It sounds like the DVI to VGA adapter you have is the problem. It's not the old Gateway FPD1500 (I had one) as it's a standard VGA interface, not something special that will only work with a Gateway PC.
Doublecheck the adapter connector and make sure it's fully seated into the DVI jack on the PC. Also, make sure the VGA cable is fully seated into the adapter. If that's not the problem, take the adapter back and exchange it for another. On the remote chance the PC is the problem, have them check the adapter out at Radio Shack to verify it's operation.
EDIT: Fireberd beat me to the post.... I was going by the specs from Gateway HERE, which says the FPD1500 was digital only. If Fireberd's right (he usually is), well, I guess I blew it. :emotion-4:
That monitor seems to use an old digital-only standard (DFP/MDR-20).. It requires a digital video signal, but your 545S is putting out an analog (VGA) signal. Just getting the plugs to fit won't do it - a plug alone can't convert a signal.
The adapter you probably have would work only if the monitor had DVI-I, which is a combination input that can accept either a VGA or a DVI signal - but that monitor does not.
To use that monitor, you'd need a video card with true Digital out (DVI), and the approprate adapter to convert the DVI plug to MDR-20, but with a slim model your choices are somewhat limited.
The adapter was in a package that looked like it was opened and returned about a half dozen times. I'll take it back to Radio Shack and ask for a new one. Thanks for the tip, I hope it works.
The image below shows most standard PC monitor connections (though it does not include really new ones like Display Port or HDMI). The key is whether the connection to the Gateway monitor is only digital, only analog, or a combination digital/analog (which is only DVI-I or rarely DVI-A). Combination signals can be converted back and forth with a simple adapter, but a single type of signal (VGA, DVI-D, or DFP) can't be converted to another type without an actual signal converter.
The monitor I had was purchased with a new Gateway 700S PC in 2002 (about the same vintage as a Dell Dimension 8200). It was a VGA interface. The monitor failed while in warranty and was replaced by Gateway with a new unit, which was the same interface.
However, doing a google search it appears there were several different versions of this monitor and some did have a different interface.
Oh oh, I'm not at home now to check, but the 2nd image from the bottom looks like what I might have. This would mean I need a signal converter, whatever that is. :(
The monitor has the connection depicted in the 2nd image from the bottom . So apparently I need a signal converter to use this monitor with my VGA computer.
Does anyone know where I can get a signal converter?
PS. If this was for me, I would've bought a 17" flat screen monitor with VGA output and been done with it, but I'm doing this for a friend who is on a tight budget.
Fireberd - could it have been a 1530 instead of a 1500? The 1530 HERE is analog.
Anyway, just to triple check - the site below has an FPD1500 for sale with all the cables, etc. If you click the picture it gives a larger view of the cables and connections:
If that's what it is, then it needs a digital signal. You basically have 3 options:
1) A different monitor with VGA inputs. If your friend isn't fussy, and money is really tight, you may be able to find an older CRT really cheap - I've seen them at Goodwill and such.
2) Install a video card in the PC with Digital DVI output. Just an example below - not expensive, as long as you install it yourself (not that difficult - the PC manual has details).
EDIT: Any new video card must be clearly a low-profile card - a standard size card won't fit in the slim tower.
3) The external VGA to DVI signal converter I mentioned is possible, but they're expensive ($150 to 200), and I don't know if how well they work, either (linked one below anyway). I probably shouldn't have mentioned it - it was mainly to illustrate the dilemma. Better and cheaper to have the right digital/analog connections built-in to either the monitor or the PC's video card than to try and do it with an external box.
fireberd
9 Legend
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33.4K Posts
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March 28th, 2010 16:00
It sounds like the DVI to VGA adapter you have is the problem. It's not the old Gateway FPD1500 (I had one) as it's a standard VGA interface, not something special that will only work with a Gateway PC.
