RCA Orthophonic 6HF3

[Motorola minion]

These are popping up so they must have been popular as can be for some reason, I paid 60 for one and the other was a traded for repairs to a portable VCR. The record changers are RP203s with 4 speeds and mono cart which cannot be used on stereo LPs, not that they would be a first choice on this console.

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From 1956, this model was popular as it was the baby bear to the TOTL 6HF1 and smaller 6HF2. The unit is all mono but has a more equipped look to it

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[William]

I see these pop up often and they are usually inexpensive. They came in several different cabinet styles.

Bill

[electra225]

I like it! I like the trim and especially the changer.

[Motorola minion]

Greetings fellow Nipper enthusiasts! This is not the top-line for '56 like the SHF1 was for 1958, but its a whole lot easier to restore, more room to work and uses very standard tubes and easily-sourced parts. If fact, I recommend RCA to anyone starting their first restoration. The results are nearly always encouraging.

This is a console record player with AM-FM. No FM-afc, no tuning eye tube, not stereo/multiplex and no extra tone controls. The record player is an RP-203 and very similar to one used in the totl (top of the line) Orthophonic models 6HF1 and 6HF2.

This was a standard 10 watt model using push-pull 6V6 (6HF1 was 40 watts 4 x 6L6) and although modest inside with easy access, it looks expensive although the junior version outside. I also picked up a second Orthophonic console almost identical but a 1957 model 7HF3. The later 1958-59 SHF models were similar externally-only but preamp and radio on same chassis as the amp, stereo phonographs and preamps using 3 6CG7 to feed single-ended 6V6 output stages.

This particular console came from the original owners' grandson who lives about 2 hours north in the Pocono mountains of Monroe Co. Pa. The original owner was a steel working man from Leechburg, Pa north of Pittsburgh. This console was used with multiple antenna switches to maximize reception of far-away stations like 650 AM in Nashville with real country music, Canadian AM stations with big-band era music and some real bluegrass on Ohio valley FM stations from neighboring Ohio and West Virginia. If even half of what I was told is true, Grandfather Atwood's hilltop house was a party location for any reason. After he moved, the console was handed down to this grandson and the party house burned down in the 70s after being turned into apartments. A typical PA old-house story unfortunately.

It now has a new home at our family camp about 3 hours north of here, also up on a high elevation. A quick check of operation when I was up there over the weekend tells me it will be enjoyed for many years to come. I took the entire console there a few weeks ago, then pulled both chassis for bench time. The record player work is saved for later when I finish up the SHF1's player which is nearly identical.

Back here in the flatlands, I was able to recap the amplifier and align IF stages on the radio chassis. I did not perform any RF alignment as the AM loop board and FM screw terminal leads were still in the cabinet, and they figure into RF alignment in a big way. So far, built-in antennas seemed OK on the stations available up north but lead-in wires will be added to place antennas out doors.

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[William]

Nice looking RCA, Dave. I always get confused with RCA model numbers. I know they all have a meaning but I'm not sure what that is? And, there are so many models.

Bill

[Firedome]

Wonder if that other one W of Scranton is still available? If so, bet it's cheap by now, if you need a 3rd one! LOL

[Motorola minion]

Wonder if that other one W of Scranton is still available? If so, bet it's cheap by now, if you need a 3rd one! LOL

I was wondering if they will call me when they move finally. Last time I called-confirmed to come out and look, seller then texted later before I left, there was a family emergency'.

A few years ago, I saw a very similar orthophonic cabinet (SHF7 ?) gutted and ready for the bonfire at Kutztown, but the original record player and drawer were still inside . I removed them of course, but only after I dropped off my own crappy RCA SS console cabinet (also gutted) VLT-51 a common 1969 model.

[Motorola minion]

Nice looking RCA, Dave. I always get confused with RCA model numbers. I know they all have a meaning but I'm not sure what that is? And, there are so many models.

Bill

As far as I can tell, Orthophonics up to 1959 used an HF, SHC, SHF, etc
HF=mono high fidelity, 6 prefix number is year, lower numbers=more expensive, so a 3 is 3rd from top.

1960 to 1964 went to V numbers for victrola VF=victrola furniture? AND TPM, etc was also used no guess there. A model 3VF306a is pretty obvious

There is no RCA sales literature I have ever seen, just silly assumptions for now

[William]

Thanks Dave!

Bill

[Firedome]

Also starting around 1960 were the Mark Series in both TV and audio, not sure how those went...
I still have the Operating Instructions and hang tag for a Mark II 3VF61 Series.
It was one of those 2 level jobs with the speakers up top like a hutch.
Sold it after a while as it was hugely space consuming sounded just so-so.

[electra225]

Dave, would you mind posting those RCA model number codes on the Getting Started board? That would be good information to know if one gets an RCA instrument and wants to know more about it. Thanks.

[Motorola minion]

Dave, would you mind posting those RCA model number codes on the Getting Started board? That would be good information to know if one gets an RCA instrument and wants to know more about it. Thanks.

If I could only put my hands on some early 60s factory literature with code charts, it would be so much better.

I had a 3VF349 that I sold 9 being the "Mark IX". I have seen other trim levels such as TPM, PM after the pre-1960 S-numbers were retired.

I will do one each, to the best of my knowledge, for RCA, Magnavox, Zenith and Motorola.

I will note also that V-M has a website, VintageSylvania is a great resource and of course Jon's Fisherconsoles. Admirals, Philcos and others will be guesses of yours truly

[electra225]

That will be great, Dave. Thank you.!

[William]

Yes, that would be great, Dave. And, thank you very much.

Bill