Monitor Testing with the Laptop

3.5.0 Monitor Testing with the laptop (or other computer)

Objective:

The objective of this procedure is to use a computer to generate video signals to test a monitor for a video gaming machine. It also tests the touchscreen circuitry to confirm that it is working.

The procedure is the same for CRT or LCD displays, but power supply requirements may change for LCD displays.

Tools Required:

AC Isolated power source for 110 V. If testing an LCD display use the appropriate power supply for that display.

DC power supply, 12 V, for touchscreen controller.

Connecting cables to match the type of monitor being tested.

Computer with external video port and serial port.

Microcal program to test the touchscreen controller.

Procedure

From a normal operating condition on the computer

3.5.1 Go to "START".

3.5.2 Select "SETTINGS".

3.5.3 Select "CONTROL PANEL".

3.5.4 Select "DISPLAY".

3.5.5 Select "SETTINGS" on the Display Properties window.

3.5.6 Change Desktop Area to "640 x 780".

3.5.7 Hit "OK".

3.5.8 Answer "OK".

3.5.9 Answer "YES" to keep the setting. If you do not answer "yes" the screen reverts to the previous setting.

3.5.10 Go to "START".

3.5.11 Power down the laptop.

3.5.12 Connect the monitor to the VGA external port and touchscreen to the serial port.

3.5.13 Connect the monitor to the test cable.

3.5.14 Power-on the monitor.

Watch for smoke or other sign of a problem.

3.5.15 Turn computer power on.

The computer will go through power up sequence as normal. It will find the external monitor and use it instead of the laptop monitor.

(Even if the monitor screen doesn't come on.)..

3.5.16 When "Disk" LED stops blinking, hit "ENTER".

3.5.17 When "Disk" LED stops blinking enter password (stols) and hit "ENTER".

3.5.18 When "Disk" LED stops blinking again hit "Enter" to pass our error message.

Note Microsoft Music. Windows should boot up.

The laptop should now be sending a usable signal out to the monitor to test video and sync circuits on the monitor.

To test the touchscreen

3.5.19 Run "MICROCAL".

Microcal should find and recognize the type of controller.

3.5.20 Calibrate the touchscreen.

3.5.21 Test the touchscreen with "DRAW".

To test only the touchscreen the monitor is not required, but calibration will not be referenced to a screen. It can still be calibrated and tested. Only power to the touchscreen controller and serial connection to the computer is required.

3.5.22 When you are finished turn the computer off and disconnect the monitor and touchscreen controller.

3.5.23 Turn the computer back on.

3.5.24 Go to "START".

3.5.25 Select "SETTINGS".

3.5.26 Select "CONTROL PANEL".

3.5.27 Select "DISPLAY".

3.5.28 Select "SETTINGS" on the Display Properties window.

3.5.29 Change Desktop area back to "1024 x 768".

3.5.30 Hit "OK".

3.5.31 Answer "YES" to keep the setting. If you do not answer yes the screen reverts back to 640 x 480.

You should be back in normal operation.