TRS80 Model 4P CRT contrast fail

On 26 Nov 2017, at 19:31, Brent Hilpert via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote: With a scope the objective would be to look at the levels when pixels are 'on' in the video signal. For white/on pixels, you need conductivity through TR102.E-C and TR103.E-C, to allow electrons to flow from GND, through those transistors, into the cathode of the CRT, and be emitted from the cathode towards the screen. For a white pixel then: - the video signal (and to a lesser level, the base of TR102) must be going positive, to turn TR102 on. - TR103 collector should be going 'lower' during the pixel period, the black level is approx. 60 V, the white level should drop well below that. You probably won't see much voltage variation at CRT PCB point H / TR102.C / TR103.E as it's just current-switching there with no collector pull-up. You could try connecting CRT PCB point H briefly to GND through a 150-300 ohm R, or short TR102.C-E (not 103). That should bring up a white screen. If it doesn't it would suggest the problem is around TR103. If it does the problem is likely around TR102.

If your multimeter has an hfe mode, you could try pulling TR102 & 103 and see if they show gain.