CRT Tester Advice Request

[rtsherrod81]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I agree that test equipment prices are inflated on eBay, especially for items that have been featured on YouTube channels. One example is the Eico 147A signal tracer that was on Mr. Carlson’s Lab. It is a victim of the Carlson Effect. People are wanting well over $100 for something that could be had for no more than $50 a few years ago. Makes me wish I bought one before then to add to my Eico collection.

Well, I countered the offer on the CR70 with $180 last night and as I’m writing this, I received the offer acceptance email. Maybe I should’ve tried a lower counter offer. 🧐

Anyway, I’ll pay for it and see if I have buyers remorse or not. I’ll post again once I receive it.

Regards,

Bobby

[Notimetolooz]

Almost all vintage equipment needs to be re-capped and the calibration adjustments checked.
You need the service info of course.
I got a B&K 465 a couple of years ago at a large flea market for $25.
I don't trust the re-store function on it however so I disconnected the button when I re-capped it.
The restore function on any CRT tester is a last resort, they were included in the testers back when new CRTs were relatively expensive (compared to the cost of other parts) but CRTs were available.
The real test is in a TV.

[JohnCT]

Originally Posted by Notimetolooz

The restore function on any CRT tester is a last resort, they were included in the testers back when new CRTs were relatively expensive (compared to the cost of other parts) but CRTs were available.

Exactly!

There are a lot of FB guys who buy a rejuvenator and "clean" their CRTs like it's an oil change or something. I guess a new toy must be used..

There's only a finite amount of cathode material in a picture tube, and anything you do to "clean" or rejuventate it takes its toll on it.

I've rejuved probably a thousand tubes over the years using every machine ever built (I've had them all), and it's always been hit or miss, and it's always been to forestall either installing a new tube or buying a new TV.

Last resort is excellent advice!

My favorite is the B&K467 with a Sencore type heater bypass mod I do to them (keeps the heater on during clean/rejuv while I manually adjust the heater control).


John

[zeno]

I see you have one on the way.
The most important things on a CRT checker are getting ALL paperwork ( set-up guide, manual & schematic), & a good assortment of adapters. Sencore also
had a universal adapter that tests almost any CRT if you learn how.
They were very reliable as a rule. The main CRT cables on Sencores failed
on all 3 of ours but thats with HEAVY use. The commonly used adapters
also were troubled. Last thing is get a MODERN checker from apx 1970's up.
As for brands either B&K or Sencore is the way to go IMHO. We used the
Sencores most but has a few B&K's also.

73 Zeno
LFOD !

[rtsherrod81]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks again for the advice. I received the CR70 earlier this week and finally had a chance to use it on my recently acquired Zenith System 3 console. The CR70 is fully functional and allowed me to determine the CRT condition.

The CR70 included the operation manual, 1991 Set-Up Guide and all adapters including the universal.

Looking forward to using this on my other TV's in my collection.

Regards,

Bobby