Something weird going on with all my monitors... Opinions/Comments needed

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rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
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I'm not sure if this is OT for OT but anyway...

I just moved to a new place and for some reason all my monitors have a weird wavy motion, at first i thought perhaps the refresh rate was reset to 60hz but it's still at 85hz. The amazing part is if i bring it down to 60hz the waving stops (however the flicker begins).

Anyone got ideas as to what's wrong? Could this be:

1) Magnetic interference? (how to remedy?)
2) A fluctuating power? (e.g. bad lines? I only have a couple of APC Surgestations to help regulate the power)
3) ???

Thanks.
 
T

tm37

Lifer
Jan 24, 2001
12,436
1
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You need to degouse (spell?) You may be close to High voltage wiring or getting "dirty" power!
 
R

rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
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I already tried degaussing to no avail :( I've also looked around and unless those wires are right behind the wall (behind the closet which is behind the computer itself) i don't see any other source for high powered lines within at least 1/2 mile away.

If it's dirty power, which i'm sensing it might be, any suggestions on how to get over it? Will a UPS help?

Thanks.
 
N

Namlemez

Member
Jan 2, 2000
75
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I've seen that when someone is running near overload on their circuit. Run an extension cord to another room (or if you know which plugs are on different circuits, do that) and see if that helps.
 
R

rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
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Hmm, you may be right however i only have two computers/monitors running. A whole bunch of stuff is also plugged in but not being used (e.g. printer, palm cradle, etc)

I have no idea which plug goes into which circuit as i'm led to believe it's all on one circuit but i'll try your suggestion.



<< I've seen that when someone is running near overload on their circuit. Run an extension cord to another room (or if you know which plugs are on different circuits, do that) and see if that helps. >>

 
R

rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
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Borrowed from Whatis:

degauss


To degauss (pronounced dee-GOWS) is to demagnetize. Degaussing a computer display removes any undesirable magnetic field that may have built up within the display, causing distortion of the image or color. Display monitors with cathode ray tube (CRT) technology are subject to the buildup of magnetic fields. Many display manufacturers include an internal coil that will degauss the display when it is turned on. Some displays also include an external control that a user can operate to degauss the display at any time.



<< <------ Non-tech. What's degaussing? I'm having the same prob w/my monitor. >>

 
E

etech

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
10,597
0
0
Degaussing will not help with a wavy picture.

Degaussing is removing a magnetic 'charge' off of your CRT. Every time you turn your monitor on it will run an AC current through a loop of wire around your tube. That will remove small/weak charges. Many monitors also have a button that will let you degauss your monitor. For serious problems, you will need a degaussing coil. Unless you are experienced with electricity I'd leave that to the pros, ie your local TV or computer shop.

Degaussing is for areas of the screen that have a magnetic charge on them. The AC removes that charge. The magnetic charge will cause color distortions such as a green or yellow or red patch on the picture.

If you are brave take a magnet and hold it near your screen. I wouldn't recommend this for a monitor that you are fond of.

rootaxs
I'd suspect power problems or a wire run close to your monitor. Try moving you monitor to the middle of the room.
I would alos get a good UPS anyway, I wouldn't run my computer without one but my power is always dropping any time the wind blows up.





 
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rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
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71
There's a computer lamp beside it but it's not being used nor is it plugged in at this point. It's the same lamp i've had for 3 years so i'm not led to believe it's the culprit either.

The other monitor doesn't even have any other electronic device near it (the CPU is on the floor)



<< Are there flourescent lights near the monitors? >>

 
J

jaydee

Diamond Member
May 6, 2000
4,500
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To me it sounds like a problem involving the magnetic field around your monitors, but I don't know a whole lot beyond that.
 
R

rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
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71
Ditto, i have the same hunch but i can't pinpoint the culprit. Is there some sort of cheap device i can get hold of somewhere to check this out?



<< To me it sounds like a problem involving the magnetic field around your monitors, but I don't know a whole lot beyond that. >>

 
Colt45

Colt45

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
19,720
1
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how close are your monitors?
when i had two really close to each other they interfered with each other
making waves.. but they were OLD monitors, so maybe this doesnt occur anymore..
 
I

ImTyping

Banned
Aug 6, 2001
777
0
0
Got any high power lines in the area? If it is an older place and uses lead pipes, check to make sure the pipes are properly grounded.

But it sounds like you have a problem with your line voltage of a fairly serious nature. I would have an electrician out there.
 
R

rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
0
71
I doubt it's the problem as i never had this before in the old location.

Two monitors sit side by side but one is off and not plugged in. The other monitor is across the room on a different console.



<< how close are your monitors?
when i had two really close to each other they interfered with each other
making waves.. but they were OLD monitors, so maybe this doesnt occur anymore.. >>

 
T

tm37

Lifer
Jan 24, 2001
12,436
1
0


<< Recheck all the cards, connections and cables to make sure nothing's loose or crimped.

distortion >>



Good link ^
This is more than likely the problem

However without an ocsiscope (spelling, i use one yet can't spell it!:D) It will be hard to see if that is the problem. Most of the Better UPSes have a built in power conditioner (which will clean the power.)

 
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rootaxs

Platinum Member
Oct 22, 2000
2,487
0
71
I have an Altec lansing sub located across the room in a corner approximately 3 feet away from the table, from there +/- a foot from one of the CPU's. It's approximately 8 feet away from my own workstation. At this point it's not plugged in either while i'm trying to narrow down the culprit.

Talon, that's a nice referenc link you posted. Very informative indeed. I'll try borrowing a UPS from work to see if it helps fix the problem, if it does then i'll go get one myself.

Supersix, LOL :)

 
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Talon

Golden Member
Oct 29, 1999
1,426
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Are you in a house or an apartment? Do you have close neighbors that could be running something causing interference?
 
C

CStroman

Golden Member
Sep 18, 2001
1,568
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<< how close are your monitors?
when i had two really close to each other they interfered with each other
making waves.. but they were OLD monitors, so maybe this doesnt occur anymore.. >>



I have a dual monitor setup in which one of my monitors is slightly older than the other. The newest one runs at 75 Hz, and the older one runs at 60 Hz. It causes a slight flickering in the corner. The flickering goes away when the monitors are synchronized.
 
V

Vincent

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,030
2
81
Are there any electric motors running on the same circuit? A fan? A refrigerator?
 
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