CRT HURTS ME! Can't play arcade! HELP! Nightmare!

[Kaizen777]

Friends, I'm almost embarrassed to bring this up.  I know many of you have spent decades around CRTs, playing on them, servicing them, etc.
Am I so feeble?
I have an awesome arcade machine (with a 25" arcade monitor) in what will become my nerd-man-child cave.
It is begging to be played.  It is loaded with dreams and memories of my youth, but it sits there unused.

The problem is if I use it for more than 15-20 minutes it HURTS!
My face / neck / ears get hot.  I get a sort of burnt feeling.  Similar to sun overexposure, but not identical.
This pierces a bit deeper than that.  It sometimes comes with a mild headache (I NEVER get headaches otherwise).
I played on it for 35 minutes last night and paid the price.  Felt the 'burn', felt somewhat unwell, and woke up this morning with the burnt feeling still present.  It will probably take until the end of the day for it to go away.
I'm truly sad.  I have something I've wanted most of my life, and I can't enjoy it!!!  ='(

WHAT THE EARTH???   What could be going on? 
Could it be EMF, or UV, or some other form of radiation or emission from this thing?
Why CRTs?  I don't have this problem with other electronics.
Is there some way to shield the screen even further, if it could be something like that (obviously without messing with the image too much).
I'm working on a retro console setup too.  Both my CRT TVs I have do this to me as well, though not as bad given I can sit further away from them.
BONKERS!  BS!!!

I have considered switching it out for an LCD but... I've got groovymame w/ ASIO + crt_emudriver going and it is BLISS.
It is truly an authentic experience.  (Would be nice if I could actually experience it for more than 5 minutes.)
LCD lag/black levels would ruin it.  I've spent hours trying to get an LCD to look like a CRT, and it just doesn't cut it.
I thought about finding a 39" or so plasma tv and rotating it vertically to get a useable 4:3 ratio 25 inches.  Haven't found one.
I have an LG CX OLED tv as my main computer monitor.  I've played emulators on it, and wow.. If they ever make a small enough oled that would be the (pricey) solution.
Perfect blacks, popping colors, very fast response.  But alas, who knows when that will be.

I have actually played it with a beanie on, sunglasses, and a face mask.  Yes.  It's true.
I sit 4' from my 65" OLED tv (as a monitor) most of the day with no issue.
Last night I was like, c'mon you puny little 25" display -- I can handle you!
It kicked my --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--.
Do I need to wear a faraday cage on my head?

Have y'all heard about another loon with this issue before, besides me?
I do everything with my arcade but play it - and that of course was the whole point.  ='(

Worth nothing that I have fair skin.  I wouldn't say I burn easily, but my skin gets irritated in a similar (but different) way from around 30 minutes of sun exposure.
I feel like I need to put water / lotion on my skin for comfort afterwards.

It would really be dreamy to find a solution to this nightmare.  I want my 'cade!!!!!

Any ideas, tips, feedback = much appreciated!
If not, I welcome the jabs and the rips.  Make fun all you want. 
=D

EDIT:  SPOKE TOO SOON ABOUT THE OLED TV - had only had it 4 days when I posted this.  I was having symptoms - I thought it was JUST from messing with my arcade.  NOPE.  The OLED TV hurts me too.  I get the same sunburn-like feeling on my face, arms, hands, and even the top of my head (as this thing is big).  Took days of using neither to get over it.  Dammmnit!!!!

[pbj]

Can’t help you but I really enjoyed that movie you were in with Nicole Kidman.  The Others?  Great flick.

 

[lilshawn]

this.... is hilarious.

but my psychosomatic evaluation? maybe you just aren't used to the high frequency switching of a CRT. i know if I have my head jammed in the back of a standard res monitor cabinet, the 15khz switching makes my head feel like it's going to explode... and i'm 40 with hearing loss, and listen to meshuggah at full volume (as you should) without issue. bumping bass test tones at over 130db's? give me more... stand next to a PA speaker, reach around back so my ear is pressed up against the face of it and turn it up all the way until it clips? daily.

...but that 15khz tone....can't stand it.

