Author Topic: The Fuzzy in the Dell  (Read 4162 times)

Offline Paddy

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 13797
    • View Profile
    • https://www.paddyduncan.com
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #15 on: September 09, 2006, 11:17:59 PM »
Gregg, the only problem with trying to buy a new CRT monitor these days is that the selection is somewhat limited.

If you want new, there's a very highly rated 22" Viewsonic on eBay right now - NIB. With shipping, it's about $118 at the moment - 2 days to go.  smile.gif Others to consider - Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 2070 and LaCie Electron Blue (my monitor is a 22" Electron Blue and it's wonderful)

Viewsonic P220f
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into committees. That'll do them in." ~Author unknown •iMac 5K, 27" 3.6Ghz i9 (2019) • 16" M1 MBP(2021) • 9.7" iPad Pro • iPhone 13

Offline gunug

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 6710
  • TS Palindrome
    • View Profile
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #16 on: September 10, 2006, 12:14:02 AM »
Gregg - Unless you're unusually lucky I don't think it's too likely to have vent holes lined up so you can see and actuate the internal focus control.  The other two things I can say about this is you should have the plastic screwdriver and occasionally they've put some fingernail polish type stuff onto the control to keep it from shaking out of alignment position.  If you have this gunk on it I've used a insulated pair of needlenose pliers to turn it "ever-so-gently" and break the stuff loose.  Then you can switch to the plastic screwdriver (or "diddle-stick" is another name for it) and adjust it.  There is a Test Pattern on some of the websites and on the older Service Source disks (I"ve seen it downloadable but I can't remember where).  This serves much like the test patterns on old televisions that allowed people to change settings with a stable, non-changing screen.  

This webpage is all about the safe way to make adjustments:

http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_monfaq3.html#MONFAQ_012


On the subject of electronic adjustment and repair (standing on my soapbox): about the time I was in my mid 20's I had never been inside of a computer let alone a monitor.  I was living in the same town as my grandfather and he had never had anything (car, aircraft, radio, television) that he hadn't taken apart.  He taught me respect for things inside the radio and television because there are high voltages inside.  But once I'd started doing things in there I was hooked; everytime I could actually fix a thing, actually make it better, I felt wonderful.  A honest feeling of power and accomplishment.  I don't think everyone is like me to the degree that you would take up my way of making a living; but I do think everyone is capable of learning how to fix "something" and feeling that feeling.  (I trip as I climb down from the soapbox).  Say goodnight John!
« Last Edit: September 11, 2006, 10:10:55 PM by airbusdriver »
"If there really is no beer in heaven then maybe at least the
computers will work all of the time!"

Offline Gregg

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 11748
    • View Profile
    • http://
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #17 on: September 10, 2006, 03:59:49 PM »
Yeah, John, I know. With encouragement from various members here, I have done some things inside my G3, including replacing a hard drive, a zip drive(which I've come to believe was unnecessary) and adding memory. It does give one a sense of satisfaction, but it does not remove the fear factor -for me anyway. I might check your link. Thanks for providing it.

Paddy, eBay is another thing I don't do. I know, I'm a fuddy duddy. My first 17" monitor was a Mitsu Diamond Pro. It worked well for several years, then got "the shakes". This Dell was a no cost replacement. Never used, it was sitting in a box at work. There might be more, but since I am in the process of changing jobs, I'm not asking again. I got about 1 year out of it. I posted here about hooking it up because somthing I read mentioned drivers - not needed with a Mac, I learned.

A local electronics chain has a storewide sale starting on Thursday. If I haven't found a place to fix this thing, or gotten up the nerve to try to open it up, I'll get the best thing they have on the shelf. I want it to last for two years, at which time I'll replace everything - unless something else goes bad on me sooner.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2006, 10:11:32 PM by airbusdriver »
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline gunug

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 6710
  • TS Palindrome
    • View Profile
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #18 on: September 11, 2006, 01:06:41 PM »
I have used eBay twice and been entirely burned one time and slightly smoked the other.  Not interested in make eBay a habit; I like kicking the tires on things I buy too much!
"If there really is no beer in heaven then maybe at least the
computers will work all of the time!"

Offline Gary S

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 2503
    • View Profile
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #19 on: September 11, 2006, 01:18:57 PM »
Gunug is right. They put some stuff on the controls to hold them in that OEM position. It's not hard but it's a very easy adjustment for a TV repair person.
Gary S

Offline Gregg

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 11748
    • View Profile
    • http://
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #20 on: September 11, 2006, 08:24:50 PM »
Well, all I can see through the holes in the case is relatively flat - no knobs, fittings, wires, screws - nothing. So it doesn't matter. I'm not taking the case off of it.

