NEC PA241W-BK main board replacement?

Hello,

 

Have been using my NEC PA241W-BK for almost 7 years without any issues, until I tried to do a firmware upgrade via the USB port recently. Unfortunately, the upgrade failed and the end result is that the monitor is pretty much dead.

 

I called NEC and they stopped servicing this particular model in October 2017. They are also not offering replacement parts for this model anymore. So their "solution" is to purchase a new model that just come out.

 

Since the panel has about 3k hours on it, I'd like to at least try to get it fixed, rather than spending another $950 on a new monitor, assuming it would make sense from the economic standpoint.

 

From what I understand, the fuse is intact and the power board works. The problem is is the main control board (the one that has the main chip on it and all the connectivity ports).

 

Couple of questions:

 

1. Google and eBay searches for the replacement main control board don't yield any results. Does anyone know any reputable source in the US or Canada that might carry this part?

 

2. Assuming that such replacement part could be located, does anyone know how much it might cost?

 

3. Is the replacement as simple as swapping out the boards, or something else needs to be done (like re-programming the chip)? The reason I'm asking is that I've located one working, but heavily used monitor in a local thrift store (don't know the hours on it, but I assume it's much more than what I had on mine), so was contemplating purchasing it and just swapping out the boards. They're asking $200-ish + tax for it and are swearing that it works flawlessly. Do you think it would be a good idea, assuming I'm not able to locate the replacement part from other sources?

 

Please advise.

 

Thanks,

Dave

Well, turns out all that was needed to resurrect it was to do another firmware update via USB, but this time using a laptop and connecting to the NEC monitor via USB only.

Thanks for posting this! I have a 242 that is working fine but one day I might be glad I read your post.