behshad wrote on 2025-01-09, 08:09:
If this isn’t an easy fix, I’ll probably end up throwing it out, but I thought I’d ask here first just in case there’s a simple solution.
You should probably define what an "easy fix" is then. 😉
As mkarcher noted, there's probably indeed something "wonky" going on with the H-deflection circuit. Could be something as simple / "easy fix" as a dislodged connector or broken solder joint, or as difficult as hunting for a failed component when there are no visual signs of any component being failed anywhere. It could also be something intermediate, like a bulged electrolytic capacitor (or two). In any case, you probably won't be able to get it fixed without opening it.
Does that mean you should trash it? - I'd say definitely not. At the very least, perhaps consider giving it away for free locally. And if you have a bit of time and willing to try some "stuff" under the guidance of others here, there's actually a chance you may be able to get it fixed. I'm sure you're probably thinking at this point "no way - CRTs are too dangerous"... and I can understand the concern. But honestly, they really aren't when a few simple precautions are taken first. My first "serious" electronic repair was a CRT monitor (that I still have today and it's still working) back when I was 17. I didn't have any training back then and my soldering skills were quite basic. But I just unplugged the thing before opening it and made sure to not touch anything I shouldn't. I did have to discharge the primary cap (was still holding 160V even after the CRT had sat unplugged for a month), but that was it. Working on CRTs in not really more dangerous than working on cars. In fact, it's probably safer in many ways. And speaking of cars, even if you don't work on cars, I'm sure you use one at least once in a while. For those who like statistics, there's actually a much higher chance you can die or get hurt from a car crash than you would from working on a CRT set. Really, the main precaution that needs to be take when working on CRTs is to: 1) make sure the set is unplugged from the wall (and that really should be common sense here) and 2) test and/or discharge the primary input capacitor (typically a large round cylinder-shaped object near the power cord with rating of 400 or 450V... or in rare cases, one to two 200V ones.) That's really it.
