CRT Monitor Cable Repair (possibly 19 screens)

VirtualForce

VirtualForce

New member
Hi guys.

I've been helping out at a school for the blind. (Before I hear remarks about how the blind can't see thus voiding the need for a screen, its not a school for just blind people but also people with limited eye sight and the teacher needs to assist them as well.)

Their computer room was broken into a while back and all their computers stolen. As per normal, the thieves had brain capacity of a rock and cut all the cables going in at the back of the computer.

Now, out of 23 PC's, only 3 have working screens.

It's old 17inch CRT Mecer Screens, can the cables be repaired? If so, any idea where and perhaps at what cost?

Thanks!
 
With 17" CRT screens the cables will most likely be VGA.

They look like this:

978590-2816907408-l.gif


I don't think it's worth it to try and fix the cable. Even if it will work (doubtful) the effort that would have to be put into each cable won't be worth it. I did a quick search and found VGA cables for about R50 each from HDCabling.co.za
That sounds a bit high to me. I recommend you contact Joker or Simon (depending on your location) and see if they can't hook you up with a cheaper cable.
 
Thanks, but the thing is, those cables are attached to the unit, its not those that you can simply unscrew and attach a new one.

So one will either have to attach a new cable from the unit it self or attach a new VGA connector. But at what cost....thats what worries me.

Like so: (sample pic I took from an old screen in my office)
6zWSe.jpg
 
VirtualForce said:
Thanks, but the thing is, those cables are attached to the unit, its not those that you can simply unscrew and attach a new one.

So one will either have to attach a new cable from the unit it self or attach a new VGA connector. But at what cost....thats what worries me.

Like so: (sample pic I took from an old screen in my office)
/ Snip pic
Click to expand...

Oh crap, I know those. I'll ask around about repair options.
 
You could ask Mecer if they're prepared to help you out by repairing them?

I do know that you cannot "patch" these cables due to shielding and noise issues that will make the monitors unusable. So, the only chance you'll have (from what I can remember in my CRT days) is to replace the cable completely - starting from inside the monitor.
 
Neo said:
You could ask Mecer if they're prepared to help you out by repairing them?

I do know that you cannot "patch" these cables due to shielding and noise issues that will make the monitors unusable. So, the only chance you'll have (from what I can remember in my CRT days) is to replace the cable completely - starting from inside the monitor.
Click to expand...

I wonder if people would still even carry spares for monitors like that. Cables haven't been built into monitors like that for a very long time.

EDIT: Does the school not have insurance? If you can't get the cables replaced, that would make them unusable and should be covered....
 
Insurance....spot on there. Just before the break in, there were management changes at the school and insurance payments were not made... some excuse by current management that previous management didn't inform them. Regardless, kids have been without PC's since 2011...

Was a really humbling experience working there and to see those kids, esp them running down the halls (which they arent allowed to), you wouldnt guess they have trouble with their sight. Dodging, up stairs, down stairs..

EDIT: About the cables, the IT Manager managed to speak to someone about connecters, the person wanted to know the thickness of the cables. Not sure whether they can help, will let you know just for interests sake.
 
Last edited:
Sorry I'm only coming back to this issue now but I was waiting for a few friends in hardware to come back to me and they either had no idea...

Neo said:
You could ask Mecer if they're prepared to help you out by repairing them?

I do know that you cannot "patch" these cables due to shielding and noise issues that will make the monitors unusable. So, the only chance you'll have (from what I can remember in my CRT days) is to replace the cable completely - starting from inside the monitor.
Click to expand...

...or they confirmed what Neo said. Only reliable way is to get a spare cable and repair strating from inside the display.
 
If you are in Cape Town I could donate a monitor to you, we have a 19 inch CRT that is now just standing there doing nothing. You would need to come fetch it though.
 
simon said:
If you are in Cape Town I could donate a monitor to you, we have a 19 inch CRT that is now just standing there doing nothing. You would need to come fetch it though.
Click to expand...

VirtualForce said:
Thanks Simon, but its slightly too far away from JHB :P Would like to have them send me that way :P
Click to expand...

Not a bad idea though hey, I think a lot of people and companies have old monitors lying around gathering dust. Maybe make a thread to ask if anyone has some they want to donate. People might not like the idea of throwing away stuff that works, but still want to get rid of them.
 
Oh lekker man. Let us know if that doesn't work out and we can all ask around a bit bit hopefully they can get shiney new ones rather
 
They were lucky in getting new LED 20' screens...so guess what I'm doing Wednesday morning...installing 20 screens! :wtf: :D

Thank you guys for all the effort, assistance and willingness to even donate some screens.

Shows me there are some ppl left who care.
 
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