Member Avatar for jonathanve

Hi all!

Someone left a monitor by a dumpster, and I couldn't resist the temptation to take it home and give it a try. Well, it actually (mostly) works! :) But it does have one problem. The display actually appears to curl into itself...like a 3D display. Pretty weird. This also means that the display only covers about 2/3rds of the screen, because part of the display curls back "underneath" the other part. Has any one seen anything like this? And can it be fixed somehow?

BTW, it's a Gateway 2000 Vivitron 15 inch, model # CPD-GF100.

Sure would be pretty sweet if I got a monitor for free...:cool:

Jonathan

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As noted, the symptom described is characteristic of a vertical‑deflection failure rather than a problem with the glass. Common, repairable causes for a vertical fold (bottom folding up) are degraded electrolytic capacitors and nearby power/driver components that set the vertical sawtooth timing and supply decoupling. The following is a practical, safety‑first troubleshooting and repair outline to complement the thread.

Start with a careful visual inspection (power unplugged). Look for bulged or leaking electrolytics, cracked solder joints, discolored components, or loose connectors on the power and vertical/deflection PCBs. If an ESR meter or capacitance meter is available, measure suspicious electrolytics—high ESR with normal capacitance often indicates failure even when the cap looks OK. Reflow any obviously cracked or cold solder joints around the vertical IC and the vertical output transistor, and check the yoke connector for solid contact.

If capacitors are the problem, replace electrolytics in the vertical and adjacent power sections with low‑ESR, high‑temperature (105°C) replacements from reputable manufacturers. Match capacitance and use equal or higher working voltage; observe polarity carefully. It is best practice to replace the set in that circuit instead of swapping single caps. After component work, initial power‑ups should be done cautiously (isolation transformer or current-limited supply if available) to avoid further damage.

Strong safety note: CRT monitors contain lethal high voltage even after unplugging. Do not touch the anode cap, flyback, or HV circuitry unless experienced with CRT service. If there is any uncertainty about safely discharging or testing a live CRT, seek a qualified technician. If caps and solder rework do not restore normal vertical sweep, failure may be in the vertical driver IC, output transistor, or the deflection yoke circuitry; those require schematics, correct replacements, and more advanced diagnostics.

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Member Avatar for TallCool1

Hi all!

Someone left a monitor by a dumpster, and I couldn't resist the temptation to take it home and give it a try. Well, it actually (mostly) works! :) But it does have one problem. The display actually appears to curl into itself...like a 3D display. Pretty weird. This also means that the display only covers about 2/3rds of the screen, because part of the display curls back "underneath" the other part. Has any one seen anything like this? And can it be fixed somehow?

BTW, it's a Gateway 2000 Vivitron 15 inch, model # CPD-GF100.

Yeah, it's a decent Sony monitor -- but realize that I have seen these at trade shows, working, for about $25...

That having been said. how much do you know about electronics? Can you solder? The problem is a dried-out electrolytic capacitor. I don't understand why, after 25 years of the same problem, Sony couldn't design this out -- but they haven't. The problem should be relatively easy to detemine, if you have any electronics knowledge at all. If so, let me know -- I'll walk you through it.

Is the foldover (technical term) from top-to-bottom or side-to-side?

Member Avatar for jonathanve

Wow! That would be great! I was really hoping that something would come of this, and I could actually learn something. :) Yeah, I've got quite a bit of experience in electronics and soldering...first as a hobby and now also in school/college.

The foldover is from top-to-bottom...or more actually, the bottom folds up towards the top.

Thank you very much!!

Jonathan

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