Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: random92 on October 08, 2008, 04:33:21 pm

Title: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: random92 on October 08, 2008, 04:33:21 pm

Yo,
I would like to use a monitor such as the d9400 as a regular tv. Of course the source will always be the PC, and this way all emulators, console and arcade, can output at the target platform's real resolution. And SD video content will play well I imagine at VGA res. Will there be a problem with the monitor being out of its housing? Aside from shock risk by touching some components? Are there enclosures one can buy for these frame-less monitors?
Does anyone else do this? Are there better options?

Thanks for your time.

Title: Re: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: Jack Burton on October 09, 2008, 01:31:49 am

Well, I have thought of doing this as well. 
There shouldn't be a problem with the monitor being out of it's housing as long as it is insulated.  There is the danger of shock though, and exposure to the elements of your house or garage. 


I think it is possible to re-use an old television case for this purpose.  One of the big wood grain RCA tv's would be a great choice.

Something along the lines of this might work for a casing.

(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9720/1144771fb5.th.jpg) (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1144771fb5.jpg)(http://img225.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

An RCA Lyceum TV

This particular model would work well for 25" monitors.  27" cases are common as well.

If you go to your local television repair place it is likely they will just give you your pick of several dead tv's or cases.  My local place had 3 sitting outside the front door that he said I could have if I would just get them out of the way.

OR you could simply build a box for it.  Shouldn't be too hard if you re-use the chassis from the arcade cabinet.

OR

you could buy one already made.  I haven't dealt with MAS systems in a long time, but they were a very reputable dealer with a loyal following for many years in the fighting game community.  They sell arcade monitors that have been consolized.

http://www.massystems.com/RGBMonitor.html

Title: Re: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: random92 on October 09, 2008, 10:15:13 am

Thanks for that link and info. I am familiar with MAS, but they are charging an arm and a leg for that monitor! It's also not tri-sync I believe.
The enclosure they made looks easy enough to duplicate, though  :) No need for anything other than D15 connector since the PC has all the content.
thanks again

Title: Re: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: StephenH on October 09, 2008, 05:43:20 pm

This might do the job:

http://www.converters.tv/products/ntsc_to_rgb/43.html

Title: Re: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: Ummon on October 09, 2008, 07:46:27 pm

What do you mean, as a TV?

Title: Re: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: random92 on October 19, 2008, 05:43:25 pm

Yep, but the source input being a PC and consoles like the DC with VGA connection. Thanks for that composite -> RGB link, but that is no problem. Does anyone just have their monitor sitting out there exposed all the time with no problems?

Title: Re: Using arcade monitor as a normal display (outside the cabinet)
Post by: Ummon on October 19, 2008, 09:49:27 pm

Yes. Not advised but as long as one isn't reaching inside it or things aren't falling in it you should be fine.