Monitor or Computer problem (video)

[nakeworks]

Hey guys.  I have a Makvision Inc arcade monitor that says it was manufactured in May, 2007.  I also have a Dell Optiplex running Windows XP.  Whenever I hook the arcade monitor to the computer it flashes and makes a clicking sound (see video).  If the computer is hooked to a regular computer monitor it works fine.  What setting do I need to adjust on the monitor or computer to make this stop, if it is possible?



Thanks fellas

[nakeworks]

In case it helps, here is a picture of the adjustment tool connected to the monitor

[brad808]

Since it shows the loading screen just fine I'd first suspect that it's a desktop resolution problem. Make sure your running at 60hz and try a resolution like 640x 480. It accepts vga?

I know with most of my monitors that accept vga and newer video cards I have to first start the computer with no monitor connected, hook up a dvi-vga addapter so the computer doesn't recognize new hardware and just keeps outputting analog, then connect a computer monitor, switch resolution, then plug in my arcade monitor. Might help you. The key is making sure it doesn't recognize the new monitor because then it'll revert to default when you unplug it which is a much higher resolution. You don't have to do this everytime just the first time and shutdown and it should save your settings for the analog video output.

[nakeworks]

That worked! Then I turned off the computer to see if it would still work and it went back to clicking and flashing.  I thought it would save my settings when I turned it off.  Is there something that I have to change to make it permanent?

[brad808]

Well when you plug in the arcade monitor is it making the little "new hardware" noise? When you go to change resolution does it say a monitor name or does it say analog output? Are you using a video card or built in?

In the past I believe I also had one that wouldn't save on reboot and I think what I eventually did to solve it was use a program called "powerstrip" to create a monitor profile. Basically create a new driver where I could specify what the specifications of the monitor were and I simply put the minimum and maximum resolution at 640x480 60hz then loaded the driver into windows. That way it wouldn't default to anything higher because it knew the monitor couldn't handle it.
This was a while ago so my memory might not be 100% but its worth a shot if you can't get anything else to work.

[nakeworks]

I tried your process again and it works while it is turned off but when you turn off the machine and restart, it starts jumping and clicking.  However, when I switch back to the computer monitor it is still at 640x480 at 60Hz so it doesn't seem to be switching resolutions on me.  Why does it work when I start with no monitor attached, hook up computer monitor and switch to 640x480 then unplug and plug in the arcade monitor?

I guess I can try the method you mentioned above of creating a new driver unless someone else knows what I am doing wrong.  Thanks guys

[brad808]

I tried your process again and it works while it is turned off but when you turn off the machine and restart, it starts jumping and clicking.  However, when I switch back to the computer monitor it is still at 640x480 at 60Hz so it doesn't seem to be switching resolutions on me.  Why does it work when I start with no monitor attached, hook up computer monitor and switch to 640x480 then unplug and plug in the arcade monitor?

I guess I can try the method you mentioned above of creating a new driver unless someone else knows what I am doing wrong.  Thanks guys

Because it's recognizing the monitor you're plugging in and going to the last resolution you had that particular monitor set at. Crate a new monitor profile and it'll work

Sent from my Desire HD

[nakeworks]

Okay.  I found a tutorial at this website http://www.ramelectronics.net/powerstrip.aspx.  Just a quick question before I get started:  I have an integrated system (no fancy graphics card) how can I tell if my card supports custom resolutions?
From the website:

"To use Powerstrip, you must have a video card that supports custom resolutions"