My C-128D has been in storage since 2012 following the failure of the only compatible video monitor I had. The flyback transformer in the monitor literally went up in smoke and with no working monitor, I could no longer mess with the C-128D. So I packed it away.
Now that Lance has this site back in operation, I'd like to resume fooling around with the C-128D. I need to do something about a monitor, and rather than scrounging around for another CBM display and taking a chance that it too will go up in smoke,, would like to somehow attach a VGA-compatible LCD monitor to the computer. At one time, I thought someone had devised a way to do this, but I'm not finding anything.
Any suggestions?
Quote from: BigDumbDinosaur on September 25, 2024, 04:44 PMMy C-128D has been in storage since 2012 following the failure of the only compatible video monitor I had. The flyback transformer in the monitor literally went up in smoke and with no working monitor, I could no longer mess with the C-128D. So I packed it away.
Now that Lance has this site back in operation, I'd like to resume fooling around with the C-128D. I need to do something about a monitor, and rather than scrounging around for another CBM display and taking a chance that it too will go up in smoke,, would like to somehow attach a VGA-compatible LCD monitor to the computer. At one time, I thought someone had devised a way to do this, but I'm not finding anything.
Any suggestions?
This is what I have (bought it around 12 months back) - https://gglabs.us/node/2284
The 80 column output of the Commodore 128 is the same digital RGBI used by the original IBM CGA graphics adapter. Unfortunately nowadays is quite difficult to find a monitor with the suitable RGBI input. The CGA2RGBv2 adapter will convert the TTL RGBI to analog RGB suitable to be connected directly to a 15KHz capable RGB monitor or to the popular Gonbes GBS-8200 VGA converter. As an added bonus the CGA2RGBv2 can also convert MDA and EGA to an analog format for the enjoyment of all our retro PC friends.
Similarly to the older CGA2RGB-C02, the basic circuit is a triple 2-bit digital to analog converter. The main improvement is the addition of micro USB connector to power the circuit.
U1 decodes the RGBI input to 2-bit per color component according to the dip switch settings and generates the composite sync needed for the GBS-8200.
The BIT-C128 Video Dac converts the 80-column digital RGB of the C128, arguably giving the best color rendition because it gives you the Commodore "brown". You would still need a Gonbes to do the rest of the conversion to VGA. Note that you would still need a composite cable to do the 40 columns of the C128, but a multiscan LCD monitor like the Dell U2410 give you both inputs, VGA and composite.
To find out more about the BIT-C128 plus Gonbes, go to
http://www.bit-c128.com/
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network - http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan
Thanks for the replies. When I finally get out the 128D, I will track down these adapters.
Quote from: BigDumbDinosaur on October 04, 2024, 07:02 AMThanks for the replies. When I finally get out the 128D, I will track down these adapters.
There's easier things now-a-days than back when we fiirst started discussing this!