Re: IIc Flat Panel Display

[magnusfalkirk <dean.phares@gmail.com>]

On Sunday, June 3, 2012 12:04:47 AM UTC-5, Kevin Dady wrote:
> On Jun 2, 10:16 pm, David Schmenk <dschm...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Saturday, June 2, 2012 7:30:47 PM UTC-7, Brian wrote:
> > > On Jun 2, 2:29 pm, Michael J. Mahon <mjma...@aol.com> wrote:
> > > > <giorgio.morocu...@alice.it> wrote:
> > > > > Il Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:45:47 -0500, Michael J. Mahon <mjma...@aol.com>
> > > > > ha scritto:
> >
> > > > >> Wayne Stewart <waynejstew...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > >>> I have a couple. The only place where they're really easily readable
> > > > >>> is outside in sunlight
> >
> > > > >> Has anyone ever opened one up and played with the LCD bias?
> >
> > > > > And there are some schematics?
> >
> > > > > Thanks
> >
> > > > > Giorgio
> >
> > > > > Apple II and Apple III forever !!!
> >
> > > > It should be quite easy even without schematics.
> >
> > > > But after posting, I realized that a panel of this vintage probably has a
> > > > bias adjustment, labelled "contrast" or something similar. If this control
> > > > can change the display from "off" to "black", then that's all that bias can
> > > > do. If it is all the way at one end for best display, then changing the
> > > > bias range could make a real improvement.
> >
> > > > The next thing to try is more drive, but that's harder to do.
> >
> > > > -michael - NadaNet 3.1 and AppleCrate II:http://home.comcast.net/~mjmahon
> >
> > > Has anyone ever attempted to install backlighting on it similar to
> > > other LCD flat screen hacks like the HP 100/200LX.
> >
> > The issue with the original Iic panel is its rarity and delicacy.  What wold be nice is a way to build a modern version that everyone could get access to.   I use a 7 inch LCD TV/monitor but those aren't good for 80 columns.  If someone could convert the video connector port into VGA, much like the Video 7 Iic RGB converter....
> >
> > Dave...
> 
> I use a smaller LCD/TV monitor, and it rocks for 80 columns, nothing I
> would want to type my thesis on, but for color its almost as good text
> quality wise, as I remember our monitor II being...
> 
> http://groups.google.com/group/comp.sys.apple2/browse_thread/thread/bec717dd78e773e/59e433575f526afb?lnk=gst&q=audiovox#59e433575f526afb
> 
> As far as the video port on the IIC its, um well ... crap?  as far as
> relevant outputs you get composite sync, composite video, and the
> shift register serial stream. The sync saves you a bit IF and thats a
> BIG IF you can find a NTSC/PAL to RGB coder IC (I have a couple, works
> pretty OK, you still need a near impossible to find NTSC compatible
> RGB monitor (1985 multisync here) , and a even harder to find
> converter chip).
> 
> The shift register output being a serial stream makes it somewhat easy
> to capture the binary data into a buffer, and overlay that onto a VGA
> signal keeping in mind its mono data, and you will need a beefy ass
> MCU to keep up while generating the VGA display.
> 
> in all its a bunch of headache, the RGB setup is not much better than
> your chi-co offerings with normal modern monitors, and I dont see a
> mono only serial stream capture being worth while in the long run ...
> best advice is to keep hunting the thrift stores for TV's and donate
> them back if they suck.

Here's a link to a couple pages I put together after I got a 5" Playstation LCD and hooked it up to my IIc using the composite output from the IIc.

http://blackfletch.freeservers.com/appleIIc.htm

80 column works on it as you can see from the Appleworks startup screen. Of course I don't know that I'd actually like to use it for word processing but it could be done.

Dean