Monitor problem

[InTheClouds]

OK, here is the deal. I have a monitor that I was told to trash but I believe it may be fixable. If I can fix it I can have it.

Here is the diagnosis: When you power it on, the light indicator will go green(like it does when it is working fine)for a second but will then go orange and start blinking. I can hear a clicking sound that goes along with the blinking.

Any sugestions? It sounds to me like a relay or something but my opinion isn't really worth much. I have tried it on different systems and get the same effect.

Thanks in advance.

 

[InTheClouds]

....

 

[Wuming]

looks like it's not getting a signal. something wrong with the input cable? might one of the pins be broken?

 

[CygnusX1]

I agree, try replacing the cable first.

Mark.

 

[jamarno]

There are usually two relays in modern monitors, one to turn the power on, and another that comes on briefly to automatically degauss the picture tube, and if there's no video signal the monitor will shut down almost completely. I don't think the relays are the problem, and many monitors have bad solder joints, especially at their cable connectors.

 

[Ender510]

The problem I had with my monitor was that it wasn't getting an image from the video card. I would definitely check the cable. My cable got bent a lot because the monitor was hitting the wall in back of it, so the cable was always crimped back there. It actually affected the inside where the connection was. I took it to a repair shop and they fixed it for about $50.

 

[Svet]

Yes, it is most likely relay(s) clicking. If it is switching back and forth, it could be a power supply problem. It could also be a problem with another circuit that puts too much of a load on the supply when it tries to activate. If it clicks on and off once then it is probably not getting a video signal. There are many things that can cause this kind of problem. Check for bent pins on the video cable. Flex the cable at both ends to see if it will activate. If you are willing to open it up (this can be dangerous)look for loose wires. DO THIS WITH THE MONITOR UNPLUGED! If you have an ohmmeter you can check each pin in the video cable by puting one lead on a pin and the other on the coresponding solder joint at the end of the cable. Chances are that the solder joints are not labled. So, you will have to try each one until you find the right one for each pin. If you have no electronics experience there is not much else you can do for a problem like this. You may want to get an estimate on how much it would cost to get it fixed.

DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING WHILE IT IS TURNED ON! Even after it is turned off the tube will hold a very high charge. Look for blown fuses(probably won't find any). STAY AWAY FROM THE FLYBACK TRANSFORMER. You can find the flyback by following the wire on the top of the tube (With the suction cup-like end) to the the transformer on the board. Stay away from this and the board on the back of the tube. With the monitor on you can look at the tube neck for a small glowing. That will let you know that you are getting high voltage to the tube. You can also listen for a high pitch whine and sounds of static. That is a starting point. There are other things I could recommend, but they require you to examine the monitor while it is on. I don't recommend it unless you have electronics experience.

The insides of a monitor is a dangerous place to go poking around if you don't know what you are poking at (and even if you do).

 

[eeeeal]

I'd rather kick down a couple hundred for a new monitor than get cooked by a capacitor!

 

[jamarno]

Svet is right about the danger from the suction cup on the picture tube high voltage cable, but that's the only component that really poses a danger after the monitor has been turned off and unplugged for a few minutes. The flyback itself is safe. Since replacing an electrolytic capacitor doesn't require removing the suction cup, there's really little danger if the person is handy with a soldering iron and pliers.

The picture tube is actually a capacitor and can retain a charge for days or even weeks after the power has been disconnected. Furthermore even if it's discharged manually, the full voltage will come back all by itself in several seconds, so it's vital to never remove the suction cup from the picture tube.

 

[Svet]

All true. I've known a few guys that have gotten popped by the High Voltage from TV's. Each one said his hand hurt for a while. I've never been hit by anything over 230V myself. Just remember that ampereage is what will kill you, not voltage. Even though only 120V is comming in to your power supply the ampereage is higher. You don't have to fear electricity. You do have to respect it and what it can do. Only use one hand when you are in something live. Also, try to use your right hand if possible. The reason for this is that your heart is in the left side of your chest. This way if you do get hit, it will travel from right arm to right leg. We all do stupid stuff. The key is to use caution so you don't get hurt by it. God knows I've done some stupid things working on electronics. Fortunately, I have no scars and the worst thing I ever did was fry an $850 board in a blood pressure unit (I work on medical electronics).

 

[Pakman]

Since we're on the topic of monitors... i have an old 15" monitor that's just sitting around. I call it the sometimes monitor... Cause it works sometimes. Usually, it'll work for awhile, then the picture will go out. I then have to whack it a few times to get it working. It was annoying as hell especially in the middle of a quake match. But anyways, when the picture goes out, I can hear a real faint clicking noise... It's really quiet though. Anyone know if this is fixable? It has a good clear picture when it's working... I'd hate to have to throw this monitor away.