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PB 180 single stuck or dead Pixel
Posted by: Shaddam IV on 2024-01-08 01:59:36
Hello, when I start a newly acquired Powerbook 180 everything is great. After about 20 minutes or so it a single Pixel in the lower third of the screen stays black. When I turn the machine off and wait for an hour or so, then start it back up, the pixel is normal. Has anyone here seen something similar? What could it be? It's not really a dead pixel, as it is working for a while - and then just stops flipping.
This happens in all "color" settings (bw, 4 colors, 16 colors).
Thanks for any info! Kind regards, Karl
Posted by: croissantking on 2024-01-08 05:40:04
It is a stuck pixel, I’ve had ones like this that are temperamental. There are tricks like massaging the pixel etc that people did back in the day.
Posted by: Shaddam IV on 2024-01-08 05:56:55
Yes, I read about that... well, I guess I'll start massaging the screen. Who would have thunk? Thanks!
Posted by: croissantking on 2024-01-08 05:58:21
Just take care and maybe read some guides first.

The pixel may sort itself out on its own too, if you keep using the machine.
Posted by: Shaddam IV on 2024-01-08 06:00:39
Thanks - I read about using a soft, moist cloth and the back (round as opposed to pointed) end of a pen. And about using an area of rapidly changing colors, like a QuickTime movie in an endless loop.
Posted by: 3lectr1cPPC on 2024-01-08 08:58:17
I'd say one cranky pixel is a whole lot better than tunnel vision at least.
Posted by: Shaddam IV on 2024-01-08 09:00:29
That's for sure. No idea why this is so. Somebody must have worked the Powerbook's insides at some point, there's a nonstandard keyboard in it (it's a German machine and should have a white keyboard, but it has a 140/170's grey keyboard). But this surely is not related to the screen. In any case, it's a lucky thing.
Posted by: 3lectr1cPPC on 2024-01-08 09:01:54
My 180c has a few stuck pixels (stuck red, green, or blue, as such, only visible on certain images), as do a few others. Just happens over time sometimes.
Posted by: croissantking on 2024-01-08 09:04:10
I'd say one cranky pixel is a whole lot better than tunnel vision at least.
Too right
Posted by: GRudolf94 on 2024-01-08 11:46:19
I'd not poke it. A stuck pixel in an active matrix screen is a faulty transistor. There's no science backing any "fix" technique that involves physical contact - most likely result is delaminating the panel and ending up with a black splotch over many pixels.
Posted by: croissantking on 2024-01-08 11:54:07
I'd not poke it. A stuck pixel in an active matrix screen is a faulty transistor. There's no science backing any "fix" technique that involves physical contact - most likely result is delaminating the panel and ending up with a black splotch over many pixels.
I think I would agree with this. Wait and see if it goes away on its own as they sometimes do.
Posted by: Shaddam IV on 2024-01-09 06:12:27
OK. That sounds like sage advice. Thanks!
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