Can I repair my VGA cable?

[Über~PhLuBB]

My VGA cable is bent at a sharp angle right where it connects to my vidcard. It has been so for quite some time.

It's only recently that I've been getting problems with it, I.E., I will only see Cyan, or Yellow, or Magenta, or Red, or Blue on screen, or any combination of these colors. A complicated twisting and jiggling and repositioning with my toes solves the problem, but it's getting worse and worse. I decided I wanted to repair it myself, because I dont have $150 to blow on a "specialist". (Like I would pay $150 to some guy to charge me another $70 to fix a simple connector)

There's nothing wrong with my monitor or video card, it's only the last 1 inch of the cable that's the problem.

Would it be possible for me to go down to Best Buy or someplace like that to pick up a monitor extention cable, cut it in half, cut my cable in half, and splice the 2 together? Pheasably, that would solve my problem, but are wire colors proprietary to cable manufacturers, or is there a set (And reinforced) standard of wire colors?

[Monaco]

I would try to remove the whole darn thing from the monitor, and replace it with a brand new cable. I'd bet that would be easier to do.

[Über~PhLuBB]

Originally posted by Monster of Rock
I would try to remove the whole darn thing from the monitor, and replace it with a brand new cable. I'd bet that would be easier to do.

I'll look inside and see if that's even possible, but I doubt the manufacturer would sell me a replacment part. They'd say some money-grubbing bullcrap like "Please take the unit to an authorized rapair facility and shell out way too much money while we jam a broomstick up your urethra."

[JigPu]

I got the same problem too, but I'm not as in deep of trouble. My monitor cable screws not only into the video card, but also into the back of the monitor. All I have to do is run out and buy a new cable.

As for your splicing idea, if there is no problem with cutting the wire, all you have to do is:
1) Chop the cable.
2) Take a continuity tester, and find out which pin goes with which color wire.
3) On your new cable, determine which color goes with wich pin.
4) Splice the cables so the signal will get to the right pin.

I had to find out what wires went where on the DIN monitor cable for my C-64, and basicaly did just this.

JigPu

[two_dope2000]

I had the exact same problem! but i went out and bought a new flat screen, i still have that monitor though, what i did is i took a piece of wire and just wrapped around the cable to keep it bent where it goes into my video card and thats been keepin it workin for a couple months now:) i know its a cheap way out but im not gunna go blow 100+ dollars for a cord, thats ridiculas.

[Über~PhLuBB]

Originally posted by two_dope2000
I had the exact same problem! but i went out and bought a new flat screen, i still have that monitor though, what i did is i took a piece of wire and just wrapped around the cable to keep it bent where it goes into my video card and thats been keepin it workin for a couple months now:) i know its a cheap way out but im not gunna go blow 100+ dollars for a cord, thats ridiculas.

I've had a rubberband doing the same thing for about a month now. Cords cost $100+? I think you've overestimated that price...

[two_dope2000]

i mean if you go get it fixed theyll charge you a prce just to look at it, its 40 around here. and then the cable probably only bout 10-20 and labor, things might be overpriced here. cuz theres only one real computer parts dealer in town, but i made friends with him so he gives me deals all the time:)

[Über~PhLuBB]

Originally posted by two_dope2000
i mean if you go get it fixed theyll charge you a prce just to look at it, its 40 around here. and then the cable probably only bout 10-20 and labor, things might be overpriced here. cuz theres only one real computer parts dealer in town, but i made friends with him so he gives me deals all the time:)

Oh ok... I thought you meant they'd charge $100 for the cable alone, shipping, installation, inspection, and all that not included.

[Monaco]

Wouldn't splicing something as low-current as a monitor cord really murder your signal strength, i.e. image quality?


I'll look inside and see if that's even possible, but I doubt the manufacturer would sell me a replacment part. They'd say some money-grubbing bullcrap like "Please take the unit to an authorized rapair facility and shell out way too much money while we jam a broomstick up your urethra."

Nah, just go to freindly neighborhood computer strore, buy a monitor extension cord, slice of one end, solder it into the monitor. Should be a terminal block inside the screen to conect to easily. Remember, they make this stuff in China because of the unskilled labor availible for super cheap. If they can build it, I am sure you can do it too.

[Über~PhLuBB]

Originally posted by Monster of Rock
Wouldn't splicing something as low-current as a monitor cord really murder your signal strength, i.e. image quality?

