TT030 VGA picture quality
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TT030 VGA picture quality
Hi
Having a problem with a TT030 I just acquired.
When connected to a VGA LCD monitor the picture does not fill the screen properly (it's squashed to the left) and there seems to be a lot of interference. The machine is working, but the display makes it unusable - the resolution doesn't look right and character rendering is kind of blocky; it basically looks crap.
I have not opened it up yet to check for poor connections, but can someone tell me if this is normal? The monitor works fine on an ST in high-rez mode (using an adapter), because it is old enough to be able to synch right down to 60hz. I really don't want to be sending it back as faulty... since they are so rare...
Thanks
JonB
Having a problem with a TT030 I just acquired.
When connected to a VGA LCD monitor the picture does not fill the screen properly (it's squashed to the left) and there seems to be a lot of interference. The machine is working, but the display makes it unusable - the resolution doesn't look right and character rendering is kind of blocky; it basically looks crap.
I have not opened it up yet to check for poor connections, but can someone tell me if this is normal? The monitor works fine on an ST in high-rez mode (using an adapter), because it is old enough to be able to synch right down to 60hz. I really don't want to be sending it back as faulty... since they are so rare...
Thanks
JonB
Too many retro computers here: 1040STfm, Mega4, Ultrasatanx2 , Amiga A500, A500+ and A1200, Acorn Atom x2, BBC Micro, Electron, Spectrum 48k x2, +48, +128k, QL, Oric Atmos, ZX81, Memotech MTX512, Amstrad 6128 x2..
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
My TT offsets the picture slightly. I use an old vga monitor with digital settings. You might need to adjust the position a bit.JonB wrote:Hi
Having a problem with a TT030 I just acquired.
When connected to a VGA LCD monitor the picture does not fill the screen properly (it's squashed to the left) and there seems to be a lot of interference. The machine is working, but the display makes it unusable - the resolution doesn't look right and character rendering is kind of blocky; it basically looks crap.
I have not opened it up yet to check for poor connections, but can someone tell me if this is normal? The monitor works fine on an ST in high-rez mode (using an adapter), because it is old enough to be able to synch right down to 60hz. I really don't want to be sending it back as faulty... since they are so rare...
Thanks
JonB
Frank
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
It is unfortunate that the VGA specifications changed after the TT came out.
So the VGA output will not be looking "correct" against the standard spec.
At TT medium rez, on my TT, the VGA is moved to the left with a larger border on the right
The lower part of the desktop extents right to the bottom.
I am using a standard LCD panel, which is fortunate that the TT VGA sockets fits.
So the VGA output will not be looking "correct" against the standard spec.
At TT medium rez, on my TT, the VGA is moved to the left with a larger border on the right
The lower part of the desktop extents right to the bottom.
I am using a standard LCD panel, which is fortunate that the TT VGA sockets fits.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Ditto, when I had my TT030 I used a Nec 3D with it and I always had to use the
controls to move and center the TT's picture.
Not sure about the interference part - I never had any troubles with that.
controls to move and center the TT's picture.
Not sure about the interference part - I never had any troubles with that.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Ditto, I also have an old LCD and same as DarkLord, I use the controls to center and stretch TT desktop screen horizontally.
unofficial story is that was done on purpose. TT video pixel clock is generated from main clock, in order to have synchronized main memory bus with TT Shifter. I guess it is done in that way due to cost cutting.
Finally TT pixel clock is 32MHz, and is higher than VGA standard - 25MHz.
VGA horizontal frequency is fixed at ~31.468 kHz and with TT 32MHz video pixel clock, every line has 1024 pixels (in ST MID/HIGH / TT MID mode), 640 pixels are for desktop and 384 are border.
TT 32MHz / 31.5 kHz = 1024 pixels: 640px screen + 384px border
VGA 25MHz / 31.5 kHz = 800 pixels: 640px screen + 160px border
Therefore TT architecture just forces VGA to show so huge border. That issue is fixed in Falcon, it uses 32MHz for TV mode and 25MHz for VGA mode.
this is an 'official' story.wongck wrote:It is unfortunate that the VGA specifications changed after the TT came out.
So the VGA output will not be looking "correct" against the standard spec.
unofficial story is that was done on purpose. TT video pixel clock is generated from main clock, in order to have synchronized main memory bus with TT Shifter. I guess it is done in that way due to cost cutting.
Finally TT pixel clock is 32MHz, and is higher than VGA standard - 25MHz.
VGA horizontal frequency is fixed at ~31.468 kHz and with TT 32MHz video pixel clock, every line has 1024 pixels (in ST MID/HIGH / TT MID mode), 640 pixels are for desktop and 384 are border.
TT 32MHz / 31.5 kHz = 1024 pixels: 640px screen + 384px border
VGA 25MHz / 31.5 kHz = 800 pixels: 640px screen + 160px border
Therefore TT architecture just forces VGA to show so huge border. That issue is fixed in Falcon, it uses 32MHz for TV mode and 25MHz for VGA mode.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
The PTC1426 VGA monitor from Atari has a switch on the back "VGA or TT" mode and it corrects the aspect ratio. Generally the TT looks like crap on an LCD. Most equipment looks like crap unless you use the native mode of the LCD. I have 2 LCD's on my TT, one for the TT boot up, looks awful, then a second one for the gfx card which drives the monitor at its native mode, then it looks awesome.
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Oh dear. I am going to have to try and find a video card for it, aren't I?


