| This is a very early RCA adapter for VHF TV sets to receive UHF signals. I don't know a lot about it. Perhaps some reader might submit additional information. |
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| UHF channels were made available for television in the early 1950's. Television channel allocations had been frozen in the late 1940's due to issues found with some early assignments. Simply put, VHF propagation was a lot better than it had been thought, so broadcasters were interfering with each other. When solutions were found, some broadcasters had to change channels, and many channels previously open for use were closed. Partly in compensation, UHF 14 through 83 channels were allocated. |
| When I first saw this unit, I failed to recognize what it was! The numbers on the dial should be obvious, but I had to study the back panel to belatedly realize what the unit can do. |
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| The adapter has a local oscillator that mixes with the incoming UHF channel and outputs a signal in the neighborhood of channel 3, 4, or 5. This one is very elaborate. Note the tapered brass slugs pass through silver plated hoops. The position of the slugs tunes the incoming signal and the local oscillator. There are four of these tuned circuits, two on the top of the chassis and two on the bottom. Each pair is inside a shielded cover. |
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| This tuner has worked perfectly every time it has been turned on. |
| For additional information on early TV visit the Early Television Museum. |
| For additional information on early color television see Ed Reitan's web page. |
| For additional information on early color television see John Folsom's web page. |
Send questions or comments on this page to David Carlstrom.