Doublecheck the adapter connector and make sure it's fully seated into the DVI jack on the PC. Also, make sure the VGA cable is fully seated into the adapter. If that's not the problem, take the adapter back and exchange it for another. On the remote chance the PC is the problem, have them check the adapter out at Radio Shack to verify it's operation.
Alexandra_P
3 Apprentice
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2.6K Posts
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March 28th, 2010 16:00
EDIT: Fireberd beat me to the post.... I was going by the specs from Gateway HERE, which says the FPD1500 was digital only. If Fireberd's right (he usually is), well, I guess I blew it. :emotion-4:
That monitor seems to use an old digital-only standard (DFP/MDR-20).. It requires a digital video signal, but your 545S is putting out an analog (VGA) signal. Just getting the plugs to fit won't do it - a plug alone can't convert a signal.
The adapter you probably have would work only if the monitor had DVI-I, which is a combination input that can accept either a VGA or a DVI signal - but that monitor does not.
To use that monitor, you'd need a video card with true Digital out (DVI), and the approprate adapter to convert the DVI plug to MDR-20, but with a slim model your choices are somewhat limited.
ko40370
9 Posts
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March 28th, 2010 19:00
The adapter was in a package that looked like it was opened and returned about a half dozen times. I'll take it back to Radio Shack and ask for a new one. Thanks for the tip, I hope it works.
Gary
Alexandra_P
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2.6K Posts
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March 28th, 2010 23:00
Figured I might as well post this - just in case.
The image below shows most standard PC monitor connections (though it does not include really new ones like Display Port or HDMI). The key is whether the connection to the Gateway monitor is only digital, only analog, or a combination digital/analog (which is only DVI-I or rarely DVI-A). Combination signals can be converted back and forth with a simple adapter, but a single type of signal (VGA, DVI-D, or DFP) can't be converted to another type without an actual signal converter.
fireberd
9 Legend
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33.4K Posts
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March 29th, 2010 04:00
The monitor I had was purchased with a new Gateway 700S PC in 2002 (about the same vintage as a Dell Dimension 8200). It was a VGA interface. The monitor failed while in warranty and was replaced by Gateway with a new unit, which was the same interface.
However, doing a google search it appears there were several different versions of this monitor and some did have a different interface.
ko40370
9 Posts
0
March 29th, 2010 12:00
Oh oh, I'm not at home now to check, but the 2nd image from the bottom looks like what I might have. This would mean I need a signal converter, whatever that is. :(
ko40370
9 Posts
0
March 31st, 2010 08:00
The monitor has the connection depicted in the 2nd image from the bottom . So apparently I need a signal converter to use this monitor with my VGA computer.
Does anyone know where I can get a signal converter?
PS. If this was for me, I would've bought a 17" flat screen monitor with VGA output and been done with it, but I'm doing this for a friend who is on a tight budget.
Alexandra_P
3 Apprentice
•
2.6K Posts
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March 31st, 2010 13:00
Fireberd - could it have been a 1530 instead of a 1500? The 1530 HERE is analog.
Anyway, just to triple check - the site below has an FPD1500 for sale with all the cables, etc. If you click the picture it gives a larger view of the cables and connections:
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SDP1500-R&cat=MON
If that's what it is, then it needs a digital signal. You basically have 3 options:
1) A different monitor with VGA inputs. If your friend isn't fussy, and money is really tight, you may be able to find an older CRT really cheap - I've seen them at Goodwill and such.
2) Install a video card in the PC with Digital DVI output. Just an example below - not expensive, as long as you install it yourself (not that difficult - the PC manual has details).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121310
EDIT: Any new video card must be clearly a low-profile card - a standard size card won't fit in the slim tower.
3) The external VGA to DVI signal converter I mentioned is possible, but they're expensive ($150 to 200), and I don't know if how well they work, either (linked one below anyway). I probably shouldn't have mentioned it - it was mainly to illustrate the dilemma. Better and cheaper to have the right digital/analog connections built-in to either the monitor or the PC's video card than to try and do it with an external box.
http://www.datapro.net/products/vga-to-dvi-d-analog-digital-convertor.html