Task: Connect a Classic Macintosh to an LED Monitor That Accepts VGA Input
Needed: A DB15 to VGA adapter
Time: 10-15 minutes
Introduction
I recently acquired a Macintosh LC and an LCIII. Here is my recent post on replacing leaky capacitors on the logic and analog boards. These models, and others like them (e.g. Performas, Quadras), have a DB15 video connector for display on a Macintosh CRT monitor. I am personally not a huge fan of CRTs as they take up a lot of storage space. As such, I do not have a CRT for the Mac and don’t plan to get one. This means I need to find a way to get video out to a modern display. Fortunately, I have an LED monitor that accepts VGA as an input. I was pleased to discover that there are modern adapters to convert the video signal from the DB15 to VGA.
Instructions
I purchased a plug and play Mac DB15 to VGA connector from Amazon for $20. I like the look and feel of it, and it works great. There are a set of DIP switches on the unit that allow you to select from different resolutions. I also purchased one from eBay for $20 that I do not like as much. There are other more expansive options such as the Mac Sync-inator from Big Mess O’ Wires that also works great. It costs about $40.
Comments
This is a handy device. Here is post on converting the VGA to HDMI.
Note that the Mac LC has a default video resolution of 512×384 pixels. Higher resolution is possible but may require additional video RAM.
Also note that different settings were required for my Mac LCIII than for the LC. The LC III needed 1, 4, 5, and 7 ON.
Here is a thread on documentation for these different adapters.