Component Salvage - the TV Set

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Original poster: Matthew Smith <matt-at-kbc-dot-net.au> 

Hi All

As one always looking out for "bits" for coiling and other experimentation, 
I've had quite a good find in an old, large TV.  For those on a budget or 
who, like me, like to work as much as possible with recycled components, I 
thought I'd share my finds:

Good stuff
----------
* Degaussing coil.  Loosely wound, quite a lot of copper here.  May be 
enough for a small (tabletop) secondary.  Unlike so many pre-wound devices, 
no glue!
* Power transformer.  Wow - this must be old, no SMPS!  This transformer is 
240V in, 6.4-0-120V out.  The set itself is only rated to 150W - I wonder 
how much current I could get at 120V.  The core is as large as one from a 
medium MOT. Looks promising as a supply for an SSTC.
* Power supply board.  Diodes and chokes could probably be used with the 
transformer, but I'd replace the capacitors due to age.
* Flyback transformer.
* Voltage tripler unit.  Looks pretty meaty.
* Huge heatsinks.  They have sockets for T03 semis and are slotted to 
accommodate the plug-in boards.  Off with the sockets, on with TO220 
insulating kits!  I don't know what the dissipation for these is, but 
should be up to SSTC or flyback driver duty.
* Plenty of TO3 power transistors (bipolar).  I'm unlikely to use these 
myself, but fine for things such as flyback drivers.  (Especially the one 
that was driving the flyback!)
* Earthing braid around tube.  Makes good, er, earthing braid...
* Lots of passive components, including many high-wattage resistors.  The 
boards are all single-sided, so desoldering is a breeze.
* Plywood case.  Can either make a box for your equipment or go in the 
winter fire!

Bad stuff
---------
* Tube.  I have to find somewhere to dispose of this.  I try to avoid the 
dump since they charge...
* Various pieces of metal.  Far too many holes to make them useful for 
anything - drop off at scrap metal depot when I go to get refrigeration 
compressors for my vacuum system.

Warnings
--------
* Implosion risk from tube.  HANDLE WITH CARE.
* These big'uns are HEAVY.  Nearly busted a gut carrying it over uneven 
ground and loading it into the already packed back of my 4x4.  Lift with 
your legs!
* Aussie salvagers: watch out for redbacks - I found one (empty) redback 
web in their.  US salvagers: since they're virtually the same critter, 
watch out for black widows.

Conclusion:  Well worth picking over provided you have somewhere to dispose 
of the tube.

Cheers

M

-- 
Matthew Smith
Kadina Business Consultancy
South Australia
http://www.kbc-dot-net.au