salvaging tv's?

Question

i picked up a 36 in. tv someone put out by their driveway. after getting it inside and plugging in, there was a few pops , a little smoke, a burn smell. then i unplugged and havent touched. I know i shouldnt retry, and just throw away, but can i retry it--WILL IT EXPLODE? start fire?

Answer 1

The popping sound likely indicates a problem with a high-voltage circuit. Most commonly this is either the flyback (high-voltage) transformer or the CRT (picture tube). I wouldn't worry about an explosion but these defects can cause fires and you've already seen the smoke. Either have it repaired by an qualified tech (won't be cheap) or dispose of it properly.

WK

kc2irv:

FYI, I have over 25 years experience as a servicer of A/V electronics, including owning TV shops and being an ISCET/NESDA certified journeyman tech. The asker did not specify whether the power switch was turned on at the time of the noise and smoke but it was my assumption that she did not just plug the set in and stare at it.

Answer 2

if it started to smoke and pop as soon as you plugged it in then that indicates a problem in the power supply not the high voltage. It is most likely on the primary side of the power supply,if you would have given a make and model I would be able to give you exact information on the problem. Also, dont listen to that A/V retard who probably just installs stereos and has never seen the inside of a TV in his life.

Answer 3

Sounds like maybe bad capacitors in the power supply.

It might be salvageable. I would check with a trustworthy electronics repairman.

Answer 4

It may be fixable, but it could also catch on fire. I wouldn't' turn it on unless I had it plugged into a small circuit breaker or fuse.

Answer 5

if you dont have the know how.this is a job for a tv repairman.maybe it as worst as it is thats why the owner dispathed the unit.any way good luck.(",)