You're asking me? Or everyone else who wanders upon this thread? If you're asking me, I have no idea whatsoever. I havn't taken my microelectronics classes yet. =)

[Monaco]

Heh, yeah I hear you. :)

Let me restate- I bet a splice in a VGA cable would hurt your image quality. I can hear a difference in my stereo's sound when I use a spliced speaker cable, and since a monitor is way more high-tech & complex than my stereo it stands to reason... that was my line of thought. I could be very wrong tho.

[maha_x]

If U have to fix it yer self, cut the splice off from as close as U can from the splice itself. peal the the lines out and resolder. This can be the tricky part as if it is the monitor end, U have to resolder the lines into the PCB (including opening the monitor, very difficult. I know from experience). If it is the PC end, U need to buy new connector. Connector should be somewhat easy to solder. Still, dont know how it will affect yer picture quality.

Those "poor quality" chinese cords are likely assembled by machines so doing it by hand can be difficult.

[RedDeathDrinker]

Good News!

The industry standard applys here as well! The wires inside will be colour coded exactly the same as any other monitor cable......

[Billvill]

I hate to rain on your parade but it sounds to me that you lack the experience and confidence to repair the cable yourself. That is doing it via soldering the cable to the monitor board . That would be the right way.

This is something that may be better left to a pro or someone that has the knowledge needed. I think if you get the cable and bring it and the monitor to an electronics shop the cost of replacing it will not be as bad as your are anticipating.

Billy

[two_dope2000]

My thoughts exactly!

[Monaco]

Well, you can't learn by saying" It's too hard, I'm gonna go to a shop" You gotta break some eggs here, take a little risk. At the worst, you mess it up and have to go to a shop to get it fixed. At the best, you get some PCB and soldering experience, as well as a happy monitor.

Like Ed said, "Is this Overclockers.com or Martha Stewart Living?"

Unless you are REALLY unsure of your skills, I would totally try to fix it yourself. That's what I think, anyway.

[Über~PhLuBB]

Originally posted by Monster of Rock
Well, you can't learn by saying" It's too hard, I'm gonna go to a shop" You gotta break some eggs here, take a little risk. At the worst, you mess it up and have to go to a shop to get it fixed. At the best, you get some PCB and soldering experience, as well as a happy monitor.

Like Ed said, "Is this Overclockers.com or Martha Stewart Living?"

Unless you are REALLY unsure of your skills, I would totally try to fix it yourself. That's what I think, anyway.

Thanks for the bout of confidence. =)

[dugans]

My quote for the day:

"Everything I've learned, I learned by screwing something up. At least once!"

If you do it yourself though take a word of advice: unplug the monitor and leave alone for a good long while- those crts hold juice for a looonnng time!

[Monaco]

rogerdugans said:

If you do it yourself though take a word of advice: unplug the monitor and leave alone for a good long while- those crts hold juice for a looonnng time!
Really really good advice here!!!!! I second that motion. Don't touch the back of the screen AT ALL, just the PCB you need. And you'll be fine.

[Über~PhLuBB]

Oh my GOODNESS yes. That much I know. I've taken computer classes, just not an electronics class.

[osu32]

I've been having the same problem as well. I just got back from Radio Shack where I found a new plug for $2. It even seemed like it would be a pretty simple solder. My two questions:

1. What is the little plastic thing on the cable an inch up from the plug and is it important (or can I cut it off when I replace the plug)?

2. Does anyone know the specific "industry standard" for the wire colors and which pins they go to?

Thanks for all the input!

[Über~PhLuBB]

Originally posted by osu32
I've been having the same problem as well. I just got back from Radio Shack where I found a new plug for $2. It even seemed like it would be a pretty simple solder. My two questions:

1. What is the little plastic thing on the cable an inch up from the plug and is it important (or can I cut it off when I replace the plug)?

2. Does anyone know the specific "industry standard" for the wire colors and which pins they go to?

Thanks for all the input!


1) I don't know what the little thing is called, but what it IS is a 1" long 1/4" thick tube of non-magnetizeable metal, that fits over the cable longwise. It negates any electromagnetic interferance coming from your video card up to the monitor through the cable. If you didnt have one, you'd notice minor artifacts, and color changes (Just barely noticeable) when voltages change. I.E., if you turn on a fan, you'd see little dots of snow on your monitor. If you turned on your TV, or really anything else that draws a full 110-120 volts, you'd see minor artifacts (snow).

2) All monitor cables are the same. Look at your old cable, and match the colors and wires up with the new one.