Basic Repair Computer Monitor

By: Date: Version:

Baba Salifu & Rik Haanen 4 June 2008 4

Table of content
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 2 Warning ! .............................................................................................................................. 2 Tools ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Trouble shooting ................................................................................................................... 3 1 Maximum resolution....................................................................................................... 3 2 Check power cable.......................................................................................................... 3 3 Signal cable .................................................................................................................... 3 4 Check fuse...................................................................................................................... 4 5 Check main switch.......................................................................................................... 5 6 Transformer .................................................................................................................... 6 7 Relay .............................................................................................................................. 6 8 Loose or wobbly soldering.............................................................................................. 7 Where to get spare parts ........................................................................................................ 8

Introduction
In the ICTTA training 4 June 2008 we have focused on repairing basic and common problems with computer monitors.

Warning !
Before you open a monitor, be aware of the high voltage.

Do not touch or remove (if not absolutely needed), high voltage! Even when the power cable is disconnected, some conductors might still keep voltage for some time!

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Tools
Multi-meter (checking continuity is also possible with a simple battery and lantern bulb) Assorted screwdrivers (Soldering iron)

Trouble shooting
First we need to analyze the cause of the problem. This is the most difficult part of the job. Once the cause is known, the component needs to be replaced.

1 Maximum resolution
Sometimes the monitor simply can not handle a high resolution. - Use a computer with a working monitor and reduce the resolution to 600x800 pixels. (right click on desktop, select properties, settings, move the resolution to 800x600) - Then connect the monitor with the problem to the computer with the low resolution. - Also some times contrast or brightness is adjusted. - If the monitor works then this monitor is Ok. Just try what the maximum resolution for this monitor is and use this setting.

2 Check power cable

Exchange the power cable with a cable that you know is correct. If the monitor works now, the problem is in the power cable. Let us further analyze what is wrong with the cable: o Check if there is continuity between each pin at both ends. o There is a fuse in most of the plugs check it (see also 4 Check fuse page 4).

3 Signal cable
Check pins in the connector, are they straight? If not, try to straighten then with a small knife. Some pins might be missing, that is not always a problem. Check wiring. Connect the monitor to the computer. Switch both on and twist the signal cable ends (both at the monitor side and the connector side). When the monitor sometimes goes on, then there is a problem in the signal cable. You can shorten the cable and remove the faulty part of it. Isolate all new connections well an durable.

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4 Check fuse
Fuses protect your hardware against most electronic damage. If a fuse is damaged, there might be a other conflict in the hardware which caused the fuse to break. - Make sure you disconnect the power source. - Wait for some minutes to discharge the conductors. - Open the cover. - Locate the fuse. - Remove the fuse carefully. - Check if there is continuity in the fuse. You can do that with the multi meter if you have one. Switch the meter to measure resistance . The resistance should be 0 . If you do not have a multi meter, you can use a simple battery, and a bulb from a lantern or bicycle. The bulb should shine. - If a fuse is damaged, there might be a other conflict in the hardware which caused the fuse to break. So if you over bridge the fuse, you might damage more critical electronic parts. It is better to replace the fuse with a new one of the same (m)A (mili Ampere).

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5 Check main switch

Make sure you disconnect the power source. Wait for some minutes to discharge the conductors. Open the cover Locate the main switch. Check if there is continuity when the switch is in the On position (On a multi meter, the resistance should be near to 0 ). Check if there is no continuity when the switch is in the Off position (On a multi meter, the resistance should display 1 meaning unlimited). You can do that with the multi meter if you have one. Switch the meter to measure resistance . If you do not have a multi meter, you can use a simple battery, and a bulb from a lantern or bicycle. If there is a problem with the switch, the best thing is to change it. If that is not possible, then you could bridge / short circuit the switch by both ends. In that case the monitor is always switched on, use the power socket switch to turn off the monitor.

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6 Transformer
Transformers have delicate thin wires inside. Unstable power supply might damage them. - Connect the power cord and switch on the main switch. - Now the system is under high voltage. So please be very careful when checking a transformer. Do not touch any part of the circuit board! - Put your multi meter in the high voltage V~ mode. - Check if there is the voltage going in to the transformer (usually the thin wire, high voltage side) - Check if any voltage is coming out of the transformer (usually the bigger wire, low voltage side) - If both end (in and out) have no current then the problem most likely is not with the transformer but before that component. - However if one end has power and the other does not, then the transformer needs to be replaced. If so write down the way the transformer is connected (Where does the thick and the thin wire go (out/in)?) before you disconnect it. Make sure you get the correct transformer: Voltage In and Out should be equal to the original transformer and the maximum allowed (mA or A) Ampere should be equal or more then the original transformer. Be sure you connect the new transformer in correct way (In and Out (thin/thick)).

7 Relay
Relays are electro magnetic switched and have delicate thin wires inside. Unstable power supply might damage them. There are many different types of relays. That is why it is hard to explain how to check it. If you have a spare working relay of the same type then you could try to replace it.

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8 Loose or wobbly soldering

A loose or wobbly soldering can cause a lot of trouble, components might get very hot and even be damaged by it. - Check the print on the wired side for cracks in the soldering. - Carefully renew the soldering at places where it is damaged.

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Where to get spare parts

If you have un-repairable hardware, you might look for spare parts in them. Otherwise ask you ICTTA members where to find a shop for your part.

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