[Lgonzo99]

I need to replace my hard drive and optical drive on my eMac 700 machine. I have taken apart IBM-Compatible computers before but never an apple. While I know the principle is the same, there is the CRT voltage that I have to watch out for when replacing the optical drive and hard drive on my eMac. the Apple Disassembly Instructions always refer to a CRT Disrchage tool. First of all, does anyone know where I can get this tool? Also, is it even necessary to discharge the CRT? Does one come in contact with the CRT at all while replacing the HDD and Optical drives? Thanks.

[Will C]

Originally Posted by Lgonzo99

I need to replace my hard drive and optical drive on my eMac 700 machine. I have taken apart IBM-Compatible computers before but never an apple. While I know the principle is the same, there is the CRT voltage that I have to watch out for when replacing the optical drive and hard drive on my eMac. the Apple Disassembly Instructions always refer to a CRT Disrchage tool. First of all, does anyone know where I can get this tool? Also, is it even necessary to discharge the CRT? Does one come in contact with the CRT at all while replacing the HDD and Optical drives? Thanks.

I don't know where to get this tool. In my experience with working with CRTs (mostly on TVs), we tend to use a pair of well insulated screwdrivers to disharge the CRT.
BUT if you have never done this don't try it without someone properly trained showing you how to do it.
From the instuctions and guides I've seen, it looks possible to replace the harddrive/optical assembly without touching the CRT - but only do this if you know which parts are the hazardous ones. If you know anyone who fixes TVs you could go to them and get them to assist you, the safety precautions are essentially the same.

[ghporter]

HOLY CRAP!!!! Without being insulting, if you've never worked on a CRT before DO NOT TRY IT NOW!!!!! CRTs CAN KILL YOU. Really!

The issue here is the fact that the CRT itself stores one hellacious electric charge; it is effectively a giant capacitor that can hold far more than enough charge to injure or kill you. I spent over 25 years working in electronics, and I would not try working around a CRT myself without a serious review and someone with recent experience coaching me through it. Note that I said "around" a CRT-if you are going to have to touch anything anywhere near the tube itself, you're in dangerous territory.

I am NOT exagerating here!

With all that said, I do not know the interior layout of a CRT-based eMac. If there is a significant separation between the CRT itself and the computer components-something like a shield (which makes sense) or a plastic shelf-then as long as you stay exclusively with the computer components you CAN do this safely.

As Will C says, the techniques and safety practices are essentially the same as those used in working on a CRT-based TV, so if you know anyone who fixes TVs you may be able to get them to lend a hand (and maybe pick up some helpful skills on the way) in this process.

BE SAFE!

[jjlannoo]

I work on old arcade games and a crt can definitely stop your heart. Its often recommend when working with CRT's with little experience to keep one hand in your pocket. that way if you do get zapped there is much less chance of it going across your chest and stopping your heart.

Having said that. Make sure its unplugged. You don't need a special tool (though they do make them search EBAY), just a insulated screwdriver connected to a length of wire. Hook the other end of the wire to ground and slide the screwdriver under the anode cap (looks like a suction cup) and touch the anode connector with it. You might get a pop or a flash...you might not either though. Wait a few minutes then do this again.

Don't do this by yourself in case you need a someone to drag your body to the hospital to restart your heart. LOL

[Jittery Jimmy]

Originally Posted by Lgonzo99

I need to replace my hard drive and optical drive on my eMac 700 machine. I have taken apart IBM-Compatible computers before but never an apple. While I know the principle is the same, there is the CRT voltage that I have to watch out for when replacing the optical drive and hard drive on my eMac. the Apple Disassembly Instructions always refer to a CRT Discharge tool. First of all, does anyone know where I can get this tool? Also, is it even necessary to discharge the CRT? Does one come in contact with the CRT at all while replacing the HDD and Optical drives? Thanks.

I just found this site, http://lancej.blogspot.com/, that has both a discussion of eMac 700 MHz upgrades, and includes CRT Discharge info.

The idea of CRT discharge is to slide a special "discharge" probe under a rubber cap on the CRT 's body. Under that cap is a metal connector. In a nuthshell, touching that normally covered metal conductor while the tool is properly grounded drains the high voltage. There can be enough of a charge to "weld" a screwdriver tip to the metal conductor... so you know it could hurt bad if you were playing the role of the tool.

It is possible to safely discharge a CRT, but I cannot recommend that everyone open up their eMac and start poking around. There is no need to touch the CRT while working on the eMac, but it is very possible to slip up and get hurt. So be safe and leave the eMac alone unless you know what you're doing. Someone down at the local technical school might be willing to help you out, or someone at the local electronics repair shop might show you CRT discharge as they work on a TV.