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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
You should consider a good CRT monitor, say 17" sized.
In my experience, once you have dialed in the picture geometry (width), the TT produces an acceptable picture on a CRT VGA monitor. I still had a bit of interference on the CRT screen (slight vertical 'ghostly' lines), but compared to the horrible quality on a LCD screen it looked ok and was definitely usable in TT medium.
In my experience, once you have dialed in the picture geometry (width), the TT produces an acceptable picture on a CRT VGA monitor. I still had a bit of interference on the CRT screen (slight vertical 'ghostly' lines), but compared to the horrible quality on a LCD screen it looked ok and was definitely usable in TT medium.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Thanks for that Klaz... wish I'd known before I bought it! Oh well.
Actually, the guy who sold it (calimero) has been very patient with me. In fact he has been great!

Actually, the guy who sold it (calimero) has been very patient with me. In fact he has been great!

Too many retro computers here: 1040STfm, Mega4, Ultrasatanx2 , Amiga A500, A500+ and A1200, Acorn Atom x2, BBC Micro, Electron, Spectrum 48k x2, +48, +128k, QL, Oric Atmos, ZX81, Memotech MTX512, Amstrad 6128 x2..
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
It may be easier to snag a PTC1426 VGA monitor then to find a video card. I've been trying to get one for about 2 years. You could also get a Atari TTM195 monochrome monitor. B & C ComputerVisions (myatari.com) has reconditioned TTM194/5 for $50 and PCT1426 for $125. I've been thinking of going the monochrome route myself.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
That would be the way to go.JonB wrote:Oh dear. I am going to have to try and find a video card for it, aren't I?
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Yeah, but you get higher resolutions & more colours with a graphic adapter.mdivancic wrote:It may be easier to snag a PTC1426 VGA monitor then to find a video card. I've been trying to get one for about 2 years. You could also get a Atari TTM195 monochrome monitor. B & C ComputerVisions (myatari.com) has reconditioned TTM194/5 for $50 and PCT1426 for $125. I've been thinking of going the monochrome route myself.
My Stuff: FB/Falcon CT63 CTPCI ATI RTL8139 USB 512MB 30GB HDD CF HxC_SD/ TT030 68882 4+32MB 520MB Nova/ 520STFM 4MB Tos206 SCSI
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My Atari stuff for sale - click here for list
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Very true, but if you can't find a card you got nothing!wongck wrote:Yeah, but you get higher resolutions & more colours with a graphic adapter.
Mikey
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
I used TT on Samsun 753s monitor (CRT) and you can move picture in middle of screen so it looks ok (and also stretch it until right black border disappear).
On LCD monitor, after you center picture, you need to manually set PIXEL PHASE (or something like that) to remove interferences! I try TT on few LCDs and AUTO button on LCDs _can not_ set picture properly! you need to set it manually.
There was graphics card in that TT but when I bought it I need to give it away
and my plan was to buy TTM194/5... but I sold it to pay for SuperVidel 
JonB, hope it will serve you well!
On LCD monitor, after you center picture, you need to manually set PIXEL PHASE (or something like that) to remove interferences! I try TT on few LCDs and AUTO button on LCDs _can not_ set picture properly! you need to set it manually.
There was graphics card in that TT but when I bought it I need to give it away


JonB, hope it will serve you well!

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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Hi calimero
I had a play with one of my old monitors and got it centred, hooray! Much better now, but, like you, I think I will try and get a proper TT monitor. I found the Ethernet adapter, it was well hidden. Lucky I kept all the packaging! Hope the payment has arrived OK. Please let me know if not. I am now wondering what to do next... as you know, it is all setup for mint and some other stuff but I would like to start again so I understand it better. I guess this means copying all files onto a card (I have UltraSatan here, so if I can get that working I can backup) and then reformatting the CF card (or get another one) for a clean install. First though I need to identify what all this software actually is...
..and of course there's my favourite bit which is when I open her up for a good look inside!

I had a play with one of my old monitors and got it centred, hooray! Much better now, but, like you, I think I will try and get a proper TT monitor. I found the Ethernet adapter, it was well hidden. Lucky I kept all the packaging! Hope the payment has arrived OK. Please let me know if not. I am now wondering what to do next... as you know, it is all setup for mint and some other stuff but I would like to start again so I understand it better. I guess this means copying all files onto a card (I have UltraSatan here, so if I can get that working I can backup) and then reformatting the CF card (or get another one) for a clean install. First though I need to identify what all this software actually is...
..and of course there's my favourite bit which is when I open her up for a good look inside!

