Create Post

Yet another CGA to RGB converter
?/? files 1 MB max per attachment
Add files...
Attachments not manually inserted in your post will be appended to the end

Thread Summary

Posted by rbm
Nov 9, 2016 19:43:19 GMT
This is the attempt to make the converter with the colors as close as possible to the standard CGA monitor IBM-5153.

Looking this document and assuming correct, I had the idea to make the converter based on that:

FITTING_AN_EGA_CARD_TO_AN_IBM_5155.pdf

( ftp.oldskool.org/pub/drivers/IBM/FITTING_AN_EGA_CARD_TO_AN_IBM_5155.pdf )

The voltages data table clearly shows that there are four different intensified color levels:

  • Intensification alone.
  • One color intensified alone.
  • Two colors intensified together.
  • Three colors intensified together.




All intensified color voltages are always fixed because them not change with the contrast level potentiometer. Because in the table the unintensified colors are set at the maximum level I preferred adjust them at 0.85V instead 1V.

To implement all these a lot of logic IC and resistors would be needed, then the pld is the best choice.

And this is the result, with the output voltage values exactly like the table (at the input of the operational video amplifier instead the input of the gun amplifiers).










Attachments:



Posted by Pyrofer
Nov 9, 2016 20:08:25 GMT
Nice. I assume you have S-Video passthrough from the AV Din connector the same as I do, I guess audio in as well as out, but I am confused what the PS/2 connector is for?
Posted by rbm
Nov 9, 2016 20:33:25 GMT
Sorry. I forgot to explain what the connectors are:

DSUB 9 for the RGBI input from the C128.
DIN 5 for the audio/video input from the C128/C64.

Mini din 4 connector for the svideo output, and input to the Framemeister XRGB mini (Chroma and luma lines pass throught a 500 k pot).
Mini din 8 connector for the RGB output, and input to the Framemeister XRGB-mini.
Jack 3,5 mm for the audio.
Jack 3,5 mm for the audio out.
Posted by robertb
Nov 10, 2016 7:55:03 GMT
rbm Avatar
This is the attempt to make the converter with the colors as close as possible to the standard CGA monitor IBM-5153.

I don't understand.  Why would a C128 user want CGA colors instead of C128 colors?

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
Posted by Pyrofer
Nov 10, 2016 8:55:01 GMT
Because that is what the VDC 80 column output USES.

If you don't want CGA then you don't want 80 column.
Posted by rbm
Nov 10, 2016 10:44:25 GMT
Pyrofer Avatar
Because that is what the VDC 80 column output USES.

If you don't want CGA then you don't want 80 column.

Right. The commodore 1902 monitor works in the same way. I simulated the IBM-5153 conversion circuit and I can confirm that the final transistors yields four different intensity levels but with the black above zero.





Posted by Pyrofer
Nov 10, 2016 11:51:03 GMT
Did you by chance see my adapter and get inspired or is this a total coincidence?
Posted by rbm
Nov 10, 2016 12:36:14 GMT
The basic conversion circuit is well known. But seeing the document about the CGA monitor and your converter using a pld I had the idea to complicate the matter easily.
Posted by Pyrofer
Nov 10, 2016 12:42:47 GMT
:)

I am glad that there is more interest in the 128 and specifically the VDC output. That was my goal when I started making my first adapter. I want everybody to be using the 128 in 128 mode with 80 col software.

Your design looks extremely well done! It would be great if you could share some details about the circuit design and what you put in and why.
Posted by rbm
Nov 10, 2016 14:19:03 GMT
Pyrofer Avatar
:)

I am glad that there is more interest in the 128 and specifically the VDC output. That was my goal when I started making my first adapter. I want everybody to be using the 128 in 128 mode with 80 col software.

Your design looks extremely well done! It would be great if you could share some details about the circuit design and what you put in and why.

The circuit has no secrets:

  • One 74541 as a input buffer (better to route than the 74244 because the inputs and outputs are face to face)
  • Two plds ATF16V8 because I already have the programmer and some of them.
  • The resistors network.
  • One video op-amp LMH-6722 working as a output buffer.
  • Two 500K potentiometer to adjust the svideo luma and chroma lines.
  • One 3.5mm for the audio output.
  • One 3.5mm NC jack (normally closed) for the audio input. The audio input is grounded when the jack connector is unplugged.
  • Two capacitors oriented to the sid serving as protection when the audio jacks are plugged or unplugged.
  • One 5v supply connector.


Do you want the eagle and pld files ?  Send me a PM and I will send it.