128--1084 monitor cable? Build it or not?
Ron Slaminko
the VIC-II chip (absolutely mandatory for running in C64 mode) and one for
the RGBI, 80-column output of the VDC chip (only needed for running 128 or
cp/m mode in 80 columns - both these modes will also work with the 40-col
output but look better at 80-column).
The VIC-II cable is just like the one used by a 64: round DIN plug on the
computer end and multiple RCA jacks on the monitor end. That connection
should be easy.
The VDC cable might be a bit trickier, depending on which version of the
1084 you're getting. If it's the easy version (can't remember the
manufacturer, but the case style is similar to a 1902 or 1080), it'll have
a 9 pin d-sub connector (like a joystick connector) just like the computer
(but opposite gender), so you'll need a 9 pin male to female cable,
readily available at most computer and some electronics stores.
If your 1084 was made by Magnavox (case style similar to a 1902A or
1084S), the RGB connector will have a round, DIN connector, so you'll need
a d-sub to DIN cable - you won't find that in a local store so you'll
either have to build one or buy it from CMD.
K. Smith wrote:
> I'm getting a 128 and a 1084 monitor soon. I am unsure if it comes
> with a monitor cable (I'm thinking it doesn't). A friend of mine once
> had a 128D with a 1902 monitor and he used a commodore made cable--the
> one that came with either the computer or the monitor--and he got 80
> col. mode, etc. All that said, my question is:
>
> Am I going to have to build some cable to connect the 128 with the
> 1084 in order to get 80 col. ? That is, assuming I can't buy a
> Commodore model cable. I guess a better question would be: Where can
> I find more info on all this cable building and stuff? I guess I'm
> not understanding the reasoning behind building my own. I mean, I
> used to have a monitor cable for my 64. It had like a 5 pin plug on
> one end and two or three RCA jacks on the other. I'll guess the 128
> doesn't use a 5 pin plug....
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kev
>
> Any help would be appreciated because I want to pull this thing from
> the box, plug it in, and rock n' roll without having to stare at a
> blank screen due to not having the right cable.
Raymond Carlsen
> 1084 in order to get 80 col. ? That is, assuming I can't buy a
> Commodore model cable. I guess a better question would be: Where can
> I find more info on all this cable building and stuff? I guess I'm
> not understanding the reasoning behind building my own. I mean, I
> used to have a monitor cable for my 64. It had like a 5 pin plug on
> one end and two or three RCA jacks on the other. I'll guess the 128
> doesn't use a 5 pin plug....
If you must start from scratch, here is the pinout info you need:
The 1902A and some 1084 monitors have several connectors: an 8 pin DIN
(like the C64 power connector) for RGBI (80 columns), a 6 pin DIN (like the
C64 serial connector) for Y/C video, an RCA jack marked CVBS for composite
video, and an RCA jack for audio. The pinouts of the DIN jacks are viewed
facing the rear of the monitor. The first one shown here is the RGBI
connector for TTL 80 column color (and 80 column monochrome video). Notice
the circular arrangement of the pins. It's different than the "U" shape
outline of pins on the C64/128 A/V connector.
horiz. sync-----7 6----- ground
8------------- vert. sync
green -----3 1----- no connection
intensity -----5 4----- blue
2----- red
To interface the above connector to your C128, the pinout for the other
end of the cable is a 9 pin D, as follows. It is shown facing the rear
of the computer:
.-----------------,
1 ground \ 5 4 3 2 1 /
2 ground \ /
3 red \ 9 8 7 6 /
4 green "-----------"
5 blue
6 intensity
7 monochrome (composite) video
8 horiz. sync
9 vertical sync
Note that the CBM 2002 and some versions of the 1084 use the same 9 pin D
connector for an interface instead of the 8 pin DIN.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The pinout for the monitor Y/C DIN connector (40 columns) is shown facing
the rear of the monitor:
no connection -----5 1----- no connection
6--------luminance and sync (Y signal)
chroma (c signal) -----4 2-----audio
3----- ground
To interface this to a C128 or a C64, you need an 8 pin DIN connector,
on the other end of the cable, wired as follows (shown facing rear of
computer):
no connection -----8 7----- no connection
6--------- chroma (C signal)
audio out -----3 1----- luminance and sync (Y signal)
audio in -----5 4----- composite video
2--------ground
Note: this DIN connector has a "U" shaped arrangement of pins. Don't
confuse it with the alternate "circular" 8 pin arrangement as used on
the CBM 1902A and some 1084 monitors.