Discharging CRT anode and capacitors on a VT52 DECscope

From: Paul Koning <pkoning_at_equallogic.com>
Date: Thu May 27 07:43:40 2004

>>>>> "John" == John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com> writes:

 John> You may or may not hear a snap, or see a small blue flash when
 John> you get the tip of the screwdriver close enough to the anode
 John> connection - it depends on how well the CRT in the terminal is
 John> retaining it's charge.

One small point:

In this process, be sure you keep your fingertips WELL away from the
metal shaft of the screwdriver. The most natural position for the
fingers is close to the metal, occasionally slipping right onto it.
That's NOT where you want to be when you're poking around high
voltages.

There are special "safety" screwdrivers (designed/approved for work in
live mains power systems). Those have shafts that are insulated right
up to the tip.

You could give yourself a little extra safety by wrapping a few layers
of electrician's tape around the top 2-3 inches of the screwdriver
shaft. But keeping your fingers on the top half of the handle is the
thing to aim for.

      paul
Received on Thu May 27 2004 - 07:43:40 BST