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Author Topic: The Fuzzy in the Dell  (Read 4161 times)

Offline Gregg

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« on: September 07, 2006, 08:44:36 PM »
Suddenly, just yesterday, my monitor went all fuzzy. I've messed with the monitor's menus to make things a little less fuzzy, and I've poked around in the Monitor control panel. That ain't cuttin' it. I don't know if there are other things to try. TechTool Pro can test monitor function, but I don't think it will "repair" problems.

If it's time for another new monitor, I don't know the terminology well enough to order a new one that will be compatible with my beige G3. I do know that I don't have a USB port, if that's important.
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Offline gunug

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« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2006, 09:04:47 PM »
There is undoubtedly an adapter available somewhere near where you live that will convert MAC G3 video to SVGA.  They are pretty much the same thing with a different pin out.  If you can't find one let me know (private message if you want) and I can probably dig one up.  If focus changes drastically overnight its a sign that something is probably failing in the alignment circuitry of the CRT.  There is probably a focus adjustment inside the case and if you're brave enough and careful enough you can adjust it once you open the case!  If you don't feel like doing it any "real" television repair guy could do it.  I generally drill a hole in the case if I've bothered to open it; that way I can adjust it again later without taking it apart again!

This is a picture of two flyback transformers with focus and level adjustments on the side (the nubs on the sides are plastic screws or adjustments and generally are labeled on the side as focus and level).  Once you're to the point you can see these you need to use a plastic (non-conductive) screwdriver to make your adjustments!

« Last Edit: September 07, 2006, 09:25:17 PM by gunug »
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Offline Paddy

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2006, 10:09:08 PM »
Gregg, there are lots of good used CRTs around, since everybody and their donkey is opting for flat panel LCDs.

Local is probably the best bet, since CRT monitors are heavy and expensive to ship.

Craigslist?

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/sys/202041127.html

I've also bought a few monitors off eBay with good success; one that was shipped from CA and the other I picked up from the seller in Boston.
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Offline sandbox

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2006, 11:29:36 PM »
places like BestBuy/Walmart will have inexpencive monitors.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5056743
with speakers.
Item Description
   
A reliable 17" monitor that gets the job done right. This Compaq monitor delivers the best in image quality, and boasts an attractive design in a flat-screen format.

    * Tube Type: Color, flat-faced, shadow-mask, multi-frequency CRT
    * Picture Tube Size: 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
    * Viewable Area (Diagonal): 16-inch (40.6 cm)
    * Trio Dot Pitch: 0.25 to 0.28 mm
    * Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 1024 @ 60 Hz
    * Recommended: 1024 x 768 @ 85 Hz this is important
    * Preset Graphic Modes:1280 x 1024 @ 60 Hz, 1024 x 768 @ 85 Hz and 75 Hz, 800 x 600 @ 85 Hz and 75 Hz,720 x 400 @ 70 Hz, 640 x 480 @ 85 Hz, 75 Hz and 60 Hz
    * Horizontal Frequency: 30 to 70 kHz
    * Vertical Frequency: 50 to 160 Hz
    * Anti-Glare/Anti-Static: Yes good
    * Signal Cable Length Input Voltage: 100 to 240V AC, 50 3Hz and 60 3Hz
    * Built-in Power Supply: Yes. Universal
    * Maximum Power Rating: 75 Watts
    * Energy Mode: < 4 watts
    * Tilt Range: 5 down; 15 up
    * Swivel Range: 45 left; 45 right a plus
    * Monitor Color: Carbonite black & silver
    * Speakers Type: USB powered speakers a plus



amazon has a good new/used selelction.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_pc/104-7...o.y=8&Go=Go

The adaptor your using with your Dell now will work on any CRT monitor.
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Offline jepinto

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2006, 05:16:36 AM »
Do you have a way to test the monitor, on another computer?  After spending a lot of money for a flat 17  CRT..... I wanted the same look on/with the Cube.... I found my problem was the video card, not the monitor.

Having said that, my symptoms were banding and fuzziness.  The last monitor that went just fuzzy was the monitor, on a friend's 4 year old Dell.
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Offline Gregg

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« Reply #5 on: September 08, 2006, 07:40:15 AM »
Thanks for all the excellent advice.
I think the video card (ATI) is fine. I have a VCR connected to the computer, and the TV signal, coming through the ATI card, is still sharp.

I might try to have someone else adjust the focus, if that can reasonably be expected to extend the life of the monitor. I just don't want to spend money on it if it is ready for the junk pile.

I suppose I could remove the adapter that plugs into the monitor and take that with me to BestBuy or WalMart to make sure I get a CRT monitor that I can plug in. Good idea! Thanks. You're welcome.

