Connect to TV

[Qantravon]

Hey everyone!  I just found this place, so I thought I'd start here.

I just pulled out our old C128 from the attic.  As we no longer seem to have the monitor, I thought I'd hook it up to the TV.  I have an RF switch that is intended for a Super NES.  I plugged it into the back of the Commodore, and I do get video, but there are several large wavy lines going through the picture.  Is this a compatibility issue?  Or is it more likely dirt/dust/etc. in the system somewhere?  It's been sitting in our attic for about 15 years.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[airship]

RF outputs are usually pretty lousy. Make sure your computer and the TV are on the proper channel; the C64 and C128 have a switch for either channel 3 or 4. Then twiddle all the TV settings until you get the best picture. Some TVs will work much better than others. If your computer or RF box contacts are visibly dirty, you'll want to clean the rust off of them first.

Assuming your TV has a video input jack, you'll get the best video by using a Commodore 64 video cable. Several dealers still sell these, and they come up for sale on eBay pretty often.

Search for "Commodore 64 video cable" on Google or eBay.

If your TV has separate chroma and luma inputs, you'll want the Y/C version of the cable. If it only has a single composite video input, make sure to buy the composite cable for that. The former has three RCA jacks (including one for audio), while the latter has only two.

This is all just for 40-column mode, remember; the 80-column mode needs a CGA-compatible monitor, or a $100 video adapter. (There are other threads on that subject.)

[Qantravon]

After looking through the manual, I noticed the option for the composite cable.  I'll have to see if I can locate one of those.  Thanks!

[issarad]

Back in the Commodore heydays, a friend of mine had his C128 setup the same way; to an old TV.  He always had large wavy purple lines on the display when he used it.  We finally tracked his issue down to the flourescent light he had mounted on his computer desk.  When it was on, it caused some kind of RF interference.  Once he changed the light for another, the issue went away. 

While I doubt your issue is the same, it might be worth considering and looking into.

[BigDumbDinosaur]

Back in the Commodore heydays, a friend of mine had his C128 setup the same way; to an old TV.  He always had large wavy purple lines on the display when he used it.  We finally tracked his issue down to the flourescent light he had mounted on his computer desk.  When it was on, it caused some kind of RF interference.  Once he changed the light for another, the issue went away. 

While I doubt your issue is the same, it might be worth considering and looking into.

Good suggestion!  Fluorescent lighting is notorious for RFI, especially the rapid start ballasts used in small desktop fixtures.  Compact fluorescent lamps are even worse.

[Qantravon]

OK, I managed to get a hold of an old original RF switch, and it has cleared up the video significantly.  There is still some noise, but the display is now usable.  Thanks for all your help, everyone!