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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: PulsatingQuasar on May 11, 2008, 11:38:40 AM

Title: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on May 11, 2008, 11:38:40 AM

Hi,

I seem to have some problems with a Picasso 2 ver 1.4 card.

As soon as I attach a monitor(TFT) a resistor next to the inner most VGA connector gets very hot. As in; turning it black hot. I doubt this is normal operation because if this should happen they would have used one with higher Wattage.

So what is wrong here? Anybody have an idea?


Also, I have a hard time getting a usefull picture out of it. In higher resolution there is hardly a good picture comming out of the card and in lower resolutions fonts look weird.
The weird thing is they look weird for text in Windows but not for the windows title.
I have to test the newest Cybergraphx drivers but it doesn't look good. Or it doesn't like TFT's.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on May 11, 2008, 03:46:52 PM

Interesting. I replaced the TFT with a normal 15 inch CRT monitor and the resistor didn't heat up. Also not with a Commodore 1960 monitor.

Then I noticed that the same pin on the VGA connector of the Picasso 2 where the resistor connects to was missing in the cables on both the Commodore 1960 and the CRT VGA monitor!!!

The TFT does have this pin connected. So my solution is pretty clear I think. I'm going to cut out that resistor. That whole cirquit isn't even used on the Commodore 1960 and the CRT monitor so why should it for the TFT.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on May 11, 2008, 04:09:32 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector

It's pin 9.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: Boot_WB on May 11, 2008, 04:17:26 PM

This (http://pinouts.ru/Video/VGA15_pinout.shtml) may shed a bit of light on your issue.

Regards



Rich

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: Matt_H on May 11, 2008, 09:11:08 PM

I'd suggest cutting the pin out of a cheapo VGA cable rather than modifying a piece of vintage hardware...

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on May 11, 2008, 09:21:34 PM

I already cut it out.

The original resistor was black anyway so I would have at least had to replace it with a new one. This cirquit seems to be pointless anyway.

The card has another problem at the moment though. The fonts look good on 8 and 24 bit screens but on 15/16 bit screens the fonts look weird and are missing parts.

Maybe this a Cybergraphx problem or the card had problems in 15/16 bit.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: Matt_H on May 12, 2008, 04:41:53 PM

Are you using the latest CGX4 (http://phase5.a1k.org/index.php?id=3)? Earlier versions are buggy with 3.9 BB2.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: Amigoat on May 12, 2008, 07:35:06 PM

I recall having the font problem on my A3000 with a Picasso II and CyberGrafx in 15/16 bit colour. IIRC you need to add the tooltype "fuzzy fonts" or was it "fuzzy font" - not sure if that was one word or two - A3000 is down right now.

Anyway it cleared up the problem nicely.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on May 12, 2008, 08:09:03 PM

Great thanks. I'll try that and report back.

Title: Re: Picasso 2 hardware problem.
Post by: PulsatingQuasar on May 15, 2008, 07:35:32 PM

I can't seem to find that fuzzy fonts tooltype.

What is strange that in 16 bit most of the screen and fonts look ok but then suddenly some of the text in a windows isn't or all of it isn't.

But when it's not fonts like a picture or any other graphical stuff, nothing is wrong.

Cybergraphx 4 makes no mention of fuzzy fonts.