Monitor burn & possible fixes....

S4Patrick

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Hello....


Can some one please explain to me what monitor burn is?

I know what "it looks like", but want to know how, if any, how one may be able to repair this?

I, as many, assume that the tube/monitor within my Ms. Pacman is original. It suffers from some monitor burn and wanted to know if it's worth having the monitor boards sent in for repair work/ updating.

Currently, the monitor is fairly bright and with a decent color range, but I still feel it's "tired & faded"

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks....


~Patrick
 
Burn in is caused when an image is projected on a CRT screen for a long period of time. It burns the phosphorus on the screen. It will leave an shadow image of whatever was projected. Usually the name of the game, scores, maze walls etc.

Once the burn is there it can't be fixed. Though the tube can be replaced with another one that has no burn. A replacement tube must be compatible, there are many types of tubes. You should be able to do a search for some possible replacement. Recycling places are a good place to start when you get the information of possible replacements.

You say that you feel your screen is tired and faded, you may want to try cleaning the screen. Years of dirt and grim can make it look tired and faded. Also hooking the tube up to a Rejuvinator may also bring the tube back to life. A local KLOV member may have one that they would let you use or you could contact a local tv repair person.

My opinion is most monitors can be fixed to the point that they will give many more years of service. I personally don't mind some burn, it adds character.
 
You can't unburn a picture tube any more than you can unburn toast. The phosphors on the inside of the glass are worn out, darkened with age.

But, believe it or not, it's not that big a deal. This was something that happened even when the games were new. Pac games are notorious for massive screen burn, since the maze is always there. But, there is a piece of tinted glass in front of the monitor, and when you're playing it, you usually don't notice. Sure, it can get to "unusable", but some burn is normal and as long as the tube still works, isn't that big a deal. Have the tube checked for emissions on a picture tube tester (a TV repair shop will have one). If it still has good emissions, it should produce an acceptable picture, even with the maze burned in. Post a picture of what your tube looks like - and I'm sure others will have some far worse.

But, it's always worth repairing and maintaining monitor electronics. Because even if the tube is broken or faulty, it can be replaced. You can either buy a new/rebuilt tube online, or simply do what most of us do - scavenge the tube from a broken TV set. Look for old 80's era 19" sets.

-Ian
 
While I don't believe it would work someone on these boards suggested leaving the monitor out in direct sunlight would help. Don't think anyone was willing to try it.
 
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