offhand. I know Bill has a copy, so maybe he can tell you the exact name of it. It's really good reading when you are getting started.

[William]

The book I have is titled, TV schematics: How to read between the lines. It is by Art Margolis.

Bill

[electra225]

That's the one. It will help with learning to read a schematic. Thanks, Bill.....

[mattmatty]

Good Morning, i’ve got the day off today. I have all my tools out, lots of extra light, and cleaning brushes, and all that kind of stuff. I have a question right out the gate, as I try to lubricate and clean these control knobs on the receiver, should I just try to get some lube up underneath the dials? Or should I remove these dials? To remove them it seems I just have to pull really hard, but I wanted to check here first so I didn’t break anything.
Thank u!

[mattmatty]

Here are some more pics of the receiver from the innards.
I’m just gonna spend some time brushing the dust out of this cabinet and vacuuming it up which I think is gonna take a while, then I’ll check back here to see if there’s any advice on next steps and/or how to get those knobs off.

[electra225]

It looks to me like you may have to remove the knobs and the bezel to get at the controls. It may be the case that you will have to remove the chassis to clean the controls. In any case, the knobs should be able to be pulled straight up and off. It should then be obvious how the bezel comes off. If you have doubts, post a picture of the bezel after you get the knobs off. Sometimes there are screws under the knobs that hold the bezel on. Perhaps someone else has more specific information that will help you.

[mattmatty]

Thanks, that makes sense. I will give it a go, nice and gentle, nice and slow.
The cleaning up is going well. It’s not too bad over aok and everything looks nice, no rust, no damage, no cut wires, or weirdness that I can see, but I am an untrained eye.
A wider picture of the whole cabinet, a picture of the power unit, and some more ID information stamped on the cabinet.
Cheers!

[electra225]

Built the 34th week of 1965? Those numbers on the power transformer may or may not be useful. I realize this is not a very good answer, but, depending on the parts source you are talking to, they may want the chassis number instead if you were to have to buy a new one. If this was a tube stereo, we would be advising you to add a fuse to the primary circuit of the power transformer as an extra level of protection. The guys on here more familiar with solid state stereos than I am will be able to fill in the blanks there. You may need the various chassis numbers that you have posted if you want to order service information for your stereo. I collect Magnavox stereos and I can tell you that the model number of the stereo is worthless if you need service information. They go strictly by the model numbers on the chassis. Starting out, it might be well to do it both ways. Start out with the model number of the stereo, then, if that doesn't work, try by the model number of the chassis you are working with.

Slow and easy is always best, even if you are familiar with what you are doing. If you get stuck, or even THINK you may be stuck, best to stop, take pictures, post them here and ask how stuck you may really be....

Don't give up, don't get discouraged. Hang in there. It took 60 years to mess it up, you can take your time fixing it. You'll get there.....