Outdoors TV

I live in northern Indiana and have a sheltered outside bar with a 19" TV. They seem to last a couple of years before they crap out. Sometimes violently sometimes go out with a fizzle. Is there anything I can do to protect the TV from an early demise. I was wondering about opening the case and using some type of spray sealer to protect the components, or if the conventional picture tube TV is the wrong choice. I use these because I'm only out about 75$ when it dies.

The failure modes can be everything you've stated. I wasn't considering blocking the vents, more along the lines of the way a marine radio is constructed, all the circuit boards are sealed against moisture, temp changes etc. I don't move the TV, on it's perch in 90dg+ summer days and -0dg winter weather,rain, snow. I know this is not acceptable conditions but at 75 bucks a pop for a few years of several I'm willing to take the loss. I was just asking if there is a way I can make the TV more reliable.

Some component suppliers (like Maplin in the UK) sell silicone grease in an aerosol can, Maplin do one with added PTFE, these sprays are water repellent and non flammable (once the solvent propellant has evaporated). One disadvantage of these sprays is they remain slightly sticky and collect dust - which can cause tracking over in high voltage parts!

You're probably looking for conformal coating. It's a coating (usually sprayed on, but might also be dipped or brushed) that covers the circuit board and components, sealing them from moisture, fungus, condensation, etc. Here's a link to the typical spray:

The spray is easier to apply to large areas, but the brush-on variety is good for spot coverage.

You might be able to find it cheaper by Googling for it. To use it, disconnect the TV from power source, open the TV and discharge all power supply components INCLUDING the CRT HV connection. Using a long paint brush or low pressure air, clean off all of the dust that might be on the board and components. Mask off any heat sinks with masking tape. Spray the conformal coating onto the bottom and top of the circuit board, making sure to cover any exposed component leads and connections. Might not hurt to spray the HV lead too, but be sure that you don't get any spray into the CRT anode socket.

HTH,

--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net  (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the 
address)

Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot.

Thanks, at 15$ a can that is worth a try.