Now, a tech at Best Buy (scrapping the bottom of the barrel, I know) said switch out the cable and see if that helps. Well, I looked at the back of the monitor, and I'm not sure the cable plugs in or if it is hard wired. I guess I could ask the IT guy at work.
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline Xairbusdriver

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 26388
  • 27" iMac (mid-17), Big Sur, Mac mini, Catalina
    • View Profile
    • Mid-South Weather
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #21 on: September 11, 2006, 10:19:49 PM »
QUOTE
I might check your link.
Please, do NOT open the case until AFTER reading that info. It can be done safely, but it is not for beginners or those prone to be sloppy in their habits. I suspect the 'pots' are there, somewhere, probably next to each other, but possibly not where we think they should be. So, it's safer to let a repairman test his skills and leave the driving to them. I most stick to fixing mechanical things that only need parts replacements. I still remember connecting 220 volts to the wiring my Dad and I had installed in a garage/office we'd built. Fortunately only a very nice tube radio went up in smoke! oops.gif WOW.gif blush-anim-cl.gif Of course, I was grounded for several weeks!
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
Those that use metric = #1 Measurement system
And the United States = The Banana system
CAUTION! Childhood vaccinations cause adults! :yes:

Offline Gregg

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 11748
    • View Profile
    • http://
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #22 on: September 12, 2006, 07:30:18 AM »
Jim, I guess you responded before reading the post directly above....
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline gunug

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 6710
  • TS Palindrome
    • View Profile
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #23 on: September 12, 2006, 08:05:18 AM »
I don't think I've ever seen a focus problem caused by the cable; most monitors I've seen lately (that is the cheap one's I'm likely to be around) have a cable that is molded into the back of the case (that is locked into the back with soft plastic) and of course is fastened into a connector and usually screwed in somewhere for security.

I feel like I'm trying to talk you into doing something you don't want to do and that is "really" what I don't want to do!  Leave it alone and buy another one.  I'm sure that if my father were still alive (and he wasn't a technical sort although he was a meteorologist and a real user of technology) I could have personally showed him how to do this and would've felt he was safe.  But you and I are not in the same location and that could be the key here.  The link I sent you is great but there are no illustrations which I feel is key to understanding what to do.  I think I'm going to look for a (probably DVD based) video on this subject that I can recommend.

I'm going to try to limit myself on this subject from now on; if anyone thinks I'm getting too pushy then tell me!   nono.gif
« Last Edit: September 12, 2006, 08:08:44 AM by gunug »
"If there really is no beer in heaven then maybe at least the
computers will work all of the time!"

Offline Xairbusdriver

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 26388
  • 27" iMac (mid-17), Big Sur, Mac mini, Catalina
    • View Profile
    • Mid-South Weather
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #24 on: September 12, 2006, 09:32:37 AM »
I did read that post, but I also read that you were going to take it to the IT tech at work. That suggested to me that you were still considering doing something inside the box yourself. While it is easy, I'm sure gunug would feel better if you read up on the safety steps, even if you decide to simply buy a new one. It was something I did not want to assume you would do.

Nor do I think he is being 'pushy' and I know he is also concerned about your health! That's why he gave you that link. It's important to know what you're doing around high voltages. It's somewhat similar to flying, you usually only get to make one major mistake! oops.gif
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
Those that use metric = #1 Measurement system
And the United States = The Banana system
CAUTION! Childhood vaccinations cause adults! :yes:

Offline Gregg

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 11748
    • View Profile
    • http://
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #25 on: September 12, 2006, 12:22:31 PM »
No, Jim, I said I was going to ask the IT guy at work, and that was in reference to whether the cable was a plug in or hard wired. So, it's for sure: I am NOT going in there. A new monitor is the answer.
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline Gregg

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 11748
    • View Profile
    • http://
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #26 on: September 15, 2006, 08:33:15 PM »
Here's lookin' at my new HP mx705 monitor drink.gif

Less than $100 U.S. before sales tax. thumbup.gif

The image is much clearer. blink.gif

Not a big deal, but... cheer2.gif

(see, you don't need that candle to start a fire)
Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline gunug

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 6710
  • TS Palindrome
    • View Profile
The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #27 on: September 15, 2006, 09:26:40 PM »
Good News, Good News!
"If there really is no beer in heaven then maybe at least the
computers will work all of the time!"