tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85563184491538554612024-03-05T19:41:38.788-08:00LCD Monitor Repair | Power Supply Electronics | Electronic ManualsHow-To Guides, Projects and Software RecommendationsNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-36814514683497590772010-09-07T10:59:00.000-07:002012-01-18T01:39:04.244-08:00Laptop Screen Goes Black - 2 Reasons for Black Laptop Screen Problems<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of the most common reasons why a laptop screen goes black is because of <b>impact damage</b>. This can happen when the laptop is accidentally dropped or bumped into.<br />
<ul><li>Apart from a cracked screen & display chip damage, the whole monitor goes black and doesn't respond when turned on.</li>
<li>If the damage is superficial, you can get away with <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">simple screen replacement</a>... Get a replacement screen from Ebay and install it in place of your damaged laptop screen.</li>
<li>I've done this on laptops ranging from Dell, HP, Acer and Toshiba. Just make sure you get a screen that's compatible with the monitor size & cable connectors of your current laptop.</li>
</ul>Another reason for laptop screen problems is a <b>failed backlight bulb</b>.<br />
<ul><li>Think of the backlight as a thin fluorescent tubelight that powers up the monitor screen. Most backlight bulbs have a lifespan of 3, 5 or 7 years but you might notice the screen go dim & dark as early as 2-3 years.</li>
<li>A failing backlight can also give out a pinkish hue which means all the colors on your screen become pink.</li>
</ul>Remember that just as your <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">laptop screen goes <b>black</b></a>, it can also go <b>white</b>. Black screen is a sign of backlight failure while white screen indicates a loose connection between the video cable and the laptop screen.<br />
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<div style="background-color: #ffffb9; border: 2px dashed; padding: 8px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="laptop screen goes black, laptop screen problems, laptop screen goes white, laptop screen repair" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8JChOFtiYP6BhSRIaaPhXPMDrgcQNpoudHUMPkOGwq3oo86u7BAAvshsQDFs8RQoR9W38BaTTJte6Mu_qcE1aZe-Vt7C5Xf14Um1K1947CN0Dm1GE9X-3rfDxpxA6WIgjotSCFJXxqRT/s320/notebook.jpg" /></a></div><b>Get more on this website:</b><br />
<a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>How To Repair LCD Monitors Like A Pro</b></a><br />
<i>Know exactly how to fix a monitor or laptop screen when it goes black or white. Easy techniques that save you time & money. <b><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">Click here</a></b> to know more.</i></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-64155858657091004692010-07-08T23:56:00.000-07:002010-09-08T12:18:25.177-07:00Sanwa Digital Multimeter and Yokogawa Digital Multimeter - Quick Electronics Notes on DMMs<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Both multimeters are from Tokyo, Japan and products of the Sanwa Electric Instrument Co., Ltd and Yokogawa Electric Corporation respectively.</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I have used both kinds of multimeters for <a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/">electronic testing</a> -- Sanwa multimeters for wider & quicker testing projects and Yokogawa multimeters for intensive & complex troubleshooting.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">What I like best about Sanwa is the convenient range of pocket DMMs that I can carry around wherever I go. PM3, PM11 and the newer PM33 are some examples of this model type with an accuracy of between 0.7-0.8%</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Other more advanced models from Sanwa include PC5000a (very accurate), CD771 and CD-800a -- which is quite popular in Singapore.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Among Yokogawa's test instruments, I like the 7555 & 7561 series of digital multimeters.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #ffffb9; border: 2px dashed; padding: 5px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sanwa digital multimeter, yokogawa digital multimeter, digital multimeter models, japanese multimeters, pocket digital multimeter" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBZ_KQ1rd8KpdSALfHbvIhzxthr1B16C9CU2WpKuyxHYi27ZtCvin-GXMM94_oE-zZkES-_cpR-rQgH06goBT3W68ySxqHn3BQI5dyDemyzeVApr72gaVIpozV1YVd3clqHgW1Vy3XevY/s320/multimeter.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Recommended website:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/">How To Test & Repair Electronic Components</a></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Get the insider knowledge on how multimeters are used in actual testing. Includes projects & case studies. <b><a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/">Click here</a></b> to know more.</i></span></div></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-37553855692370560872010-06-09T10:30:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:42:56.809-07:00Dry Joints in LCD Monitor Circuit Boards<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">When faced with bad display problems in LCD monitors, the usual suspect is the backlight (the CCFL tube that lights up the screen).<br />
<br />
However, in some cases, it is also possible that the problem may be bad solder joints in the monitor's circuit board.<br />
<br />
