by gary » Fri Dec 07, 2012 5:55 pm
Yes, it is the (comparative) ease of mechanical systems that is the great attraction to most constructors. However, as you yourself have found, to approach the THEORETICAL capacity of a mechanical system requires great skill and the appropriate engineering equipment.
It's always sobering to keep in mind that, all OTHER things being equal, the THEORETICAL performance of a mechanical system is considerably superior to that of a CRT. The main problem with mechanical systems is increasing the LINE count - but the performance of a mechanical system, along the scan line, IS and always has been superior to that of a CRT. The main reason for this being that it is possible to optimise the SHAPE of the scanning aperture of a mechanical system, whereas for a CRT you are stuck with a Gaussian aperture distortion curve.
None-the-less CRTs would be fun to build - now if we could only get a glass blower and a refrigeration mechanic to join the club...