Help with 15khz, VGA and a PC-8801

[kozo]

Here's the situation: I used to have a PC-88 that had crappy composite video out that was ugly but convenient. I've switched PC-88 models to a black FH model, which does not have composite, only "analog RGB", and only outputs at 15khz. A while back, undamned made me a nice cable that is the PC-88 analog RGB on one end and your standard VGA output on the other. I used this a couple times on my friend's NEC XM monitor, which can accept 15khz signals, and it worked GREAT.

However, those screens are too big and too heavy for me to use, let alone to try and buy one. My question is, could I use something like this to get the image on to my LCD screen:

http://www.jammaboards.com/store/cga/eg ... d_291.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-15Khz-RGB-to-VG ... 0399053810
http://cgi.ebay.com/Arcade-RGBS-CGA-EGA ... 0159942806

...or would I be better off trying to buy an old CRT that can take 15khz signals? I'd prefer to keep everything on one screen if I could, so if they are decent, the converters would be nice.

One more thing: the PC-88 has a switch that lets me bump the rate to 24khz, but I still have no monitors that go that low. It also has a set of four jumpers labeled "CRT Clock", but I have no idea what they do, nor if they would help me hit a rate that can be used with modern screens.

Thanks!

[jonny5]

the adapter is what you need....

i recall robivy64 recommended them in a thread a while back

[kozo]

Good to know. This is silly, but is there some way to buy/build a shield or box for those exposed adapters? They are really cheap compared to the white one, but wouldn't dust be an issue?

I hate to even ask, but if someone out there has one of these and is willing, I'd love to test one out before I plunk down any cash. Thanks.

[Ed Oscuro]

I wonder - is a similar solution workable for the X68000? That RGB to VGA box would be useful for video capture too.

[kozo]

I wonder - is a similar solution workable for the X68000? That RGB to VGA box would be useful for video capture too.

I think that if it works for the 88, it will work for all those families of computers from the era - PC-9801, X68000, X1, FM-77/77AV, etc. I know for sure at least that X1 monitors are compatible with the PC-88. They all run at 15/24khz.

Let me know if you grab one...I'm really tempted but I don't have the cash for the pricey one.

[Ed Oscuro]

I actually see that Blue Lander wired up a X68000 -> VGA cable, no adaptor required. Also not feeling too good about the 1024x768 and 1366x768 pixel modes...though it does support 640x480 which should be good for many X68000 games.

[kozo]

I suppose a Micomsoft XAV-2S would work too, just output via S-Video instead of VGA. If anyone is looking to sell...

[papa_november]

http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:combo

All of these listed monitors should work.

[Shou]

PC-88 doesn't output VGA. The 15kHz signal is approriate for any RGB monitor that will play console RGB as well so an XRGB would work perfect here (I do that). The 24kHz signal will not display properly on most monitors as it is a funky resolution, IIRC. X68 software can run in 15/24/31kHz so the ideal solution is to have 1 cable with RGB and VGA connectors on it.