TV repair

[lillythepink]

I've just picked up a fantastically generously offered free TV from a friend (a 32 inch Thomson affair, great big old school tube, not LCD/plasma), and (oh, hindsight - how you mock me so) through my total stupidity I just stood it up in the middle of the back of the van, facing forwards. Needless to say as soon as I braked, it toppled over onto it's (still undamaged) screen. I've set it up at home now and I have sound but no picture. When it powers up there are a couple of flashes around the outside of the screen but then nothing. In applying my limited understanding of how these things work, it seems to me as though I might have somehow dislodged or misaligned the cathode ray gun whatsit at the back of the tube when it toppled, but then my understanding is just that: limited.
My question(s) is(are) thus: Is my diagnosis correct, and is this kind of thing easily fixable (I have no interest in shelling out a load of cash to fix a free TV)?

Thanks in advance of yout helpfulness.

[pug100]

Hi there,
It sounds as if you might have dislodged something whilst in transit.
Can you hear any noise when swtitching on the tv such as a slight crackle. Once the tv is on can you feel any static on the screen ( use the back of your hand close to but not touching it the static will cause the hairs to stand on end). This will determine if the tube base has become dislodged.
Beyond this you will need to take the back off it, beware ther are high voltages inside colour tvs so take care with the next bit . Unplug tv from the mains first and undo all the scews holding the back on. Have a good look inside and see if any plugs have come loose push any that look suspect in fully . The tube base is the board on the very back of the CRT, check this is pushed onto the tube fully. Let us know how you get on.

[ACtheTROLL]

I doubt that Lilly will be able to breathe (or maintain a heartbeat) - let alone let you know if she "re-connects" with the HT lead.

The capacitors in the Ht train of a crt will retain up to 40,000 volts for weeks [enough to jump 11/2" or more] - that's why the lead is as thick as your little finger!!

So unplugging isn't going to do a thing unless the train is grounded down correctly..

If you are reasonably competent you can have a look to see if any of the low voltage connectors have moved ...(if this concept puzzles you ..... don't)

Lilly .... accept you've been a nit .... take it to a qualified mender - cheaper than a coffin.

[lillythepink]

Hey,
Thanks for the answers - it's been very helpful. Don't worry, I wasn't going to go rooting around in the back there myself - I have an exceptionally strong self preservation instinct (some would say i'm just a big ol' chicken ;). I was just wondering if it was worth taking it to the repair guy or if i'd quite obviously comepletely destroyed it. Sounds like it's worth taking it in for a quote at the very least. Nice one folks.