BS: Computer jaundice? (CRT)

Subject: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: GUEST,Technomoron.
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 02:32 PM

Just the other day, whilst I was working on it normally, and without my having altered any "Settings"/"Display" (etc etc), the monitor of my computer changed to a yellowish hue, and also seemed rather duller or darker. This lasted a few minutes, and then the original tone and lightness returned. I thought at first the electrical power had decreased for a short time, but the problem returned intermittently and now is permanent. As far as I can tell, everything else remains unaffected.   Has anyone else ever experienced this, or can anyone more technologically knowledgeable than I suggest a reason?

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 02:58 PM

That has happened to a computer of mine- but that was a number of years ago before the digital age. How old is your monitor?

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 04:32 PM

And is it a flatscreen or a CRT-type?

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: GUEST,Technomoron
Date: 01 Oct 13 - 02:23 PM

Yes, it's a ?Cathode Ray Tube (told you I am of "more than 'Technophobe' Ignorance") rather than a Flatscreen monitor. I haven't a clue how old it is, though it will certainly be more than ten years old. I got it, and another, for a nominal sum about ten years back when the one I received from a well known British University (for a slightly bigger "nominal sum") failed after about three weeks. It is, however, a colour monitor rather than the old black-and-green one I bought in the 1980s.

The other CRT one I got ten years back hasn't been used yet, at least by me. Thanks so far.

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: Noreen
Date: 01 Oct 13 - 02:49 PM

It is likely that the monitor is on its way out- as you probably expected to hear. You'll be unlikely to find anyone interested in trying to repair it... old CRT monitors are 10 a penny and new flat screens can be got quite cheaply now.
It sounds like it doesn't owe you anything, anyway!

How about trying "the other CRT one I got ten years back"?

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: frogprince
Date: 01 Oct 13 - 02:55 PM

Could be the same malady that I asked for advice about recently. Does your monitor have a "menu" button? If so, punch it, and look for "Degauss"; on mine, that's an icon of a horseshoe magnet. I clicked on that, the monitor imaging went all wavey for a moment, and then my color was fine again.

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: GUEST,Technomoron
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 10:51 AM

Thanks to all who have replied; "frogprince", I do remember the "Degauss" word, among a lot of other things, and I'll give that a try once I get home. Also, Noreen, as you anticipate, my next step may be to try the other one, hoping the poor thing hasn't rusted up in the last decade. (Would a place-name beginning "K" have any significance for you, round about All Souls' Day?)

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: Tiger
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 11:05 AM

If all connections are good, then you've lost one of the 3 primary electron beams (blue) at the back end of the CRT. No surprise with one that old.

The recommendations to test by switching monitors/computers are correct, as are the comments that it's not worth fixing due to the low cost of replacement.

If your computer is as old as the monitor, though, you may have video driver problems with a new display.

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 01:50 PM

Yes, Tiger, that was among my initial thoughts too (going back forty years to school Physics!). However, having tried the "Degauss" option, as also mentioned above, I'm pleased to report that the colour, and the light intensity, have returned. How long this will last is another matter. If I were female, "frogprince", I'd be puckering-up right now. Thanks again to everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: Noreen
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 03:30 PM

Glad you've been Degaussed successfully, Mr moron (or can I call you Techno?).

I can guess at the 'K' place, but can't think of the All Souls Day significance. You can always become a mudcat member and send me a PM so I know what you're on about :)

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice?
From: Tiger
Date: 03 Oct 13 - 06:11 PM

Glad to hear it's back. But, if 'de-gauss' worked, then you must have gotten 'Gaussed' somehow.

Your monitor should not be close to other EM sources (other monitor, motor, laser printer, etc.).

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice? (CRT)
From: GUEST,Dr Techo, a Moron (with regard to Computers)
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 11:42 AM

The monitor's right next to the Computer itself! I'm going to check what this "Gauss" stuff is; is it anything to do with something the name of "Gauss's Lemma"? (from a scrap of grafitti I saw years ago, didn't understand, and it has therefore occupied a tiny, neglected part of my "memory bank" ever since, forgotten until now). No particular religious significance to All Souls', either, just an approximation to the time some countries might have a Bank Holiday, when people might gather to share some songs over a weekend..

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice? (CRT)
From: GUEST,Technomoron
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 11:44 AM

Sorry, just to obey the rules with regard to maintaining a consistent pseudonym, the "Dr Techno, a Moron", albeit mis-spelt, was me.

Subject: RE: BS: Computer jaundice? (CRT)
From: Tiger
Date: 04 Oct 13 - 12:18 PM

I don't think 'Gaussed' is really a word, but you get the idea ... lol

(tweaked by a too-close magnetic field)