do (vector) monitors die from non-use?

[NOP]

So, I have an original, upright Tempest machine in my basement (it came with the house I bought, but that's another story!).  I love the machine-Tempest is one of my favorites.
The monitor itself seems to work really well-the colors are bright and everything is sharp.  I don't know its history though, so I don't know when the machine was last cap-kitted or whatever.

I got to thinking that since vector monitors are now so rare, that I should probably limit my playtime on this machine-only use it during parties or other special events, maybe only a couple times a year at most.  Believing the next time I plug the machine in, it will be the last time it ever works, and that I'll likely never be able to find a replacement.

Then I got to thinking that perhaps parts of the machine may be more like a pinball machine-the worst thing you can do to an old pinball is not play it.  Are caps better off actually working, or waiting?

Perhaps the question is more philosophical.  Like an old violin, if no one is playing it, why bother even owning it?

-jeff!

[ChadTower]

I got to thinking that since vector monitors are now so rare, that I should probably limit my playtime on this machine-only use it during parties or other special events, maybe only a couple times a year at most.  Believing the next time I plug the machine in, it will be the last time it ever works, and that I'll likely never be able to find a replacement.

Forget that.  Play the crap out of it.  That is what it is for... you're never going to wear the thing out in home use.  The thing is commercial grade.

Then I got to thinking that perhaps parts of the machine may be more like a pinball machine-the worst thing you can do to an old pinball is not play it.

That's not really true.  The worst thing you can do is store it in an unfriendly environment.  Keeping it in the house in a temp/humidity controlled environment shouldn't lead to any problems at all if you never play it.

Perhaps the question is more philosophical.  Like an old violin, if no one is playing it, why bother even owning it?

Yep.  Play them.  Enjoy them.  Take care of them.

[FrizzleFried]

Exactly what Chad said...the thing is designed to run 24/7...I think a few hours a week home use isn't going to shorten it's life all too much.  Plus you can always rebuild it when it dies.

[shardian]

WARNING: you MUST keep the humidity in your basement at exactly 42%, and the temperature EXACTLY 77 degrees F or your vector monitor will explode!!


 

[FrizzleFried]

WARNING: you MUST keep the humidity in your basement at exactly 42%, and the temperature EXACTLY 77 degrees F or your vector monitor will explode!!


 

...and if you can't meet these requirements I'd be happy to take it off your hands for a few bucks!

[shardian]

Ironically enough, now that I think about it that is probably true for a Star Trek monitor.

[Level42]

Well, rebuilding is possible for the most part. However, the CRT itself does degrade over time, and apart from rejuvenating it, there's not much you can do about that. But as said, as long as you don't run it 24/7 it will be with you for a very long time....

When I have such thoughts, I always reverse them. Maybe YOU won't survive the game, so play at heart's desire. You never know what happens, so enjoy every day you got....

[NOP]

thanks guys,

by the time I'd even finished writing my post, I'd basically come to the same conclusion.  just play the damn thing and even on the slim odds that it breaks, at least we had a good run together, and if it does goes out, it'll go out knowing it was loved. 

-jeff!

[SavannahLion]

Are caps better off actually working, or waiting?

Apparently it doesn't matter. A properly constructed cap is going to "rot" over time. I think Bob Roberts wrote a really good explanation on why you shouldn't use NOS capacitors. The article is specific to the big blue capacitor used in Atari machines, but I think it applies equally well to just about any cap.

[qrz]

electrolytic caps can go bad unused on the self.  leakage and dielectic absorption can be a factor.
"capcans" and paper caps in tube gear fail under the same conditions.
then there are the modern surface mount 'lytics  = 

qrz

[MaximRecoil]

Are caps better off actually working, or waiting?

Apparently it doesn't matter. A properly constructed cap is going to "rot" over time. I think Bob Roberts wrote a really good explanation on why you shouldn't use NOS capacitors. The article is specific to the big blue capacitor used in Atari machines, but I think it applies equally well to just about any cap.

Electrolytic capacitors can dry out over time even when not being used, but the heat from usage will dry them out quicker.

[SavannahLion]

Are caps better off actually working, or waiting?

Apparently it doesn't matter. A properly constructed cap is going to "rot" over time. I think Bob Roberts wrote a really good explanation on why you shouldn't use NOS capacitors. The article is specific to the big blue capacitor used in Atari machines, but I think it applies equally well to just about any cap.

Electrolytic capacitors can dry out over time even when not being used, but the heat from usage will dry them out quicker.

Well... considering a surprising portion of people I've met in RL store their caps in poorly environmentally controlled storage sheds, warehouses, garages and the like, and one well known (or so he claims) arcade operator stored his cabs in a barn filled with chickens and goats. That point is likely moot.

The local parts shop once told me their stuff sometimes come from warehouses with questionable environments. It wasn't specific about caps, but I think the implication is pretty clear. And given the age of your average vector, buying NOS caps wouldn't probably be in anyones best interest (except for the guy offloading them).