Looking for help on dealing with monitor cataracts on VR201 monitors.
I have 3-4 DEC VR201 monitors that have the dreaded cataracts problem. In short the glue on the front of the crt has deteriorated, and the front of the screen is all blotchy and icky. The monitors work, it just looks terrible. I am extremely nervous working on CRTs (I did field repairs on Wang OIS and WPS terminals all through the late 80s, and absolutely hated doing the ole "ground the anode to the chassis" bit (scary), but in this case you also need to disassemble the tube frame and scrape / heatgun off all the goo, while still making sure the tube isn't going to implode. I'm happy to work with someone (supervised repairs) or give these to whomever wants to fix them. Goal is to get my Pro-380 and my DECmates up and running with a clean video again soon (hopefully before VCF-east). Thanks! -d
Let me know when you plan to be at a VCF workshop in wall Township Even though I don’t have experience with that particular issue, I work well with CRT’s as I used to have my own TV shop years ago So I would have no problem helping you out Just bring any tools you think you would need and of course, whatever you need to remove the goo. Mike Rosen Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.
On Dec 29, 2025, at 11:54 AM, Dave Shevett via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
I have 3-4 DEC VR201 monitors that have the dreaded cataracts problem. In short the glue on the front of the crt has deteriorated, and the front of the screen is all blotchy and icky. The monitors work, it just looks terrible.
I am extremely nervous working on CRTs (I did field repairs on Wang OIS and WPS terminals all through the late 80s, and absolutely hated doing the ole "ground the anode to the chassis" bit (scary), but in this case you also need to disassemble the tube frame and scrape / heatgun off all the goo, while still making sure the tube isn't going to implode.
I'm happy to work with someone (supervised repairs) or give these to whomever wants to fix them. Goal is to get my Pro-380 and my DECmates up and running with a clean video again soon (hopefully before VCF-east).
Thanks!
-d
I've heard of people having success with cataracts by taking a picture tube and placing it face down in a kiddie pool with enough water to cover the face and leaving it for several weeks. I've been told this is a viable solution for some old round color sets with the issue, though it depends on what glue was used to adhere the safety glass On Mon, Dec 29, 2025, 11:54 AM Dave Shevett via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
I have 3-4 DEC VR201 monitors that have the dreaded cataracts problem. In short the glue on the front of the crt has deteriorated, and the front of the screen is all blotchy and icky. The monitors work, it just looks terrible.
I am extremely nervous working on CRTs (I did field repairs on Wang OIS and WPS terminals all through the late 80s, and absolutely hated doing the ole "ground the anode to the chassis" bit (scary), but in this case you also need to disassemble the tube frame and scrape / heatgun off all the goo, while still making sure the tube isn't going to implode.
I'm happy to work with someone (supervised repairs) or give these to whomever wants to fix them. Goal is to get my Pro-380 and my DECmates up and running with a clean video again soon (hopefully before VCF-east).
Thanks!
-d
participants (3)
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Dave Shevett -
Joseph Giliberti -
Sentrytv