LabGuy's World: 1955 Dage 60A Vacuum Tube Vidicon Camera

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1955 Dage 60A Vacuum Tube Vidicon Camera
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        Here is an example of one of the earliest vidicon cameras to hit the open market. I'm guessing that this camera was made in 1955. This may not be correct, but it is very close. A wonderful example of the "bleeding edge" of technology in the 1950's. 
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They don't make 'em like this any more!
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        This camera is all vacuum tube in design, incorporating an RCA 6198 [VIDICON TUBE] for image pick. Eight vacuum tubes total counting the vidicon. Complex as it looks, this camera is simpler than most "simple" integrated circuit chips today! Observe the point to point wiring beneath the chassis. 
The 6198 was the earliest vidicon tube on the market. The rear panel is removable so that an extension cable could be fitted between it and the camera body. Or possibly this went to a separate controller. When I examined the inside of the camera I discovered that the rack focus screw, for the vidicon deflection yoke, is driven by a small DC motor! I traced its wires back to the connector behind the control panel. This would allow remote focus control when on an extension cable.
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WANTED: Any literature related to this camera.

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Last updated: January 06, 2005