Monitor Advice Plz

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KBZ
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Monitor Advice Plz

Post by KBZ »

So I'm looking at getting an rgb monitor for a perma-tate setup and came across this on craigslist...

Image

http://vancouver.craigslist.org/ele/388926367.html

It's a Sony KV1901 monitor, looks to be really old and there's little to no info online :p

Before I go over to check it out for myself.... anyone have any experience with this older monitor?

and it has this strange rgb input on the back that I don't recognize...

Image

I'd rather get a pvm 2030 but just can't seem to get a hold of one.

thanks,

King.
Last edited by KBZ on Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

BUMP

added picture of the rgb input.
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neorichieb1971
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

I have never seen that input design before. It uses 34 pins which seems very overkill to me.

Most PVM's i've seen use the DB25 connector. Since that is a standard that is used quite a bit your more likely to get info on it.

Just some advice.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

this seems to be the pinout here at the bottom of the page

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/vga2t ... nouts.html

34 pins does seem very crazy. This thing is from the 80's too. Probably means it'll at least need a new tube and probably wont tate very well I'm guessing.

I think I might pass up this opportunity...
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EOJ
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Post by EOJ »

Yeah I think you should pass on that and just look for a PVM 1910 or a 2030. The 1910 is a great monitor, it TATEs fine and is really solid.
Gwyrgyn Blood
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Post by Gwyrgyn Blood »

There are two PVM 2030s on eBay right now. One is only 115$ but is sold as is: http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-PVM-2030-Trini ... dZViewItem

The other is 250$:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-PVM-2030-COLOR ... dZViewItem


There was someone local to me selling one of these for 100$ a month or so back and I'm regretting not going for it then. My TV for Tate just died the other day and now I'm boned until I can get another one. :/


Here's a 1910 for 130$ shipped:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-PVM-1910-Profe ... dZViewItem


I'm kind of paranoid of buying one of these old 2030s off eBay myself... not sure how smart of an idea that is. :I
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

I bought a PVM2950 and was not happy with the purchase. I spent about $200 on the monitor, about $200 more getting it fixed and eventually just left it in the garage. It had a good clear picture but the geometry (straight lines were not straight) was out, and some consoles needed the horizontal plane adjusted. Which meant taking it apart and putting your fingers near high voltages.

It would'nt tate either. Ive heard the 1910 is better.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

that 1910 looks sweet.

I found a place that rents monitors by my place that's getting rid of almost all their crt monitors. There were 2 NICE 29 or 32" mitsubishi rgb monitors for $350 right on the wall.

Then in the far corner holding up a fan was a pvm 2030! I asked they guy how much but apparently it's not for sale since it's their only broadcast monitor. I think I'll go back to leave my name, number and an offer of $150 of they ever change their minds. Maybe I should offer more?

there's also a pawnshop selling a PVM 1942Q for $200 by my place as well.
Last edited by KBZ on Sat Sep 01, 2007 4:17 am, edited 2 times in total.
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PC Engine Fan X!
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Post by PC Engine Fan X! »

Those 32" Mitsubishi DiamondScan professional CRT-based RGB monitors look razor sharp -- saw one in person running a Sega Naomi mobo setup with Super Monkey Ball cart loaded up and displayed at 31 kHz in 640 x 480 resolution...stunning and jaw dropping indeed! ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

XM29 ?
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segasonicfan
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Post by segasonicfan »

bought a PVM2950 and was not happy with the purchase. I spent about $200 on the monitor, about $200 more getting it fixed and eventually just left it in the garage. It had a good clear picture but the geometry (straight lines were not straight) was out, and some consoles needed the horizontal plane adjusted. Which meant taking it apart and putting your fingers near high voltages.

It would'nt tate either. Ive heard the 1910 is better.

That's really sad to hear. I owned a PVM-2950 and a PVM-2530 for a long time (had to sell them when I moved) and they are FANTASTIC monitors. The 2950 really shines far above the rest though with all its extra features and better clarity. I never really had to adjust anything since the it has all its fancy digital adjustments and service mode features. It ran 20+ PCBs on it fine and even worked with my downscan converter to run MAME on it :)

It should be noted that the 2530/2030 has a slight color problem in the upper left when tated. It's not backbreaking but could be bothersome to video perfectionists like myself. The 2950 does not have this and has a slew of extra features so I'd recommend it above the others even for the extra cost. I also purchased the service manual for it which I have uploaded for free download here:

http://files.filefront.com/PVM2950Q+SER ... einfo.html

-Segasonicfan
I design retro gaming add-ons and repair old consoles :)
My Website: Segasonicfan Designs http://www.segasonicfan.wixsite.com/retro
KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

thanks for the manual

i'm looking to buy the 2030 for 170 shipped from this seller who seems to have quite a few to spare...

http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-PVM-2030-PROFE ... dZViewItem

hesitant though.... maybe I'm just nervous. Never bought a monitor off of ebay before.
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neorichieb1971
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

I did not see a picture in that auction.

Some of them might look like this -

http://usedmedicalequipment.medused.com ... 718-01.jpg


Might just need a cleanup but its worth asking for a nice one he has 28 lol.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

They're all in great condition apparently.

there's DOA warranty so I think I'll go for it afterall.
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it290
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Post by it290 »

Just saw this post, probably a bit late now, but I just wanted to add that I have the Sony monitor pictured at the top, and it works fine for RGB. The connector is actually the same as a standard PC floppy connector, so if you have one of those cables you can just snip off one end and use that. Unfortunately mine has a bit of a magenta cast (problem with the display itself), but it is tack sharp and very nice for a piece of equipment from the early 80s.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

haha, ya a bit late. i just bought the 2030. I'm sure I'll be happy with it though. And I wont have to worry so much about the tube either.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

well the 2030 is here and I'm having some issues.,..


It turns one and starts making a quiet high pitched sound and emits a slight smell similar to that of something burning.

I have the saturn plugged into the svideo which works on my other tv but nothing happens at all....

I'm getting worried.
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rolins
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Post by rolins »

Kingbuzzo wrote:well the 2030 is here and I'm having some issues.,..


It turns one and starts making a quiet high pitched sound and emits a slight smell similar to that of something burning.

I have the saturn plugged into the svideo which works on my other tv but nothing happens at all....

I'm getting worried.
Not a good sign if an old monitor starts squealing, usually marks impending doom. :?

The burning smell might be from a build up of dust and dirt inside CRT enclosure. Very common in old CRTs after being left off for years.
KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

the smell is very much like a burning dust.

apprently monitors can make that sound if it does not detect an input. Maybe i should try another connection on it. But I think I'll let it sit for a few hours before I touch it again.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

good news, seller is filing a claim with ups and is sending out another 2030 in 2 days. boo ya
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

new 2030 has arrived and works perfectly. Tate is perfect too.
Although I need to fiddle with the controls inside the case to straigten out the borders.

ImageImage
Image

gah, turns out I have some overscan the size of a XIISTAG ship. Hope I don't shock myself.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

I've been able to get at the controls on the back and adjuct the Vertical and horizontal size. But I can't seem to find controls to adjust the borders of the display.

I want straight lines but alas, they are rounded. It's not huge deal to me I guess, but I'd like to know if there's a way to solve it.
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KBZ
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Post by KBZ »

ok so I found out that I need to adjust the pincushion settings. but I'm having issues recognizing which knob does what inside the monitor...

the ones for centering, and scaling are simple enough, but what are these...

Pin Amp
Pin Phase
Pic Bowl

sounds like it might have to do with pincushion, but I don't really know...
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