Problems using LCD monitor with PM8500

[dsicle]

Hey e'rbody -- I'm frustrated and unable to think clearly. I could use some assistance thinking my way outta this problem:

Mac = PowerMac 8500 w/ Sonnet G3 upgrade, swapped into a 9600 case. Has onboard video and an IXMicro TwinTurbo 128 (revA with VGA only, no DB15). Tempo ata100 and Asantefast 10/100 cards. System 7.6.x-something. And yeah, it's all kind shady like Frankenstein's monster, but as far as I know it starts up fine.

Monitor = Lenovo ThinkVision L192p (VGA and DVI inputs w/button to switch between inputs), native res of 1280x1024 @60hz. The monitor works perfectly on my iMac (using a Mini DisplayPort to DVI) so I know it's good.

Problem is, I'm trying to connect the two with the stock Lenovo VGA cable and a VGA-->DB15 adaptor, the kind with DIP switches (w/diagram), but I've tried every single DIP switch combo on the diagram (both with PCI video and onboard video) and nothing works. No matter what settings I choose, the monitor displays "POWER SAVING MODE" when I switch to the VGA input. I've tried setting the resolution on the LCD to something specific (ex. 1024x168) and matching the DIP switches on the adaptor, but that doesn't work either.

Any ideas on how I can get the monitor working with the Mac? Am I forgetting to do something in connecting them together? Am I missing something? THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR HELPING, I'm at my wit's end.

ps - I don't have any old DB15 equipped monitors to test with anymore. Man I wish I woulda kept at least one. :-x

 

[trag]

The VGA adapter switches tell your Mac what resolution the monitor is, but they don't tell the monitor anything. Many modern monitors use a communications scheme, the name of which I have forgotten, to interrogate the host to find out what resolution and speed they're running at.

I would guess it's that latter thing screwing things up. I would check the LCD panel owner's manual to see if there are any settings that let you bypass that feature. A long shot, but...

The above is assuming you don't have a failed cable or adapter.

I also remember something about using a Radeon 7000 with an LCD panel and getting a blank screen, but my mind can't lay its hands on the details. That was about ten years ago, and I think there was some kind of workaround, but I just can't remember. You're not using a 7000 of course, but there might have been relevant info in that problem set.

It sounds like you have the Apple version of the Twin Turbo card. The ixMicro version had two video connectors. You might try installing the extension for it.

http://www.prismnet.com/~trag/9600_Graphics.sea.hqx

The only reason 9600 is in the name is because that card shipped in the 9600.

 

[waynestewart]

I'm using an 9600 running OS9 with a 22" Viewsonic LCD. I have a G3 card and I think a Radeon 7000 or Rage 128. I've changed the cards a few times.

I think the only problem I've had is accidentally setting the refresh rate to something the LCD won't do. Try booting with extensions off and seeing if that'll give you anything. If it does then you could try deleting your monitor preferences and rebooting.