Monitor removal question (sorry if it's been answered before)

[oldskoolcade]

I've got the option of taking one of my buddy's old cabinets to use in my Mame building project.   Now this machine has been sitting unused for the better part of 4 years, in fact I don't believe the monitor even works anymore.   That's fine, because I just want to use my 25 inch RCA TV (as is, in it's natural cabinet state).  My concern is, pulling out the old monitor that's in the machine.   After reading all the disclaimers about messing with arcade monitors, I just wanted to get the straight goods from those who know.   Like I said, this machine probably hasn't been plugged in for a good 3  or 4 years, and from what I can remember, the reason it stopped being used, was because the monitor went kaput.

Will it be safe and relatively easy for me to remove the old monitor, or should I just pass on the cabinet, and just build from scratch?

Thanks for the advice!

MP

[Acids]

If its been off for that amount of time, Im pretty sure you will be safe.
Ive never known a monitor to hold charge more than 3 months.

[menace]

Its no big deal whatsoever--just do a quick discharge to be on the safe side (like acids said--its highly unlikely there will be a charge) and remove as you would normally--take your hammer and start swinging--just kidding--don't do this--the monitor will implode, blowing glass in your face and possibly killing you--oops that didn't make you feel better did it....

in all seriousness though you should be safe to remove it.

[SirPeale]

You shouldn't have to even discharge it, but do so if it makes you feel better.  Just unbolt it, and pull it out.

Where are you located?  Someone might want that monitor, see if they can get it working again.

[Harry Potter]

You should be fine as long as you don't follow menace's example and swing hammers. I actually took out my monitor 3 hours after it was switched off and I'm alive to write this. As long as you don't touch yoke or the cap, you'll be fine.

As an added bonus (done this before) take the monitor to a tip and throw it on something hard. Makes a cool noise.

[oldskoolcade]

Thanks guys!  I appreciate all the good info.  Not totally sure what machine it is yet (I'm going to pick up the cab this weekend), but I'm located in Ontario (Brantford to be exact) so once I figure out which one I'm taking, (and good lord willing I don't turn myself into a christmas light taking out the monitor) I'll let you know that status of the monitor.

Cheers!

[menace]

Hey a fellow canuck--welcome aboard eh!  if you need a home for that monitor give me a ring

[SirPeale]

As an added bonus (done this before) take the monitor to a tip and throw it on something hard. Makes a cool noise.

It sure does!  And releases a ton of lead into the environment.  Either get it fixed, or have it disposed of properly.

[Warmachine]

Hey,

I yanked my monitor out last night and i didnt discharge squat and believe me i am prolly the most voltage phobia person on this forum.
Just unbolt it and be carefull, they have some weight.

[JoeB]

If you're not planning on separating the CRT from the chasis, discharge is just a precaution.  It's not a must.  Especially if your monitor is ~10 years old or newer.

[Warmachine]

Oh, my monitor was a complete removal, any thing other than that  ask the pros.