Thread: Dead TV

Just be careful with the tube. they hold a decemt belt for a while, and watch out for some of the big caps on the chassis, they can do the same.
The caps look like aluminium cans about 1-2" across and hold a nasty surprise.
Apart from that, no magnets except for the speakers, lots of copper wire around the yolk of the tube and probably a variety of bits of hardware that you may have a use for.
The case could make a nice mailbox

Thanks Iain. "........ they hold a decent belt for a while." Could you suggest how long? Is it days? Weeks?

soth

Capacitors can hold a belt for a long time - months, years even.

The dangerous method of discharging them is to put a screwdriver across the terminals, but this can result in big bites taken out of the screwdriver, especially if it's a large cap as found in a microwave.

The best method is to use a resistor (like the old ballast resistors used on cars with points ignition systems) with a well insulated probe attached to each end with good wire.

Then touch both probes onto the cap terminals to short it out safely via the resistor (which can get hot if you do a few big ones).


As far as parts donors, TVs don't offer all that much. You're better off scrounging around for an old computer printer (the older the better - more parts), a video (again, older is better) or a microwave.

Junked photocopiers are also a very good source of bits.

I know of a shop that mounts fish tanks in old TV frames. Not my cup of tea but a thought!!!

CP

Depends on the TV, but older ones may well include PCB's and other chemical nasties. Wear rubber gloves!

Ensure you short out the leads of the capacitors with and old screwdriver first! Ive had a blast from a 3 year dead TV.

Expect to find some variable resistors on knobs (may be useful for variable speed drives). Circuit boards which may be decorative. I have seen the most amazing copper trace patterns on some boards, once again depends on the TV (potentially inlaid into some Matrix type modern object).

If its really old and has valves.. well you are sitting on a little treasure and it may well be worth something to a restorer.

The case as you mentioned and bits of steel and plastic are mostly what you will find. The transformers are fun if you have the means to determine the relative voltages of the windings, other wise take it all to a metal merchant. When I was a kid it was great fun to throw rocks at the tubes to break them but nowadays..... well lets leave that to peoples imagination.......

Sebastiaan.

I've seen old picture tubes used as terrariums, knock the end off wash it out and put plants inside the tube.

Originally Posted by echnidna

I've seen old picture tubes used as terrariums, knock the end off wash it out and put plants inside the tube.

Oooooo that is dangerous............. Tube may implode resulting in glass every where.

On the back of the tube is a little bit of glass tube that has been sealed.
Open that......slowly..... but do not open the whole back of the tube..or knock the end off...