VGA monitor to MDD or Quicksilver

I'm considering buying a used MDD (or Quicksilver) G4. Each has a video card that serves DVI or ADC. But, the monitor I now use with my G3 B&W is a VGA (using a DB 15 connector). How can I use the VGA monitor? What device/card/adapter will do this most economically? Can I also preserve the capability to use a DVI monitor in the future?
Thanks in advance, Jim

Hi-
Simply use a DVI to VGA adapter for use with the VGA monitor. Later, remove the adapter to use with a DVI monitor.

Similar Messages

Can you use a VGA monitor on the Mac Pro model?

I'm considering getting a new Mac Pro to replace my beloved PowerMac G4 MDD. I have a ViewSonic Graphics Series 19" CRT monitor (VGA) that I use as a palette monitor, with a 19" SyncMaster LED as my main monitor (DVI). My PowerMac's video card has both DVI and VGA ports.
Will I be able to use my VGA monitor with the basic Mac Pro (MB871LL/A)? Will a DVI/VGA video port adapter work, and if so, will it work well? Thanks.

I had two 19" Viewsonic WS monitors hooked up to my X1900XT on my MacPro and it worked just fine with the VGA/DVI adapters (I got the small 2" white adapters that don't have any "cord" in the middle. I swapped them out for two 22" WS Acer monitors and now use the DVI inputs and I am still happy.

How to get two vga monitors on a mac mini 2012

Hi Guys,
please forgive any ignorance that follows. I am a new convert from a PC and have bought a Mac Mini 2012. I want to be able to use a monitor that I can see my music programme but run a second monitor that will allow me to display visuals from a VJ programme. Here is my journey.
I bought the mac mini and the thunderbolt to vga adapter. Generic VGA monitor - worked a treat. I then wanted to run a second generic vga monitor form the hdmi port. After a lot research I chose an adapter for £15 that one of the reviews said worked perfectly for a mac mini and VGA. Bought it form Amazon. Didn't work - no signal etc - refund. Then I thought I would buy a monitor / DVD with a HDMI cable and do hdmi to hdmi and use that as the music monitor and use the thunderbolt port for the projector and VJ programme. Bought one from Asda. Plugged in great picture etc worked a treat but got a ground hum from new HDMI monitor. More research and realised that ground hum was a nightmare. HDMI monitor back and refund.
It is doing my head in.
I will be a happier man if someone could say that they have a mac mini 2012 and they bought this HDMI VGA converter and use a generic vga monitor and it works a treat. There is only so much stuff I can return before my lick runs out.
I don't think I'm asking for much.
Any help would be gratefully received.
Cheers Pete

Sorry, but I can not safely suggest a digital HDMI to analog VGA converter or if any would even work with the Mac Mini because I do not have and have not personally tested any.
I can only suggest that instead of dropping more money into adapters or an HDMI to VGA converter, that perhaps' you should consider replacing one if not both with a more modern digital monitor that support either HDMI and/or DVI.

How to connect VGA Monitor via Thunderbolt Display

I've been using my Macbook Air mid 2013 with a Samsung monitor connected via the Mini Display Port to VGA adapter. I've now bought a 27" Thunderbolt display, which I've connect to my Mac, and assumed I could now daisy chain my samsung monitor into the Thunderbolt port in the back of the monitor. This isn't working.
Is this expected behaviour? Some people have said online that it will work if there's some other Thunderbolt peripheral between the Thunbolt Display and the VGA adapter, but I don't know what kind of peripheral they mean.
Apple support says that my model Macbook air can power two external displays.
How can I get this to work?
Thank you

I want to know if I can connect a vga monitor to the quad by simply getting a vga to dvi adaptor.
Yes, you can.
(50389)

Can I use a Mac mini with a VGA monitor?

The Mac mini web page lists an Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter as an accessory, but the Mac mini doesn't appear to have a Mini DisplayPort.
The Mac mini also has an HDMI to DVI Adapter included, but would this allow a VGA monitor to be connected via an additional DVI to VGA cable? ie. can the HDMI port provide an analogue signal that a VGA monitor can receive?

