Makvision/Weiya M2929D4G-TS Output Issues

[vanguardfelix]

   I have pretty much reached the end of my rope with this build. Everything is completed except getting my video card to output correctly to my Makvision trimode CRT. Every time I get over specification. I know the monitor needs 640x480 or less as a resolution, but I can't get that setting to stick from my LCD through the switch to the CRT. My graphics card is a junker GT520, running Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit.

   I've tried setting the current monitor resolution to 640x480, but that isn't an option. I created a custom resolution, but apparently Nvidia still hasn't fixed an issue with that not working. So I've used the ultimarc quick resolution switcher to set it to the correct one. No joy. I've even used ReForce to only have that resolution available to the generic non-pnp monitors. However, every time I plug in the monitor it creates a new entry so the forced resolutions don't apply.

   Is there anyway to force Windows to default to 640x480 come hell or high water, regardless of the monitor used? Or how have other people gotten the correct resolution locked in before switching to their CRT? Many thanks in advance

tl;dr: Can't set default resolution to 640x480 and have it stick before switching to my CRT so I receive over specification error. Ideas?

[lilshawn]

the problem with nvidia drivers is you can set it to 640x480 and most monitors will spit it out... but in actual fact, it still displays the maximum resolution of your monitor (1280x1024 or whatever)... it simulates 640x480... my monitor in fact displays a 640x480 in a tiny window in the middle of my monitor... the signal still being sent out is 1680x1050

this is a problem with the actual driver.

some people have had luck with using old versions of the nvidia software to get things to work.

http://www.oldapps.com/nvidia.php

[vanguardfelix]

   lilshawn you were exactly correct. I got rid of the drivers, and installed an older set and it started outputting true 640x480 (I actually think the old drivers I did install don't do anything). Plugged it into my monitor and it worked fine. I had to disable automatic driver installation to prevent Windows 7 from reinstalling default drivers and screwing everything up. Doing so means that plugging in joysticks and keyboard encoders aren't installed. I manually installed them but they still don't quite work right. I need to figure out a way to prevent Windows 7 from automatically installing drivers without breaking everything else.

   Need to mess around with gpedit and see if I can specifically disallow this card from having drivers installed. Greatly appreciate that bit of info, it has gotten rid of a lot of my headaches

[vanguardfelix]

   The monitor is now set up fine. I had to reset gpedit to allow automatic driver installation, reboot, and let the default drivers install. I then disabled the drivers through control panel->system and security->device manager. Now the computer outputs the correct resolution, and any controls I plug in auto install.

   I have noticed that the image is flush with the right side of the tube, however the left side has a full quarter inch unused tubespace before the black border. Changing settings using the set of controls attached to the monitor does not help so are there adjustments I can make on the monitor board to change the direction of the image projection to center it on the screen?

[lilshawn]

check to be sure your refresh rate is 60hz. sometimes it gets set to something stupid like 59 or 61.

the weiya chassis is a universal fit chassis. if you are 1/4 inch from the sides (and the h-width is set to maximum) it's probably about as close as it's going to get as it's designed to fit a range of yoke specs.

some people have had luck with changing a capacitor value in the deflection section to widen out the picture.

i would even out 1/8th on either side and call it good.

[vanguardfelix]

   Refresh turned out to be fine. I had to adjust a plastic screw on the monitor board. I also learned that apart from 4 kW heaters, monitors also should not be screwed with hot. Not a mistake I'll be making again. Thanks for all the help!