Seeking beta testers for Mac Sync-inator VGA sync converter

[bigmessowires]

Yeah, there isn't a lot of extra space when plugging in to some of my slotted Macs either. I'm not sure what can be done about that, though. A DB-15 connector is a particular size, and a PCB that's mounted under a right-angle DB-15 is a particular thickness (to within a few tenths of a millimeter), and neither of those dimensions can be changed. The overall length and width of the Sync-inator are dimensions that I can control, but the height (or thickness) isn't. I'd thought about maybe having a case that leaves part of the PCB exposed for clearance reasons.

 

[mg.man]

a PCB that's mounted under a right-angle DB-15

What about using a solder-type DB-15 that you solder to pads on either side of the PCB?

 

[LaPorta]

That, or perhaps an extension cable coming out?

 

[CC_333]

I like @mg.man 's idea, as it's probably more or less in line with what was done with many of the older adapters, as I'm sure they had the same problem?

c

 

[LaPorta]

Another good test, and actually a very helpful one: I used this to connect the same Dell 1907 FPt to my kid's custom Quadra 630 I made for them. Previous converters I used would always produce an interference pattern...this one does not! I used the setting of a multisync 16" monitor, and "7" mode (route csync to hsync, creating new vsync). Works perfectly!

 

[Johnlh]

I have a Mac IIsi with a VGA and a variety of other monitors. I would like to beta test your video converter.

 

[theirongiant]

Hello @bigmessowires, I'm sure you have enough beta testers right now, but I just saw that photo shared by @LaPorta , and that physical design with such a long case is going to result in an extreme amount of stress placed on the PCB or the component if your Sync-inator is used in a typical horizontal position, especially with a heavy video cable plugged into it.

I have a BlueSCSI, and I didn't dare use it sticking straight out of the back, so I bought a 90º angle adapter for safety. It points the BlueSCSI upright and keeps it out of the way so that if I am working behind the computer, I don't accidentally bump it and damage the connector.

You really should consider making the Syncinator into a dongle with a short extension cable if possible, otherwise you're gonna end up with a non-zero number of unhappy customers with snapped off ends.

PS: I have the FloppyEmu and it's wonderful for the Classic II sitting on my table next to the LC III. I bought the complete assembled unit with the clear case for the main unit. For external use with Apple II and older Macs, I only wish that you'd designed a small protective head shell for the 19-pin external connector, instead of leaving the adapter board exposed.

 

[olePigeon]

@bigmessowires Not to overwhelm you or whatever with my stupid questions, but I was just wondering: what about a TTL to HDMI adapter? I know they already exist in some form or another (RGB2HDMI?), so I don't know if it'd be reinventing the wheel. But a Mac specific adapter with all the timings already set up as a plug & play adapter would be great. Would make LCD mods on toaster Macs really simple.

Think of all the silly upgrades you could fandangle into an SE or SE/30 with all the room now available by not having a CRT.

 

[bigmessowires]

It's been a long time coming, but the Mac Sync-inator is officially launching today! See the announcement for more info. Thanks for everybody's suggestions and feedback through the long development process. If you've ever struggled with getting a VGA monitor to work with your classic Mac or Apple IIgs, please check out the Sync-inator.

 

[cheesestraws]

Well done!

 

[theirongiant]

ORDERED. Congratulations.

Now someone just needs to make a strong case or a short dongle for this thing, as folks are liable to snap it off or stress out the connectors from the weight of sagging VGA cables.

 

[bigmessowires]

ORDERED. Congratulations.

Now someone just needs to make a strong case or a short dongle for this thing, as folks are liable to snap it off or stress out the connectors from the weight of sagging VGA cables.

Thanks, I spent a good while considering this during design, but finally decided it really isn't an issue. I used it extensively with both horizontal and vertical video ports. But you could use a short DB15 to DB15 cable as an extension if you're concerned. Maybe something like https://www.amazon.com/RIIEYOCA-Connecter-Straight-Communication-0-5M（Black）/dp/B09P1LFRB4

 

[David Cook]

It's been a long time coming, but the Mac Sync-inator is officially launching today! See the announcement for more info. Thanks for everybody's suggestions and feedback through the long development process. If you've ever struggled with getting a VGA monitor to work with your classic Mac or Apple IIgs, please check out the Sync-inator.

Ordered!

 

[Byte Knight]

Ordered - now I can finally get my IIsi to work with my VGA flat-screen monitor. Thank you!!

 

[jmacz]

Congrats! Really cool watching you run into a problem and then building a product to solve it!