Hey forum,

I just created this account as I have earlier today found a 1984 rca xl 100 remote control operated television set. I found the set at a Goodwill for $5. I’ve powered it on and it does function, however upon hooking up one of my Nintendo Entertainment System’s to the tv through the cable input, I noticed that the screen is very snowy regardless of how much you fiddle around with the rf switch to the game system. I have tweaked with the focus pot as well as the different color switches. I’ve also noticed that there as several horizontal sections of the screen that are distorted while the game is broadcasted on the screen. Sound on the television is perfect. I’m not sure of what to do or where to begin on resolving the situation, as I have no formal experience in vintage television repair.

I appreciate any input or advice, thank you all very much.

-Gary

P.s.,

The dark colors of the Zelda screen was normal, not a color issue.

A picture is worth a thousand words, post a few.
Also post the chassis number, starts with CTC###-.
Its on the model label or printed on the chassis.

73 Zeno
LFOD !

Those dots look a lot like co-channel interference. Have you tried another channel? Typically channel 3/4 selectable, have you tried channel 4? Another TV, VCR, or DVD player on in the immediate area? if so, turn it off and see if the interference disappears.

Also make sure all of your RF connectors and cables are also in good condition.

You could also try (if you have one available) to hook up a VCR or some other peripheral to see how its picture comes through, unless you're sure the video game is in good working condition. Does that set have video input on the back (red white yellow jacks)? Those would bypass the tuner - a DVD player or some video games had those. Anything to try and narrow down where the problem might be.
As mentioned, add the model and chassis number when you get a chance. Console will have a model like GR742M, table model will start with F. (IIRC)
Dan

Model #FKR460WR. Serial #443640009, Chassis #CTC118A. I will post pics as soon as I attempt to try it with a VCR, also it does not have any other vga plug ins, it’s just UHF, VHF, and cable

I used the coaxial to connect the vcr to the cable input, doesn’t jive. This television doesn’t have an input or component channel so I tried 3 and 4, just flashed a really hazy blue screen.

Atari 2600’s picture quality is much better than using NES through cable. The horizontal bars are gone but the static snow is still present, see attached

Those CTC118's had the MST/MSC tuner setup, one is the tuner control (MSC) and the other is the tuner (MST).

The tuner control modules (MSC0012R, if I remember correctly) were famous for bad pin-to-board connections at J2 - it would detune or go off station, returning as if going through the range of fine tuning. It might behoove you to remove the MSC module, and if you are comfortable soldering, to touch up the soldering on all pin-to-board connections.

Here's a pix of an MSC module with it's side cover removed, revealing the circuit board bottom. I've circled the connection to be resoldered. It's a delicate operation, as some pads have circuit traces passing between them, so avoiding solder bridges is important.

I’ll definitely give it a go with resoldering the pin to board connectors, also, how do I get the screen to change size horizontally? I’ve found the pot that allows me to change the height of the screen, but not to from side to side, thanks.

The module says “MSC012RA”, and the box that the cable input feeds into says “MST007RD”

Width is set by the horizontal output stage and (possibly, if a bonded-yoke CRT) a width sleeve on the neck of the CRT. Not adjustable. If the width is insufficient, you have a bad component.

Without a test pattern or broadcast TV, I'm unable to determine if you have a width problem, a centering problem, or no problem.

MSC012 = module "R" = Remote Controlled Set "A"= module revision number. But yes, the MSC012RA is the one that gave us fits in the late 80s/early 90s. RCA blamed the bad connections on the "moving mass" of the cables that connect the two.

The width while I was running "The Legend of Zelda" on NES on this television, seemed to be within a normal width range, it seems to only be off center while running Atari 2600 catridge game programs.

Also, how would I go about getting a test pattern, or doing a broadcast?

Thank you for your help.

Attached is a photo of one of the Atari programs on screen, you’ll see what I mean by the picture seems to be off. NES is fine it seems

Here’s a couple pics of the yolk

Looks like outside interference to me. One thing to check is the input. If
you are using a game switch with flat wires AKA twin lead or 300 ohm there
is a jumper that needs to be plugged into the coax connector. Look close to
the coax input & you will see it.
If using coax there is nothing to do. Also a bad game switch or adaptor will
give this type of symptom......
Good advice on the resoldering, these put quite a few beers in our fridge. Only
remember 3 common problems with them. Good sets.

Here’s a 4 second clip of me running another NES console with the rf switch, the Atari didn’t act so snowy, but it gets pretty bad regardless of which NES I use. By the way, will resoldering the pin to board connections possibly stop the interference? By the way, there are no other devices plugged in, in the room where I’m testing the television, however there is numerous items plugged in upstairs.

Thank you all very very much!

-Gary

Still looks like outside interference getting in. Keep in mind almost anything can
be emitting crap these days including wall warts & light bulbs. They can transmit
it throughout the house & if bad even from an other house.
The 3 common problems with the cold joints were tuner drift or loss, intermintant
OSD & volume going up & down by itself. Tapping will usually make it come & go.
I dont think thats where your problem lies.

73 Zeno
LFOD !

I believe you're correct, I've noticed that when I move the Nintendo Entertainment System further away from the television set, the distortion begins to clear, however the horizontal lines which skew the words on the screen to the point that you can't read them, are still present. With the Atari 2600, there's virutally no interference minus some very faint static. I'm not sure of what to do now to further resolve this problem.