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monitor black-out

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I have a Sampo Alphascan 411 that’s 4 yrs old. Recently, I’ve been experiencing problems with it. The display just blacks-out all of a sudden. Sometimes I could use it for a few hours with no problems, other times it would just black-out after a few minutes of use. What could be the problem? Is there something I could do or do I have to have it fixed in the shop?

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monitor black-out

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One check the video card to see if this is the problem,install another video card,if you fell that the mnitor is the problem then have a technician look at it or consider replacing the monitor.
Caution when opening monitors,you have a large capacitor on the inside that holds a charge

monitor black-out

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monitor black-out

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Does the light on the front flash amber or green or flash at all. Which O/S are you using, is this a newer or older computer? It could be the Video board but before you check turn off the monitor for about 15 to 30 minutes (you can try 5 minutes even 2 minutes longer is more foolproof), leave comp on and booted. Turn monitor back on, anything? Jiggle cable in back at the monitor and/or computer connection when it goes black. Can you try another monitor when this happens? Just unplug the monitorwithout shutting down comp and connect, plug in and turn on substitute monitor does that work? If not then problem is Video board. Try reseating video card. Also when monitor goes black do not turn off, leave on for 30 minutes then check the temp on top toward back. Is it cold or still warm. If cold then monitor is defective, if warm it could still be monitor but more likely Video board.

monitor black-out

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monitor black-out

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It sounds like the problem could be heat related. Check your case for “environmental hazards” ie. dust. Clear out the crud verify that the video adapter is properly seated and the cooling fan is un obstructed. Also check power cord for damage. Jiggle the video cable to see if you can reproduce the “black-out”. If none of this helps, then you may want to investigate a new video adapter. Good luck – Steve

monitor black-out

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monitor black-out

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