Vector Monitor Test Aids (extension cables)

Dokert

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The emails are starting to pile up, since I posted the pic in the Raster Monitor Test Aid thread.

Here is the deal on the Vector Monitor Test Aids.
  1. The B/W Vector Monitor Test Aids take 60' of wire to make one.
  2. The Color Vector Monitor Test Aids take 75' of wire to make one.
They are 5' long just like the Raster Monitor Test Aid. They are a Straight "pass-through" just like the Raster Monitor Test Aid.

I need to get an accurate idea of how many people would be interested in these before I can order the wire needed to make them. I already have the connectors and pins in hand right now.

Cost is always the big question. The cost would be $50 a set shipped. A set consists of 1 B/W Vector Test Aid and 1 Color Vector monitor Test Aid.

(Thanks Steve, for outing me on these.:D Damn Hawk eyed vision of yours.:D)
 
I'm in for a set - if you need to be prepaid for material cost, let me know and I will paypal "gift" you.

Bill
 
(Thanks Steve, for outing me on these.:D Damn Hawk eyed vision of yours.:D)


yeah, I've got great eyes. that's how I saw where you typed "Pic shows an example connected to a vector monitor". :rolleyes:


BTW - I need one 12-ft long so I don't have to move my Tempest closer to my workbench. Oh, and just combine both type (color and B/W) into one cable for me with labeled connectors telling me which monitor to use them with - since I won't be doing two different monitors at once. And make sure you include an adaptor for the differences between the G05-801 and the -802. Oh, and add a "whistler" beeper so I can find the damn thing when i can't figure out where I put it. And if you can zip the cable ties at the proper tolerances so that it spells "Atari" when in it's unused state, that would be great... ;)
 
yeah, I've got great eyes. that's how I saw where you typed "Pic shows an example connected to a vector monitor". :rolleyes:

You are the only one who even noticed that.:cool:

BTW - I need one 12-ft long so I don't have to move my Tempest closer to my workbench. Oh, and just combine both type (color and B/W) into one cable for me with labeled connectors telling me which monitor to use them with - since I won't be doing two different monitors at once. And make sure you include an adaptor for the differences between the G05-801 and the -802. Oh, and add a "whistler" beeper so I can find the damn thing when i can't figure out where I put it. And if you can zip the cable ties at the proper tolerances so that it spells "Atari" when in it's unused state, that would be great... ;)

You would crap your pants if I did that.:D
 
mod does have a point--you can simplify this a bit to save on materials and possibly add functionality.

Rather than making different cables for color and B/W, you can make both with a single cable. Just start with your standard 15-pin color vector harness of any length and then double up the plugs on both ends. make up the 12-pin connectors with 8" or so of wire and just crimp them in with the 15-pin. Feed the B/W's heater voltage through the harness using the red & blue signal ground wires since they won't be used otherwise.

Or run the two heater wires through separately and add in an extra inline connector so end users would have the option to add in their own "local power" from an extra power brick if somebody wanted to test a color monitor on a b/w game, for example (pair the B/W's Z signal with the color's green). This probably isn't worth the trouble considering anybody willing to go to this length might as well roll their own bench rig.

I don't know if you already planned on doing so, but ideally you should twist or braid the signal wires with their respective ground (guns and deflection), as done originally. This is easy enough to do with a drill so it shouldn't add significant build time, and should be done due to the longer cable run.

You'd be using significantly less wire and end up with a more elegant solution.
 
I'd rather have two separate cables so I can work on one of each (color and B&W) at the same time.

All of the other mods are great ideas and we can share how we customized the test cables.

Bill
 
Pat9000

Mod was just messing with me for fun. Your concept is valid, but I want anyone coming in right off the street to be able to use this without any hesitation. Individual cables keeps it simple enough that any avg "joe" can use them without fear of hooking anything up wrong.

Matter of fact, I do have a friend that uses exactly what you have described on his test bench.
 
I believe HudsonArcade made a few of these a while back... I think he still has a pile of them left... just a heads up.

Didn't read the whole thread, so I'm not sure if that was mentioned or not.
 
Pat9000

Mod was just messing with me for fun. Your concept is valid, but I want anyone coming in right off the street to be able to use this without any hesitation. Individual cables keeps it simple enough that any avg "joe" can use them without fear of hooking anything up wrong.

Matter of fact, I do have a friend that uses exactly what you have described on his test bench.

And this avg joe appreciates when things are simple , or retard proof .
 
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