I have seen it happen in some of the brand-name 17" and 19" LCD monitors that were 3-5 years old. On testing, I found that the backlight was working fine. But when I probed a little, I found that dry joints were causing the display problem.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><div style="width:400px;background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For more, check out:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>LCD Monitors - Repair Projects & Case Studies</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-41544887327161559902010-05-29T06:58:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:47:38.081-07:00LCD Monitor Inverter Board | Input-Output Voltage for the CCFL Backlight Bulb<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">CCFL stands for Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp. Its function is to light up the LCD monitor screen when a high-frequency current is passed through it.<br />
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The power circuits of this lamp are present in the monitor's inverter board, also called the <a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">SMPS board</a>. It is called the inverter because it converts low-voltage DC input to high-voltage AC output.<br />
<br />
To light up the backlight, you need a <i>12V DC input</i>. The SMPS board then converts it to a high-voltage AC output in the range of <i>800-1000 volts</i>. This in turn powers the backlight bulb.</div></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/"><b>SMPS Electronics - A to Z Inverter Board Circuits</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-38103829238979043752010-05-24T01:03:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:49:53.202-07:00ESR Meter Test for Capacitors - The Use of ESR Meter Readings in Electronics Testing<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the most common problems in electronic circuit board testing is the case of <a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/">defective capacitors</a>. This has a series of side effects ranging from <a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">power supply problems</a> to unusable or damaged components.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is where an <b>ESR meter</b> (Equivalent Series Resistance meter) can be used to test capacitors before they have a chance to create problems.</span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Under ideal conditions, the ESR value of a healthy capacitor is close to <b>zero</b>. But corrosion and drying causes the ESR value to move up slowly. This usually happens after a few years of usage.</span> </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Eventually, the capacitor itself suffers from voltage drops, increased heating and expected failure.</span> </li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Once out of service, this bad capacitor has a cascading effect on other components, which suffer from proxy damage.</span> </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">You can prevent such electronic failures by locating capacitors whose values are <b>high</b>, and replacing them in time.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>For more, visit:</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/"><b>Electronics Testing and Repair - Amazing Case Studies</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-30164044255508939962010-05-22T07:32:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:52:24.135-07:00Flickering Laptop Screen - How to Fix LCD Laptop Screen that Flickers Randomly<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">When a standalone LCD monitor flickers randomly, the problem is usually the backlight. When the same thing happens in a laptop, the cause is a <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">defective ribbon connector cable</a>.<br />
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Remember that in a laptop the display screen is separate from the main case that contains the keyboard, hard disk and other electronic parts.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The laptop screen is embedded into the lid of the laptop, and by constant opening and closing, the LCD ribbon connector cable gets worn out.<br />
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Once the damage sets in, the cable is unable to relay video signals properly, and so the screen images flicker randomly.<br />
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Luckily, there's an easy fix for this: Just replace the ribbon connector cable with a compatible part from an OEM manufacturer. It usually costs $15-20 and is far cheaper than replacing the whole screen.</span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>How to Fix Flickering Laptop Screen and LCD Monitors</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-17029890601324523622010-05-19T08:04:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:53:31.897-07:00Power Supply Electronics Books - Top 5 Books on SMPS Design, Troubleshooting and Power Electronics<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Power electronics is an interdisciplinary mix of electrical & electronics engineering.<br />
<br />
At its core, it deals with the conversion and supply mechanics of delivering the right amount of voltage, to the right component, in a manner that is both precise and automated.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This technology is used in everything from <a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">SMPS circuit boards</a> in computers to large-scale electrical transformers in power plants.<br />
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Here's my own list of Top 5 books in the field of SMPS & power electronics:<br />
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1. <i>Switching Power Supply Design</i> by Abraham Pressman, Keith Billings & Taylor Morey<br />
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2. <i>Fundamentals of Power Electronics</i> by Robert W. Erickson & Dragan Maksimovic<br />
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3. <i>Power Electronics: Converters, Applications and Design</i> by Ned Mohan, Tore M. Undeland<br />
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4. <i>Troubleshooting Switching Power Converters</i> by Sanjaya Maniktala<br />
