Walkie-Lookie Backback TV Camera Transmitter

• alternative name: RCA Manufacturing || Victor Talking Machine

Type describes the first system for US FCC 525/60 standard wireless field b/w TV transmission at live coverages for a range up to a quarter mile (~ 0,4 km/ other sources up to a mile ~1.6 km).

Three separate units:

1. 8 lb/ 3,6 kg hand-held Vidicon camera with electronic viewfinder and microphone for cameramen commentary when working alone, wired with
2. 45 lb/ 20 kg backpack 593,96 MHz AM double sideband 2 W video- and pulse duration modulated audio transmitter (between US UHF ch. 33 - 35). Synchronized by 154.49 MHz VHF transmitted wireless remote 60 Hz genlock embedded in cam-operators audio channel.
3. Rack remote control station (OB van or stationary)

Transmitter operates by third overtone of a 49.496 MHz X-tal controlled osc. Then tripled to 148.49 MHz & doubled twice.

The 149.40 MHz is used for the VHF heterodyne receiver (= US VHF high band/ 6 MHz IF) .

Power supply by 60 Ah silver-cell battery for dynamotor (150 & 250 VDC), 150 W total power consumption, 60 % power efficiency for 1.5 h operation time on a single charge.

C76192 Vidicon pickup tube, 1" view-finder CRT, 

Although the raster sync frequency was recovered out of the 60 Hz sinus received from the remote control station, there was no vertical synchronizing signal transmitted back by the backpack!

Engineered 1951 by RCA, David Sarnoff Research Center, Princeto w n, Ne w Jersey. First known major service in Juli 1952 at the Chicago Political Convention broadcasts.

Credits to: Mr. Gary Davis at the Early Television Convention 2011 in Ohio USA and his presentation.
Just a few tube types listed!

Here you find 5132 models, 3235 with images and 4167 with schematics for wireless sets etc. In French: TSF for Télégraphie sans fil.
All listed radios etc. from RCA (RCA Victor Co. Inc.); New York (NY)