17" MicroTek flat panel display

Maybe a short in the backlight? You might try opening it up a nd look for loose screws, etc. I just opened a pair of lappys here and found both with at least one screw rattling around and a few more that were unsettlingly loose. I think one of the screws caused problems w/ the pwoer board on one of the lappys, but it was only random/intermittant. If you open the panel, it'll also give you a chance to see if the cathodes for the backlight are broken or not. I had one laptop that wouldn't display anything becuase the backlight tube was cracked. Swapped in a good one and all was fine.

The power circuit seems okay and nothing rattles, so a loose part is unlikely. I will have to dig deeper in to the unit to check the cathode(s).

--DDTM

Okay, I d/ced the data signal from the main board and powered it up, the LCD display stayed on and lit well - Problem is not in the power supply or inverter. Screen reamins steady and constant, no flashing.

Next lugged video cable to unit and re-powered, no change - problem is not caused by reciept of data signal in.

Next reconnected data signal to LCD from main board and re-powered - problem reappeared. Could see during flashes, desktop of connected Mac.

Conclusion - The LCD itself is good, as is the power supply. A good data signal is going to the display, but the output from the board to the LCD is faulty.

Next step is to see if I can find a replacement for the board as all micros and ICs appear okay and no discoloration is present on the circuit card. Problem could be a simple 25¢ part, but I cannot identify (as of yet) the problem. Might drag out the o-scope, but I would prefer having better knowledge of this hardware before doing so.

--DDTM

OOH! OOH! I think I might know this one. Try a different resolution. How old is this thing anyhow??

Less than one to one and a half years. The problem was known to monitor was originally used with a PC, when the problem suddenly began. The PC it was used with was unchanged in configutration or screen settings when this occurred. I have verified that the problem is not in the PSU circuits, as it was orginally thought that this may have been related to a lightening stike of some form. If it was, then the problem entered via the signal path, vice the AC connection.

I see where you are going with that thought, and thank you for the idea, but I can rule that out based on having connected other Macs with varied screen resolutions.

--DDTM

I finally called them and had to wait a considerable amount of time on the phone to get a real person. Bottom line is that the unit *may* still be under warranty (sans the LCD for which coverage ran out at the 1 year mark) as the unit is just over three years old (based on manufacture date). If I can obtain a purchase receipt or some other proof of purchase, I will be able to get a RMA and have the untit replaced/repaired. Cost of replacing the 5"x5" board is almost equivalent to purchasing a whole new unit (I do not get that at all).

Microtek will not release any needed repair doc or specs unless I am an authorized dealer.

My current options:

• Get a copy of the receipt, if possible, and RMA the thing.

• Drag out the o-scope and start poking around with the 'ole logic probe.

• Troll web/ebay for a replacement part or compatible hardware for which the LCD will work with.

--DDTM

...no luck on the recipt...
...no room on the bench right now...
...no cash to buy a replacement even if I can find it...

crap

maybe January will fare better for the bench...

--DDTM