Can a monitor fry a cable modem?

[currygoat11]

I have sitting on my desk a 19" Happ Controls monitor, you know the kind without the enclosure. Next to it (fairly close) is my cable modem/router.

well mysteriously my cable modem stopped connecting to the internet; power was on, just couldn't connect.

Comcast came out, connected brand new modem. Worked for a few hours.

Was playing with my mame computer and the 19" monitor, and I noticed shortly afterward, the new cable modem absolutely refuses to establish a connection. The cable light just blicks and blinks.

I have an old cable modem in the closet - connected this and it is able to connect.

I know this seems crazy but ...

is it possible for the radiation emitted from these monitors could somehow permanently render a cable modem to cease to function properly??

[theziggens]

Did the tech who came out check your signal levels for your internet service while he was there, or just swap the modem out?  I have no clue if a monitor could have that effect on a modem, I would guess the modem wouldn't turn on at all if it was zapped by the monitor.  

Because the modem is still alive, but cannot get a signal, it sounds like you may have a signal issue on your cable line.  Did you try moving the monitor away from the modem?  Do you have any devices that are emitting a lot of RF near the modem, such as wireless router, cordless phone, microwave, etc?  If so, try moving the modem away from that stuff, and the computer itself.  Worst case, you're looking at another tech coming out to take a look.  Make sure he checks your signals!

good luck!
z

[currygoat11]

yes he checked the signals and they were very strong. The new cable modem connected right away and I had very good speeds. Even when I turn off all surrounding monitors and other equipment, this cable modem just refuses to connect now. I'm perplexed. There is a wireless router right next to it, but I've never experienced any interference with that before. After all, it connected earlier in the day sitting right next to the wireless router. My old 3COM modem can connect (albeit at a slower speed)

already called Comcast and they're sending out another technician. Maybe the cable modem was inherently defective and had a short lifespan (?)

thanks for the reply

[paigeoliver]

Wouldn't hurt to jam a multimeter in the power outlet and see what kind of power your outlet is puting out.

[StephenH]

See what kind of power is being put out.   Additionally, I was wondering if it is a shielding interference.

Also, try the following:

If the monitor being on causes interference, I would look for a ground leak, or a think.  Also, make sure you leave your monitors Isolation transformer in the circuit, as this may be the problem.

Next, I would try moving the cable modem further away from the monitor.

I would also try plugging the monitor and/or cable modem into a different outlet so they are on different circuits.

If Comcast comes in, I would have comcast take a signal reading with the monitor ON, this way you would know if it is causing interference to the send and/or recieve path.

Additionally, I would try unplugging and plugging in the cable modem (doing a reset) with the monitor on.  This tells the modem to look for a signal again.

[paigeoliver]

Oh, also for the record. I DOUBT the monitor and cable modem are even remotely connected, as I have been operating tons of old monitors in a variety of conditions on the same circuits as computer equipment for years without problems.

[currygoat11]

thanks for the suggestions guys... appreciate it!