CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[scottap]

I hope this question isn't too dim, but I feel I've seen it referenced elsewhere.

Obviously low or no hours on tubes is a good thing (can't have enough phosphor), but what about low hours on a projector that's say 8-10 years old? Do parts simply deteriorate with age whether they are used or not? Is it worse for them in the long run to be barely used or not at all? In other words would a projector be in better condition and more reliable if it was used at least occasionally as opposed to sitting in storage for a long period of time?

I've collected several projectors with the idea of trying them out and keeping the one I like best. My best score has been an XG751 that, while built in 1997, has less than 200 hours on it. It's also the only one where I've had a board blow up on it already. The problem with the board may have been due to my error, but it got me wondering.

[papalek]

Some say yes and some say no.

[Tinman]

Often times a "NEW old stock" item will have deteriorated capacitors. A capacitor is "formed" at the factory by running it up to it's maximum rated voltage but with a very small current. This forms a dielectric layer that makes a capacitor, a capacitor.
When caps don't get used for a long time, (years) they loose that layer. The cap can be re-formed, but not under the conditions that occur
when you power up a projector/whatever.

A capacitor that is power cycled every few months at least will be healthy or healthier than one that is not. However, ALL capacitors have a finite usable life, this includes shelf life.

So I'd say no. I'd check and re-cap anything that hasn't seen power in at least 5 years or so. I do get tube stuff from time to time. Good thing there is that you CAN bring that up sloooowly with a variac to re-form the caps. But that won't work with most modern electronics due to the switched mode powersupplies used now.

Anyway, I ramble....


Marc