Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: tman2k on May 12, 2003, 10:49:01 pm

Title: Standard arcade monitor with VGA cable hack
Post by: tman2k on May 12, 2003, 10:49:01 pm

Hello,

I want to use a standard arcade monitor (vertical 19") with a standard video card.  I know I can use a VGA cable hack to hook it up.  My question is....do standard video cards support the 15kHz refresh rate?  Would I use the standard video card drivers?

I want to make sure I don't fry the monitor and/or card, so just making sure I do it right...

P.S.  I would like to use Windows (98 or XP) running at 640x480 interlaced.  Is this possible, or will I need to get an ArcadeVGA?  Or will I need something like ArcadeOS in DOS mode?

Thanks!

Title: Re:Standard arcade monitor with VGA cable hack
Post by: MameFan on May 13, 2003, 12:06:57 am

Many video cards do NOT support 15KHz, or if they do, they have to be controlled at DOS level instead of via the windows driver. (Thats why the special 15KHz cards are popular ad ons)

Be aware, simply connecting the VGA signal to the monitor will result in a very dark picture.  Arcade monitors require a 1-5 volt signal range.   VGA monitors/cards use a 0 to .7 volt signal range.

Therefore you have to crank up the brightness/screen controls (causing other monitor problems) in order to see anything.  You will need to put in some amplifiers on each of the 3 RGB lines to give the arcade monitor a usable signal.

Title: Re:Standard arcade monitor with VGA cable hack
Post by: StephenH on May 13, 2003, 03:56:07 am

Some video cards do support 15Khz.   However, if you want to buy a card that does, get the ArcadeVGA, from Ultimarc, which is specifically designed for use with standard Res Arcade Monitors.