Video Output and type of monitor to use: Question
 

I just took delivery on a used engraving machine. The unit uses a proprietary computer based system which utilizes font cartridges. You now have an idea of the age of this machine, probably early-mid eighties.

In any case I have all the components but no monitor. There is an RCA socket that is for the Video Out (Composite signal??). Originally a monochrome monitor was used for this machine.

Question: Is there an adapter I can use to utilize a standard PC monitor?
I recall that the Commodor 64 PC used a similar RCA setup and you'd use an adapter to hook-up to a TV, but I'd prefer not to go that route.

Suggestions appreciated....

like this? http://www.pccables.com/70717.htm

Bryan, If that worked I'd be a happy camper. However, they state "The Laptop must have NTSC Output Capability"

I'm not thinking this has that type of signal.

oops, mybad. I didn't read your post carefully enough.

Could you just use one of those little 6" LCD panels? I've seen lots of those with RCA types of inputs for $200

Gulp, I was hoping to get away cheaper than that. :)

I could be wrong on the Commodore. I have a brand new one in the box at home...I'll check it out.

Any other suggestions accepted.

Hmm, mabe I will buy an Apple after all.

Might be worth a try at $9.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80286&item=5130077 905&rd=1

Don't cannibalize the commodore!! nooooo!!! Surely there's a better way! Hell, you can get a video capture card for your computer and run it through that way if you have to!

If you like the vid cap way, i've got a card layin' right here I could throw ya.

Heh heh, I was just going to look at the Commodore setup, not cut into it.
I'm thinking the Apple monitor may work....I'll try to find specs on it.

Whoo, good... you know how to get a geek's heart pounding!

I also have a Timex Sinclair computer new in the box....along with a 7k !!!!!!!! expansion module. :D

Ok, OK, I'll stop now.

NTSC refers to the broadcast standard for North America. Basically 30 frames per second.

If it has "composite" output, RCA jack, it's most likely an NTSC compliant signal.

TV's and computer monitors work differently.

TV's have a frame rate and interlaced fields.

Computers monitors don't care about frame rate and are non-interlaced.

I'd do a simple test, hook it up to a regular old TV first and see what happens.

If you want one of those Mac monitors then roll on over to Long Island, I've got one in the garage that your're welcome to have, it'll cost you gas and tolls.

I'd bring it on the NY, NY run tomorrow but I threw out my back today and am stuck in bed.

Scott

If you don't have an old tv with a video input jack, most vcr tape decks have a video input. I may have a monochrome monitor laying around for a more permanent solution.

What kind of engraver? If it is driven by stepper motors, you can get more info here on how to use it with a more modern computer: http://www.cnczone.com/

I have an old monochrome monitor that has composite input; I believe they are still prevalent as security and video camera displays. An outfit such as SuperCircuits is worth checking out.

Alternatively you should be able to either use a VCR w/ composite (RCA) input or get a cheap video capture / TV card for your PC. I have a Pinnacle TV card in my 'puter that was <$75 and let's me watch DirecTV in a window on the monitor as well as digitize video clips to computer formats...

Thanks for the info guys. I spent the $9.00 plus shipping for the "Like New" apple monitor...easier than driving to LI...Thanks for the offer.

BTW, It's New Hermes Vanguard 3000. I'd like to convert over to more generic steppers/Servos, drivers, controllers and software but I want to get it up and running first. Then figure how to do the conversion. It's not configured like the typical 3-axis CNC router. So it may be a challenge. I still have to do a thorough once over on the unit. Out-of-the-box PC based conversions go for between $3500 and $5000!!! That's doesn't include the machine either.....