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5. <i>Power Supply Cookbook</i> by Marty Brown</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>For full case studies, visit</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/"><b>SMPS Electronics - Power Electronics Course for Engineers</b></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> (Intermediate to Advanced Electronics Training)</span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-29112805992548620532010-05-18T04:23:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:54:28.013-07:00Dead Bulging Capacitors - Easy Tip to Prevent Dead Capacitors in your Electronic Circuit Board<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is one of the most common problems in <a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/">electronic testing</a>. Capacitors go dead when sudden voltage surges or other shocks exceed the temperature threshold that they can handle.<br />
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The result is domed, leaking and bulging capacitors which affect the working of the rest of the components till they are repaired.<br />
<br />
<i>So how do you prevent dead capacitors in your electronic circuit board?</i> Simple.<br />
<br />
Get capacitors that have a <a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/">higher temperature threshold</a>. That is, if a component requires a capacitor with a rated temperature of 105 degrees C, get one that's higher and solder it in instead of the usual capacitor.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">That way, the capacitor is able to absorb voltage shocks better and will not go dead all of a sudden. Needless to say, this also saves you time and money due to frequent capacitor replacement.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/"><b>Electronic Testing and Repair - PCB Component Techniques</b></a></span></div></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-17530044382424222472010-05-15T05:37:00.001-07:002010-09-07T02:55:36.383-07:00White Laptop Screen - What causes a Laptop LCD Screen to turn Completely White?<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are 2 main reasons for a <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">white laptop screen</a>:</span></div><ol style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">A defective LCD screen or motherboard (where the graphics are integrated), or</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">A loose connection between the video cable and the laptop screen.</span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Usually the reason is #2, which can be fixed by reconnecting the video cable. If not, then you'll need to replace the laptop screen.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
To troubleshoot quickly & effectively, get a functioning LCD screen from another laptop. This will be useful in case you need to replace the screen of your defective laptop.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>LCD Monitor Repair - How to Fix White Laptop Screen and more</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-64823343438791240352010-05-15T05:25:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:09:39.650-07:00Video Display Problems - How To Fix Display Problems with your Computer Monitor<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">Video display problems</a> can be pinpointed to a cable defect, connector defect or video card defect. Though rare, it can also indicate a problem with the monitor itself.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your monitor receives display signals from the <i>video controller</i>, which can be in the form of on-board graphics or a separate graphic card.</span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Make sure the graphic card is firmly connected in the motherboard slot. If it is loose, it can cause artifacts on your screen.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Always update your graphic card drivers to the latest manufacturer version, to maintain audio-video & motion graphics performance.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Some monitors are also affected by electromagnetic interference. Keep such devices (transformers & home</span><span style="font-size: small;"> appliances) away from your monitor neighborhood.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>How to Fix LCD Monitor Display Problems</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-33122465733068256362010-05-15T02:19:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:11:06.378-07:00Reparing LCD Monitors – These LCD Monitor Problems Can Be Repaired Cheaply and Easily<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">As long as the LCD panel itself is not damaged, most <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD monitor problems</a> can be repaired electronically, or through component replacement (like capacitors, transformers or power board fixes) </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
Even scratches or a star-burst pattern on the screen can be repaired – but broken glass or dark areas on the screen can't be fixed.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the latter case, screen replacement is the only practical option.</span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD Monitor Repair – Updated Tools, Techniques & Electronic Manuals</a></b></span></div></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-28069297482899543462010-05-15T02:09:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:12:33.258-07:00Pink LCD Monitor Screen - How To Repair LCD Monitor That Has Turned Pink<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The monitor color has turned pink because the <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">backlight</a> has become old. Most LCD monitors use a cold cathode fluorescent bulb (CCFL bulb) as the backlight source, powered by an inverter.