Video printer output to VGA monitor ?

[ghg]

Hi gang

I use an ADVANTEST R9211C FFT Analyzer for audio tests.

I would like to connect the video printer output ( normally dedicated to a SEIKO VP45 ) to an external monitor.

The video printer out gives the following signals:

v sync ( positive ) 59.5 Hz
h sync ( positive ) 15.6 kHz
separate video ( positive )
ext. clock (igm) 16 MHz

I remember, 20 years ago I used an IBM CGA monitor ( yes, the first PC color display, giving 320 x 200@ 60 Hz ) and it worked well,
but these days I am looking for an interface to a todays monitor like VGA etc.

Any ideas, schematics, dirty hacks, links out there ?

Greetings from Vienna

Gary G.

[dangus]

If you can create normal composite video, there are some boxes that convert baseband video (and cable TV) into VGA. Search for lcd monitor tuner on auction sites. They often allow VGA pass through, so you can share a monitor between computer, TV, and other video sources. Example: "hq tv tuner", under $60 with shipping included.

It's annoying that LCD computer monitors only accept VGA scan rates. There's no real reason why they shouldn't do CGA. There are special models which work at lower scan rates, designed for replacing the CRT monitors in arcade games or embedded applications, but they'll be more expensive than similar sized screens from the local computer superstore.

Search eBay for video scaler or converter. There's some relatively inexpensive ones that turn composite video into VGA, for under $100. "Ultra BNC" will find it. On the other hand, the same kind of money can get you one of the tuner boxes, which seems like better value.

Maybe the most sensible idea: buy an LCD TV, since those will almost always have baseband video in, and often have VGA or DVI inputs as well.

For what it's worth, some CRT monitors did work at CGA as well as VGA rates... the NEC Multisync II was one. However, those are over 20 years old now, so it may be hard finding one in working order. Some VGA monitors were available with video inputs in the '90s.

[star882]

You might be able to program something like a Parallax Propeller to read the CGA data into memory, then translate it into VGA.

[jonshandaniel]

Hi,

One-Touch Specialized Printing Solution. VGA Printer is a unique VGA/RGB print solution that can print any VGA display to any standard printer with the push of a button.

Designed primarily for PostScript-compatible printers, VGA Printer makes it possible to easily and cost-effectively capture and print images from medical equipment, microscopes, televisions and other specialized imaging products that have VGA output.



VGA Printer is invaluable in the preparation of specialized documentation, training materials, presentation materials, due diligence files and more. Video Printer enhances any application that requires the hardcopy recording of VGA images that are otherwise difficult to capture—including sending images from TV to printer.



Video Printer requires no special software, computer or computer monitor—just a standard USB or network office printer. Because it is an external device, users do not need to open their computers to install it. Although it is suggested that a post script-compatible printer be used with the VGA Printer.

[janaf]

Hi,

I have the same problem. And the $1500 One-Touch is not an option as I am not looking for print dumps.

Looking at the display I see a 15.75KHz peak rather than 15.6KHz but the problem is the same, so I am looking at disabling the screen or replacing it.

Did you use CGA OK? That helps a bit.

I made a test of a bunch of software for capturing screens via GPIG / HPGL.

I have a thread on my forum on this instrument and I am interested in several different aspects; software, hardware, calibration etcm, as its a good instrument: www.41hz.com