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DECMate III Display Options

rengwarr

rengwarr

Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2024
Messages
15
Location
New Zealand
Hello everyone!
I recently picked up (or should I say, saved ;)), a DECMate III computer. Unfortunately it came alone, without any accessories. I was wondering what would be the easiest way to get a display for it, preferably gentle on the wallet too!
My options that I have readily available, but am unsure of what more I need are:
-HP 700/96 Terminal Monitor - Although I would need an adapter for the DB15 to plug in to the monitor
-A standard SVGA/VGA CRT Monitor - This one I haven't heard of any way of making it work, or if it can even work
These are my two options as of now, please lend any advice as it would be greatly appreciated
 

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rengwarr said:
I was wondering what would be the easiest way to get a display for it, preferably gentle on the wallet too!
-A standard SVGA/VGA CRT Monitor - This one I haven't heard of any way of making it work, or if it can even work
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Check out: DECmate OSSC info. Apparently it can be done, but I haven't done it (yet). Good luck with your DM-III. Is it floppy-only or came with a hard drive?
 
ftcnet said:
Check out: DECmate OSSC info. Apparently it can be done, but I haven't done it (yet). Good luck with your DM-III. Is it floppy-only or came with a hard drive?
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Awesome thank you, I will look into it. It is a floppy-only. For the mean time I will try some adapters to make it work onto a standard VGA monitor - although I would love to see it working on the HP terminal in the future. Unless there is a VR201 monitor lying around in NZ? :)
 
Small update!!

I have found the standard video cable (BCC02) that came with the desktop, it was hidden inside the case for some reason? First time opening it up, and it was in the empty space above the power supply. I have cleaned the inside and powered it on (without a display just yet of course), and it shows signs of life. I will be trying a DB15 to VGA to start off once they arrive, update will come again soon..
 
the decmates are pretty neat little systems, i really like my dmii. have fun with it :)
 
Update! Not a good update, was hoping my simple solution of a DB15 to VGA cable would work, but unfortunately I can't get any display out of it. Dumb question, but do I need a floppy disk to see anything display from the DMIII? Thanks
 

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rengwarr said:
Update! Not a good update, was hoping my simple solution of a DB15 to VGA cable would work, but unfortunately I can't get any display out of it. Dumb question, but do I need a floppy disk to see anything display from the DMIII? Thanks
Click to expand...
i believe the ii and iii are fairly similar underneath, and on my decmate ii if i don't have a valid boot floppy inserted i get a flashing floppy disk image on the display.

the cable probably doesn't have the same pinout you need, and you'll also need somewhere to hook up an lk201 or lk201emu; it only takes 20-30 minutes to hack together my setup so i'd go that route if you want something quick
 
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