Turning Monitor On - without a PC
 

I'm using my PC monitor as a high-voltage generator. To keep the monitor on, however, I have to plug it into a PC. Naturally, I'd like to avoid this. I don't care much for the monitor (I was going to throw it away anyway), but I don't want to damage my PC.


I have no idea how to do that. Whenver I turn the monitor on, and it's not plugged into the PC, it switches to "Stand By" mode and doesn't generate high-voltage electricity. Any idea how I can trick my monitor into thinking that it's connected to a PC?

my guess would be connecting 2 of the pins together on the connector... but i dont really know...

A lot of them will turn off unless they're getting a regular vsync - so you need some kind of generator? Unless you fancy getting in there and removing the energy-saving bits yourself...

Thanks.I found this page: http://www.electronic-engineering.ch...ut/pinout.html
Scroll down to VGA, and that's exactly what's connected to my monitor. So now I know what the pins mean.

My problem is deciding which pins I should connect to achieve the desired effect. I tried connecting vsync to sync-ground, but nothing happend.

If you have any other theories, I'll gladly try them out. How about the ID bits, do they serve a purpose? How do I turn them on (they don't have their own ground pin like the others)?

Thanks again :)

Sadly, just connecting vsync to sync-ground probably won't help - you'll almost certainly need some kind of 50Hz pulse. Most monitors go into power-saving unless they're receiving a regular vsync...
I'd imagine the ID bits go into the common ground marked... and are probably (I'm not sure with modern monitors) for plug-n-play type functions.

I'm lost, I guess. Can't generate a 50Hz pulse on my own. I'll have to risk a computer...

Thanks, cliche.

Pick up some old 386's for 5 bucks a pop at your local Goodwill.

Ok, You're using a computer monitor for a the high voltage. how much voltage do you need. The color monitor needs about 25k volts. I used to use a flyback transformer from an old B&W TV..about 15k volts to operate a laser tube from a supermarket scanner when I was in high school 18 years ago. Really cool.
How about getting a ballast for a Neon sign. They generate high voltage to excite the neon in the tube. They don't cost too much either. I know this isn't what you asked for but I'm sure you are over driving anything that needs that High of voltage unless you made a Telsa Coil. Another fun thing to make with a flyback transformer. Have fun either way.

I've built a lifter (an ion-propelled flier).

I am gonna check that Neon sign solution. It sounds perfect (unless it costs to much).

Thanks!

if you still want to keep the monitor going... go get that $5 386, put windows 3.1 at it, and at least youll have something to laugh at while you work.

:D