Best way to power up 40+ year old TV?

[Ed in Tx]

I have an old National-Panasonic 17" TV from about 1972, hasn't been powered up in at least 40 years. I figure bring up the power slow with a Variac. PLEASE ADVISE since I haven't done this before.

[Eric H]

I usually just plug in sets from that era, if it's a tube set and you have a Variac you could do it that way to be on the safe side.
Some Solid State sets have serious issues with low voltage.

[Ed in Tx]

Thanks I may nave to pull the back off to see if it's all solid-state or hybrid. It's actually a early 70's "National" TV which was factory modified to be a 4-channel display, with red green and blue quad pattern, speaker level audio fed into the rear panel. It's going to a new home.

[zeno]

If solid state safest way is unplug the degauser. This keeps
the current down at turn on & not fooling you.
Set variac apx 80 V.
Watch current & turn on for a second, should be abt 1A or
a little more. Do a few more times longer each time. If OK
start turning up the voltage. After the CRT warms current
should settle down at abt 3/4 amp.

Unless you know the set there are no guaranties but this is
old so probably safe to do. Sets that blew out are super rare.
I would NEVER do it to a mid 70's Sony.

73 Zeno

BTW dont forget to plug the DGS coil back in !

[Ed in Tx]

Thanks sounds like a plan!

[Jon A.]

Originally Posted by zeno

If solid state safest way is unplug the degauser. This keeps
the current down at turn on & not fooling you.
Set variac apx 80 V.
Watch current & turn on for a second, should be abt 1A or
a little more. Do a few more times longer each time. If OK
start turning up the voltage. After the CRT warms current
should settle down at abt 3/4 amp.

Unless you know the set there are no guaranties but this is
old so probably safe to do. Sets that blew out are super rare.
I would NEVER do it to a mid 70's Sony.

73 Zeno

BTW dont forget to plug the DGS coil back in !

Assuming the Sony isn't already blown.

I'm sure I'll need that info eventually, so thanks from me too.

[zeno]

Originally Posted by Jon A.

Assuming the Sony isn't already blown.

I'm sure I'll need that info eventually, so thanks from me too.

While doing this use all your senses. Feel the HOT shouldnt get hot.
Smell for burning. Listen for crackling, arcing, Look for fire.
I never tasted one though......

73 Zeno