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">When these bulbs become old, they start flickering or giving out a <b>pink-colored light</b> -- which is what you're seeing on your screen right now.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best (and cheapest) way to fix this problem is to replace the backlight. You can get a <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">case lighting kit</a> cheaply from online stores (15" or 17" based on your monitor size). </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">In most cases, you don't need to replace the inverter, so that will save you some extra bucks on the fix.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>For more tips & tricks, visit:</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>LCD Monitor Repair - Fix Pink LCD Screen, Backlight Problems and more</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-666281574986425592010-05-14T08:44:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:13:11.454-07:00Computer Repair & Game Console Unlocking Business – It Pays to Specialize rather than Diversify<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I run a <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">computer repair business</a> focused on fixing LCD monitors and <a href="http://ultimatewii.annics.com/">unlocking/upgrading gaming consoles</a> (Wii, PS3)</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I find that focusing on a few areas is far more profitable that spreading your wings wide. While a general technician might seem to have more work, over time, the lack of focus will eat into your income.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">To do well as an electronics & hardware troubleshooter, focus on areas that you are good at. In other words – <i><b>Specialize!</b></i></span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-22143615859740530052010-05-14T08:26:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:13:41.011-07:003 Ways To Tweak Your PC Monitor For High Quality Display & Performance<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Adjust your monitor's brightness & contrast either manually or automatically. Use a <i>high-quality video source</i> with a good color range as a reference for your settings.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Upgrade your graphic card drivers to the latest features supported by your card. Use a <i>screen calibration software</i> to optimize your monitor further. (Just as you calibrate your plasma TV, even a <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD monitor</a> works best when calibrated to the ambiance of your home or office)</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
3. Use a <i>good-quality cable</i> between your monitor & CPU. Check the connectors for any bent pins and replace them in time to maintain hardware integrity.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-49634971380318854962010-05-14T00:03:00.001-07:002010-09-07T05:14:50.785-07:00LCD Monitor Video Signal - 2 Problems That Can Affect Your Monitor's Signal Quality<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">Video signal problems</a> can usually (and logically) be traced back to the video card itself. If you're seeing ghosting or smearing, it is because of 2 reasons:</span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Video Cable</b>: Either a poor quality cable or an extension cable that's too long</span> </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Video Card (graphic card)</b>: Either a bad video card, or the card and monitor running too close to their maximum bandwidths</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">A faulty video card driver can also cause image distortions but that's a software defect that can be fixed by upgrading the driver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Make sure you get the latest drivers from the manufacturer's site to eliminate monitor video signal problems related to outdated drivers.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remember that if a LCD monitor has gone bad, it will produce <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">muddy, discolored images</a>.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-84232315254844703082010-05-13T23:55:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:18:11.572-07:00LCD Monitor Color Problem - 3 Reasons why Monitor Color Changes with Varying Brightness<ol style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Bad connections inside the monitor, including electronic parts like capacitors, that might be defective</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Faulty or loose cable connections at the PC or video end (check the connector pins)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bad video card or display driver (this will require you to reinstall the graphic drivers)</span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">All of these can cause <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">monitor color problems</a> - be it intermittent changes in color, or issues with brightness, size & screen position.<br />
<br />
