Help with an old CRT PC monitor

[rareblacklobster]

Since there's no tech support general, I'm gonna post this here. I've got a Trinitron HMD-A400 that does not display anything when hooked up to my PC or any of my older consoles. When it's connected to my PC, I see it appear, disappear, reappear, etc. every second or so as a display option, so I think its VGA cable is bad. The monitor itself works fine. When it's not connected, it shows me the no signal message and the self-diagnose tool shows it's working fine. Anyone have any ideas what might be the issue?

 

[SAFSPRIN]

I'd say first step would be a new VGA cable. Can get them for just a couple of bucks.

If you plan to use it on a new computer, you can likely drive it with a USB to VGA cables; kinda like those USB to HDMI cables.

 

[rareblacklobster]

I'd say first step would be a new VGA cable. Can get them for just a couple of bucks.

If you plan to use it on a new computer, you can likely drive it with a USB to VGA cables; kinda like those USB to HDMI cables.

What worries me is that the VGA cable is actually attached to the back of the monitor. I'm not sure how I would be able to change it.

 

[Robust User]

What worries me is that the VGA cable is actually attached to the back of the monitor. I'm not sure how I would be able to change it.

Unplug the monitor, push the power button in, and leave it for a few days to discharge the capacitors. Unscrew and open the case. The VGA cable is likely attached on lugs with nuts. I doubt it's soldered. Write down where which colored wire attached. Replace with new cable by doing the reverse.

 

[rareblacklobster]

Unplug the monitor, push the power button in, and leave it for a few days to discharge the capacitors. Unscrew and open the case. The VGA cable is likely attached on lugs with nuts. I doubt it's soldered. Write down where which colored wire attached. Replace with new cable by doing the reverse.

I'll give that a shot. Would keeping it off for about a week before trying be sufficient to not accidentally an hero myself?

 

[seri0us]

I'll give that a shot. Would keeping it off for about a week before trying be sufficient to not accidentally an hero myself?

Almost certainly, but of course still try to not touch anything sensitive.

 

[SAFSPRIN]

Unplug the monitor, push the power button in, and leave it for a few days to discharge the capacitors. Unscrew and open the case. The VGA cable is likely attached on lugs with nuts. I doubt it's soldered. Write down where which colored wire attached. Replace with new cable by doing the reverse.

I did not know this myself. I would have assumed they'd be soldered inside. I'm sure some are ofcourse, but if some can be replaced though they look built in, that's great to know.

 

[Pee Cola]

Before going to the trouble of changing the VGA cable, try a different refresh rate on your PC's video card. Older monitors can struggle with refresh rates that are too high (which a modern PC is likely to be putting out by default) or too low (which is what many old timey consoles and computers such as Amigas put out). Try refresh rates between 30Hz and 60Hz and see how you go.

 

[Vecr]

Make sure you very carefully check all the capacitors for bulging, as well as look for any substances or corrosion that may be caused by leaked capacitors. Take detailed photographs as well, in case you have to replace something. CRT monitors are really dangerous (with the capacitors, transformers, etc), so be careful.

 

[Migraine Box]

Before going to the trouble of changing the VGA cable, try a different refresh rate on your PC's video card. Older monitors can struggle with refresh rates that are too high (which a modern PC is likely to be putting out by default) or too low (which is what many old timey consoles and computers such as Amigas put out). Try refresh rates between 30Hz and 60Hz and see how you go.

Seconding this. Also, if you have any older PC, pre-2010s, one of those should work just fine with a CRT monitor.

Make sure you very carefully check all the capacitors for bulging, as well as look for any substances or corrosion that may be caused by leaked capacitors.

The model OP listed is a late 90s Sony, those are usually extraordinarily robust and not prone to bad caps or the capacitor plague so he should be fine in that regard

 

[Uncle Holter]

Before going to the trouble of changing the VGA cable, try a different refresh rate on your PC's video card. Older monitors can struggle with refresh rates that are too high (which a modern PC is likely to be putting out by default) or too low (which is what many old timey consoles and computers such as Amigas put out). Try refresh rates between 30Hz and 60Hz and see how you go.

Hopefully you're just suggesting this for trouble shooting. Actually using 60Hz or bellow on a CRT is painful since the flickering is horrendous.
I remember always setting the refresh rate to at least 85Hz for general use or 100+ Hz when playing CS.

I also looked up the model Trinitron HMD-A400 mentioned by the OP and it's not that old. It should be able to handle at least 75Hz with no problems but you might need to drop resolution to stay within the bandwidth limitations.