Some Mac Minis do have mini-DisplayPorts. In these two it is between the HDMI and the USB ports:
(yes Thunderbolt should accept mini-Displayport).
In this one it is between the Mini-DVI and the USB ports:
Only the oldest Intel models would you need a different adapter to VGA
Those you would need a DVI to VGA adapter from Apple such as this one. Note, DVI to VGA is converting digital to analog, and not very useful, unless your TV has neither DVI nor HDMI. DVI is much better converted up to HDMI. And the audio would have to come in separately. So depending on your display model and make, you may be asking for the wrong adapter. VGA is fine if all you are going to do is view DVDs on an old TV. But if you want the ability to use the Dock, menubar, etc..., it is good to have a 1080p TV with built-in HDMI or better.

No signal to VGA monitor using Mac mini display to VGA adaptor and first time boot Mac mini

Just unpacked Mac mini and powered up using Mac mini to VGA display adaptor and VGA monitor. There is no signal to the monitor ( power is on).
How to see the display?

[ 13.093] (==) No Layout section. Using the first Screen section.
[ 13.093] (==) No screen section available. Using defaults.
[ 13.093] (**) |-->Screen "Default Screen Section" (0)
[ 13.093] (**) | |-->Monitor "<default monitor>"
[ 13.093] (==) No monitor specified for screen "Default Screen Section".
Using a default monitor configuration.
First step would be to create the necessary entries (easier to make a complete xorg.conf versus xorg.conf.d/##-whatever.conf).
All Desktop Environments / Window Managers rely on X. Man pages are helpful, possibly some headaches ahead as I fought a dual-monitor display this way.
I currently run a xrandr script to switch displays on my hp pavilion: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Xrandr#Scripts
Check it out.

Don't setup an XServe with a DVI monitor if you intend to use a VGA monitor

Hi Forum Folks.
A bit of a "gotcha" to warn others about, with XServes, and VGA vs DVI monitors.
We Recently re-setup (erase + install a fresh OS) on a 2008 XServe Xeon, with a DVI (Digital) monitor connected. All worked fine, and we went to move the server into the production environment.
However, when we moved + plugged the XServe into it's new home (a rack), it would not boot (flashing question mark).
Moving the Xserve out of the rack, and back to it's work-bench setup, made it work again.
We traced the problem to the monitor we used... If we hooked up a digital (DVI) monitor, the XServe worked fine (with the mini DVI to DVI connector). If we hooked up a VGA monitor (with a mini DVI to VGA connector) that's when the XServe wouldn't boot. We tried a variety of common techniques to solve the problem, including resetting various settings, re-installing Mac OS X 10.5.6 Server over the top etc.
The solution:
(Although I'm sure there are simpler solutions):
We setup the server again (from scratch) using the VGA monitor combination from the very start of the setup, and all worked fine (on VGA or DVI monitors). The server is happily in production now, with it's VGA output.
So the lesson here: Always set up your XServe using a VGA-based monitor in the first instance.
Hope this helps someone else.
Cheers,
Derek

So the lesson here: Always set up your XServe using a VGA-based monitor in the first instance.
... or don't use a monitor at all
I don't think I've ever used a monitor when setting up a server - maybe used a KVM if I've re-installed or upgraded the OS, but for the main part every install I do is run remotely.
Still it's good to know, especially since it defies logic.

HT3382 I have a Samsung VGA Monitor connected to my MacBook Pro using the Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter. How do I configure the computer so that it doesn't sleep when I close the lid of the computer.

I have a Samsung VGA Monitor connected to my MacBook Pro using the Mini Display Port to VGA Adapter. How do I configure the computer so that it doesn't sleep when I close the lid of the computer.

Hi alangium,
Welcome to the Support Communities!
Resetting your computer's PRAM should restore your Macbook Pro's screen appearance.
OS X Mavericks: Reset your computer’s PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/ph14222
This article may provide some information about your Mini DisplayPort to AVI adapter. Have you tried to connect a different VGA monitor to your Macbook to see if you get the same results?
Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382
18. What is the maximum resolution available for use with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter?
The resolution available with the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter is 1920 x 1200. VGA displays that use higher refresh rates (such as 85 Hz) at resolutions of 1600 x 1200 or greater may not generate video properly until you lower the refresh rate.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1573#5
How can I detect displays?
If the detect displays option is not available, hold down the Option key while you are in the Display pane.
How do I select additional resolutions on my display?
You can use the Display pane of System Preferences to specify how your display works. Not all options appear for all display models. By default the best resolution for your display will already be selected in System Preferences.
To select a different resolution, use the Scaled option. Some additional resolutions may be available when you hold the Option button.
I hope this information helps ....
- Judy

Can I use the Apple ADC to DVI adapter with a VGA monitor?

