Monitor test power rig

Dialsoft

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Donor 10 years: 2016-2025
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Everyone

Im just about to get into testing/troubleshooting monitors. I have a TPG and all the cables but now I need to understand how to deal with power. Does anyone make a test rig for powering monitors to use with TPG? If not how about documenting one. Id pay for it. I just need to know what to buy and how to build it.

thanks!
Marc
 
Sense you are talking about using the TPG ( which is a great product) I assume you are talking raster monitors and not XY monitors which is totally different and not as easy.
For most monitors you need an isolation transformer which just as the name implies isolates the monitors ground from the AC wall ground. Their are a few that do not need isolation but it's best to just power all monitors though an isolation transformer to be safe. Connecting up a monitor that needs isolation without it will blow shit up.
Some monitors need 115 VAC wile others like Nintendo Sanyo,s need 100 VAC.
Here is what I use and is the simplest way to do both.
B&K Precision IsoPac TR-110. You can usually find them on Ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-K-PRECIS...585682?hash=item590138bfd2:g:GJIAAOSwdx1Z~Pfd
 

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While that B&K is nice... if you have or can get a transformer from a Nintendo game (Mario Bros, DK, Popeye as an example), you can use that to cover the 115 and 100v isolation supplies.

This transformer has different mains voltage inputs. If you send your ~115V supply into the 115V input, you'll get 100V on the output. However, if you send that ~115V supply into the 100V input, you'll get 115V output (as the windings would be 1:1 ratio). So, with a SPDT (single pole double throw) switch and a Nintendo transformer, and an outlet, you can create a switchable isolation transformer cheaply. If you have donor Nintendo parts and only need a 2 prong outlet, you can recover one from those parts. You could also use a wall box, wall plug, and plate from a hardware store.

The B&K will give you some more flexibility, and instant usability, but you should be able to cobble what you need together from some common Nintendo parts.
 
Here's mine, pretty handy and easy to move around:

wwTHaue.jpg


Monitor voltage is selected by toggle on AC plug. Switching power supply isnt needed for monitors, only PCB testing.
 
Everyone

Im just about to get into testing/troubleshooting monitors. I have a TPG and all the cables but now I need to understand how to deal with power. Does anyone make a test rig for powering monitors to use with TPG? If not how about documenting one. Id pay for it. I just need to know what to buy and how to build it.

thanks!
Marc

For Trouble shooting you need a Ac Variable isolation transformer

sencore and B&K and Tenma all have one.

I'll tell you why.

During TS the chassis and its blowing fuse.

using the Tr110 is only set to a certain voltage at plugin..

just the run Burnin chassis it would be best.

for trouble shooting shorts in the chassis you should have a VIT

turn ac and watch the ac amps as you start to turn the ac from 0 to whatever

if the ac amps increase fast then trust me slamming 100vs or more

won't help to isolate the power supply short.

That's why you want a variable, a big asset in trouble shooting.

The tr110 is mainly for running a working chassis or one that's not shorted.

a shorting chassis would damage the Tr110 or blowing fuse's just to find the

short in the chassis.
 
Another collector recently showed me his monitor and PCB testing rig, which can obviously tests both. His rig is built into a rolling cart to go wherever needed. It also contains controls and a second, smaller monitor to confirm working status. Lastly, has additional electrical outlets and switches for everything. Very cool set-up. Sorry, no pictures.

Scott C.
 
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