Too many retro computers here: 1040STfm, Mega4, Ultrasatanx2 , Amiga A500, A500+ and A1200, Acorn Atom x2, BBC Micro, Electron, Spectrum 48k x2, +48, +128k, QL, Oric Atmos, ZX81, Memotech MTX512, Amstrad 6128 x2..
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
OK, it's time to revive a very old thread again. For everyone with a TT that wants a perfect picture on a modern LCD when using the internal TT-Shifter, go buy an OSSC: https://www.videogameperfection.com/pro ... converter/
I've said it before, this thing gives full control over the video signal. It can sample the 32MHz pixel clock of the TT to perfection. Picture proof attached (TT-Medium on a Benq BL912 - without the OSSC the picture looks like crap!). So don't try and find the perfect monitor, just buy the OSSC and use ANY monitor for your TT.
I've said it before, this thing gives full control over the video signal. It can sample the 32MHz pixel clock of the TT to perfection. Picture proof attached (TT-Medium on a Benq BL912 - without the OSSC the picture looks like crap!). So don't try and find the perfect monitor, just buy the OSSC and use ANY monitor for your TT.

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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
^
I can not open https://www.videogameperfection.com !
Is this same thing: http://junkerhq.net/xrgb/index.php?title=OSSC ?
Where did you buy it and how much does it cost?
I can not open https://www.videogameperfection.com !
Is this same thing: http://junkerhq.net/xrgb/index.php?title=OSSC ?
Where did you buy it and how much does it cost?
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Wow. Seems like the site went down right after I posted the link. The site is probably under attack or something. Check it again in a few ours/days.calimero wrote:I can not open https://www.videogameperfection.com !
Yes!calimero wrote: Is this same thing: http://junkerhq.net/xrgb/index.php?title=OSSC ?
https://www.videogameperfection.com/pro ... converter/calimero wrote: Where did you buy it and how much does it cost?
That's the official site where you buy it.
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Like demos? Have a look at our new Falcon030 demo It's that time of the year again, or click here to feel the JOY.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
It looks like the site's hosting hasn't been renewed and it's gone.
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
No... just that all TT owner started clicking on the link to check it out.dhedberg wrote: Wow. Seems like the site went down right after I posted the link. The site is probably under attack or something. Check it again in a few ours/days.
It's just that they have not paid their hosting company.
My Stuff: FB/Falcon CT63 CTPCI ATI RTL8139 USB 512MB 30GB HDD CF HxC_SD/ TT030 68882 4+32MB 520MB Nova/ 520STFM 4MB Tos206 SCSI
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My Atari stuff for sale - click here for list
Shared SCSI Bus:ScsiLink ethernet, 9GB HDD,SD-reader @ http://phsw.atari.org
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
looks nicedhedberg wrote:OK, it's time to revive a very old thread again. For everyone with a TT that wants a perfect picture on a modern LCD when using the internal TT-Shifter, go buy an OSSC: https://www.videogameperfection.com/pro ... converter/
I've said it before, this thing gives full control over the video signal. It can sample the 32MHz pixel clock of the TT to perfection. Picture proof attached (TT-Medium on a Benq BL912 - without the OSSC the picture looks like crap!). So don't try and find the perfect monitor, just buy the OSSC and use ANY monitor for your TT.
Mega ST 1 / 7800 / Portfolio / Lynx II / Jaguar / TT030 / Mega STe / 800 XL / 1040 STe / Falcon030 / 65 XE / 520 STm / SM124 / SC1435
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Really nice idea. I read about the OSSC here: http://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.ph ... 71#p346128 and it got me interested (but like evil, equally disappointed with the pause between interlace/non-interlace switching). But since the TT doesn't suffer from such issues (no interlaced modes there ;)), this got me interested again!
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Yeah, the OSSC is not ideal for the Falcon030, but good enough I'd say. If you want a pretty much ideal monitor for the Falcon030 have a look at the Dell UltraSharp U2410. Just posted about it here: http://atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 58#p353446
Daniel, New Beat - http://newbeat.atari.org.
Like demos? Have a look at our new Falcon030 demo It's that time of the year again, or click here to feel the JOY.
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Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
It looks as though their web hosting is dead. You can find out via their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/videogameperfection/
https://www.facebook.com/videogameperfection/
Re: TT030 VGA picture quality
Good to know. Thanks! Hopefully it'll be all sorted out soon.
Daniel, New Beat - http://newbeat.atari.org.
Like demos? Have a look at our new Falcon030 demo It's that time of the year again, or click here to feel the JOY.
Like demos? Have a look at our new Falcon030 demo It's that time of the year again, or click here to feel the JOY.