Dead Trutech 20" Set
 

This set was a curb find; it's a Trutech (Target's in-house electronics brand) 20" CRT, model number T2000-FT.

Set is dead; no power. Inspection reveals the AC line fuse to be blown. I replaced the fuse and the set immediately popped the fuse again the second it was plugged in. Ideas? I don't see any visible damage on the mainboard (no vented caps, burnt resistors, etc.)

It's a nice enough looking set inside and out, and doesn't appear to be cheap junk. It would be cool to get it running.

Check the LV rectifier diodes, LV regulator transistor, electrolytics in the LV power supply, and the horizontal output transistor.

If the fuse is blowing before the set is even turned on, check the powerline bypass cap(s), as well.

The set is blowing the fuse the second it sees AC power.

I wish I knew where all those components were on the board. :D (Well, most of them--some I am aware of.)

I hope that set is better than other "Truetech" products. I bought a Trutech DVD player because I LOVED the size. It was tiny.. and an impulse purchase. It wasn't much money, but I think I got 5 plays out of it.
Speaking of Target... (I must be cursed), I bought a Toshiba 13" DVD Combo set. Set broke within six months with what sounds like the same problem you're having with your Truetech. It would actually spark from the plug in. Took it back, Target gave me another one, and it was DOA (same problem) out of the box. Took that back and exchanged it for a Target gift card instead.

Ouch! D:

I'm not getting sparks from the outlet, but when the fuse blows, it's not slow or quiet--it 'POPS' quite brightly. :yikes:

Put a size or 2 bigger in there...It may have been too small to begin with...(grin)

Haha, I thought that for awhile. The original fuse was a 2 amp--the replacement it blew was a 4 amp. :D

Well, put a Penny in there....(grin)

I'm not stickin' a penny in there! *hands penny* Here, you do it! :D

If it blows the penny too, then I'd suggest getting another TV and replacing the breaker that outlet is on :D.....................Wait, what am I saying!!!!!!! :yikes:

If that thing popped a penny I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole! :D

What, you fellers DON'T trust "Redneck Engineering" ?!? (grin)

On the contrary, check my response in the 'first TV you ever fixed' thread. :D

Why am I reminded of the "Dead Parrot" sketch"- "That Parrot wouldn't "Voom" if you put 400) Volts thru him..." Hehehehehe...

Now, I am honestly wondering what, if anything, would blow up if I put a solid piece of metal in there...or would it just be a case of slightly too much current, and the set would work fine?