34 pin rgb port on monitors

[Classicgamer]

I have seen a few monitor recently with 34 pin rgb ports. I have seen a few different types of rgb connectors before but never one like this. I am guessing that it is some old connection that pre-dates standard connectors like BNC, d-sub 15 and 9 pin, or scart. I can't seem to find anywhere that sells 34 pin rgb cables or adapters that allow standard cables to be used.

Can anyone tell me if there is a standard name for these 34 pin rgb connectors so I can search properly?
Does anyone know of any store that sells cables like that? If these 34 pin connectors are used for something else, maybe it is possible to make a DIY cable?

I can't imagine what all 34 pins could be used for. I guess there was a time where you just couldn't have enough pins.

Normally I wouldn't bother with crt monitors from the 80's but it is getting harder to find low cost 25" plus rgb monitors these days. I am curious to see how "high end" pro monitors from the 80's look in comparison to old crt arcade monitors.

If anyone else has an rgb monitor with one of these 34 pin rgb inputs, please can you tell me where you got the cable and how well it works etc?

[Xan]

It's called "RGB MULTI INPUT" in the KX-27PS1 service manual. Here's the pinout: http://www.hardwarebook.info/Sony_RGB_Multi_Input

I've only seen cables for the 25-pin CMPTR connector; looks like this one predates it, being from the early 80s. Personally I'd just settle for a more modern 20" unit.

[Classicgamer]

Thanks for the info.

The monitor I was looking at was manufactured in 1989.

I would normally agree with you on getting a newer monitor but recently, I have read a lot of posts from people who talk about how happy they are with their ancient commodore monitors etc. It has got me curious to find out if old monitors can look good or if those people all just have low standards.

For some reason, most of the sellers on ebay seem to think that their 15 year old 20" Sony PVM monitors with screen burn are worth $400+. Given that most of them are more than 10 years old anyway, maybe the age is less important than the condition. A lot of the old medical and studio monitors have screen burn which is something that would annoy me.

If I am going to spend $400+, I would be more tempted by on the new 25" multi sync crt arcade monitors that are still available. I am a little worried that tubes from the 80's being inferior to later models but if the price is right, I may take a chance.

I plan on buying 3-4 crt monitors as I can see that the availability is already starting to dry up. I wish I was one of those people that snapped up an Nec XM29 for $50. All I ever see is over-priced, pick up only (from somewhere like Utah), 19", screen burn with 90,000 hours models.

Before I decide, I am going to research how easy it is to make a 34 pin rgb cable.

[Xan]

Maybe you should contact one of the usual cable sellers, like Retro Gaming Cables or Retro Console Accessories and ask whether they would make a custom cable. Looking at this port, to me it seems pretty much identical to a Shugart floppy connector, maybe this might help a lot with creating a cable for it.

[ApolloBoy]

Looking at this port, to me it seems pretty much identical to a Shugart floppy connector, maybe this might help a lot with creating a cable for it.

I don't think it is at all, the pin pitch is way off compared to a typical floppy connector.

[Xan]

Doing a quick search, people say that a floppy connector fits just fine. http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13474