What an inspiring site this is! smile.gif
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Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline Gregg

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2006, 12:15:41 PM »
Get this: the tech I talked to, without me telling him what computer I have, asked if the monitor was an Apple? Reason: Apple monitors can be adjusted internally. But, Dell's or anybody else's monitors are limited to the external controls. Figures.
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Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.

Offline gunug

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« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2006, 02:17:20 PM »
Gregg - I think this guy is blowing smoke in your eyes (he's not a friend or a relative or something is he?) ; I have 5 brands of monitor at home and a iMAC DV/400 and I've adjusted video on "all" of them.  I will admit none of them is a Dell but I have been inside Dell monitors and the don't recall anything all that different inside.  Was this guy a computer technician or a TV guy?  A lot of computer techs don't do the insides of monitors (probably a survival mechanism smile.gif  ) but I don't imagine an experienced television guy would see anything all that strange in a CRT computer monitor (well there is a digital controller board but he doesn't need to go near that).  I guess I should keep my mouth shut because most people are concerned about the high voltage.
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2006, 06:49:19 PM »
QUOTE
I guess I should keep my mouth shut because most people are concerned about the high voltage.
Only ones not concerned are no longer with us...eek2.gif

But I agree with your expectations of what's inside the "Dell" monitor. Since I don't think "Dell" makes any of the parts for its merchandise, I'd expect their monitors to be exactly like most of them ( unless they were able to cut a deal for cheaper parts that others would demand ). As far as I know, every CRT monitor must have these controls because they must each be set at the factory. CRTs are not like digital hardware, the CRT itself is always slightly different than the next, so they must all be 'tweaked' a little before they leave the building. Why it would suddenly become 'fuzzy' makes me suspect that a cap or resistor some where in the circuit may have failed. You may be able to compensate for that with the adjustment pot, but there are limits to how much and how fine the adjustment can be. But it is certainly worth checking with a knowledgeable tech/serviceman; shouldn't take but a second, once the case is removed.

BTW, getting a flat screen CRT monitor/TV will be quite a bit heavier than the old kind ( a 17 incher should still be 'luggable', of course ). The front 'flat screen' is probably three times as thick as the old rounded kind. That is because the glass must be strong enough to withstand the pressure by shear strength instead of the added benefit of the old curved glass ( remember, there is a fairly healthy vacuum inside that CRT ). It's actually one of the reasons that chicken ( and most other ) eggs are not square, the curved shape helps make the rather thin shell possible ( even though there is usually not a vacuum in there ). eek2.gif The other major reason for rounded eggs is so they'll fit in those egg cartons...harhar.gif
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Offline Gregg

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« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2006, 10:58:10 AM »
The place I called is where my old Mac TV was repaired, including adjusting the image on the screen internally. I guess I could call a TV repair shop. But, guess what's faster.... buying a new monitor.

Jim, did you ever try to break a chicken's egg by applying pressure along the long axis? Can't be done. If you slip and apply the pressure in another direction, you'll have messy hands.
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Offline Gary S

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« Reply #10 on: September 09, 2006, 11:09:48 AM »
Gregg,

QUOTE
There is probably a focus adjustment inside the case and if you're brave enough and careful enough you can adjust it once you open the case! If you don't feel like doing it any "real" television repair guy could do it.


Those adjustment pots are usually on the left side of the case- as your facing the monitor.

Take a flashlight and look through the air vents near the lower left side and see if you can see them.

I adjusted mine and got a very clear picture on my Viewsonic.
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Offline krissel

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« Reply #11 on: September 09, 2006, 12:10:07 PM »
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Offline gunug

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« Reply #12 on: September 09, 2006, 08:01:08 PM »
I think I'm going to have dreams (nightmares) about square eggs with vacuum inside of them; they could suck you in when you crack them open!   tongue.gif
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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The Fuzzy in the Dell
« Reply #13 on: September 09, 2006, 08:47:20 PM »
Don't worry, gunug, if you see an egg big enough to suck you in, you better start looking out for whatever layed it! eek2.gif harhar.gif
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Offline Gregg

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« Reply #14 on: September 09, 2006, 10:24:44 PM »
I'm not usually one for taking things apart and fixing them. But, I might have a look. And just how do you make the adjustment? If I see something with a flashlight, I sitll have to get the case off I suppose. Not my idea of having fun.

But, asuming I get that far, do you fire it up and adjust away, or do you have to turn 'em one at a time and then fire it up? - a trial and error method

I'm also not one for buying used equipment, cars, etc. If I end up buying a monitor, it will be new.
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Ya gotta applaud those bunnies for sacrificing their hearing just so some guy in Cupertino can have better TV reception.
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