Re: Apple IIgs (which monitor?)

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

rVZE26PJV <rambo.dsl@verizon.net> wrote:

> This model number "M0401" will not work well with the IIgs?

No, it won't.  I don't know exactly which model that is, but I can tell
from the 'M' in the model number that it is a Macintosh monitor, and no
Mactinosh-specific monitor will work on the IIgs.

The Mac normally uses VGA-like output frequencies, with progressive scan
(no interlacing) producing at least 340 lines of video at refresh rates
of 60 Hz or higher and horizontal scan frequencies starting around 30
kHz.

The IIgs (along with every other Apple II) was designed to be more or
less compatible with television, so its video output is much slower: 50
or 60 Hz refresh, but only 200 lines per screen and the horizontal scan
rate is about 15.75 kHz.  It doesn't use interlacing.

The IIgs RGB monitor (A2M6014) is designed to work within these
specifications, and will not work on most Mac models.  (It is possible
to use it with some video cards, but only in a really ugly 400 line
interlaced mode.)

Mac monitors are designed to work with the Mac's higher scan frequency,
and are not able to sync with the much slower signal produced by the
IIgs.

If you cannot locate the genuine Apple IIgs RGB monitor (which is called
an "AppleColor RGB" monitor, just like some of the earlier Mac
monitors), you can use the RGB monitor from an Amiga 1000 or Atari
520ST, which have similar video output.  Old multi-sync analog RGB
monitors were also able to support TV-like video sources, but anything
in the last ten years (or more?) won't work on the IIgs.

Even older machines used digital RGB (Apple ///, some Apple II video
cards; the PC had CGA and EGA).  These won't work on the IIgs either,
since it generates an analog RGB signal.