Zenith ZCM 1490 monitor - help needed (pics)

[gator]

Guys,

I need help regarding a monitor. The model # is ZCM 1490, and it made by zenith ~1988 ). It is a one-of-a-kind, true 14" flat tube VGA analog monitor. I might need to drive this via my X31 for my work and I wondering if it would be possible at all.

The display connector looks like the standard 15 pin connector, but is "missing" a few more pins than the one that is normally "missing" in regular connectors. I think that the max resolution of this monitor is 640*480 (no idea about # of colors).

Here are some pics:




Will it be possible to use this monitor (occasionally) as an external display for my X31? If yes, will it alteast run at 16 bit color depth? Any information is appreciated.

I am amazed to see the (r)evolution in display and computer technlogy in the last 10-15 years ... what a wonderful world we live in!

I don't know where to ask this, so am posting in the Off topic section - mods, please move this to appropriate section if this is in the wrong place.

[Thane_Bitter]

I don't recall the exact model I had (came with a 286 Zenith System), but your photo looks very similar and the age is about right. The power switch is inconveniently located at the back is it not?
Yes, it should work, but the usable Max resolution is 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz and it should take any color depth supported at that resolution. Obviously this monitor does not include the Plug'n'Play features found in newer stuff, which is why the +5VDC, and DDC lines have been omitted - hence missing pins – but the remaining pins comply with the VGA standard.
Assuming your ThinkPad will support such a low resolution on the VGA port (hopefully it can), it will work, just manual configure the settings.
Other notable items: There is a small but extremely quite fan built in near the bottom of the case for cooling – allow some clearance for airflow. The unit draws an astounding 300 watts of power, and lacks any power savings features.

[gator]

300 W? That is insane!!

The monitor does have a switch at the back and has a fan underneath ... I will test it and let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the information!!

[RealBlackStuff]

You should be able to pick up a much better 14/15" monitor from a dumpster or for a fiver in a 2nd-hand shop.

[gator]

You should be able to pick up a much better 14/15" monitor from a dumpster or for a fiver in a 2nd-hand shop.

I know ... point is, that monitor is used as a custom scope with a really old comp and I have some programs that interface the X31 and a circuit board (through the serial port on the ultrabase) to work as a scope too - from within windows - for testing purposes. As much as I'd like to get a new monitor, I don't have the old C source code that was written long back and hand tweaked for a PS/2 like system. It does the job really well and I do not need a 17" CRT for it, however cheap it may be.