Falcon 030 - Video Options?

[800_Rocks]

Hi - Falcon 030 newbie here...   My new to me Falcon has no video cable/adapter.  What are the best options for video connectivity?  I understand connection to a VGA monitor is the way to go.  Are there any requirements for the monitor (like the 15Khz requirement for the Atari ST monitors)?  Can I build my own VGA cable or does one require some logic board?

 

TIA!

-dan

Edited October 30, 2023 by 800_Rocks
added a question

[Christos]

VGA is best for me. You can build your own cable, if you can find the DB-19 connector. I hacked a db25 one to make one for me.

[Jfcatari]

You can print DB-19's from here:

 

https://github.com/CayMac-Team/DB19
 

[Forrest]

A couple of seconds on Google and I located both male and female DB19 connectors for $6 or less

[Jfcatari]

Wow...I just found this on amazon!

 

https://www.amazon.com/D-Style-Male-Solder-Type-Connector/dp/B003U48B5O

 

[BJolly]

There are or were dedicated Falcon to VGA adapters available. Try an Ebay search or search online for one. Building your own could be cheaper if you know how to do it. Good luck with your new Falcon!

[Clint Thompson]

I’m learning about half of the demos or things I try running simply will not work in VGA mode. I suppose RF out is an option if you have a TV or CRT that accepts it, neither do in my case however. 
 

Had I known about those DB19s being available on Amazon, I may have tried to rig up something myself but broke and just purchased an RGB cable on eBay for the 1435. 

[BJolly]

A Falcon to RGB monitor adapter was produced for those programs that don't work in VGA mode (the one I have came with the Falcon along with the VGA adapter). Whilst the VGA adapter is readily available I haven't seen the Falcon to RGB adapter on offer in the same way. Still there must be some out there & possibly someone producing / selling Atari gear may have them available or be willing to make them?

[JamesWD]

https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/#0146

 

Allows both RGB and VGA into a suitable multisync monitor + more exotic resolutions if your monitor can handle it.

 

If you want to see the best from the falcon (demo's etc) RGB is the way to go.

Edited November 28, 2023 by JamesWD

[+DarkLord]

What about that cable with the 27" Dell monitor that works so good

with the ST's?

 

I use an older monitor with my Falcon for both VGA and RGB because

while the VGA is sharper, there's just so many demo's and games that

require RGB. That's with a cable with a switch on it that goes between

the two. I think I originally got that cable from Best Electronics years

and  years ago.

 

[xzpecter]

On the Falcon, I've been using a VGA/RGB switchable adapter with the Dell 27" SE2722H display.  I've really been having a great time with it. Most RGB demos work without issues.  All VGA demos work.  I've considered making a list of those demos that work, and those that have display issues.  I suppose I should mention that the Dell does not handle interlace properly, and this results in a readable, but very flickery display.  Fortunately, interlace mode is somewhat rare in demos. 

[JamesWD]

15 hours ago, DarkLord said:

What about that cable with the 27" Dell monitor that works so good

with the ST's?

 

I use an older monitor with my Falcon for both VGA and RGB because

while the VGA is sharper, there's just so many demo's and games that

require RGB. That's with a cable with a switch on it that goes between

the two. I think I originally got that cable from Best Electronics years

and  years ago.

 

Yes I hadn't thought of that, i like yourself use an older monitor for both VGA and RGB but my shiny new 27" Dell can do ST RGB which should be just as good although i also use blowup which is suited to the old monitor in some nice custom resolutions, probably why i haven't tried the new Dell on it but for the default VGA/RGB resolutions it should be fine.

 

I think best also still do the bog standard RGB/VGA video adapter/switch/cable, their website is soo bad you can't find anything on it.

[JamesWD]

4 hours ago, xzpecter said:

On the Falcon, I've been using a VGA/RGB switchable adapter with the Dell 27" SE2722H display.  I've really been having a great time with it. Most RGB demos work without issues.  All VGA demos work.  I've considered making a list of those demos that work, and those that have display issues.  I suppose I should mention that the Dell does not handle interlace properly, and this results in a readable, but very flickery display.  Fortunately, interlace mode is somewhat rare in demos. 

cool, tested already, for a quick use mulitsync that is still being made and cheap this is probably the best value monitor if you have just got a Falcon.

[800_Rocks]

On 11/28/2023 at 11:38 PM, xzpecter said:

On the Falcon, I've been using a VGA/RGB switchable adapter with the Dell 27" SE2722H display

Is this the monitor that also works great on the Atari STs too?  I thought the ST needed a 15Khz sync monitor??  Thanks

[Atari030]

It is. 15k is needed for RGB. So yes, it does. If it works with the ST it will work with the Falcon. But, there are two issues with the Falcon - its too damned good. Because its video output is so flexible some LCD's will not sync to every resolution that demo's or games might use. Also, because it can switch res so fast most LCD's can't sync fast enough so sometimes you won't get to see sections of the demo etc, etc. CRT's won't have this issue. I built an adapter with RGB/VGA and composite to make it easier or just stick to VGA.