Joust monitor question

[Wir3d]

Hi, I purchased a dedicated joust arcade machine from this guy i work with for $50. He says the monitor doesnt work because he was putting the back piece of wood on and he dropped it on the neckboard and he said it sparked a little bit, and he hasnt turned it on since that happened. My question is, would it be safe to turn the arcade on to see if the screen works or just discharge it and go from there?

[Rickn]

Actualy a good question. I have been meaning to comment on this before when I see posts like sparks in neck.....

Use caution when powering up.

First from a safety point of view, the tube will have a minimum of 24,000 volts and higher as the size gets bigger.

Keep away from the area that sparks, by all means away from the Anode (Suction cup).

Use an isolation transformer or at least make sure the monitor has a switch mode supply that will offer similar protection.

Next: before powering up disconnect the game from the monitor, one arc can take out the games video or sync.

Other than that with theseprecautions in mind, by all means turn it on and see if the tube lights, if no sparks then try the game.

Good Luck

Rick Nieman
Rick@niemandisplays.com
www.niemandisplays.com