Blaupunkt Revival!

I finally got brave enough to tackle the burnt-out flyback in my favorite ever Blaupunkt.

I'd had the new flyback that I'd purchased from Dönberg sitting around for weeks and I finally cleared enough space in my tiny little computer/music/storage/geek/cave to get a clear run at the repair.

I'll spoil the ending right now and reveal that this story has a very happy outcome!

I guess this post is about demonstrating how easy this kind of repair is if you have the right tools and nothing else blew up when the flyback bit the dust. I've heard all sort of tales of HOTs and other components burning out when a flyback blows but, fortunately for me, the damage seem to be isolated the fly. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that I was watching TV when the flyback shat itself and I quickly cut the power.

So, here goes!

The solder side of the old flyback

Top view of the old flyback

Old flyback desoldered. Only a 5 minute job with a Hako 808!

New & old. Notice the burn marks...

New unit soldered in

All hooked up and ready to glow!

The moment of truth arrives...

Once soldering in the replacement part in I said a little prayer and hit the power switch. I was pretty nervous because I paid a pretty penny for the new fly and I had waited ages for it to arrive. I was ready for disappointment but knew I'd feel pretty down if it didn't work out...

After flicking the switch I was pretty thrilled to hear the familiar sound of static filling the tube. Then, I turned out the screen pot on the neckboard and was greeted with a glorious sight:

Magical snow!

It was an amazing feeling to see this beauty spring back into life! This is seriously one of the sweetest units I have ever seen and it was a real shame when it died. Getting it back is a really nice thing.

R-Type Leo

Willow

Close up... it's REAL good!

As you can see, it's a pretty amazing TV. As good as I remember it! The photos don't really do it justice... it's even better in person.

This television hits the sweet spot for me. Stable, great focus, vivid colors but not clinical like a Sony PVM or overly digital like some modern Loewes and Grundigs. Add the analog pots into the mix and it's pretty much perfect.

Pretty happy!