Cold

[rca2000]

Is this a good idea??

My ctc-5D set is in my garage at the house, unheated but pretty well insulated and dry. I tested the tube on my CR-70 last feb aNd it tests LIKE NEW!! I want to keep it like that, and so, since it is bitter cold now--I am kind of "warming" the CRT--and chassis.

This is done by running the set with the B+ disconnected(by removing the 5U4 tubes) and running the filaments on the other tubes--including the CRT--at a slightly-- reduced input on a variac--maybe 100 volts or a bit less. This draws a bit under 3/4 amps from the line or so, and the CRT filament and the heat from thew other tubes on the chassis--SHOULD hopefully keep the CRT warm enough, and keep the vacuum in it. After all--it would NOT have tested good--if it was leaking, right??

Or--is this a BAD idea--and should I just "let it be" without any warming?? would that be better for the tube--I can NOT see how it could be.