Try <i>degaussing </i>the screen if you're using a CRT monitor & keep any sources of magnetic interference away from the monitor. On an LCD monitor, try running it at the <i>native resolution</i>.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-1273243565848343482010-05-12T03:24:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:19:30.612-07:00Mastering Electronics - Recommended Books, Magazines, Websites To Boost Your Mastery of Electronics<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Popular Electronics</b> and <b>Nuts & Volts</b> are two of my regular reads for mastering electronic techniques. I love the DIY projects and tips for amateur and pros alike.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite electronic books (specially involving troubleshooting techniques) are the ones written by the great Robert Goodman. These are two of his books:</span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Using the Triggered Sweep Oscilloscope</i></span> </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Troubleshooting with the Dual-Trace Scope</i></span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">As far as my continuing education in electronics goes, I get most of my current knowledge from these 4 amazing websites:</span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>LCD Monitor Repair</b></a></span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://electronicrepair.annics.com/"><b>Electronic Testing & Repair</b></a></span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://plasmatvrepair.annics.com/"><b>Plasma TV Repair</b></a></span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://projectiontvrepair.annics.com/"><b>Projection TV Repair</b></a></span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This covers the practical gamut of technical & engineering resources that I personally use to master electronics.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-34169825344859665592010-05-12T03:17:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:20:49.041-07:00LCD Scratch Repair – Quick Tip To Fix LCD Screen Scratch<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">If your <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD screen</a> (laptop, desktop or cell phone) is slightly scratched, use a little <b>toothpaste</b> and gently rub it onto the scratch before dabbing it away from it.<br />
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This has a masking, filler-like effect that should work with minor scratches. You can also do the same with a <b>LCD scratch repair kit</b>.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-44857893996089265062010-05-12T01:38:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:21:32.565-07:00SMPS Board with No Power - Short Circuit and Voltage Surge Can Cause SMPS Failure<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">SMPS</a> stands for Switched Mode Power Supply. It is the essential power supply unit (PSU) in electronic devices ranging from laptops to printers, <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD monitors</a> to camcorders and <a href="http://plasmatvrepair.annics.com/">plasma televisions</a>.<br />
<br />
When you get a SMPS board with no power, check the <b>fuse</b> on the board. If it has blown to a <i>dark color</i> then clearly, there's no power flowing through it.<br />
<br />
A direct short circuit or power surge can cause <a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">SMPS failure</a>. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons for failure. Sometimes, you might also hear an audible whine with low output voltage when this happens.<br />
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To fix this problem, first glance through the rest of the components on the board to see if a simple fuse replacement will do the job. Sometimes, the varistor and other components may have been shorted too, so it is better to use an <i>ohmmeter</i> for testing.</span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/"><b>Switched Mode Power Supply Repair - Electronic Techniques & SMPS Repair Manuals</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-173393984550448642010-05-12T01:31:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:23:04.084-07:00LCD TV SMPS Repair - 3 Reasons For The Buzzing Transformer Noise when the SMPS is turned on<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was recently repairing a <a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">200W SMPS board</a> of a LCD TV where the power supply had been restored to a certain extent using some nifty schematics.<br />
<br />
Burned power supply (blown fuse) is one of the common reasons for <a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/">SMPS failure,</a> and without the right schematics, it can be a nightmare to find the cause of the problem.<br />
<br />
When I turned on the power I heard a <i>buzzing sound</i> (noise) from the transformer. It was like a high whine...an expected yet annoying sound that needed to be fixed. And the way to fix it is to first look for any <i>visible damage</i> across the SMPS board.<br />
<br />
Usually, there are <i>3 reasons</i> why you're hearing that buzzing sound:<br />
<i>1. Bad filter caps on the input side<br />
2. Bad diodes, leaky capacitors or bad optocouplers<br />
3. Loose parts on the transformer that vibrate because of the transformer's magnetic field.</i></span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><b>Source Website</b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://smpsrepair.ellsed.com/"><b>SMPS Repair Techniques - Complete Electronics Download Course for Engineers</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-75651274615921663072010-05-11T05:47:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:27:32.758-07:00LCD Power Consumption – 2 Ways To Lower the Electric Power Consumption of a LCD Monitor<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Buy a <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD monitor</a> that has lower rated energy costs compared to its size. HP, Lenovo & Samsung meet the mark with their 19-24” LCD monitors, while Panasonic works great in the <a href="http://plasmatvrepair.annics.com/">Plasma</a> arena.<br />
<br />
2. In any monitor, the <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD backlight</a> consumes almost <b>66%</b> (one-third) of the electricity required to run the monitor. Lowering your screen brightness from <b>100%</b> to <b>70%</b> can save you <b>10 watts</b> of power for each hour of usage.<br />
