On 2017-Nov-26, at 7:42 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk wrote:
On Sun, Nov 26, 2017 at 3:02 PM, Adrian Graham via
cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
What
happens if C101 is removed? Also try running it with TR101
removed (or at least the emitter lead of that transistor disconnected).
Nothing happens, in that the picture is the same as it is with both those components
fitted.
That suggests the problem is not in the contrast control or the clamp
transistor TR101.
I would suspect TR102, TR103 and associated components.
I don't have the schematic with me at the moment, but as I remember it
you can look
at the connection between TR102 (common emitter stage) and TR103 (common base
stage on top of it) on one of the connections to the CRT base PCB. And of course
the output of the video amplifier on the CRT cathode pin. It would be
worth looking
at the signals on those points with a 'scope, see what amplitude of
video signal (not
the 'standing' DC level).
With a scope the objective would be to look at the levels when pixels are 'on' in
the video signal.
For white/on pixels, you need conductivity through TR102.E-C and TR103.E-C,
to allow electrons to flow from GND, through those transistors, into the cathode of the
CRT,
and be emitted from the cathode towards the screen.
For a white pixel then:
- the video signal (and to a lesser level, the base of TR102) must be going positive, to
turn TR102 on.
- TR103 collector should be going 'lower' during the pixel period, the black
level is approx. 60 V,
the white level should drop well below that.
You probably won't see much voltage variation at CRT PCB point H / TR102.C / TR103.E
as it's just current-switching there with no collector pull-up.
You could try connecting CRT PCB point H briefly to GND through a 150-300 ohm R, or short
TR102.C-E (not 103).
That should bring up a white screen.
If it doesn't it would suggest the problem is around TR103.
If it does the problem is likely around TR102.
If your multimeter has an hfe mode, you could try pulling TR102 & 103 and see if they
show gain.
The monitor board schematic on page pdf.173 of
https://amaus.net/static/S100/tandy/systems/model%204/Tandy%20Model%204P%20…
presents DC voltage levels to be expected at the transistors and other points.
That's for the green screen monitor, looks to be the same as the white-screen
(pdf.172) except for some minor component value diffs.