Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: F-14 Tomcat on June 08, 2010, 07:07:38 pm

Title: check ArcadeVGA install before ruining arcade monitor?
Post by: F-14 Tomcat on June 08, 2010, 07:07:38 pm

Hello, can someone please let me know if there is a test or simple method of checking that an arcadeVGA card (agp version) has been installed correctly?
I want to be sure the frequency/refresh rate is right (so I don't harm my arcade monitor).
I got the computer with it already installed, so I really don't know if it was done properly or is using the right drivers. The previous owner never got around to hooking up to an arcade monitor.
On a regular computer monitor the output does seem to look blocky? And the resolution tool that looks like the galaga ship is in the lower right corner? Also, it is plugged into the dvi slot with an adapter on it
I would appreciate any advice, I'm not much of a computer guy, but am trying to learn.

Thank you :applaud:

Title: Re: check ArcadeVGA install before ruining arcade monitor?
Post by: BlazzingFlippers on June 08, 2010, 07:46:31 pm

I was not aware that an arcade monitor could be harmed.  Can you elaborate on this?  Does it occur if certain resolutions or refresh rates are used?  I'd like to know too so I don't harm mine either.

Title: Re: check ArcadeVGA install before ruining arcade monitor?
Post by: F-14 Tomcat on June 08, 2010, 08:08:30 pm

I'm pretty sure the refresh rate (normal pc monitor) is 31khz. Arcade monitors can only handle 15khz.
Sorry I can't give better detail than that (I'm new too) but I can tell you that some older mame front-end programs would alter the rate making it safe to use the arcade monitor. You would turn the pc on, the program would load and "beep" when ready, indicating the arcade monitor is now safe to turn on.

Let me know if you figure this out. I'm anxious to try the arcade monitor but as they are very hard to find in my area I'm paranoid that I'll damage it.
Thanks

Title: Re: check ArcadeVGA install before ruining arcade monitor?
Post by: dgame on June 08, 2010, 08:14:02 pm

The VGA port on the ArcadeVGA usually only puts out 15kHz.
The only problem would be if the ArcadeVGA was installed in Tri-Sync mode and you have a standard res arcade monitor.
This would allow some 25kHz and 31kHz modes through the VGA port.
You can use the DVI port and connect it to a regular monitor. Use a DVI to VGA adapter if you don't have a DVI monitor.
Uninstall (cat-uninstall) and then reinstall the ArcadeVGA drivers.

OR

Just try it on the arcade monitor. Even if it goes to 31kHz it probably won't hurt anything during a quick test.