I want to take apart my Vectrex ... what should I be concerned
about first ...
CAUTION: First the
picture tube must be discharged to avoid electrical shock of perhaps
5000 - 7000 volts!
WARNING: If this is
not done soon after opening your console before attempting any repairs,
serious and perhaps life threatening injury may result.
IMPORTANT: Read all of the following and understand each step
before attempting this procedure!
1. Unplug the Vectrex console !!
2. Hold both screwdrivers by their handles ... do not touch the metal
shafts!
2. Put one to the ground wire running around the picture tube.
3. The other to the high voltage tension wire under the "suction cup"
on the top of the picture tube.
4. Make contact between the two metal shafts of the two screwdrivers.
If the console has been used within the last 12-24 hours, you should
hear and see a brief spark from an arc of electrical charge. If you
do not see or hear the arc spark, try again. If the spark occurred,
then the picture tube is now discharged.
Proceed with your repairs.
CAUTION: Failure to properly perform
the above procedure properly could result in a voltage shock, bodily
harm and or death.
Want to practice the above again? Put down both screwdrivers away from
the console. Plug in the console. Turn it on briefly. Then Off and unplug.
Try the above again and observe the spark. If done in a dimly lighted
room, the spark may be more easily seen.
Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA 31-MAY-00
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