IIfx Video Issue

[Strimkind]

I'm a little confused as to how this happened but maybe someone here can help.

My original setup was my IIfx next to my mini, where I could use the same LCD monitor and it worked fine. I hadn't used it for a while, but it remained plugged in (the VGA had to be unplugged from the LCD while the Mini was in use but still plugged into the IIfx).

Eventually I moved it to another spot that we cleaned up so I could have space. I plugged it in and got a very washed out image. I have tried 2 different VGA cables, 2 different VGA adapters, 2 different LCD monitors, and even removed one of the 2 video cards. Both of the monitors work fine with a LC630 and a DuoDock II.

The specific video card in question now is a Supermac Thunder II.

It has this odd option of only changing the resolution by restarting and it seems it has a setting taylored to different monitors of the era. The only setting I could get that sorta worked was 512x384 but then the LCD complained that it could not display it...even though it did. Gamma adjustments were limited to 2 options and did not change it.

I have tried a PRAM reset as well to no avail.

So far I have not tried replacing the 2 PRAM batteries. They are a bit of work to get to and I have no 'new' spares, just used. I also have not tried moving the card to a different NUBUS slot.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Unknown_K]

Just make sure you have the monitor on VGA input when the IIfx is turned on.

 

[Strimkind]

Thanks, but I checked that already. I'm thinking the next step is to switch cards and see if the one card is bad (I hope not).

 

[envirogeek]

I'm assuming from your description that the LCD display has both VGA and DVI/HDMI inputs and that the Mini is connected to the digital input all the time.

I'm also assuming that the IIfx loses its video setting when you switch away from the VGA input on the display to the DVI.

I'm not sure whether the Thunder has a VGA connector on it, or if you are using a DB15 to VGA adapter.

When you say the image you get is washed out, does it display any particular tendency toward one colour or another, maybe kind of pinkish?

Just a WAG, but it sounds to me like the LCD might be complaining about the scan rate its receiving at first and then dropping down, and the II fx might not be getting sync on green.

The Thunder probably tosses out 67 Hz to start and the LCD goes, "what you talking 'bout Willis?", then drops to 60 Hz.

Any change you have a toggle switchable Mac to VGA video adapter around? Throwing a video adapter onto the Thunder before connecting to VGA and leaving it hardwired to a setting the Thunder II, the II fx, and the LCD display all understand might do the job. Find a common setting that both the Thunder card and the LCD display explicitly support in their manuals, maybe something like 1024 x 768 at either 60 or 75 Hz.

 

[Strimkind]

Time for some follow up.

Apparently it doesn't like my VGA adapters, or the cables, or LCD monitors. The same applies to my Duo Dock now. Now the green is shifted oddly with the Dock in addition to the IIfx fading issues. I thought I had two bum units!

So after getting a little pissed, I plugged in an Apple Multiscan 15 around from a free pick up I did a week ago. Didn't even know it worked but physically it is in decent shape. It didn't explode when plugged in or make weird sounds, so I plugged it into the Duo Dock. Perfect picture.

Alright, so it works and has good video now.

Tested the IIfx, works perfectly.

WTF

Well now it has to either be the monitors or the adapters. But the same setup worked fine on an Acer monitor and the Dock for a while, but then it went green. The IIfx worked fine with an adapter and a different Widescreen Acer LCD and never had an issue.

I'll say that these old computers are picky!

I hate CRT's but I'll be holding onto this oldie for a while. At least I know the video is not fried on both units!

 

[Unknown_K]

Old Nubus video cards tend to sync on green (old Sony CRT monitors do as well) so that might be why you see a greenish tint. A problem with LCDs is most like running at 60Hz and some VGA adapters use something higher then that by default.