After I wired the power to the screen last night, I tried connecting the laptop today and while the screen does turn on, it doesn't find the VGA signal and turns right back off. I have tried EVERYTHING. I don't know why it's not picking up my signal. I've tried 2 different laptops and switched between every output mode they both have. HELP!!! Right now, the dash is in the house and the Xenarc is plugged into the AC adapter (I had 2).

 

well check to see if vga connector is plugged it.
2. make sure your laptop is set to output to external screen (go into display properties)

3. Make sure you don't close the laptop down. with the laptop in the down position the screen shuts off.

 

I agree with the above. Also, some laptops have the "screen switch" keys on the keyboard. They are usually painted onto the normal keys in a different color (purple for Dells). You would hold the function key (same different color) and hit the key that has a monitor icon in that different color. This will tab through laptop only, laptop and external, or external only. I hop this makes sense.

 

I figured out what the problem is...I just gotta see if my hand is steady enough to fix it. 3 of the little 'fingers' that connect the vga plug to the Xenarc's motherboard aren't making proper connectivity...I have to solder them down. Wish me luck.

 

Use a dual stage soldering iron and set it on low. If possible, a small tip would help too. Try Radio Shack for the iron and tip.

 

I'll look into that for future soldering...I looked around at a few places to find a tiny one...no one had anything smaller than what I had. But, I bought some flux and flux-core solder and with the slightest bit of solder on the tip and flux applied with a needle to the 'fingers' on the Xenarc board, I managed to do it!!!!