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DIY Polarizing CRT

A tube-based computer monitor (CRT monitor) uses a series of electron guns to excite a coating on the picture tube. The glass front of the monitor can be difficult to see if it reflects light. To remove the glare, add a polarizing filter to the front of the monitor as a do-It-yourself (DIY) project. The polarizing filter, along with the additional supplies needed, can be purchased from a hobby store or electronics shop.

Things You'll Need

Polarizing glasses
Polarizing material
Masking tape
Tape measure
Paper
Pencil
Newspaper
Utility knife
4 hooking pads
4 latching pads

Instructions

- 1
  Put on polarizing glasses. Hold a sheet of polarizing material in front of you. Rotate the sheet clockwise until you no longer see an interference pattern on the sheet. Mark the top of the sheet with a piece of masking tape. Remove the glasses.
- 2
  Measure the width and height of the CRT computer monitor from its outside edges with a tape measure. Write these measurements down.
- 3
  Place a sheet of newspaper on a table. Place the polarizing material on the newspaper with the masking-taped side farthest from you.
- 4
  Measure the length and width of the polarizing material. Cut the excess length and width off, using a straightedge and utility knife, so the measurements meet that of the monitor.
- 5
  Turn the polarizing material over. Remove the adhesive backing from one side of the hooking pads. Place a pad on each corner of the material. Press the pad against the material for 10 seconds.
- 6
  Remove the adhesive backing from one side of the latching pads. Place a pad on each corner of the CRT computer monitor's front bezel. Press the pad against the monitor for 10 seconds. Let the adhesive set overnight.
- 7
  Turn the polarizing material over. Hold the material with the taped side at the top. Align the hooking pads on the material with the latching pads on the monitor. Press the two together. Remove the tape from the top of the material.

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