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I have an old Toshiba T1100 Plus laptop (http://www.inkpotproductions.ca/toshibainfo.html) that has an integrated CGA adapter. The computer has ports for composite output and RGB output via a 9 pin "D" connector (one pin not used). The pinouts are:
RGB
1 GND
2 GND
3 Red
4 Green
5 Blue
6 Intensity
7 Not Used
8 Horiz. Sync.
9 Vert. Sync.
Composite
Video
1 Video Out
2 GND
I still have the video cable, but the RGB monitor is long gone. :( Is there anything I can do to connect this laptop to a modern VGA monitor. The VGA pinouts, I understand, include 15 pins of which 5 are not used. Is it possible to make or buy a cable to connect my laptop to a VGA monitor? Or is there a technical issue why this is impossible?
There is technical reason. The CGA outputs are digital. Modern VGA monitors are analouge.
Connect the two together and the sparks will fly.
Stuart
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As stated, different technologies, and yes, the CGA pinouts are well documented considering that was the colour standard (way back when)
I agree; Computing.Net participants need to proofread
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A few questions:
1. Do they still make monitors that accept analog as well as digital input?
2. Is there a "box" one can build or purchase that will accept the RGB input and convert it to analog output to send to a VGA monitor? (I accept that these nostalgic trips could be expensive ;))
3. The RGB plug at the end of my Toshiba cable is roughly .5" x 1.5" and has 8 large pins. Was this a standard connection (way back when)? If so, there may be old RGB monitors still available on eBay.
4. The composite output, I suppose, can be connected to any TV video input? I absolutely don't want sparks to fly! Or fry my Toshiba.
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1) Don't know - but I've never seen or heard of one
2) Theoretically - DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) but see #1
3) You'd have to check - before my time, I've rarely seen RGB sockets outside of books, never seen one in use
4) You can connect it to the RCA monitor 'in' if available or else use an RF converter - it will look... crappy, and (iirc) you may need to switch to a 40 line display (MODE)
You've gotten a lot of mileage out of this piece of... history - I have a crappy laptop too that I play with, but it's a 486.
You're not about to create a silk purse from this sow's ear
I agree; Computing.Net participants need to proofread
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1. They used to when Super VGA first came out. I had one many years ago but a very much doubt if you would find one to-day.
2. I very much doubt it. Even if you did, you would still only get the sixteen colours of CGA and a crappy resolution to boot.
3. A normal RGB socket was the DB9 socket. Similar to an RS232 but the opposite gender so you couldn't plug it into the wrong one by mistake.
4. You can plug the composite input into a video in of a TV. The video in is usually coloured yellow. Again the display with be crappy.
Stuart
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3) The one I'm thinking of looked something like this - old school for sure
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The picture link is for a DIN connector. The one on the monitor end of my cable has a rectangular cross section. But this may have been for the particular SONY Trinitron monitor/TV I was using with this laptop years ago.
The chances of finding a monitor for my laptop *and cable* are pretty slim. But if I can find any compatible RGB monitor that accepts the 8 channels (per pinout shown) I could rewire the cable.
So, a new question: What specs should I look for in a RGB monitor? Obviously, an 8 pin input is one.
Any advice on monitor specs?
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I suspect that what I need is an IBM RGBI monitor. See http://nemesis.lonestar.org/reference/video/cga.html
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The Intensity pin described in the article is common to all RGB monitors. Nothing special about it.
I wouldn't worry to much about specs, any RGB monitor you find is going to be suitable. They were that simple that there were very little variations between them
Stuart
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The 9 pin D connector was standard for CGA, and I'm sure those cables are still available
Don't overthink this (any further)
I've thrown away any number - they were common as dirt, and fairly sturdy. I've held onto a couple for the older systems
I agree; Computing.Net participants need to proofread
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.. and fwiw, RGB is more of a description of the signal than a particular socket design. The linked pic was out of context, but it too was 'RGB'
As stated, the 9 pin CGA (also EGA) were the colour standards for their time, and (I would have thought) readily recognized, but I suppose everything old really is new again
I agree; Computing.Net participants need to proofread
0
With any luck, the RGBI CGA monitor I find will have a DB9 input, which will make it easy. Even otherwise, if I can find a plug for the monitor, I can rewire my cable.
I think we can close this thread now. Thanks for your help. Time to go a-huntin'!
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