Hi Dave, I have a similar problem with a couple of CRTs from my Imlac graphics machine. After doing some research, the I did locate a company which would rebuild the CRT for something like $700, with no guarantee that they would not destroy the tube. They also had expensive replacement tubes, which were not the correct phosphor. Another solution, which I haven't tried yet is to remove the CRT from it's electronics and soak the face in a bath of acetone for an extended period of time (or until the secondary lens is separated from the tube. Once separated, clean and reattach using optic cement. This was suggested by a friend who repairs large antique camera lenses. I'm not sure if acetone will dissolve the cement which holds the lens to the tube, so a pre-test may be a good idea. Some people have indicated a fear of removing the lens from the tube face thinking that the tube may well implode without it. I do not think that will be the case, but I suppose that it is possible. I believe that the lens is simply added protect from day to day use for the face of the tube and is not inherently required to maintain the strength of the tube against the vacuum inside. In any case, as always, great care should be taken to protect you, your eyes, etc. when handling CRTs, as they do carry the risk of implosion. --tom At 10:18 PM 7/15/2002 +1200, you wrote:

Still trying to cut things down a bit so have the following available. Due to the size and weight I would prefer someone local. - DEC Pro380 lots of stuff ,including the ethernet and TMS options. also various manuals and microfiche. Is in the pedestal case. not yellowed at all. POS loaded on the hard disk. - DEC DECmate II color and APU options. It was handled very roughly at some point and the hard disk drive rails broke apart on the case. Likely would need a new hard disk. some manuals. - Coleco ADAM memory console with printer and keyboard. I have just a single VR201 and LK201 to go with both DEC machines. The LK201 is labled for use with WPS on the DECmate II. Thanks Jeff -- Home of the TRS-80 Model 2000 FAQ File http://www.cchaven.com http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/lakes/6757

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Tks for the comments- Peter & Tony. A phone call to plumber bro-in-law is in order I guess. There's no question of going back as I'm beyond the pont of no return now- the CRT was not really useable as it was. I don't have too much concern using the CRT without the protective screen bonded back on if I have to- something totally separate can be arranged fairly easily due to the shape of the CRT bezel. But if I can get it off, then rebonding it with something similar (but not hygroscopic) should not be too difficult. I have never till now seen a tube with this particular construction-Usually the lamination is done with something that looks like clear epoxy resin or similar. In any event a hard solid material. As a matter of interest I have not seen a tube implode in service yet- that's in over 40 years working in/around them. I suspect most accidents occur as a result of inappropriate CRT handling. Of the maybe 200 or so of all types I have deliberately 'depressurised' over the years the front face has never fragmented as it is almost always the strongest and thickest glass (except for the front corners) in the whole tube. It takes a hell of a whack with a hammer on a depressurised CRT front face to break it- I know- I've done it-several times! And most of those were old non-laminated front face types-but in recent years I have learned more 'acceptable' behaviour as I have matured. Now I collect them rather than destroy them!! Acetic acid and acetone were high on the 'possibles' list. Something called THF is evidently another. If I can't find a chemical solution (unlikely) I may have to resort to a piano wire and a pair of heavy weights- and I'll be well out of the room when that's going on! Cheers Dave Brown CH CH, NZ