This is basically a copy and paste of a message I sent to Barco on their website. I am just looking for as much information as possible and from different perspectives so I can understand better.

I am new to CRT projectors and would like some help to know what issues I might come across if purchasing a used Barco Graphics 1208 projector for movies and video games. The one I am looking at has a password set on its adjustments. Can this password be reset? Also, are there parts that commonly need replaced on old machines like this? What expenses might I expect?

Thanks for your help.

I would not waste your time with Barco for parts. Curt Palme is the man for CRT parts, if Curt can't get it can't be got. :)

Mike

The one I am looking at has a password set on its adjustments. Can this password be reset?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13903733#post13903733

MikeEby I'll keep that in mind, but I was just asking in general, since I don't know much about this yet, if there are any expenses I should anticipate when buying an old used projector such as the Barco 1208. Are there certain parts that commonly go bad that are expensive to replace, etc? Is there additional hardware I have to buy to set it up? I don't want to buy this thing and find out I have to spend another $300 to make it work.

MikeEby I'll keep that in mind, but I was just asking in general, since I don't know much about this yet, if there are any expenses I should anticipate when buying an old used projector such as the Barco 1208. Are there certain parts that commonly go bad that are expensive to replace, etc? Is there additional hardware I have to buy to set it up? I don't want to buy this thing and find out I have to spend another $300 to make it work.The crt tubes are extremely expensive to replace. You could easily put another $300 in this projector if you have to buy a green and/or blue tube that has high hours or wear. So definately LOOK carefully at the crts and tube phospers BEFORE making any purchase. If a projector has original tubes over 10K hours the tubes probably stink. And as a general rule, tube condition is the most important factor that will decide purchase price of a crt projector.

If you are a crt newbe, I would strongly suggest looking at a running projector before making any purchase and you save yourself a lot of grief later.

Curt Palme's website has a complete and detailed discussion regarding the boards that may fail and how to look for problems. I would read through the primer first before buying to see if this hobby is for you. The Barco's are very reliable and durable but remember...what you are buying is used and it's initial condition can be quite variable. So, buyer beware.

MikeEby I'll keep that in mind, but I was just asking in general, since I don't know much about this yet, if there are any expenses I should anticipate when buying an old used projector such as the Barco 1208. Are there certain parts that commonly go bad that are expensive to replace, etc? Is there additional hardware I have to buy to set it up? I don't want to buy this thing and find out I have to spend another $300 to make it work.


With any used expensive electronics, I'd put at least $300 aside if you're buying an as is projector. You'll also need cables, a screen, a mounting bracket, etc etc. Here's the FAQ:


http://www.curtpalme.com/CRTPrimer.shtm