FitPC2 doesn't start with monitor plugged in

[ninja]

I have a FitPC2 that won't startup when the VGA adapter is plugged in and plugged into a monitor. I have to unplug the monitor, and wait a few seconds, then plug in the monitor and I usually catch it during the "starting windows". Anyone know why this might be happening?

[gabrielh]

Can you please be more specific when you tell FitPC2 won't start up? Does it powers on? Can you access BIOS (press f2 several time immediately after power up)

[ninja]

It powers on, and it sounds like it's restarting continually, but I can't get the screen to show any video. It continually gives the screen's default message about trying to adjust to the pc's resolution. I can't get to bios. Same with different monitors. It's not consistent, but happens enough time I can't have this running on its own and expect it to restart successfully..

[irads]

We identified that some displays power the HDMI 5V lines. This out-of-spec behavior (it is the computer which should power these lines) interferes with the operation of fit-PC2 and may prevent it from powering-up properly.

Instead of disconnecting the display try shutting it down when fit-PC2 is off and see if fit-PC2 wakes up. Then turn-on the display.

[LeFrog]

I'd like to make sure that this is a display issue and not a FitPC2i issue (D2G-C2000) - I have tried two monitors - Dell and HP - and each create the same problem - the only way to get it to boot is to disconnect and reconnect the DVI cable - and I use the DVI input on the monitors (both). Please advise of a workaround that would be better than unplug/plug - thank you

[irads]

I would expect the behavior I described above to be the exception, not the rule, so having it on two displays may indicate another problem.
To diagnose see what happens when
- the display is powered off
- the display power is disconnected

[LeFrog]

Hello - if Display (Dell) power off - no difference
Display (Dell) power removed (unplugged) - no difference
no difference == FitPC2i waits (green light on - no disk activity or other -- and display shows nothing)

Unplug DVI at back or FitPC2i - re-install plug - and .. works

Moved to the FitVGA - works

Will try another DVI cable

[irads]

I would assume incompatibility between fit-PC2 and the DELL display ie replacing fit-PC2 is not likely to solve the problem.
Specifically I can think of two possibilities - bear in mind that with open circuit DVI fit-PC2 boots fine
1. Wiring level issue - a circuit in the display is loading the DVI circuit of fit-PC2 - bringing it to unhandled state.
2. Data level issue - the EDID packet payload or I2C transaction itself with the display is not handled properly by fit-PC2. fit-VGA has pass-through DDC interface so the fact it is working with fit-VGA makes it less likely.