Performa 6214CD not outputting video to a VGA screen.

[Mars478]

So my Performa 6214 won't output video to my VGA screen. I know this adapter is good and it worked intermittentley on another screen, the screen I am trying to use is a 15" 1024x768 generic screen.

I have some CRTS that are not apple that I can try. But I'd like an LCD. The machine makes the bong sound, and everything powers on A OK

 

[Osgeld]

I doubt this applies but my powermac is a real pita about VGA too, if you start that machine up without a monitor plugged in it defaults to the tv out, which means you gotta hook it up to a tv or reset the pram

 

[LCGuy]

What other resolutions does the LCD support? The Performa x2xx/x3xx internal video does not support 1024x768 - only 640x480, 800x600 and 832x624. If the display only supports 1024x768, and no other resolutions, it won't work.

 

[Mars478]

I am pretty sure the display can display 800x600.

The display is made by a company that starts with N I can't remember right now.

I'll check later today and try resetting the PRAM.

 

[LCGuy]

What sort of adaptor are you using? If you have an adaptor with DIP switches or a dial, you might want to adjust it to force the monitor to run at either 640x480 or 800x600.

 

[Mars478]

The adaptor has no switches.

I am away from home now.

So I can't really get anymore details.

 

[Mars478]

OK.

So the Display is a NEC MultiSync LCD 1530V

And Guess what the Adaptor is also made by NEC! Oh the Irony!

It is still doing nothing.

The Machine has no hard drive in it.

Any ideas?

 

[LCGuy]

You said you've got some CRTs, maybe you could try one of those...there is a chance that the adaptor may be faulty.

 

[Mars478]

I have some VGA CRTs...

Not apple ones sadly.

This adaptor has worked before on another monitor. Which I tested it on.

Here are some pictures of the device.

 

[LCGuy]

Another thing I just thought of...when old Macs run at 640x480, they traditionally like to run at 67 Hz (the refresh rate used by a lot of Apple displays). This works fine on just about all the VGA CRTs that I've tried, but I'd hazard a guess that some VGA LCDs may not like it, so maybe that could have something to do with it. In the event that that is the problem, your only two choices are to either use a CRT, or get an adaptor with DIP switches that can force the Mac to run at 60 Hz.

 

[Osgeld]

that is true, most decent lcd's will let you get away with 60-72 hz but usually in the standard form of VGA, whereas multisync (most after the mid 90's) vga could handle pretty much anything within its range (analog, gotta love it)

I have a "model 1" nec multisync, it handles ttl monochrome to RGB to 800x600 24 bit svga @ 58hz (and it really hates that) but my year 2000 20 inch mitsubushi lcd freaks out at many fullscreen dos modes, and even standard text mode is weird while also being cut off on the left

 

[Mars478]

Yeah I'll try a CRT and I'll update.

 

[Osgeld]

meanwhile you got me fired up to rip apart my sony adapter, its simple enough 1 switch apple (and its natural refresh rate) and forced 60hz vga (which is kinda crappy for a crt, but ideal for lcd)

but dont hold your breath for now

 

[Outlander]

Don't forget that the 6200 series will display nothing if a dead PRAM battery is installed, test it with a multimeter to make sure it is near 3.6 volts.

 

[porter]

Don't forget that the 6100 series will display nothing if a dead PRAM battery is installed, test it with a multimeter to make sure it is near 3.6 volts.

Just as well the machine is a 6200 series, which is basically a 68040 motherboard with a PPC stuffed in.

http://lowendmac.com/ppc/performa-6200.html

A 6100 can be encouraged with a double-tap on the power button.

 

[Outlander]

meant to say 6200 series, gah, first day and already making typos

 

[Mars478]

Yeah I forgot to test the CRTs... I am going to try another LCD. And I think the PRAM is good, would it chime if it was bad?

 

[Gil]

Don't forget that the 6200 series will display nothing if a dead PRAM battery is installed, test it with a multimeter to make sure it is near 3.6 volts.

Not true. My 6200 has had a dead PRAM battery since I got it, and it works perfectly fine.

 

[Mars478]

OK I just tested it with another LCD and it works fine. Its my Dad's LCD so I can't use it much. YAY!