[jennifer]

I have never heard anyone ever bring that up before, Folks around here thought Jenn was crazy back when I first brought it up...Years ago I got a call from a guy said his machine was haunted, yes I know, But aparently his wife felt watched while playing the machine, swore up and down, I went rebuilt the monitor, and got another call, this time she was seeing fleeting images of ghosts watching her play...On page one of service manual it talks about theory of operation, and UV exposure...I am thinking a faulty tube in theory, may expell higher than normal levels, which would be a radiation poisoning, The symptoms you describe are actually consistent with such (obviously I am not a doctor)...It's still a theory I can't prove, but food for thought...Another thought may be certian frequency trigger episodes of epilepsy in some people and possibly an offshoot symptem of that?

[bobbyb13]

If not a faulty monitor  (is there another similar machine somewhere else you can try and see if you get the same result from?) then it could be your posture and the angle your head/neck are tilted are giving you a nerve pinch issue.
I imagine any other sceeen you are in front of you are viewing at an entirely different angle and probably not standing and looking down at.

The last service van I drove was uncomfortable to me right off the bat, but tolerable I thought-

Until it resulted in a pinched nerve in my neck that eventually made me nauseated after 10 minutes of driving it and caused me to have an exhausted left arm, sore shoulder, headache and even aching wisdom teeth.

Gnarly- and not to be ignored if such is the case!

[Zebidee]

If you are sitting in front of an OLED all day it might actually be that causing your problems (neck pain, sore eyes). Ergonomics is important.

Jenn has a point about the epilepsy thing, and I thought about that before even reading her reply. So yeah, might be worth getting that checked out too.

I have had similar symptoms, like lilshawn mentioned, when working around the back of a monitor while it is turned on. I noticed it most when adjusting geometry on Sony PVMs - so I make a point of limiting my time in that position (working behind CRTs), as it is possible they can emit X-ray radiation from behind.

Try gaming with CRT in different position. Get a new chair for your workstation. Get a massage (will ease sore neck/shoulders) or see a physio, and maybe see a doctor.

[JRobATL]

All of the above. Pain is your body's way of telling you to stop, so you definitely want to listen to it. Get advice from medical professionals, not from us. 

Since you are extra-sensitive to radiation as you said, it may be worth it to get a radiation or emf monitor just because you may be more susceptible to "allowable radiation". They're not expensive, and far cheaper than any medical procedure.  Here's one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07TCFX8Y2/ref=psdcmw_5011676011_t1_B078T2R64C

[Robbbert]

CRTs make x-rays, usually at low levels, but this can increase a lot if the EHT voltage is too high.

The usual symptom of excessive EHT is the picture is brighter than normal, and can shrink in a bit from the edges.

The usual cause is a faulty tuning capacitor in the horizontal output stage.

But, maybe your body is just overly-sensitive to the various emissions a CRT can make. At least try to stay back from it. Remember, when watching TV we were reminded to sit on the couch instead of sitting right in front of the television. Sitting too close is bad for you.

[pbj]

Run your tongue over your teeth.  Do it for a few minutes.  Are they starting to feel loose?

Bite on a piece of aluminum foil.  Do you feel a tingle?

Symptoms of radiation poisoning, and I suggest you get your affairs in order.

[jennifer]

I am not so sure I would go all nuclear doom and gloom here...Metal halide would be the same principle with UV, radiation, I have felt quite sick on a few occasions, and severe sunburns...Jennifer is not dead, And Nicola Tesla aparently used to Xray his head everyday, but back then they also thought it had health benefits, but don't think that's what killed him.

[Vocalitus]

You are suffering from electromagnetic sensitivity.

My suggestion is to wrap your body with tin foil sheets and not aluminum foil as there is a difference.

Make sure all your electricity is tuned off in your domicile and use only kerosene lanterns for light.  Just be careful not to intentionally kick the lantern and light your domicile on fire.

Keep your cell phone and any electronic devices in your mailbox, and have your brother or family member take your calls.

Remember you are not alone, and the condition is well known amongst binge watching groups.

I hope you feel better.  Maybe play a game of scrabble or Yahtzee instead.

