Use an antenna-only TV as display for COAX consoles

[Blanka]

Does anybody know if you can use an old B&W tv that only has an antenna on top to display the image of an old console with COAX output?

[Etienne MacGyver]

maybe you can open the tv,  look where the antenna's connection go, and connect the console output there, scan the band and see if it works

[DarthNuno]

maybe you can open the tv,  look where the antenna's connection go, and connect the console output there, scan the band and see if it works

That's something to try, yes. Good idea
I see very ofter very small TV, in a second hand shop (where I use to by my 49,5 cm TV with scart  ), but on these very small models, there's usually NO input connector  ...because there are built for for antenna/tuner use only...

[Brry71]

It should be possible to attach your Coax console to this television. You don't even have to open it since the external connector is already on the backside:



As you can see the antenna connectors are connected from the outside, only from what I can see on the picture in your post is that they have been cut off. I do remember that we used to sell convertors from Coax to this kind of connector. How the connection on your TVset is called i just can't recall right now. However, I also think I remember it was not only a question of just convert the connector, but there was also some impedance conversion. The antenna on the set do have an impedance of 300 ohms while the COAX has 75 Ohms. The lack of impedance matching causes signal reflections in the cable, leading to noticeable signal distortion on VHF and UHF frequencies. Here they do have a whole selection: http://www.elabelsys.com/digitek/tv_accessory.htm

And, if you really want to have a look inside:





All pictures courtesy of www.marcelstvmuseum.com

[level42]

Gotta love hand-routed PCBs. I remember I designed a PCB by hand while being a "stagiare" (what's the English word for that?)

What console are talking about ? If it's an Atari 2600, I would mod it to get a proper AV output and hook it up to a decent color monitor or TV with SCART input. The picture quality will improve dramatically:


"Mr.Atari" offers these mods on his site for very little money:
http://www.mr-atari.com/

[Brry71]

Handrouted PCB's are fun. Stagiair-> Beginner or Intern.

Could be an interesting mod, if you got a proper/modern TV spare for it. As for the original question I doubt that this is the case...

<offtopic mode on>The Pitfall screen shot brings back more memories, lets have a look on MP to find me a cartridge! <offtopic mode off>

[ckong]

"Mr.Atari" offers these mods on his site for very little money:
http://www.mr-atari.com/

Thanks for the tip, soon my two A2600's will have this mod. 

[Etienne MacGyver]

a "stagiare" (what's the English word for that?)

"Cheap employee"  most of the time 

[polaris]

a "stagiare" (what's the English word for that?)

"Cheap employee"  most of the time  

i'm guessing "apprentice"?  a young employee training on the job and often doing one day or so in college a week , and yes on a low wage.


EDIT  off topic andre, i'll get in touch with my friend this week as a reminder for next week, keep em crossed /off topic

[level42]

a "stagiare" (what's the English word for that?)

"Cheap employee"  most of the time  

i'm guessing "apprentice"?  a young employee training on the job and often doing one day or so in college a week , and yes on a low wage.


EDIT  off topic andre, i'll get in touch with my friend this week as a reminder for next week, keep em crossed /off topic

Brilliant James, thanks, I just sent you a PM !

[Blanka]

Most RF consoles have a composite signal going into the RF modulator, which makes them simple to hack.

The most disgusting hack I have seen is the ZX Spectrum hack. The ZX HAS a composite LOOKING port, but in fact it is an RF port with a cable adapter. The most stupid FOKS I see modding their ZX on Marktplaats/EBAY DRILL ANOTHER hole to accommodate a composite port, where just wiring the existing port with the wire into the modulator makes your Speccy how it should be: having an composite looking port actually BE a composite port. So thumbs down to those pricks who destroy the looks of there fantastic Speccy with drilling!