
(click on picture for high
resolution image)
|
Screen Size |
5 inch |
|
Year Made |
1939 |
|
Quantity Manufactured |
587 |
|
Original Cost |
$199 |
|
Number Still in Existence |
See Prewar Database |
|
Cabinet |
Original Finish |
|
Chassis |
Restored |
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. The cabinet and chassis are
in excellent condition. Click for technical
information,
schematic
diagram,or information on TV sound
for this set.
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.

A postcard from 1940

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

Popular Mechanics, August 1939