cfox1
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2012 9:29 pm

SVGA monitor

Fri Sep 21, 2012 9:41 pm

Hi. I've been following discussions about monitors and I bought an HDMI to SVGA converter (Neewer Black HDMI Input To VGA Adapter Converter For PC Laptop) no problem when the initialization program ran and then I could use RasPi. After switching off and on again monitor will not work; is this likely to be a fault the converter- not sure how I can test an HDMI output to the monitor; or did the initialization run contain some code which I need to write into config.sys ?
Like everyone I want to use old bits of gear rather than buying new tv just for RasPi.
Thanks
Chris

W. H. Heydt
Posts: 12785
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2012 7:36 pm
Location: Vallejo, CA (US)

Re: SVGA monitor

Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:02 pm

I have run into problems with the Neewer units, depending on screen geometry. I don't think that device handles all geometries. It works fine with my 27" 1920x1080 monitor, but not with a 1280x1024 one.

For a "works with anything" HDMI-to-VGA converter, I use:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2

The downside is, that unless it's on sale (as it was recently), it costs a bit more than the Pi itself. The upside is that Monoprice keeps them in stock and you can get them quickly.

In any case, you may need to make settings in config.txt.

Here are my noes on settings...

Code: Select all

Use full screen.

Edit/create config.txt in /boot (aka FAT32);

disable_overscan=1

Maybe add:

hdmi_drive=1 (no sound on HDMI)
config_hdmi_boost=4 (signal boost, range 1 to 7, depending on cable length)

Other config entries of use:

hdmi_force_hotplug=1 Use HDMI mode even if no HDMI monitor is detected
hdmi_group=2   DMT
hdmi_mode=16   1024x768  60Hz
hdmi_mode=17   1024x768  70Hz
hdmi_mode=18   1024x768  75Hz
hdmi_mode=19   1024x768  85Hz
hdmi_mode=35   1280x1024 60Hz
hdmi_mode=36   1280x1024 75Hz
hdmi_mode=37   1280x1024 85Hz

PeeJayJay
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2012 10:25 am

Re: SVGA monitor

Tue Oct 02, 2012 10:31 am

Hi ,

I am experiencing exactly the same problem.The adapter worked fine first time out of the box but never worked again. did the config changes help (difficult without a monitor ) or is anyone aware of a working fix.

Thanks

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mahjongg
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Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2012 12:19 am
Location: South Holland, The Netherlands

Re: SVGA monitor

Tue Oct 02, 2012 5:08 pm

The monoprix converter is OK, as it comes with its own power supply, but Neweer converters often do not and expect their power to come from the HDMI source, trouble is the PI isn't designed to deliver that power, and the act of trying to make it deliver more than 200mA can damage a diode on board of the PI (D1). A normal HDMI/DVI-D monitor only needs about 50mA, (for a small memory with the monitor parameters) but a converter box can use something like 500mA, its also a strain on your PSU, and input fuse (F3).

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pluggy
Posts: 3635
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 3:52 pm
Location: Barnoldswick, Lancashire,UK
Contact: Website

Re: SVGA monitor

Tue Oct 02, 2012 7:20 pm

Buy an old quality Monitor with a DVI input. the one you have may already have one. Then its a very simple cheap HDMI-DVI cable.
Don't judge Linux by the Pi.......
I must not tread on too many sacred cows......

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