Member Avatar for o_ugalde

hi there, I have an old cpu with a mda video card, now the monitor doesnt work.... I need to build a converter to use any kind of newer generation monitor (cga, vga, svga etc...)

can somebody help me??

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by mack00234

Dani AI

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— brief practical guidance that builds on the thread: the old monochrome/text adapter in question is not electrically compatible with modern VGA monitors, so a passive plug adapter will not work. There are three realistic paths depending on priorities (preservation, low cost, or convenience).

Option 1 — replace the card: if the motherboard accepts an ISA video card, installing an ISA VGA card is the least-fuss fix. It yields a standard analogue output that modern monitors accept. Sourcing an ISA VGA card from retro/hobby markets is usually cheaper than custom electronics work.

Option 2 — active conversion (hobbyist): build or buy an active converter that samples the monochrome card’s TTL video/sync and re‑creates a VGA framebuffer. Typical approaches use an FPGA or microcontroller to latch the character/video signals, recreate the font/bitmap and output standard VGA timings via a DAC. This is feasible but non‑trivial: it requires identifying the card’s signal pins, measuring timing with a scope, level‑shifting/to‑FPGA IO, and a bit‑mapped buffer. Good if preservation and learning are the goals, not if a quick fix is wanted.

Option 3 — alternate display paths: restore/replace the original monochrome monitor, use a terminal over serial if the software supports it, or run the software on emulation (if the aim is just to run old programs).

Quick troubleshooting tips before committing money: verify whether the monitor or the card is faulty (test the monitor on another machine; check card power rails and look for HSYNC/VSYNC or TTL activity with a logic probe/oscilloscope), and keep safety in mind with CRT gear (high voltages).

Acknowledging and — retiring the hardware or buying a newer PC are valid, practical choices. If preservation is the goal, start by testing which component is dead, then choose between sourcing an ISA VGA card or an active FPGA/MCU–based converter project.

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Member Avatar for ziawan1970

MDA is an old technology and is now obsluted.You may return this to a museum rather than it use.

Member Avatar for mack00234

Buy a new computer-- almost the only solution.

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