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Look at the <i>annual energy cost</i> (energy star ratings) of a monitor before buying it. Sometimes, the difference in electric usage between monitors of the same size can be quite substantial.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-48809504874715393302010-05-11T04:21:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:28:15.741-07:00LCD Picture Quality - Choose the Right Kind of Video Connector To Improve LCD Picture Quality<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the simple way: Use a DVI connector on a DVI-capable video card. It gives you far better <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">picture quality</a> than the VGA connector.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's because modern LCD monitors use digital connections instead of the age-old analog ones.<br />
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Remember that VGA connectors require <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">analog to digital conversion</a> (causing loss in picture quality) while DVI connectors relay digital signals directly. This gives you sharper pictures & high resolution screen fonts.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-45603922892494508562010-05-10T07:35:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:28:48.606-07:00LCD Monitor & TV Repair Cost – A Flat Rate For Repairs is Cheaper than an Hourly Rate<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you need to send out your <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD monitor</a> or <a href="http://lcdtvrepair.annics.com/">LCD TV</a> for repairs, make sure you choose a <b>flat rate</b> over an <b>hourly rate </b><i>(specially when you have a choice)</i>.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">A flat rate always works in your favor as long as the technician does a good job, while hourly rates can be a pain both to you and the repair guy.<br />
<br />
I <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">repair LCD monitors</a> for a living and charge a flat fee of $75 for monitors up to 18” in size. It increases by $10 with each step up <i>(i.e., $85 for a 19" monitor and $95 for a 20" monitor)</i><br />
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This includes labor & parts but excludes the cost of the LCD panel (if it needs to be replaced). Most LCD repairs come with a 90-day warranty on parts, so make sure you claim yours.</span></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-91520283393412927342010-05-09T04:19:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:30:51.573-07:00LCD Monitor, LCD TV and Plasma TV - Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace?<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most people feel that it is cheaper to simply <b>replace</b> a monitor or television once it develops a fault, rather than try and <b>repair</b> it first.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>That, unfortunately, is not always true.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> When you're faced with a situation to repair or replace, consider the cost it took to <i>buy</i> a new TV (or monitor). Then approach at least 3 repair shops in your neighborhood and ask for a quoted invoice for the cost it will incur to repair your monitor or TV.</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I recently repaired my 32" LCD TV for <b>less than $300</b>. The front screen had cracked and some of the electronic parts had to be replaced. I saved at least <b>30-40%</b> by repairing instead of buying a new TV.</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The difference becomes more evident when it involves something high-end like plasma televisions. It is usually far more expensive to <i>buy</i> a new Plasma TV than to <i>repair</i> it.</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><i><b>For more fresh insights, visit:</b></i> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b><a href="http://plasmatvrepair.annics.com/">Plasma TV Repair</a> <span style="color: #990000;">|</span> <a href="http://lcdtvrepair.annics.com/">LCD TV Repair</a> <span style="color: #990000;">| </span><a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">LCD Monitor Repair</a></b></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8556318449153855461.post-90376397692139057812010-05-09T00:32:00.000-07:002010-09-07T05:32:21.973-07:00LCD Monitor Repair – 3 Cases When It Is Cheaper To Repair LCD Monitors<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">First up, check the reasons <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">why your LCD monitor is not working</a>.</span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Is it is a burned capacitor which can be replaced quickly & cheaply?</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">A cracked panel which costs $150-250 to replace?</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Or simply an ageing monitor that needs to be replaced in its entirety?</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
It is cheaper to <a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/">repair LCD monitors</a> when:</span></div><ol style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">The cost of replacement parts (panel or capacitor) is <i>lower</i> than the cost of buying a new monitor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">New monitors related to the size you want (22”, 24”, 32” or 42”) are <i>unavailable, incompatible or expensive</i> for your buying budget.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Your monitor is new – <i>but out of warranty</i> – and needs only minor repairs. In this case, it is cheaper to replace the parts that are defective than to buy a new LCD monitor.</span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<div style="background-color: #FFFFB9; border: 2px dashed;padding: 5px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Source Website</b></i><br />
<a href="http://lcdmonitorrepair.annics.com/"><b>LCD Monitor Repair – Power Tools, Techniques & Electronic Manuals</b></a></span></div></div>NJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11852563456165216093noreply@blogger.com