Problem with Dreamcast VGA to HDMI

[CRTGAMER]

Keep in mind if you test on a monitor elsewhere that some LCDs won't do anything less than 800x600, so the 640x480 DC VGA output wouldn't work either. You really need to find an old CRT monitor to be sure.

That's what I'm thinking with the current arrangement. A google search would give you the specs. Luckily my Sony LCD monitor supports 640x480 with the Dreamcast. But on the other hand, my old iMac at either 640x480 or 800x600 won't work on the LCD. No OS9 games through this monitor. But it does work if I set external video out to 1024x768. Gives an idea the quirk of LCDs support on older resolutions.

[Jamisonia]

according to the monoprice manual the converter supports 640x480. Its the lowest resolution it supports. I'm currently trying to come across a cheap crt monitor to test the vga box.

The TV, idk, I thought the hdmi part mitigated that, meaning if the box converted it to hdmi the TV would read it like any other hdmi signal.

[Hobie-wan]

Yeah, it is odd. But testing the VGA box by itself will help nail down where the problem is. Good luck.

[Jamisonia]

I found myself an old CRT monitor from freecycle today. I can't confirm the monitor is capable of 640 x 480 due lack of anything but the monitor itself. I tested my laptop on it first and it worked, then I tried the dreamcast with VGA box and it did not work. So it appears the VGA box is broken.

Just to double check, when am I supposed to flip the switch into PC mode? I have always done this when everything is off, but I wanted to make sure that is the correct procedure before I send it back for an exchange.

[Hobie-wan]

I found myself an old CRT monitor from freecycle today. I can't confirm the monitor is capable of 640 x 480 due lack of anything but the monitor itself. I tested my laptop on it first and it worked, then I tried the dreamcast with VGA box and it did not work. So it appears the VGA box is broken.

A CRT will do 640x480.

Not sure on the other question.

[CRTGAMER]

I found myself an old CRT monitor from freecycle today. I can't confirm the monitor is capable of 640 x 480 due lack of anything but the monitor itself. I tested my laptop on it first and it worked, then I tried the dreamcast with VGA box and it did not work. So it appears the VGA box is broken.

Just to double check, when am I supposed to flip the switch into PC mode? I have always done this when everything is off, but I wanted to make sure that is the correct procedure before I send it back for an exchange.

A CRT will do 640x480.

Not sure on the other question.

Agree the CRT should have a 640x480 mode. That PC mode switch, is that on the VGA box or monitor? I have the Naki VGA box and the switch on the VGA box will work both before or after powering on the Dreamcast. It can "hot switch" from VGA to S-Video/Composite while DC is on. Be sure to try the switch in both positions for at least five seconds in each position with the Dreamcast lid open. You should at least get the opening Dreamcast Setup screen. Brings up a point, maybe the slide switch is bad, supposed to short a couple pins telling the Dreamcast to send a VGA signal. Or perhaps where the cable plugs into the Dreamcast or monitor has a bad contact?

[Jamisonia]

Its possible, I'll try again today after work. I have tried it on two different Dreamcasts, so I don't think the problem is any contact issue on the DC side.

[Jamisonia]

To anyone whose interested it was the VGA box. I exchanged it, and it does work. The VGA to HDMI converter I bought from monoprice works flawlessly. So to anyone looking for that option, it will work for you.

[CRTGAMER]

To anyone whose interested it was the VGA box. I exchanged it, and it does work. The VGA to HDMI converter I bought from monoprice works flawlessly. So to anyone looking for that option, it will work for you.

Can you give a full detailed review with pics including a screenshot and part numbers. I would be interested in your results, maybe include in my CRT vs LCD guide.

[Jamisonia]

sorry for the belated reply. I can do that.