[Kaizen777]

LMAO good one... I saw Better Call Saul.  No I'm not like Chuck.  Not sensitive to all electronics / electricity.  =D

You are suffering from electromagnetic sensitivity.

My suggestion is to wrap your body with tin foil sheets and not aluminum foil as there is a difference.

Make sure all your electricity is tuned off in your domicile and use only kerosene lanterns for light.  Just be careful not to intentionally kick the lantern and light your domicile on fire.

Keep your cell phone and any electronic devices in your mailbox, and have your brother or family member take your calls.

Remember you are not alone, and the condition is well known amongst binge watching groups.

I hope you feel better.  Maybe play a game of scrabble or Yahtzee instead.

[Kaizen777]

Thank you much... and.. this is an arcade. 
If you sit back from an arcade cabinet, you aren't playing on an arcade cabinet!  =D

CRTs make x-rays, usually at low levels, but this can increase a lot if the EHT voltage is too high.

The usual symptom of excessive EHT is the picture is brighter than normal, and can shrink in a bit from the edges.

The usual cause is a faulty tuning capacitor in the horizontal output stage.

But, maybe your body is just overly-sensitive to the various emissions a CRT can make. At least try to stay back from it. Remember, when watching TV we were reminded to sit on the couch instead of sitting right in front of the television. Sitting too close is bad for you.

[Kaizen777]

The OLED had only been present a few days at the time of my post.  I spoke too soon.  Turns out that my OLED does the same thing to me that my CRT does.  ='(   (albeit not as quickly).  I modified my original post.

If you are sitting in front of an OLED all day it might actually be that causing your problems (neck pain, sore eyes). Ergonomics is important.

Jenn has a point about the epilepsy thing, and I thought about that before even reading her reply. So yeah, might be worth getting that checked out too.

I have had similar symptoms, like lilshawn mentioned, when working around the back of a monitor while it is turned on. I noticed it most when adjusting geometry on Sony PVMs - so I make a point of limiting my time in that position (working behind CRTs), as it is possible they can emit X-ray radiation from behind.

Try gaming with CRT in different position. Get a new chair for your workstation. Get a massage (will ease sore neck/shoulders) or see a physio, and maybe see a doctor.

[Kaizen777]

Thank you.  I don't think it's a faulty monitor.  I have two other CRT TVs which both do the very same thing to me.  I am getting the feeling of a sunburn, but without the redness.  (though I have had actual small bumps on my face)
When sitting at the arcade (not that I do very often, as it results in this problem) I sit straight, on a stool.

If not a faulty monitor  (is there another similar machine somewhere else you can try and see if you get the same result from?) then it could be your posture and the angle your head/neck are tilted are giving you a nerve pinch issue.
I imagine any other sceeen you are in front of you are viewing at an entirely different angle and probably not standing and looking down at.

The last service van I drove was uncomfortable to me right off the bat, but tolerable I thought-

Until it resulted in a pinched nerve in my neck that eventually made me nauseated after 10 minutes of driving it and caused me to have an exhausted left arm, sore shoulder, headache and even aching wisdom teeth.

Gnarly- and not to be ignored if such is the case!

[Kaizen777]

Very interesting, thanks!
I have purchased a few meters to measure things that might be attacking me.
I hadn't thought about an epileptic reaction... I'll have to dig more.

I have never heard anyone ever bring that up before, Folks around here thought Jenn was crazy back when I first brought it up...Years ago I got a call from a guy said his machine was haunted, yes I know, But aparently his wife felt watched while playing the machine, swore up and down, I went rebuilt the monitor, and got another call, this time she was seeing fleeting images of ghosts watching her play...On page one of service manual it talks about theory of operation, and UV exposure...I am thinking a faulty tube in theory, may expell higher than normal levels, which would be a radiation poisoning, The symptoms you describe are actually consistent with such (obviously I am not a doctor)...It's still a theory I can't prove, but food for thought...Another thought may be certian frequency trigger episodes of epilepsy in some people and possibly an offshoot symptem of that?

