Turning Monitor On - without a PC - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Four Fingers · 10-16-2003, 11:59 AM

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?

JStrider · 10-16-2003, 12:28 PM

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

cliche · 10-16-2003, 12:59 PM

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...

Four Fingers · 10-16-2003, 01:23 PM

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

cliche · 10-16-2003, 11:38 PM

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.

Four Fingers · 10-17-2003, 10:11 AM

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

Thanks, cliche.

irseg · 10-17-2003, 10:29 AM

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

cJoe · 10-17-2003, 03:02 PM

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.

Four Fingers · 10-18-2003, 05:08 PM

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!

numist · 10-19-2003, 07:33 AM

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.

10-16-2003, 11:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
Four Fingers Crazy	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? __________________ "Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest."

10-16-2003, 12:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	my guess would be connecting 2 of the pins together on the connector... but i dont really know... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

10-16-2003, 12:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
cliche Rookie Location: Oxford, UK	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... __________________ I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones. -- John Cage (1912 - 1992)

10-16-2003, 01:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Four Fingers Crazy	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 __________________ "Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest."

10-16-2003, 11:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
cliche Rookie Location: Oxford, UK	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 can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones. -- John Cage (1912 - 1992)

10-17-2003, 10:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
Four Fingers Crazy	I'm lost, I guess. Can't generate a 50Hz pulse on my own. I'll have to risk a computer... Thanks, cliche. __________________ "Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest."

10-17-2003, 10:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
irseg Junkie Location: Florida	Pick up some old 386's for 5 bucks a pop at your local Goodwill.

10-17-2003, 03:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
cJoe Insane	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 got plenty of common sense. I just choose to ignore it. ...Calvin

10-18-2003, 05:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
Four Fingers Crazy	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! __________________ "Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest."

10-19-2003, 07:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
numist Banned Location: UCSD, 510.49 miles from my love	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.