Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
paireddisplayasquicklyaspossible.Insomecases,ifyourparticularmonitorisuniqueor
onethecompanydoesn'thaveinstock,youmustwaitwhileyourspecificunitisrepaired.
Troubleshooting a failed monitor is relatively simple. If your display goes out, for ex-
ample, a swap with another monitor can confirm that the display is the problem. If the
problem disappears when you change the display, the problem is almost certainly in the
originaldisplayorthecable;iftheproblemremains,itislikelyinthevideoadapterorPC.
Many of the better quality, late-model monitors have built-in self-diagnostic circuitry.
Check your monitor's manual for details. Using this feature, if available, can help you
determine whether the problem is really in the monitor, in a cable, or somewhere else in
the system. If self-diagnostics produce an image onscreen, look to other parts of the video
subsystem for your problem.
The monitor cable can sometimes be the source of display problems. A bent pin in the
connector that plugs into the video adapter can prevent the monitor from displaying im-
ages, or it can cause color shifts. Most of the time, you can repair the connector by care-
fullystraighteningthebentpinwithsharp-nosedpliers.Aloosecablecanalsocausecolor
shifts; make sure the cable is securely attached.
Ifthepinbreaksoffortheconnectorisotherwisedamaged,youcansometimesreplacethe
monitor cable. Some monitor manufacturers use cables that disconnect from the monitor
and video adapter, whereas others are permanently connected. Depending on the type of
connector the device uses at the monitor end, you might have to contact the manufacturer
for a replacement.
If you narrow down the problem to the display, consult the documentation that came with
the monitor or call the manufacturer for the location of the nearest factory repair depot.
Third-partydepotrepairservicecompaniesarealsoavailablethatcanrepairmostdisplays
(if they are no longer covered by a warranty); their prices often are much lower than fact-
ory service.
Caution
You should
never
attempt to repair a CRT monitor yourself. Touching the wrong component
can be fatal. The display circuits can hold extremely high voltages for hours, days, or even
weeks after the power is shut off. A qualified service person should discharge the CRT and
power capacitors before proceeding.
