Xycom 4810A 9-inch CRT LCD monitor upgrade

Xycom 4810A 9-inch CRT LCD monitor upgrade

Introduction

The Xycom 4810A 9-inch CRT monitor, though once a reliable display solution, has become dated in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. CRT monitors, with their cathode ray tube technology, have limitations such as high power consumption, limited lifespan, and susceptibility to issues like flickering. Upgrading to an LCD monitor offers numerous advantages, including improved image quality, lower power consumption, and a longer operational life.

Reasons for Upgrade

1. Power Consumption

CRT monitors are notorious for their high power consumption. A typical CRT monitor like the Xycom 4810A can consume up to 150 Watts of power. In contrast, LCD monitors generally use only 20 - 50 Watts. This significant difference not only results in lower electricity bills but also aligns with the growing global focus on energy conservation. For facilities where multiple monitors are in use 24/7, the power savings from upgrading to LCD can be substantial over time.

2. Lifespan

The CRT technology in the Xycom 4810A is nearing the end of its life cycle. These monitors have a relatively short lifespan, often around 10,000 - 20,000 hours of use. As they age, the image quality deteriorates, and components become more prone to failure. LCD monitors, on the other hand, have a much longer life expectancy, often exceeding 50,000 hours. This means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs in the long run.

3. Image Quality

CRT monitors suffer from issues like flickering, especially at lower refresh rates. To mitigate this, the refresh rate needs to be adjusted to a high level, which is not always possible, especially for smaller-sized monitors like the 9-inch Xycom 4810A. LCD monitors, however, do not have this problem as they refresh the entire image at once rather than scanning lines like CRTs. Even at lower refresh rates such as 60Hz, LCDs provide a stable and flicker-free image. Additionally, modern LCD monitors offer higher resolutions and better color reproduction compared to the limited capabilities of older CRT monitors.

Upgrade Kits Available

T2 Industrial's LCD Upgrade Kit

T2 Industrial offers an LCD upgrade kit for the 9-inch Xycom 4810A CRT. This kit includes the MK 041, which is made of high-quality materials. It not only performs better than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement but also comes at a lower cost. By choosing this kit, users can save a significant amount of money compared to replacing the entire monitor through the original manufacturer, which could cost thousands of dollars. The kit comes with a full cable kit for a complete conversion, and it is a plug-and-play solution, meaning no re-wiring or re-programming is required. Installation is made easy with the provided installation guide.

Monitech Industrial Displays' Kit

Monitech Industrial Displays also provides an LCD upgrade kit for the Xycom 4810A. Priced at $1,045, this kit, like the one from T2 Industrial, includes the MK 041. Monitech emphasizes the advantages of their upgrade over the OEM. Their LCD monitors represent current technology with a long lifespan. They also offer quick lead times, often able to ship the product on the same day an order is placed. Similar to T2 Industrial's offering, this kit comes with an installation guide and a cable kit that is compatible with the Xycom 4810A, providing a hassle-free upgrade experience.

Installation Process

Power Off and Disconnect: First, ensure that the Xycom 4810A CRT monitor is powered off and disconnected from all power sources and any connected devices such as computers or control systems.

Remove the CRT Monitor: Carefully remove the CRT monitor from its mounting or stand. Be cautious as CRT monitors are heavy and can be damaged if dropped.

Prepare the Upgrade Kit: Open the LCD upgrade kit and check that all components, including the LCD panel, cables, and mounting hardware, are present. Familiarize yourself with the installation guide provided with the kit.

Mount the LCD Panel: Use the provided mounting hardware to attach the LCD panel in the place where the CRT monitor was previously mounted. Ensure that it is securely fastened.

Connect the Cables: Connect the cables from the LCD panel to the computer or control system according to the instructions in the installation guide. The full cable kit in the upgrade kit is designed to fit the Xycom 4810A setup, making the connection process straightforward.

Power On and Test: Once all connections are made, power on the system and test the new LCD monitor. Adjust the display settings such as resolution and brightness as needed.

Considerations After Upgrade

1. Display Settings

LCD monitors have different optimal display settings compared to CRTs. For example, while CRTs required high refresh rates to reduce flickering, LCDs work best at their native resolution. The native resolution of most modern LCD monitors is much higher than what the Xycom 4810A CRT could offer. It is important to set the display resolution to the native resolution of the new LCD monitor for the best image quality. Additionally, the color settings may need to be adjusted to suit the user's preferences and the specific requirements of the applications being used.