The TT-5 was RCA's least expensive set in 1939. It is a vision-only set, requiring an external radio to receive the sound. It has a 5 channel tuner and a 5 inch screen. We just received this set, and the picture tube has not yet been installed. The cabinet and chassis are in excellent condition. Click for technical information or a schematic diagram.

We have learned something of the history of this set. It was purchased by an engineer in Princeton, New Jersey. In 1968 he "restored" it for the 1968 25th  anniversary of the Sarnoff Research Labs. Unfortunately, his restoration involved substantial modification of the original circuits  After his death, the set was sold to a collector.

This is a photo of the RCA assembly line, showing the TT-5 being built, taken for the 1939 book Magic Dials, which described RCA's introduction of television.

RCA 16T3 radio, made in 1939 and having a TV audio input connection for use with the TT-5 television receiver