Sams Photofacts (Was: Re: Rejuvenating VT320 monitors?)

From: Mzthompson_at_aol.com <(Mzthompson_at_aol.com)>
Date: Tue Feb 22 07:24:19 2000

John Wilson <wilson_at_dbit.dbit.com> wrote:

> BTW, do Sams Photofacts still exist, and if so can they be ordered on-line?
> Our old VCR has been getting picky about what channels it will and won't
> receive, but I'm probably too dense to repair a tuner even *with*
schematics,
> let alone without. But the only real electronics shop in the area can't get
> Photofacts any more...

I honestly don't know it they do exist anymore, haven't had a need in
years. The last time I saw a current Photofact, it was nothing more than
a reprint of the manufacturer's material. It was not the Photofacts of
old so I just sort of forgot about them. I think I bought my last one
aroung 1976.

It so happens that my first electronics job was with Sams PhotoFacts.
That was about 30 years ago. At that time they actually acquired one of
each model and tore it down to produce the photos and schematics. My job
consisted of unpacking the TV, then setting it up with a mess of sensors
attached to critical components to measure various parameters. I also
disassembled the TV and wrote the disassembly instructions, did the
chassis overview drawing, and chassis overview photos calling out the
major controls and components. After that the cabinet and CRT were
stored and the chassis sent down the 'line' for schematics to be drawn
and parts lists produced. That process took 6-8 weeks. The fun part was
after that, the set had to be reassembled and restored to working order.
During the time on the line, the chassis would be handled by dozens,
dropped, kicked, spilled on, and who knows what else. It was a nightmare
sometimes to get a set working again, but I learned a lot. Fortunately,
it was not my job to reassemble all of them, just something we all did
when lacking for something to do or in need of a change.

Some of the perks were nice, like a free subscription to Photofact of the
Month. The was a file room where 50 or so copies of each individual
Photofact were archived. You were free to go there and pull anything
you needed. If it was not there, then tell the secretary and she would
order it from other archives. One time I needed a Photofact for what
at the time was considered an antique radio. I told the secretary and
the next day she brought the complete folder, #47 as I recall. I have
long since forgot the original issue date on that one. The other neat
thing was the quarterly employee book sale. Needless to say, I have
my share of Sams books, the paperbacks all bought for a quarter each.
It pained me in later years to have to pay full price.

I remember even back then that they were cutting back there 'coverage'
of things like clock radios and the less expensive TV's. I guess
you can call it the dawn of the age of 'discarding'. So I have to
wonder what kind of coverage they provided for VCR's.

Forgive me, John (et al), for not really answering your question. I
had not even though about Sams in years and your posting prompted me
to share. Excuse the rambling about old times.

Mike
Received on Tue Feb 22 2000 - 07:24:19 GMT