Re: Apple ][ Plus video problems

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Galen Tatsuo Komatsu writes ...
>
> .... 
>         Some RF modulator questions off my own...
> 
> 1) The RF modulators I've seen have two connectors on it, one of
>    course was the RF output, the other?
>

     It could be for antenna input so that the user does not need one 
of those TV/Game switches. Supposedly, when no composite signal is 
present, the modulator would feed through the antenna signal. (My IIc+ RF 
modulator has just one socket, for RF to the TV; so, there's no way to 
experiment.)  You could try connecting a 3' wire to the unknown connector 
and see if it acts like an antenna when the computer is turned OFF. 

 
> 2) When my brother gave me his old ][, the RF cable was wound around
>    a core, purpose? (the one I had for my //e didn't have such)
> ....

     It's neat to hear that someone else is using this trick. Users of RF 
connections soon discover that how the cable is arranged makes a 
difference in display clarity.

     A natural experiment is to try coiling un-needed cable and using 
wire ties or tape to hold the loops together. Usually, the display will 
improve.

     If you happen to have a fat ferrite core, say, from an old TV 
flyback transformer, you next try wrapping the cable around the core and 
discover that the display is even better.

     Evidently, the looping acts like an RF choke to help eliminate 
electrical noise (from motors, dimmers, etc.).


Rubywand