IMac G3

Medic_wheat · 02/16/2015, 07:00 PM

So I have been thinking of picking up 3-4 iMac G3s (various colors but red and blue are must).

But I want to get them to use their colorful cut CRTs in there candy coated all in one sexy shapes for retro gaming.

I think I could pick up 4 15 inch G3s for what? $100-200?

The question I have is:

Who knows how to mod the CRTs to allow Let mehook up RGB?

Also anyone got any G3s they don't want? Free is better but of course I'd pay shipping.

SuperDeadite · 02/17/2015, 03:27 AM

Well, I'm no Mac expert, but I'd assume an iMac monitor cannot display any lower then 31khz. Meaning you would need some kind of 15khz RGB->31khz RGB device. Such as the popular XRGB series. There are cheaper chinese products online as well.

Medic_wheat · 02/17/2015, 08:54 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 02/17/2015, 03:27 AMWell, I'm no Mac expert, but I'd assume an iMac monitor cannot display any lower then 31khz. Meaning you would need some kind of 15khz RGB->31khz RGB device. Such as the popular XRGB series. There are cheaper chinese products online as well.

Yes I researched this past my inital idea and realized that this would be a road block.

sigh....

I still like the idea.

SignOfZeta · 02/17/2015, 04:29 PM

Yeah, they're from 1997 so they aren't TVs or whatever you were thinking.

It could still be done, but it would have to be a labor of love because financially it doesn't make much sense.

Medic_wheat · 02/17/2015, 04:52 PM

Quote from: SignOfZeta on 02/17/2015, 04:29 PMYeah, they're from 1997 so they aren't TVs or whatever you were thinking.

It could still be done, but it would have to be a labor of love because financially it doesn't make much sense.

Oh I know they are computers. But I had thought I heard people could take the crt monitors from older pre LcD computers for use on retro games.

Well at the very least I know some have used these G3 computers to play dream cast games as the dream cast can do video out straight to a computer monitor. So that could be a snazzy option just for the fun of it.

SignOfZeta · 02/19/2015, 12:18 PM

Older computer monitors could sync to 240p sources, but those are generally older than an iMac. Usually stuff from the early 90s or even older. By 1997 this was removed from almost anything marketed as a display for home computers.

As for the DC, it would be easier, but you still need to hack the iMac to accept the DC. These machines do not come with any sort of "video in".

Nazi NecroPhile · 02/19/2015, 02:23 PM

Quote from: SignOfZeta on 02/19/2015, 12:18 PMThese machines do not come with any sort of "video in".

I was curious about how mw would connect it yesterday, so I did a little googlin'; apparently the early models with tray loading cd drives use a standard mac db-15 connector internally between the motherboard and the monitor.

bartre · 02/19/2015, 03:33 PM

better use of a mac:

Medic_wheat · 02/19/2015, 04:31 PM

Quote from: guest on 02/19/2015, 02:23 PM
Quote from: SignOfZeta on 02/19/2015, 12:18 PMThese machines do not come with any sort of "video in".
I was curious about how mw would connect it yesterday, so I did a little googlin'; apparently the early models with tray loading cd drives use a standard mac db-15 connector internally between the motherboard and the monitor.

I plan to use a hammer......

Eh honestly if I happen to find one locally (as shipping eats up any fun/ramps up cost) for $50 or less then I'll pick up a G3 just for the LOLZ until I can tinker with it.

Heck I might even pick up a complete G3 just for fun to gut and use as a fancy pants case to put in a more modern iMac just because I dig the look of these.

Also I remember these being so "the it computer" when I was in Highschool.

bartre · 02/19/2015, 06:02 PM

more better uses:

NightWolve · 02/19/2015, 06:08 PM

Quote from: bartre on 02/19/2015, 06:02 PMmore better uses:

HAHAHAHA! Fisk tank idea = awesome! Nicely done there, too!

xcrement5x · 02/20/2015, 02:10 PM

Those are awesome! I really like the Dreamcast one.

I just looked online and found one for about $30 up in Highlands Ranch, hmmmm.

SignOfZeta · 02/20/2015, 07:58 PM

Quote from: guest on 02/19/2015, 02:23 PM
Quote from: SignOfZeta on 02/19/2015, 12:18 PMThese machines do not come with any sort of "video in".
I was curious about how mw would connect it yesterday, so I did a little googlin'; apparently the early models with tray loading cd drives use a standard mac db-15 connector internally between the motherboard and the monitor.

Cool! I wonder if those were bondi blue only still...

Btw, Apple also sold standalone displays that were somewhat similar in design to the OG iMac, although they probably didn't shift nearly as many units.