Dreamcast VGA + Monitor Wear

[StevieC]

I'm currently using an Antec MN1776, a 17" CRT monitor with a black case. It has the VGA cord permanently attached like most but I have a problem. To secure it to my dreamcast's VGA box output, I needto use the screws but I can't get the leverage needed to screw them in unless I use a screwdriver which wears at the plastic screwheads. I want to be able to switch back and forth between using the monitor with my DreamCast and using it with my PowerBook, but I'm afraid to do so because of the increased wear on the monitor's cable securing screws. A friend of mine recently bought me a VGA box with a VGA passthrough but I was wondering if there are any other solutions?

[fastbilly1]

Call me crazy, or simply tell me it is a bad idea, but just dont screw it in. That is what I do. If you are really worried, you could get some vga gender changers, or a male/female vga cable that you always leave attached to the vgabox.

[lordofduct]

Call me crazy, or simply tell me it is a bad idea, but just dont screw it in. That is what I do. If you are really worried, you could get some vga gender changers, or a male/female vga cable that you always leave attached to the vgabox.

Option one bends the pins over time and I really wouldn't suggest it.

The thing about the male to female connector is what I'd do for a cheap way of doing it. I'd personally get a butt connector (a short little thing, not an actual long cable).


For better efficiency though, go grab a Manual KVM (not a software assisted one)... or just a 15 pin D-Sub switch box of some sort. The kind that has manual buttons on the box itself for manual swapping. This will reduce the wear and tear down to nothing. And you no longer have to unscrew cables all the time, you just leave it all hooked up and switch to the device you want...

something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/manual-KVM-4-port-V ... otohosting

that's an older one on ebay for a freakin' DOLLAR! It also has the old school IBM keyboard ports... but who cares, you just want it for VGA sharing, not keyboard sharing.

If you want a newer one check newegg, they got em' for like 10 to 15 bucks for a basic keyboard/mouse/2 computer KVM


I'm debating getting one of them (the old school ones that have like 10 ports on it) for splitting all my old consoles up via RGB, and then stick an upscaler into the device that changes its settings depending on the button I push, and use the old midi style keyboard ports to carry the audio and pass it on over to my receiver. Yet another project I've had planned for years and still haven't gotten around too... more important shit to take care of first.

[fastbilly1]

Never thought about the KVM, good call LordofDuct. Do what he said.

[StevieC]

Use a dime in lieu of the flat-head screwdriver, and squeeze the plastic on both sides of the slot against the dime TIGHT.