the big computer

[basil]

had to knock off sockets earlier on restoring power the machine makes the usual whirring noise but the screen does zilch, i've taken out and put back in the suspected leads to no avail. Even checked out the fuse but still no glowing switch light on the monitor. So i'm guessing that for some reason no power is getting to it, it comes via one of those sealed box transformer thingys. Should i take the monitor and lead to a computer shop or similar place? I've been loaned a notebook in the meantime so communiaction lines can be maintained however any advice would be greatly rec'd....

 

[Rikki]

You got a multimeter?

 

[basil]

what be that?....

 

[Rikki]

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter?wasRedirected=true

would allow you to check the transformer output.

 

[basil]

thats scary, how much is a new transformer unit? and are they universal? and where can i buy one?.....

 

[Rikki]

You need to get one with the right voltage output. You can get ones that are adjustable.

 

[Rikki]

Try maplins. I'd make sure it is that first though.

 

[basil]

Here we go; AC adapter input 100-240v, 50/60Hz 1.5A output 12v 4.16A 50W MAX........

 

[basil]

Will Maplins check out my existing adapter?.....

 

[Gramaisc]

and are they universal?.....

Almost nothing is universal now, you're lucky to get something galactic.

 

[wmrcomputers]

Are you sure it's the screen? If disconnected from the computer and just connected to the mains, are you getting ANYTHING lighting up on the monitor at all?? Even an amber standby light or anything? Sometimes you get a message on the screen saying something along the lines of "no input detected".....

If the answer to any of these is YES, then it is more likely that your computer tower isn't booting successfully. I am able to test fully if you require (cheaply), but unable to do so until Monday as I'm away visiting family this weekend.

Let me know how you get on

 

[basil]

Cheers, yes i did try plugging into alternative socket and again no joy. that is to say no glowing switch light. Luckily i've got my irksome son-in-law here this weekend so he'll be despatched on the morrow to sort this one out. Gladly he's not coming to Villa v Wigan so hopefully it'll be sorted when i return half-cut in the evening. Thanks for the advice on this dilema what for me is a tricky one........

 

[Gramaisc]

communiaction

Sounds like some hideous management-style buzz-word to me....

 

[wmrcomputers]

Ok mate. If it does come to you requiring a new power supply for it, then either...

A. go to Maplin if you can't live without it, but be prepared to pay OTO

B. Go the ebay route if you're not in a hurry and save a few quid. Or save even more by buying one from Hong Kong on eBay - you'll be waiting up to 2 weeks but save a fortune!

 

[shoes]

check the size and polarity of the plug which goes into the monitor. You should be able to get a universal adjustable pack able to give 50w.

I would take the above adivce of checking output of the adapter first though. Monitor might be knackered you see, you can get them cheap these days though.

I presume the monitor is fairly old (in computer terms) if it has a proprietory power pack?

 

[basil]

I've put the adapter from this baby into the big computer and the glowing switch light came on. So Daft Dave (son-in-law) will be despatched on errand when he wakes/sobers up.....

 

[shoes]

Hang on.... you say the power pack works for the computer but not the monitor? Sounds like you monitor has packed in then

 

[basil]

no twas light on monitor switch using the adapter for this little portable thing. on waking daft dave said that this takes higher voltage than the screen so i'd to unplug it straight away. anyway this portable thing is allowing me to report from the car park of a maccyD on the edge of brum. i'm awaiting updates from the son-in-law on the big computer problem, he owes me big time as he's had the use of my daughter these past 20yrs.......

 

[shoes]

he owes me big time as he's had the use of my daughter these past 20yrs.......

Ha ha

 

[basil]

Update on 'the big computer', confirmed that the adapter is dead. Maplins want 40english pounds for one, PC World have nowt and to think we bought it from them albeit 8/9 years ago. Son-in-law has no further expertise than to diagnose that "it's knackered" although he did his finest seagull impression....he landed, he ate all our food, shat, then flew off. My old mate Gilbert says he'll find a replacement in a couple of days, no questions etc, though must say this little notepad thingy is doing fine..........thanks for all contributions and Rikki say hello to Bianca for me........