The "IT guy" at my workplace is going to sell me one of his CRT computer monitors 😍
I recently inherited a Commodore 64 from my father. He's moving to another country and doesn't want to take it with him.
::: spoiler PICTURES
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I have been looking for S-video to RCA/SCART to VGA or HDMI adapters, but if I do get to buy one the IT guy's CRT monitors, then:
- I will be the coolest person in the world, because I'm going to set it up so that I can use it as my "modern" Linux terminal 🤣
- I won't have to fiddles with all the above adapters 😁
Anybody here feeling nostalgic about old tech? Or anything else?
18 replies
Love it. I have two original C64s (one was mine as a kid!) and one of the new production models. Used to run the old ones on a 1702 in my living room, but over the years found that my dog AND my kid are super sensitive to coil whine from the flyback. Not much I can do, so I didn't use 'em too often.
With the new units having HDMI built in and 99% compatible with original hardware, I've been able to spend a lot more time goofing around. Good luck with your new terminal!
Hell yeah. I have 5 CRT TVs and 1 CRT monitor. Used to have like 6 CRT pc monitors too but someone threw them against my will. Also had like 3 iMac g3s.
Slowly building it back now 20 years later paying way more for it. My PC monitor serves as my dreamcast screen (looks amazing on VGA).
I'd learn some CRT care and easy repairs too. These ol guys are sadly reaching end of life soon and need to be repaired more often, usually capacitors. Its not actually hard. Dont be scared of it, make a discharge tool and never take the cover off when plugged in.
Sweet! I have never soldered in my life though. Any advice on how to learn/practice before opening up a monitor? Also, could I just swap all the caps sort of "preemptively"?
No problem. If you've never soldered, I'd practice a little beforehand (take apart an old PC mobo or broken VCR or something or get a guitar effect pedal kit).
Also , if you wanna learn it for a lifelong skill, get a hakko iron. Affordable and good quality. ($200) Do not skimp on tips either !!! Only get hakko tips. EBay or other cheap tips suck and will annoy you.
If you feel confident, one could swap all the caps. Its a big job (at least 8 hours I'd guess ) though and may not be needed if they are good quality. For me, I usually wait until I see something happening before I change out caps. Onece you see it though (like horizontal lines across the top or something) you need to fix it, as running it like that will burn out more components.
If you are testiutng caps to replace, youll need an ESR meter. The $80 eBay one works just fine.
Just remember, unplug the CRT, leave it sit a few hours, discharge it (my discharge tool is a screwdriver with a lamp cord taped to it and a alligator clip on one end), and you are totally safe. Big caps you can also discharge with a screwdriver (youll see a spark) or thereia a tool for it to do it a little safer. Watch a lot of videos.
Feel free to ask my any other questions ! Lot of CRT misinfo out there so I try to help.
I have two gateway 21" flat crts they just sit in my basement at the moment.
Have you checked Radio Shack?
Does Radio Shack still exist? I haven't seen one in years.
I'm in the EU. 😬
I was going to reply that they were joking, because Radio Shack went out of business over a decade ago. But... it looks like they are still available online? I'm so confused.
Zombie brand I presume
I was. Now I'm confused too. Joke's on me, i guess.
I'm concerned your IT guy got it for free and has a side business of selling company garbage.
And so what if he did?
He saved it from the landfill, something that has utility and value.
It's his to do with as he pleases.
OP wasn't forced to buy it from him. OP paid a price he considered reasonable (a value to him) and IT guy felt was fair compensation.
This was all between the two of them. They struck a deal that both felt was fair.
Without IT Guy's effort, this CRT wouldn't exist today.
Workplaces got rid of CRTs many years ago. The power savings alone made it worthwhile, as did the desk space, larger screens, and modern ports. You haven't even been able to buy them for a long time.
Even if we assume he got it free from work, that's still probably 20 years of storing it.
Many places just shoved them in a dark corner to avoid paying for disposal.
I'm not
It's a passion of his.
and?