Q: How can I turn off the monitor? What radiation concern is there?\
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A: NeXT's color monitors have independent power switches.\
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There is no way to turn off the monochrome monitor without turning off the computer. The current power supply will not operate without the monitor load.\
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Turning off the computer system when not in use is a good way to make it last longer. Radiation should not be a concern. Our monitor radiates an extremely low level of x-rays even at full bright output. The glass is coated to prevent their transmission. The level of radiation is proportional to beam current and goes to zero if the screen is dark so just blanking the screen will make them go away completely.\
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The monitor also radiates a very low level of RF energy which is somewhat dependent on the display. If the display has a minimum number of dots (for example an all gray display) the RF emissions are minimized. The monitor complies with FCC class B which mandates a very low level which is based on non-interference with radio devices and is much lower than what would be required for health reasons. Our radiation is measured in microwatts. Consider, for example, that radio station KGO's transmitter is transmitting at 50,000 Watts. There are also people living in the shadow of Sutro Tower which transmits most of the San Francisco television signals and radiates power in the megawatts.\
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The last source of electrical fields is electrostatic. This effect is caused by the CRT charging and setting up an electrical field on its faceplate. This field will gradually dissipate depending on the surface resistance of the CRT. It gets charged both when the CRT is turned on and then when it is turned off so it doesn't help to turn off the monitor.\
