Dayton Engineer

By Alexandria Ford '26

Engineers at the University of Dayton are empowered to follow their passions as they engage in our holistic education and skill development inside the classroom. Junior electrical and computer engineering technology student Michael Kennelly found his passion for hands-on learning in restoring his family’s 1951 Transvision A-3 television. 

Kennelly’s family inherited this television several years ago in an unknown condition. The TV was said to be in the family for over two generations, starting with his great grandfather. This particular Transvision model was produced by a company that offered affordable television kits for consumers to assemble independently. The company operated for only 15 years due to a combination of management issues and operating losses. It was unclear if the television would be operational. Last winter, Kennelly took on the challenge of repairing the TV and attempting to restore the model as fully functional.

“I felt as if I was working alongside my great grandfather while restoring his old television,” Kennelly said. 

Kennelly’s first step was cleaning the TV and identifying the specific model. With only the serial number available, Kennelly posted images of the television along with relevant background information on AntiqueRadios.com. Within a day, several users identified the set as a Transvision and provided him with the necessary schematics and drawings of its original design elements. This engagement allowed him to connect with individuals interested in virtually assisting with the restoration of the TV, as well as identify the specific model. 

“Seeing the number of people pouring in to help with this project was astonishing to me. This group on AntiqueRadios.com provided me with a sense of direction and a knowledge base I could rely on,” Kennelly said. 

During the cleaning process, Kennelly uncovered extensive modifications made by his great grandfather to the television set. These alterations posed considerable challenges, as they diverged from the original schematic. After assessing over 70 years of changes to the original TV, Kennelly developed a new schematic with the aid of old television manuals and online forums. He conducted a comprehensive diagnosis and repair, replacing the rotting wax capacitors, troubleshooting the audio circuit, replacing the brightness potentiometer and repairing the focus control circuit.

“There were several periods of doubt when troubleshooting and problems kept seeming to crop up. Through perseverance and help with others on the forum, I was finally able to see a picture on the screen with my mother standing next to me, a moment I will never forget,” Kennelly said.

At the conclusion of the summer, the television was fully restored with a DVD player connected to provide a signal. Kennelly developed extensive knowledge of vacuum tube electronics, amplifier circuits and the techniques of schematic drawing. The project centered around the application of reverse engineering techniques.

Dr. Alex Watson, assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Management, Systems and Technology, provided guidance to Kennelly during his project. Dr. Watson assisted Kennelly in identifying the components of the television and determining the values of the unknown inductors. As a mentor throughout the project, Kennelly appreciated the faculty's willingness to listen and provide valuable feedback.

“When you work together with others, great things can be achieved,” Kennelly said. 

Kennelly is also the founder and president of Overexposed and Underdeveloped, the campus photography club. For Kennelly, photography serves as a creative outlet that effectively combines technology and artistic expression.

“Take advantage of the many opportunities UD has to offer and use this to find your purpose,” Kennelly said. 

Following graduation, Kennelly intends to pursue his passion for circuit design and analysis, which he developed during the television restoration project.

Kennelly's schematic drawing.