[Kaizen777]

Funny.. maybe it is all in my head.  =D
But with my skin feeling burnt, it's hard to believe that.
Funny part is I grew up in front of CRTs... every possible second I was watching TV or playing video games.

this.... is hilarious.

but my psychosomatic evaluation? maybe you just aren't used to the high frequency switching of a CRT. i know if I have my head jammed in the back of a standard res monitor cabinet, the 15khz switching makes my head feel like it's going to explode... and i'm 40 with hearing loss, and listen to meshuggah at full volume (as you should) without issue. bumping bass test tones at over 130db's? give me more... stand next to a PA speaker, reach around back so my ear is pressed up against the face of it and turn it up all the way until it clips? daily.

...but that 15khz tone....can't stand it.

[Kaizen777]

Thank you everyone for the thoughts, suggestions, and jabs!
I modified my original post, as I had only had the OLED for a few days at that time.  It turns out that TOO is doing the same thing to me. ='(   (albeit more slowly)
Only the OLED is even 'burning' the top of my head, given the size of it.
I don't think this is all in my head.  Granted, I'm probably crazy.  That's fine.  But I don't think this is included in that. 
The last episode took days to recover from, and I felt the need to apply aloe to my face, neck, arms, and hands multiple times per day - as if doctoring a sunburn.
Much like getting a sunburn, I don't experience the worst symptoms until after exposure is over and some time has passed.  I do feel something during the process.. but it is at most slightly irritating with a sensation of heat under my skin.  Difficult to describe.

I have purchased several meters to hopefully help determine what is attacking me!
I was fairly convinced it was UV radiation... but from the OLED??  I don't think so!?
The Geiger counter came yesterday.  No detectable ionizing radiation coming from the CRT or the OLED (not surprising for the OLED).  That's great.
The EMF/ELF/RF detector comes today.
I'll have the UVA/UVB meter in a few days.
The PKE meter will also arrive soon (my brother's suggestion)

Clearly I'm sensitive to something these devices are emitting.  During my recovery from the last episode I stopped using the OLED (and arcade obviously).  During this time I was extra-sensitive due to being in what felt like a burned condition.  I had to block the window in my office where sunlight leaks in, it was bothering me.  Even my 24" lcd screen I've been using for 10 years was bothering me. (normally not an issue at all).  Just turning on the OLED, even standing 15 feet from it, I could feel something against my skin.  Just being in front of the arcade monitor for 3 minutes whilst using the Geiger counter, I could feel that same something - and it was irritating my skin.

Very interesting.  Always knew I was special.

[Mike A]

Have you...I don't know...seen a ---smurfing--- doctor?
Throw all of those meters in the garbage. If your symptoms are that severe and you haven't seen a doctor then you may as well go stick your head in the microwave and get it over with.

[Kaizen777]

Thanks for the suggestion about the microwave.  Sounds like a good time.
I found one other thread on the interwebs with people experiencing something like me.  Many of them had been through many rounds with doctors to no avail.
I'm quite certain that my experience will yield the same (zero) results.  That said, I am open to the idea.. and may eventually go down that path.  I might prefer to first try that microwave thing.
The meters aren't a bad idea dude.  If I find something I can measure that turns out to be the culprit, and then get a window film that can BLOCK that thing that is causing my problem - I have solved the problem!  Then if someday some other person (though unlikely) with my same problem sees this thread, well then I become a hero!  =D

Have you...I don't know...seen a ---smurfing--- doctor?
Throw all of those meters in the garbage. If your symptoms are that severe and you haven't seen a doctor then you may as well go stick your head in the microwave and get it over with.

[Mike A]

This guy must be fake. Nobody is this stupid.

[Kaizen777]

What specifically makes me stupid?  That I haven't ran out to be poked and prodded yet?  Thanks for your opinion.
I have a real issue, and posted on this forum to see if anybody else has or has had a similar issue either in the past.

This guy must be fake. Nobody is this stupid.

[Mike A]

Go to a doctor. That is the advice dummy.

[Kaizen777]

Noted.  I've observed that with issues such as these, the likelihood of a doctor being of any value is very, very slim.
Given that my issue relates to a couple of electronic devices that I would like to use but can live without if necessary, this isn't something I feel the need to run out to doc for.
Not yet anyway.  But thank you.

Go to a doctor. That is the advice dummy.

