What was the life expectation of an '50's-eraly '60's color C.R.T.

[firenzeprima]

I think that the average life of a CRT tube is approximately 8000 hours

[wa2ise]

Originally Posted by firenzeprima

I think that the average life of a CRT tube is approximately 8000 hours

I think that's what you can expect out of most non-power handling tubes, about 10,000 hours. The currents from CRT cathodes are fairly low. Comparable if not lower than what a tube in the IF strip would see.

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by wa2ise

I think that's what you can expect out of most non-power handling tubes, about 10,000 hours. The currents from CRT cathodes are fairly low. Comparable if not lower than what a tube in the IF strip would see.

actually, it's the current density required to get a sharp spot that determines cathode life, not the total current per se.