Cheap CRT option

Djm

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I found a small portable Emerson color tv / radio and I found a guy who has computer CRT monitors.. which is a better option to start my test bench? Or neither wait it out?

Thanks!
 
You do not need a test bench. I have survived this long without one.
I would like one to get broken pcbs to mess with at some point if I get a cab that can behave as one great otherwise happy to have a test area with easy access to the board from receiving in the mail. But yes I understand your point. Right now I have no game or cabs. Just figured I shouldn't pass up deals I find if I'll want it anyway some day
 
My Merit poker conversion works fine for that situation. The front folds down and I can work from there.
 
My Merit poker conversion works fine for that situation. The front folds down and I can work from there.
Good idea if I come across one of those
 
I'm pretty sure computer CRT monitors don't work with standard res arcade game video output. But even a TV wouldn't be set up for RGBS signal input typically so you'd need to find an arcade monitor chassis to drive the TV. Neither of those sound straight-forward to me.
 
Old computer CRT monitors typically don't (natively) work for arcade monitors because...

Arcade CRTs are designed to accept 15 kHz RGB input directly.
Computer CRT monitors, however, usually expect a VGA signal at 31 kHz or higher.

Also, most arcade games were designed for 320x240 or similar resolutions (240p), while computer CRTs typically operate at 640x480 and above (480p+)

If you really want a nice (almost) "plug-and-play" test bench monitor, then I recommend the Apple IIGS A2M6014
 
Small LCD monitor and a converter card if you are simply testing PCBs. The only acceptable use of an LCD monitor in this hobby. I recently snagged 2 4:3 ratio monitors for exactly this purpose
 
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