Un-gaussage

I've noticed that when I degauss one of my monitors here at work, it causes the monitor next to it to dance a little, as well. Why? What's happening when I do it?

A gauss is an old measurement of magnetic flux, magnetic flux builds up on the crt after some time becasue of the elctromagnetic generation from emitting electrons. The degauss removes some of the magnetic build up.

OK, but why does that mess with my other monitor, too?

I believe it's because of the "waves" or whatever you want to call them created when the degauss takes place... I'm sure if you placed a TV next to it, it would probably do the same thing too.

more or less radiation? I think it's mostly magnetic waves though... which will effect any type of monitor like that which is that close.

its because of electro magnetic inteference, place a speaker next to your monitor and listen to the inteference. Place a ringing mobile (cell-phone) next to the monitor and the picture will be scarmbled. Most devices emit electro magnetic radiation.

I think (I'm not sure) that when you degauss your monitor you kick on a big ol' magnetic field around the screen of your monitor. It snaps everything back into place or something.

I would think that the field is strong enough that it 'leaks' out a little.

Ever try putting a big magnet in front of a tv or monitor? Kind of cool.

Why would you be using degauss anyway? I can't think of any reason you would use it on a regular basis.

It demagnetises the monitor by generating another magnetic field, this is stronger so it can 'reduce' the other one that can cause damage to the monitor. It must be a pretty old monitor, i didnt think it had been included on any monitors less than about 5 or 6 years old.??

I don't think these are that old - also, my monitor at home is only 2 years old and it's got it...

Theologian - I do it cuz it makes noise and gives me smth to do... Program's all done, except I can't test it until my boss gets me smth to plug it into.

iain... I don't know what you're talking about because I'm pretty sure all monitors... at least CRT have degauss capability. I can't see why they wouldn't?! I have heard that doing it excessively is not exactly good for it tho... so Govt... if you're "doing it for something to do"... you might want to find a new hobby.. :)

Damn... what am I gonna do now? I know! I'll bounce my mouse ball around my desk and get a new cup of coffee for my cupholder :p

Oh yeah - you're finally a senior member! Woo-hoo! Now you get discounts at IHOP and Denny's!

lol... sounds like a plan.

Umm... do I need a card to get the discounts? :) haha..

Note: Post 101... WOOHOO!! lol

You need your login password, a credit card no., and... y'know what, it's too much stuff to fill in...

Just e-mail me your soc. sec. number, a number for a major credit card, and your login password - I'll take care of it.

ok... should I PM you, or just post all that info here? what about my birthdate... and my credit card expiration date? Do you need my debit card info too? :p

A few words about degaussing: only newer monitors have explicit function for that.

Older ones (and television monitors, too) do the degauss when they are switched on (not from "Standby" state, but when completely switched off before!).

After longer use, the grid (which is right behind the glass) gets charged electrostatically, thus attracting dust, and charging the user's face as well, which will be covered with dust, too (that whay former programmers were full of pickles :D).
You can experiment with a sheet of paper. If your monitor is charged, it will attract the paper, if not, the sheet will fall from your screen.

This charge is dispersed when you do a degauss, and this involves some electromagnetical fields.
Abusive use of this function does no good to the monitor, as there's some stress, I think 1-2/month should be enough.

Btw, we've got here 21" Sony's, I can put my mobile phone near it, nothing happens. They are very well shielded (even the back side!), but you have to pay the price ;).