My whistling monitor

[kimmer]

Right after Sneakers installed my new hd, my monitor has started to whistle. Now I honestly think the hd installation is simply a coincidence, but it's fun to bug him. Anyhow ... what might be causing this sudden high-pitched whistling? It's driving my ears crazy!


kimmer

PS: Thanks to whomever it was that posted the tip about spell checking on boards in Jag via the control key.

[tacit]

A steady, high-pitched whistle from a monitor or TV set is usually caused by a faulty high-voltage component called a "flyback transformer."

The job of a flyback transformer is to take the 120 volts coming out of the wall and step it up to the 30,000 volts or so that the picture tube needs to operate. Often, a whistling flyback transformer is getting ready to fail; this usually causes sufficient damage that repair costs are greater than replacement costs.

It is sometimes possible to end the whistle by disassembling the monitor and using something like red silicone sealent around the base of the flyback transformer.

WARNING *** WARNING *** WARNING

Any TV or monitor uses 30,000 volts or more. This charge can be stored within the picture tube for long periods of time. If a picture tube discharges through your body, the results can be lethal. Never disassemble a monitor or attempt this kind of repair if you are not familiar with the safety requirements of working around high voltage in general and CRTs in particular!

[kimmer]

QUOTE

Often, a whistling flyback transformer is getting ready to fail; this usually causes sufficient damage that repair costs are greater than replacement costs.

This is what I was afraid of.  Not about to take it apart, I'll just keep my eyes open and my ears plugged for a good sale on a new monitor.

First time I've ever had a problem with a Sony TV or Monitor. Especially since this monitor is only 17 mths. old.

Thanks for the info -
kimmer

[Bill]

Sure it isn't Sneakers whistling at you Kimmer?

[kimmer]

Hey Bill, I wish it was.  

It seems to be related to Jag.     When I switch to classic mode and run apps, the whistle is gone. When I start off my old drive in 10.1.5, the whistle is gone. Now I'm wondering if it had anything to do with all those firmware/software updates that took place when I set up my drive.

Since I don't have much on it that I can't easily backup, I'm considering doing the process all over again, and running some of the updates. At least it would satisfy my curiosity.


kimmer

[Bbob]

This is a shot in the dark, but what the heck. Do you have ANYTHING electrical near your computer and monitor? I heard of a problem recently with a flickering monitor. It was solved by moving one of those small, clip-on-the shelf type fans away from the computer. Did you move anything when you installed the new HD? I have heard of phone boxes in the wall that affected monitors. Move your monitor and see if it improves.

Bbob with a Cube

[kimmer]

Well, the  tower is now closer to the monitor. I'll move it and see what happens. I *think* I found the main culprit though ...

I noticed that when I switched to Classic and began playing an older game that went to 256 colors, the squeal went away. Then I began poking around in sys prefs and found that the last update change my monitor's refresh rate to 85. I'd always had it set at 75. I switched it back and the loud squeal is now gone, just this minor squeal left. I'll move the tower and see if I can get rid of that.

Thanks for the tip, Bbob.
kimmer

[Bill]

I still think it was sneakers

Sounds/reads like you're on the right track now.

[kelly]

Yeah. The Refresh Rate is good to check.

Too high can damage the Monitor.

[kimmer]

Wasn't aware it could damage the monitor, but it sure was killing my ears. I also didn't appreciate that the software or firmware update just changed it. :-/


kimmer