DSCustoms Screen Fried?

WhateverJames · 09-04-2003, 05:23 PM

This MP3Car project has been nothing but a hassle for me. Now my $400 screen has crapped out. I cut the plug to hook up the screen to my vehicle. I used a 1 amp in-line fuse and hooked everything up correctly. The wire with the writing is positive, from what I've read from two sources. I turn it on and nothing happens. I hook it up to another power source and verify that the wires are correct they are. Nothing. I don't know if I should reverse them or not. If it's truly fried, it wouldn't matter but I'm not sure what to do.

I hook up the AC plug to the screen to make sure it's not a power problem in my car or a blown fuse. I make sure the wires are correct, plug it into the wall. Nothing.

Is there any way to tell if this thing is fried? If so, how can it be fixed? This is the second screen I've bought and I still need to get rid of the first one $525 Alpine (non-vga motorized, booooo). I'm down almost $1,000 in f'n screens! I don't want to buy another!

Blop · 09-04-2003, 05:53 PM

i have nothing constructive to add...

But i feel for you dude!! i hope ur screen is fine

WhateverJames · 09-04-2003, 06:58 PM

hehe. Thanks.

ahhhhhhhh SOB! I thought I'd do some searching about polarity outside the LCD section this time and I came up with this in the General Hardware section.

I tried a few things, before I took the elevator back up to my condo just to check to see if the monitor is still working, and alas back on AC power it will not work.... Just for fun, I hook the multimeter up to the now cut AC adapter, and the F---ING line with writing is negative (indicating ground), and the one withOUT writing is postive 12 V.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...light=polarity

gizmomkr · 09-04-2003, 08:18 PM

Manufacturers change parts, wires, colors, and inparticular - AC Adapters; ALL THE TIME.

USE A MULTIMETER. They are cheap, easy to use, and are garenteed to get the polarity right.

tisk tisk.....

WhateverJames · 09-04-2003, 09:23 PM

Believe me, I'm getting one now. I was even at Radio Shack today getting the inline fuses for the monitor. Guess what I forgot. A multimeter. I shall get a tattoo that says Multimeter on my arm so I don't forget. Cheaper than a 4th screen.

gork · 09-05-2003, 03:11 PM

On mine the wire with the white text on it was GND.. but you would have known that had you tested it with a multimeter first. Hope you didn't let the smoke out!

hijinks21 · 09-05-2003, 03:25 PM

maybe we should require a electronics 101 course before you can do this...

This isn't aimed at one person but it amazes me how many people think they can do a project like this and know nothing about currents and even what a multi-meter is let alone use one.

It sucks when you fry an expensive lcd like that. I feel your pain

chut · 09-05-2003, 03:34 PM

Put it on your forehead, backwards so you can see it in the mirror when you look.
Peter

Quote: Originally Posted by WhateverJames

Believe me, I'm getting one now. I was even at Radio Shack today getting the inline fuses for the monitor. Guess what I forgot. A multimeter. I shall get a tattoo that says Multimeter on my arm so I don't forget. Cheaper than a 4th screen.

WhateverJames · 09-05-2003, 05:16 PM

I used to have a multimeter, which really doesn't mean much, but I should have used one. I was just too excited that it all worked (using AC power). Mp3 car newbie + no patience = fried screen. A $400 lesson.

I'm told the manufacturer may send PCB boards on the next shipment, and I guess I'll fix it myself.

A scary thought.

Heh. I'll do that, chut.

dscustoms · 09-07-2003, 05:09 PM

Honestly, I should never have put that little quote in my instruction manual about the wire with the writing being positive. I tested a few units and thats how they all were, but apparently it is not always the case. It does say in the instructions to PLEASE double check with a multimeter, just in case.
Dave

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