Troubleshooting a CRT In spite of its age, the Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) continues to play an important role in modern computer monitors. There are some very important reasons for this longevity. First, the CRT is relatively inexpensive to make, and it requires only simple circuitry. Second, the CRT is extremely reliable. Typical working lives can extend to 10 years or longer. This combination of low-cost, ease of operation, and long-term reliability has allowed the CRT to keep pace with today’s personal computers. However, CRTs are certainly not perfect devices—the delicate assemblies within the CRT used to generate and direct electron beams can eventually open, short-circuit, or wear out. Like most classic vacuum tubes, CRT failures often occur slowly over a period of weeks or months. This part of the chapter shows you the assemblies in atypical color CRT, explains the faults that often occur, and offer some alternatives for dealing with CRT problems.