Hey everybody,
I have a quick question. I work on computers fr friends and family as a hobby. I have an ADC monitor and need ot be able to hook up computers with a VGA port on them to it. Can I use the Apple ADC to DVI adapter along with an Apple DVI to VGA adapter to successfully connect VGA computers to my ADC display? I was assuming this would work and ordered both adapters but now I have made myself nervous about weather or not this will actually work. Has anybody out there successfully done this? Thanks for your help in advance everybody.

You can't run an ADC display with a VGA computer without a converter. Adapters won't do it.
a VGA to ADC converter will drive the ADC display directly
<http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1301>
If you have the Apple DVI to ADC adapter
<http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=18 72D402&nplm=M8661LL/B>
you could use it with a VGA to DVI converter
<http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1310>
It might be cheaper to get DVI graphics boards for the computers and use the Apple DVI to ADC adapter.
<http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=18 72D402&nplm=M8661LL/B>
Your title says "Can I use the Apple ADC to DVI adapter with a VGA monitor?". If you want to connect a VGA monitor to a computer's ADC port you need the ADC to VGA adapter
<http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1299> You can't use an ADC to DVI adapter followed by a DVI to VGA adapter, because the ADC to DVI adapter doesn't pass the analog video signals needed for VGA.

VGA monitor and a 2010 Mac Mini - HELP PLEASE!

I just upgraded from the early 2009 model where all you needed was a VGA to mini DVI adapter. With this 2010 model, Im not sure if thats possible (for cheap anyway). I have a VGA monitor and all I want to do is hook it up to the new mac mini ...but how? I've heard that because VGA is analog and HDMI is digital that it cannot be done for under $100 ..is this so? why oh why couldnt apple have stuck with mini dvi. Please someone advise how to do this ..or am I forced to buy a new monitor with DVI/Mini DVI/HDMI connections

Forget the HDMI port. There's the Mini DisplayPort available, and all it takes is the right adapter:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/A
That should solve your problem.

How do you plug a VGA monitor to a Mac mini (mid 2011)

I used my older Mac mini (mid 2007) with a VGA LCD monitor through an "DVI to VGA" adapter with no problems.
However, this older adapter does not fit in the "HDMI to DVI Adapter" supplied with my new Mac mini (mid 2011).
There are no receptacles (holes) in the "HDMI to DVI adapter" for the four pins located around the flat tab on one hand of the older adapter .
Any suggestion on how to plug a LCD VGA monitor to a mid 2011 Mac mini?
I know there is a Thunderbolt port and a HDMI port,
but being able to use an inexpensive VGA monitor for set-up and periodic maintenance,
without having to fire up a huge plasma screen each time, would be nice.
There is no displayport on this mid 2011 Mac mini.
There does not seem to be any HDMI to VGA nor Thunderbolt to VGA adapters on the market.
Any suggestions?

The > Apple - Thunderbolt Port is the same as and doubles as a Mini DisplayPort.
Look down at the bottom of > Mac mini (Mid 2011) - Technical Specifications in the Accessories / Displays and Graphics section or on page #33 of your User Guide.

MacBook Pro to VGA monitor

What adapter should I use to connect my MacBook Pro to my VGA monitor?

If you have MiniDisplay port or Thunderbolt then you need a MiniDisplay port to VGA adapter and a VGA cable.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3Ng&s=topSellers

Two VGA monitors don't work with two different G4s, but both work with G3!

