Sinclair ZX80 / ZX81 / Z88 Forums

You may try this - just to solder 5 wires (3 to the main board and 2 for a RCA plug or similar.
http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/3712

Hello PokeMon.
The ZX8-CCB seems like what I need to connect a recently acquired ZX-81 to a recent computer monitor with VGA and HDMI interfaces.
Reading your explanation on sellmyretro.com: "Video output could be provided outside the case by implementing a 3.5mm jack or similar". So, assuming I implement the suggested 3.5mm jack: Could I then simply buy any cable with a 3.5mm male jack on one hand, and a VGA connector on the other hand to make my ZX81 picture appear on my monitor?
Sorry if it seems like a basic question, but I have ZERO clue on how all these video signals work...

With the ZX8-CCB fitted, a ZX81 can output a monochrome (black and white) composite video signal. Most TVs will accept this signal, either via the (normally) yellow coloured phono / RCA / Cinch connector, or via a SCART connector if you either make up your own cable, or use a suitable connector adaptor that has a phono / RCA / Cinch connector.

Composite video signals are 625 line, 50Hz field freq, 15625Hz line freq (in the UK) signals. The same as the old analogue VCRs used.

VGA is a multicolour analogue system, but most VGA monitors and TVs with VGA inputs are not capable of working with 15625Hz line freq signals.

HDMI is a very modern digital standard that was not even dreamed about at the time of the ZX81, let alone invented.... So surprise, surprise, the ZX81 is not compatible.

Most people reuse the phono / RCA / Cinch connector on the modulator, then use a phono to phono cable

Mark

You need a monitor that has the "round yellow" connector (in picture: VIDEO). The "blue" connector is not sufficient (in picture: PC IN).

Good evening everybody,

Thanks for your answers. I'm not done yet My computer monitor has the following connectors: Nothing that you guys have mentioned (Beware, the yellow connection you see on the left is for audio). I'm not talking about a TV here, but a monitor. Is there anything I can do, with or without the ZX8-CCB, to have the ZX81 displayed on it?

Thanks again for your support. Bruno.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=composite+to+ ... a=products
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_no ... ite+to+vga

To use that monitor, you need a box of electronics that takes in a composite video signal and which converts it, and outputs a VGA signal (which then goes to your monitor).

This is one I found on eBay http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... ID=EBAY-GB

Note that I have not tried one of these with a ZX81 (yet). It's on my list of things to do when I have lots of free time (which I'm not getting very far with this year so far ).

Be careful when searching, as there also exists cheaper versions that take in a VGA signal and output a composite video signal. And some of the sellers descriptions are not very clear on which type they are selling.

Mark

Hello,

Although not a very practical solution to analogue display, there is an all Sinclair solution with a Sinclair Microvision TV.

Huw

That's pretty cool.

Here you go this may do the trick - take the CV from the ZX81 and connect via Scart to this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382032513687 ... 1436.l2649

then a HDMI to DVI lead to your monitor.