Question about "Instant On"

[old_tv_nut]

You actually do NOT want the set to be in instant on mode continuously. This was a convenience feature which unfortunately shortens the tube life by running it continuously (though at reduced power). Instant-On was superseded by solid state chassis with quick-heating cathode CRTs, which could produce a picture in about 12 seconds (instead of, say, 50 seconds for an older all-tube set).

I don't think there is any detrimental effect from powering your set from the switched outlet, and it prevents the "slow cooking" from degrading the CRT over time.

[Sean730]

Originally Posted by old_tv_nut

You actually do NOT want the set to be in instant on mode continuously. This was a convenience feature which unfortunately shortens the tube life by running it continuously (though at reduced power). Instant-On was superseded by solid state chassis with quick-heating cathode CRTs, which could produce a picture in about 12 seconds (instead of, say, 50 seconds for an older all-tube set).

I don't think there is any detrimental effect from powering your set from the switched outlet, and it prevents the "slow cooking" from degrading the CRT over time.

Thank you for that as well. This is basically the conclusion I had drawn myself, but being NOT a professional in the field I figured there are no dumb questions (okay, I suppose there can be some dumb questions).....I only wish I could have been around for the heydays of this stuff. Let's just say my TV is about 13 years older than I am but its not stopping me from learning about, and collecting these wonderful electronics.

[Jon A.]

Originally Posted by Sean730

Thank you for that as well. This is basically the conclusion I had drawn myself, but being NOT a professional in the field I figured there are no dumb questions (okay, I suppose there can be some dumb questions).....I only wish I could have been around for the heydays of this stuff. Let's just say my TV is about 13 years older than I am but its not stopping me from learning about, and collecting these wonderful electronics.

I'm pretty much in the same boat, my favorite TV being 8 years older than I am. I wouldn't want to be older though, the only advantage of that would be having easier access to these sets when I started collecting.

[rcaman]

Originally Posted by old_tv_nut

You actually do NOT want the set to be in instant on mode continuously. This was a convenience feature which unfortunately shortens the tube life by running it continuously (though at reduced power). Instant-On was superseded by solid state chassis with quick-heating cathode CRTs, which could produce a picture in about 12 seconds (instead of, say, 50 seconds for an older all-tube set).

I don't think there is any detrimental effect from powering your set from the switched outlet, and it prevents the "slow cooking" from degrading the CRT over time.

i think your wrong with the shortened crt life. i seen plenty of rca and zenith with instant on that held up better than the warm up cool off crt's. it is not like they are producing a picture in instant start mode it is just reduced filaments.
you don't see a picture on the screen thus no electrons being produced by the crt

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by rcaman

i think your wrong with the shortened crt life. i seen plenty of rca and zenith with instant on that held up better than the warm up cool off crt's. it is not like they are producing a picture in instant start mode it is just reduced filaments.
you don't see a picture on the screen thus no electrons being produced by the crt

Cathodes do not work the way you assume. They are always boiling off electrons if hot enough, to create a "virtual cathode" that is the source of the electron stream, which is modulated by grid and anode voltages. If there is no net current, electrons are returning to the cathode at the same rate as they are leaving.

[zeno]

Originally Posted by old_tv_nut

Cathodes do not work the way you assume. They are always boiling off electrons if hot enough, to create a "virtual cathode" that is the source of the electron stream, which is modulated by grid and anode voltages. If there is no net current, electrons are returning to the cathode at the same rate as they are leaving.

An old debate nobody ever won !
Personally IMHO instant on in an all tube set is a slow & painful
death of the rest of the set. Just a very bad idea. It dont matter if the tubes lasted longer or shorter.
On a solid state I dont care either way.
CRT's on Zenith flats lasted forever & RCA's did too. Most others
used GE, West., & Philco jugs didnt last but probably because of
the tubes & not the instant on.

73 Zeno