I recently acquired two used Power Mac G4s (one of them is a mirrored-door dual-processor that I got from school and was told should work, the other is a Gigabit Ethernet model, and should also work), from two completely different sources. They both turn on (I get a power-on light, I hear HDDs churning, and I get a power chime from one of them, and they react to the usual Mac stimuli, mouse and keyboard light up, reset button works, etc.) but I get *absolutely no video*. The monitor syncs for a second, like it gets a quick signal, then goes immediately back to the "CHECK SIGNAL CABLE" message.
I have tried them both with two generic PC VGA monitors (though they were both kind of old and crummy ones, they work on my G3 and other computers. I've tried the working PCI video card from my G3, that doesn't work, nor does swapping their video cards. They both have Apple-supplied ATI AGP video cards, both with Apple's proprietary ADC interface, though one has only DVI out (with a DVI to VGA adapter that came with it) and the other has a straight VGA port.
The weird thing is that, even though these computers have never, er, met before, they have the exact same problem. The only thing these things have in common is the monitor I'm using. This leads me to believe
The only thing left I can think of is to hook them straight from the DVI port to my HDTV, but I don't have a DVI cable, much less know ANYTHING about DVI. Could it be that these particular VGA monitors don't like AGP video cards, or some sort of weird incompatibility that isn't well known?
I figure if anyone's seen something like this, you guys have. Here are the AppleHistory entries on these machines, if it helps:
http://apple-history.com/body.php?page=gallery&model=g4giga&performa=off&sort=da te&order=ASC
http://apple-history.com/body.php?page=gallery&model=g4_mirror&performa=off&sort =date&order=ASC

The software on the hard drives may be set for a video setting that won't work with your monitor. A few things to try (in order):
1) Reset PRAM. Hold down Cmd-Option-P-R when booting until you hear the third Boing.
2) Hold down Option when booting. Should show symbol of hard drive, plus a couple of arrows.
3) Boot from a CD (Install disk or, preferably, Hardware Test Disk).
4) Safe boot. Hold down "S" just after the boing. Release it when (if?) you see the turning gear.
If it is a scan rate problem, one of these should show some video.

How can I run a vga monitor and projector together on my Mac Pro 15"??

How can I run a vga monitor and projector together on my Mac Pro OSX 15"?

You can upgrade to Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain Lion (coming next month), but you need Snow Leopard to upgrade to Lion or Mountain Lion. Check this web to know how to add memory to your computer and the memory that it supports (probably, 3 GB).

Mac Mini Won't Boot with VGA Monitor Connected

I have a new Mac Mini connected to an older VGA monitor using the Apple brand VGA adapter. The mini is fully up to date and runs perfectly when booted. However, if I reboot the mini with the VGA monitor connected, it fails to boot. I just hear the faint chime sound every other second. There is no output to the monitor and the only way I can get it to boot is to disconnect the monitor and then power cycle the mini. I can reconnect the monitor just seconds after powering back on and it finishes booting properly.
Anyone else experience this? It is very frustrating. I've also tested with an HDMI connected monitor (without the VGA adapter) and it boots just fine and the display works properly.
Thanks!

Okay, I'm back with good news: I have found two remedies for the problem which will hopefully solve it for you as well.
Given that the issue only occurs when certain monitors are connected, I concluded that the root of it must be a bug in the Mac's firmware related to DDC (Display Data Channel) handling, and that the most promising way to address it should be to just disable the DDC.
Workaround #1: If your monitor has BNC connectors, use a VGA to BNC cable.
In this configuration the DDC pins are not connected to the monitor at all. This did indeed fix the problem - my Mac mini booted without a problem with the monitor connected. However, I was not completely satisfied with this solution, because VGA to BNC cables are usually quite heavy and inflexible, and do no go together well with Apple's MDP to VGA adapter and the Mini Displayport/Thunderbolt port which has no locking mechanism.
Workaround #2: Remove pin 12 of the VGA plug.
Pin 12 of the VGA plug connects the serial data line of the DDC. Pulling out this pin with a pair of needle nose pliers will effectively disable DDC. I hesitated to do this to my cable (a direct MDP to VGA cable which eliminates the need for a separate adapter dangling from the Mac) and therefore bought a tiny VGA male to female adapter (also called port saver, e.g. Delock 65250) to perform the surgery on that. This has done the trick and my Mac mini has started up fine ever since.
Of course, without DDC the Mac won't know the model name and capabilities of the attached monitor and thus offer some resolution and frequency settings which the monitor may not support, but that's a small drawback compared to having to pull out the monitor cable everytime you turn on or restart your Mac.

VGA monitor to MDD or Quicksilver

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for