Sony GDM-1602 - anyone get one working?

[ereuter]

I have a DEC rebranded Sony GDM-1602 with only 3 BNC inputs. I've tried driving it with an Extron RGB-190F to convert VGA to RGsB, but no luck (see image). Switching on the converter does stabilize the image, but I have a feeling it's looking for a specific vertical sync. Maybe one of you who is more experienced will be able to tell more from the pattern on the screen. The LCD behind it is what it should look like.

I also have a DB15 SuperMac branded cable with 3 BNCs, but I think that only works with a particular SuperMac video card that supports SOG.

SuperMac used to sell their own rebranded version of this monitor (one on eBay right now), but it's possible that the input processing was different.

Anyone dealt with one of these?

 

[finkmac]

the branded versions of the same model should be functionally identical. apparently not.
it's also possible (highly likely) that the display needs a recap first.

 

[ereuter]

There are multiple versions of this model number, with varying input configurations.

I did find some DEC literature that indicates that the resolution is 1024x864, which is unusual. And it's expecting 60 Hz.

 

[finkmac]

interesting, seems you're right. time to get a decstation?

 

[gsteemso]

Assuming square pixels, 1024 x 864 gives a 32:27 (≈1.19:1) aspect ratio! That IS unusual. The traditional ratios – 4:3 and 16:9 – are about 1.33:1 and 1.78:1, respectively. I wonder what the rationale for that was?

Looking at it differently, it’s 96 pixels taller than the usual 1024x768, which would give a hypothetical program that did something with standard-definition video enough extra space for a moderately useful user interface. That’s also broadly comparable to the extra 64 pixels in height of a 1280x1024 unit, and given the much larger numbers involved, the extra 120 pixels in height of a 1920x1200 widescreen.