Weird monitor problems...?

Question

For the past two days my monitor will randomly turn black for 0.5 seconds, or make a clicking sound and then turn off and then immediately on again. It keeps doing these when you least expect it. Usually when I'm just near the computer, but no on it.

I have NEC MultiSync 75 CRT 17" monitor.

It's fairly new and in perfect condition. I have never had a problem with it.

I changed the power coord, and blew in the holes of it, and also reconnected my video card, so hopefully it goes away. So far so good, but like I said, it's random and could come when I least expect it.

I don't know if this is why my monitor has been acting up but I have been also getting a CMOS error whenever I unplug my computer and turn it on. I have to press F1 to continue. Some say I need a new battery for my computer.

Could this be the cause of my monitor behaviour?

Answer 1

Here are a couple of tips from NEC's wbsite:
http://www.necdisplay.com/SupportCenter/Monitors/FAQ/#CRT


Q. Why is my monitor making a clicking sound (Monitor Relay Clicking)?
A. There have been many inquiries into the 'relay clicking' in NEC MultiSync and Mitsubishi series monitors. Our monitors have two or more relays built into their circuits. The first relay is in the power supply and 'clicks' closed when the manual front panel degaussing switch is activated. It 'clicks' open when degaussing circuit capacitor has completely discharged and begins the next charge cycle.
The second set of relays, and the ones that generate the most inquiries, are employed in the horizontal deflection output circuit. Typically, these relays open when the horizontal input frequency is below approximately 38kHz (VGA modes). The relays close (and click) when the horizontal input frequency is greater than 38kHz. These relays are employed in the deflection circuit to assure that the horizontal and vertical linearity performance remains constant from the low end frequencies through to the high end.

This 'clicking' occurs when the high resolution, i.e., 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024 or 1600x1200) video graphics driver is loaded when executing certain software programs packages such as WINDOWS?. These relays 'click' open when the user exits out of their high resolution application and returns to standard VGA DOS modes.

In closing, NEC would like to reassure its customers that the relay clicking they hear from their NEC Display Solutions MultiSync is normal and that the sound level differences from one monitor to another reflect relay manufacturing tolerances and/or additional acoustic factors such as the tightness of the chassis mounting screws.


Q. What is the recommend resolution for my monitor?
A. For CRT based monitors any resolution within the range of the monitor’s capability can be used. Unlike CRT displays, the LCD panel has a fixed pixel format over a set area. In order for LCD's to expand resolutions to full screen an interpolation must be performed. When the interpolated resolution is not an exact multiple of the native resolution some lines appear thicker than others. For best performance the “native resolution” setting is recommended.
For 15" and 17 “ monitors: The native resolution of the LCD panel is 1024 x 768.
Set resolution to 1024 x 768 @ 60hz

Answer 2

Hi. Yes, the CMOS battery may be near the end of it's useful life. Replace it (about $4). Or try reseting by removing the battery and changing the jumpers to reset your BIOS. (Cheaper than $4.)