Safety of Older Electronics


Some electronics never die. They just get moved to secondary, tertiary, etc. systems. In my case, I have two old receivers connected to televisions. I'm guessing one is 25 and the other 30 years old. The remote sensors are on all the time and occasionally one forgets to turn the receivers off. They can be replaced with relatively inexpensive amplifiers for how they're used, but I thought if it ain't broke don't fix it. At least until recently when I've started to wonder if continuing to use them is a smart idea even though there is nothing apparently wrong with them. I'm thinking in terms of a damaging (catastrophic?) failure particularly when the receiver is unattended. I'd appreciate input whether one should continue to use older equipment that can be inexpensively replaced.
zmrs13
Thanks for an interesting thread, also for a non-engineer.
Kijanki, the 10degC rule, what is the starting point, the “normal” temperature in the box? I have ca 20degC in my listening room, but the temperature inside the audio boxes varies from very hot esp tubed equipment, to medium hot to quite cold just a bit above 20degC. If the rule is true – hot-running boxes should be serviced quite often! Is there a typical failure time for electrolytic caps (Williewonka) for each given temperature in the box? Also, I did not know about the use factor, that it works positively over time (Czarivey).
Since the thread concerns how to minimize wear and tear and aging, it is of general interest, not just for vintage owners. I started a “total cost of ownership” thread some while ago here on Audiogon, check it up – this relates to the same theme.
So ideally, the user could check the temperature within the box, input yearly “on” time (or total use hours), and know when it is time for service, and what components should be replaced?
O_holter, if you work daily or working out, you will feel substantially different than if you're daily watching TV and sitting in front of PC.
It speaks for itself.
Cliche!
I got it...I agree, I knew about the rule that it needs to be turned on, and do work, in periods - and not left stone cold. This is in tune with my own experience over the years - it is after longer periods of being off, that mid-age equipment is likely to fail. Having not being used for a longer period.
Me too. I'm in mid-40's and can't cope with loss of energy. My "mid-aged equipment" must be used daily otherwise -- age, doctors, RX really really sucks and costs lots of money...
Gotta run to play some volleyball after sitting in office. I always go after the wise phrase of Kirk Duglas -- "The life stops when you stop living". It's nice here in North Carolina and every chance to be outdoors is mine.