John Wilson <wilson(a)dbit.dbit.com> wrote: schematics, 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