ICD Flicker Free Video2
11 messages in this thread
I have a Flicker Free Video 2, and a Magnavox SVGA monitor. I can not get the
two to work.
The Magnavox displays a slanted image (to the right), and it continually
scrolls left to right. I've tried various cables, and am at wits end here.
Does anyone know what could be wrong? The monitor works in Amiga Productivity
modes (with CBM's 15-23 pin adapter) but does not work in productivity mode
hooked through the FFV2. The monitor works perfectly on an IBM VGA system. It
supports 31.5khz frequency (which is what FFV2 puts out).
Any ideas? All info will be greatly appreciated.
Joe-
Probably not much help, but if you were to replace "Magnavox" with "IBM 8513"
in your message, your situation is identical to mine. I had one FFV2 that
worked fine for 2 months, then picture died. When ICD sent replacement, same
monitor developed uncontrollable scrolling as you describe. ICD has now sent
_second_ new replacement, still has the same problem as you describe. I'm at
wit's end as is ICD technician. FWIW there apparently was a early version and a
current version of the 9 to 15 pin adapter. They think now maybe I had the
early version with the first board (and returned it, receiving current version
with replacements) and are sending me early one to try again (early version
does _not_ have hourglass shape).
Only advice I can offer is call ICD; they have certainly _tried_ to fix my
problem, and hopefully will eventually.
Dick Darling
Thanks for the input. Sounds like we have a similar problem, have you
attempted to put a different VGA monitor to your FFV2? I've connected a
different monitor to it, and it works. This then suggests that the board is
fine. I'm concerned though that the FFV2 board does not output a clean 31.5khz
video signal, thus causing our monitors not to sync to it correctly.
Unfortunately, I am at wits end as to how to monitor the frequency outputed
from the board. Magnavox (ie: Phillips) are useless on the phone for technical
support — all they will do is either say Your monitor is OK and you've done
something wrong, or Your monitor is bad, send it in for repairs. I've called
ICD, and they pretty much don't have much to say. I'll try calling again to
see if they've picked up any new information. (According to the one tech guy I
spoke with, they use Magnavox monitors themselves, so my problem shouldn't be
too difficult).
Anyhow, thanks! Keep me updated as to your problem, as I will do the same.
Joe-
I have two identical IBM monitors, both work perfectly on a PC with VGA output,
and one (by now I'm not even sure which one) worked perfectly with the first
FFV2 board (I only ever tried one, because, after all it worked). I think I
agree that the sync signal from the FFV2 is bad in some way. I made up a
duplicate in wire of the 9 to 15 pin adapter according to ICD's diagram, and
then actually disconnected the horiz and vert sync lines with minimal effect on
the monitor picture. I'm going to try to borrow a scope this weekend to see if
I can see what's acutally coming out those lines. Incidentally, you are aware
of the variable capacitor you can adjust on the board to control the frequency
aren't you? Also, the ICD Prefs program on the floppy that came with the board
will let you adjust the horizontal frequency from about 50hz to about 80hz. I
hooked up a 1084 to the RGB ports so I could watch what I was doing while
adjusting that. All these things have had an effect, but not solved the
problem. I'll keep you updated.
Dick
I've played with the two pots on the FFV2 board, none of which made much of a
difference. I've also played with the software, which did not help at all
either. I'm definatley interested in what you find out with your scope!
Thanks,
Joe
Joe – Good news and bad. Good – my board is now working fine; bad –
I don't know why! In playing with the CLIP jumper on the FFV2 and
disconnecting the RGB monitor with the power on, I accidentally
grounded or shorted one or more pins on the RGB output port (my guess
is I shorted 12 to 23 ie. 5 volts went to the vertical sync line!).
Anyway, both the RGB and VGA screens went blank, and I turned the
power off for a period of 'meditation'. When I turned it back on I
got a 'software error' message instantly (apparently from
Kickstart!), and by the time I realized I was reading the message on
the _VGA_ monitor I had already clicked the mouse (so I don't have a
record of what the error was), the bootup proceeded otherwise
normally, and I suddenly had a rock-steady picture on _both_
monitors. Both pots now work beautifully in fine-tuning the quality
of the VGA image. The FFV2 has now been working fine for over 48
hours. I do have the CLIP jumper in the ECS position, even though I
have a normal Denise, but it also works in the normal position. If I
can make any recommendation from my experience it is _not_ to hit the
vertical sync line with 5 volts, but possibly to change the position
of the CLIP jumper, turn the machine OFF and then back ON, and see
what happens. I never did get to try the scope. Good luck, and keep
me informed. I will be talking to the ICD tech about my experience,
and will pass along anything of interest. Dick
If its any consolation, my FFV2 with a cheapy LoopTech monitor works fine
and has for about 6 months since I got it in trade for FFV1.
wmc – via Autopilot!
Wayne,
I have a FFV1. Where did you trade for a FFV2? Thanks.
-Sean
With ICD directly. I don't know if the still have the trade-up on or
not.
wmc – via Autopilot!
Thanks, Wayne. I'll drop them a line and see what they say.
-Sean