another monitor question??

[RangerG]

Everyone was super helpful with my last question about hooking up an Atari to a monitor. The consensus seemed to be that a Commodore 1702 is a good choice. However, I gather that I need to go through a VCR to the Atari. Getting an old VCR is not a problem. I am not very technically skilled so my next question is how do I do this. What cables do I need? Anyone who has done this please help or just comment with other monitor advice or wisdom. I appreciate it and enjoy reading the posts.

[RangerG]

Another question? If I buy an RF video modulator (Radio Shack sells them or off Ebay) would this work on the Commodore (or other classic type) monitor and eliminate the need for the VCR? Thanks!

[Nukey Shay]

OUT from VCS, IN to VCR...

OUT from VCR, IN to monitor.

 

Just about any VCR would do (even one that no longer plays videos), but you need to make sure that the VCR has seperate audio & video output connections.

 

You need :

 

A pair of RCA-to-RCA cables...usually easy to find in any video store. Most have the RCA connections color-coded with red on one cable and black, white or yellow on the other.

 

A small male Coax(pronounced ko`axe)-to-female RCA adaptor...Radio Shack has these.

- or -

An actual game/tv switchbox that has a coax cable (move the switch to the "game" position).

 

 

Using the pair of RCA cables, plug the red one into the monitor's Video In socket. Plug the other red end into the VCR's Video Out socket. The other cable is used for the monitor's Audio In & VCR's Audio Out sockets. Most newer VCR's have stereo output, so if yours has two Audio Out's (left & right) use the left socket.

 

Next, screw the Coax part of your adaptor or switchbox onto the VCR's Antenna In jack. Take care not to bend the small wire that is in the center of it. Plug the lead from your VCS into the RCA jack at the other end. You might have noticed that the lead from the VCS is just like those RCA cables, but it won't work if you try to plug the lead into the monitor or VCR's Video In socket. Use the channel switch on the VCS to select a channel that does not broadcast in your area. Plug your VCS in and turn it on with any game cartridge. Power up the VCR next...as some VCR's will auto detect channels when you turn it on, and turn the channel to the one the VCS is selected to...an you're ready to rock.

 

[ 07-03-2001: Message edited by: Nukey Shay ]

[Alex]

You cannot do this with an RF Modulator, the conversion direction is backwards. What you need is an RF *De*modulator. Good luck finding one of these for under several hundred dollars, if at all.

 

Another option that is smaller than a VCR is a cable conversion box. You just need to make sure it has coxial (cable TV style) IN and composite (those red/yellow RCA jacks) OUT. I found an old one at a thrift for $5, works great and much smaller than a VCR. It might take you a while to find one though, unless you're just willing to spend some cash and buy new. Actually, Ebay might be a cheap place for an old cable box, just make sure it has the above connections.

[RangerG]

Thanks for the help and the distinction between a modulator and a demodulator. I like the cable conversion box idea also. It is nice to have things be explained and not be talked down to. Thanks again -- RG

[Ze_ro]

Though this thread is pretty much already ended... It's worth pointing out that there's instructions on the internet on modifying the Atari to provide a composite signal... you could even (I think) have seperate cords for Luma and Chroma if you wanted (This would work well for older Commodore monitors, and should give you a better picture). I haven't managed to do this yet (have to get off my lazy ass and go get the resistors and stuff), so I can't attest to it's quality. However, considering the expense of the parts (a few dollars, if even), it's probably worth it.

 

--Zero