Xenarc Flicker (not noise)

eleventh · 12-10-2004, 06:39 PM

Ok, this is really driving me nuts.. maybe you guys can help...

I'm trying to install my Xenarc in my dash, but it's being a pain. When I drive around, it's really susceptible to bumps. Sometimes, when I hit a bump, the screen will just flicker, other times it will shut off (the power led is on, but the screen goes black). I think when it goes totally black I can still use the touch screen, but this is tough to verify, since it will often flicker back on.

Sometimes it goes all white too - really odd.

Now I have to confess, I hacked the vga+ wire a little bit, and the black outer insulation has separated from the connector that goes to the monitor. Also, I think the sheilding just under the insulation is disconnected from the connector also, but wires inside seem to be ok.

I've checked all the ribbon cables inside, they all seem to be seated fine - and ideas what the heck is going on?

Draxin · 12-10-2004, 06:42 PM

it sounds like a short or a bad conection

eleventh · 12-10-2004, 06:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Draxin

it sounds like a short or a bad conection

In the LCD itself, or in the connector?

Scouse Monkey · 12-10-2004, 07:00 PM

i would say bad connection, check your graphics card is in ok, the vga connector (both ends), check the cable for breaks - ie play with it, check the power connections (both ends). If all else fails possibly a bad connection inside.

eleventh · 12-10-2004, 11:14 PM

If it is a bad cable, what can I do?

live2themaxuk · 12-11-2004, 07:57 AM

Naa this is the ribbon cable going from the VGA controller to the touchscreen. Ull see it on the back. Ill need to just reseat it properly. Pull the brown tab forward, just it in fully and slide it bqck to hold the ribbon in place.

Thats what the screen will do when that cables loose

eleventh · 12-11-2004, 04:47 PM

It seems that this was being caused by a loose power connector on the screen end. Once, I cinched down the power wire with some zip ties, things seem to be fine.

Thanks to everyone for your help.

wizawuza · 12-11-2004, 05:27 PM

i used something similar to zip ties... helped for a month, then started up again.

Eventually I got fed up and hot glued the hell out of the connectors so they couldn't move at all. Of course I can't disconnect it again without tearing crap up, but I just got too sick of having to hit my dash for the thing to start working again.

If the zip tie eventually fails, and you can't think of anything else, glue gun.

eleventh · 12-11-2004, 11:55 PM

So the real question is: Is it the connection between the barrel connector and the connector on the board, or is it the solder joint on the board that's bad?

I don't think it's the solder joint, but I'm not sure.

wizawuza · 12-15-2004, 10:29 PM

for me it was the connector between the vga/usb/etc cable and the snap connector thing, which I think corresponds to the barrel connector and the connector on the board in terms of what you said.

For me the solder joint was fine, I never had to take out the soldering iron on the xenarc board, other than power and gnd connections that is...

eleventh · 12-15-2004, 11:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by wizawuza

for me it was the connector between the vga/usb/etc cable and the snap connector thing, which I think corresponds to the barrel connector and the connector on the board in terms of what you said.

For me the solder joint was fine, I never had to take out the soldering iron on the xenarc board, other than power and gnd connections that is...

Ok interesting... So your issue was with the data (VGA, USB etc). My issue was with the power cable. Good to know that atleast the solder joint was ok. I suspect that my solder joint is ok too, although I haven't taken the screen apart since I got it working.

I think I could just buy a new barrel connector (pic just to be sure we are talking about the same thing) that fit a bit tigher and replace the old one.