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Answer» Hi friends,
I have a functioning 386 which displays VGA color with no problems on an old (small) monitor. When I hook it up to a newer SVGA screen, it is defaulting to VGA monochrome.
I've tried using the MODE command in MS-DOS but this has no effect.
My guess is I need to re-configure the dip-switches on the graphics card. There are 4 switches, all OFF except switch 1.
The card is an ORCHID 0-VGA-30449 and dates from 1988. Does anyone out there have the info on these switches?
I've noticed that the pin arrangement of the 2 monitor cables differ. Is this an issue here also?
Thanks,
Harry
are you sure the newer SVGA screen isn't monochrome? and by monochrome, are we talking grayscale, or just Black and white?
Also, are you running Windows 3.1 and trying to run a higher res? It could be the card doesn't have enough memory to handle the higher resolutions without trading out colour capabilities.Hello BC
The SVGA monitor in question is a color monitor and I would describe its current output as grayscale. I used the term 'monochrome' because, when I run msd (MSoft Diagnostics) to check on my video settings, it reports them as:
VGA monochrome
Video mode 7
80 x 25
As you say, my DISPLAY adapter won't handle high resolutions, but I was expecting the monitor to provide the bare minimum VGA with (16?) colors.
I am running Windows 3.1 and there's a funny thing here,....when windows starts to load, the splash screen appears IN COLOR!.....but then everything goes back to gray.
I don't think my video card and monitor like each other and what "mode" commands have you tried? Any BIOS settings that might be applicable?I'd upgrade that video card to like a Trident SVGA Card with 1MB Video Ram. You can find the Trident Cards in ISA and PCI flavors, the PCI flavor might even have 2MB to 8MB Ram vs just 1MB on an ISA card. Also if your 386 supports VESA you can go that route.
The video card dated 1988 is likely older than the 386, either out of an 8088 XT or 286 AT
You can pick up a far better video card off of ebay for a few dollars plus shipping and get better results, and either 256 colors or better vs 2, 4, or 16 color VGA.
I had an old 286 which had a CGA card in it which had a video cable that looked like a serial plug, and it ram windows 3.1 in the same mode you stated, color splash screen, then Black and White / Grey scale. I popped in an 16-bit ISA Oakes Technology VGA card with 512k Ram and it was then able to play Wolfenstein 3D and Commander Keen etc... of course I had to replace the CGA display for a VGA display that I got given to me back in 1993 in order to go VGA.
Good Luck with this system... I'd definately spend a small amount of money for a better video card that doesnt have dip switches to worry about.
Quote from: DaveLembke on July 25, 2008, 10:20:21 AM I'd upgrade that video card to like a Trident SVGA Card with 1MB Video Ram. You can find the Trident Cards in ISA and PCI flavors, the PCI flavor might even have 2MB to 8MB Ram vs just 1MB on an ISA card. Also if your 386 supports VESA you can go that route.
Well, he won't be able to use PCI, since no 386 motherboard has PCI Slots. the 486 was the first to introduce that tech.
Davelembke raises a good point- it's POSSIBLE your windows configuration is set to CGA B&W instead of VGA.
Quote from: DaveLembke on July 25, 2008, 10:20:21 AM
The video card dated 1988 is likely older than the 386, either out of an 8088 XT or 286 AT
the 386 was introduced in the Compaq DeskPro in 1987, so technically it isn't older then a 386. the 386, on the other hand...
Quote from: derdup on July 24, 2008, 10:55:09 PMVGA monochrome
Video mode 7
80 x 25
So, is that a Video 7 board then? If so, you might want to find the serial number or FCC ID and try to find some proper 3.1 Drivers for it. I highly recommend a different Video card, however. I myself have around 7 ISA Video cards rotting in my closet.Thanks for your replies.
Quotewhat "mode" commands have you tried?
I tried MODE co80
Quoteit's possible your windows configuration is set to CGA B&W instead of VGA.
My windows display config is set to VGA.
Apparently the purpose of CERTAIN plug pins has changed since the early days of VGA. Of particular interest here are the pins allocated to the identifying of the monitor type. Someone on another forum has SUGGESTED I modify the video cable (making one pin NC). The more I look at this issue, the more this seems the likely solution.
When I get time, I'll make the modification and let you know how it goes.
Thanks everyone
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