[bobbyb13]

Noted.  I've observed that with issues such as these, the likelihood of a doctor being of any value is very, very slim.
Given that my issue relates to a couple of electronic devices that I would like to use but can live without if necessary, this isn't something I feel the need to run out to doc for.
Not yet anyway.  But thank you.

Go to a doctor. That is the advice dummy.

If your symptoms are as bad as you describe and you don't think seeing a health care professional about it is necessary (or could even possibly be useful) then your internet search substantiated cure of living without those devices seems sound to me.

Of course if you decide to take up even just bowling to fill your time then these days that involves staring at screens too, so be careful what you pick for alternative recreation.

And would your name happen to be Chance?
Just curious.

[Howard_Casto]

Something that isn't noted anywhere in this thread is that it could be simple eye strain.   When you are in your living room sitting a few feet back from a 25 inch crt it doesn't hurt your eyes but when you are playing a video game a foot and a half from the crt following a small character as it rapidly moves around the screen the muscles in your eyes get overworked, especially if you aren't used to doing it regularly.   Take breaks whenever needed and eventually your eyes will get used to it.   

That being said I agree with the others... go see a doctor just in case.

[Robbbert]

What about if you play a game on your phone? Does that hurt too?

[Vocalitus]

What about if you play a game on your phone? Does that hurt too?

I know playing Donkey Kong on my phone hurts me.  All those wrong colors and the speed of the game. 

[Vigo]

I’m surprised this hasn’t been suggested, but have you tried turning down the crt brightness and getting some tinted glass? If you are sensitive to a CRT, it could be the light it is putting out is too intense. Dialing it back should be at least a good starting point to see if it makes a difference. People here also get tinted glass cut for their cabs all the time, and it it affordable if you don’t have it already. Not all tinting will capture UV, which might be a part of the issue, especially if you tried sunglasses.

Another thing, they make gaming glasses that filter blue light. You might want to look into those, as people credit certain wavelengths of light for their strain.

[nitrogen_widget]

back in the day florescent bulbs and a crt monitor at 60hz or lower would give me a horrible headache at work.
I swear i could see the bulbs cycling in the reflection of the monitor.
I had to bump the refresh rate up to 90 or higher to eliminate it.

[Zebidee]

back in the day florescent bulbs and a crt monitor at 60hz or lower would give me a horrible headache at work.
I swear i could see the bulbs cycling in the reflection of the monitor.
I had to bump the refresh rate up to 90 or higher to eliminate it.

To reduce flicker, replace both the starter and the tube for the flouro - or just the starter first if you like, they cost like 10-20c each at any hardware or lighting store.

Or just replace with an LED version, they are available nowadays and use less power.

[nitrogen_widget]

back in the day florescent bulbs and a crt monitor at 60hz or lower would give me a horrible headache at work.
I swear i could see the bulbs cycling in the reflection of the monitor.
I had to bump the refresh rate up to 90 or higher to eliminate it.

To reduce flicker, replace both the starter and the tube for the flouro - or just the starter first if you like, they cost like 10-20c each at any hardware or lighting store.

Or just replace with an LED version, they are available nowadays and use less power.

im sure Facilities would of frowned on employees messing around with the ballasts in the ceiling.
This was probably 15 years ago. We all have LED lights and LCD so it's okay Now.

[Zebidee]

im sure Facilities would of frowned on employees messing around with the ballasts in the ceiling.
This was probably 15 years ago. We all have LED lights and LCD so it's okay Now.

Cool

Starters aren't in the ceiling and aren't the same as the ballast. They are about the size of a C-cell battery and sit next to the tube. They are actually an electrolytic capacitor that builds up an initial charge to "start" the flouro, if you open up the case there is a plastic bag full of electrolyte. Like all electrolytic capacitors they age/dry out/wear out with time and use. Tube taking long time to come on is a symptom of bad starter. If changing the tube, it is a good idea to change the starter as well.

It is dead simple to change, twist/turn to remove, twist/turn to insert. If at a workplace, you'd generally get your facilities or building management to change it. Flourescent lights are still very common though, like you say, most places gradually moving to LED versions now.

I won't go on. Here is a video if you need more info