DEC Rainbow VR-201 Monitor Replacement

> How can I replace the VR-201 with a composite monochrome monitor?

If you can handle a soldering iron and a meter, then you can do a quick hack like this (totally unaproved of by DEC of course).

Start off with a 15 pin D connector of the right gender to fit the monitor end of the cable (I think you need a plug), and a 4-pin RJ11 (I think) to take the keyboard cable.  Now:

• link pins 7 and 8 on the 15 pin D (+12V out)
• link pins 4,5,6,13 on the 15 pin D (ground)

Looking into the face of the RJ11, with the pins towards you, number the leftmost pin 1.  Link as follows:

• RJ11 pin 1 to pin 14 of the D
• RJ11 pin 2 to +12V
• RJ11 pin 3 to Ground
• RJ11 pin 4 to pin 15 of the D

You should check those connections between the D connector and the RJ11 on your existing VR-201 (in case I've noted them down incorrectly).

Now you need to find a composite monochrome monitor, capable of handling the USA TV scan frequencies.  Such monitors are relatively common, but are not commonly used with PC's (except as a monochrome monitor with a CGA card).  Find a video lead to fit the monitor input, connect it's sheild to ground on the 15 pin D plug, and the inner to pin 12.

Plug everything in, and it should work.

Anonymous