Project 1 - CRT TV Set - Day 2

Last time, we fnished getting the Circuit board out of the TV, but had to stop right after removing only a few components from the board.  Today, we will go deeper in, to the many parts that make the TV work.  To figure out where to begin, we can take another look at our board, and decide which big parts are in the way of the smaller parts.

Project 1 - CRT TV Set - Day 1

Finally the journey begins...

I would like to precede this post with a warning.  There are several parts inside a CRT Television that are extremely dangerous to touch, if they still contain an electrical charge.  This does not mean just unplug them.  Proper methods should be taken to insure that the parts are discharged of any electricity stored within them.  A good guide on doing this is contained here:  How to Safely Discharge a CRT TV
Be sure to perform this action once the TV is open, and we have access to the CRT anode lead.  Also, be careful with the actual CRT, as this is a vacuum and could implode if broken.  Eye protection is encouraged.

Now that we have the formalities out of the way, lets begin with a nice view of the project.

This TV, like many electronics you will see in future posts on this site, has led a long and healthy life.  Unfortunately for it, I support the complete euthanization of electronics who can challenge me in age.  Now, at first glance, a TV doesn't appear that special.  It have a big glass screen, a plastic covering, and some plugs on the back.  To reveal the true glory of the TV, we must first strip it of its covering.  After a simple removal of a few screws on the back with my trusty screwdriver, the back panel lifted quite easily off of the rest of the TV.  This left my TV nicely exposed to the goldmine of parts it concealed.

The Toolbag...

Breaking apart something electronic is quite easy.  You can take any blunt metal object and bash the soft plastic shell that covers most, quite easily.  Unfortunately, for the process of salvaging, we require quite a bit more finesse.

In order to obtain a clear look at the insides of our electronics, without significantly damaging them, there are several tools you will find to be of good use.  The following illustrations are lain out below to demonstrate the tools I use on a regular basis, and I have yet to find an actual need for anything else.

The Beginning...

Welcome,

A simple part of life is that our electronics eventually fail us. Nowadays, this means going to the store and buying a replacement for that old tv or radio. What happens to the old? Some people tuck them away in a closet or box. Others simply throw them out. My goal is to explore the possibility of salvaging the useful from the dead. Think of this as a guide for those wishing to make their electronics into "organ donors."

Recently, my granddad has given me full access to his old electronics shop. This has opened up a whole new selection of electronics for me to work on ranging from old tvs, radios, vcrs, and cameras. To put these aging appliances to good use, I have decided to go through the extensive process of taking them apart, down to the smallest pieces, detailing what is worth using, keeping, or selling for that DIY electrician.

Happy Hunting,
Fletch