AussieM8

Hi guys

I have a project I'm working on and I am trying to work out a solution to split the VGA signal "within the box" so I can connect a permanent screen but also use the VGA port at the back if I want to hook up an external monitor/TV screen.

Essentially, I want to wire in a splitter directly to the motherboard - connecting one end of the splitter to an attached LCD and the other to the plate on the back of the puter. I hope I've explained that OK.

Has anyone done this and is there any 'trick' involved with the wiring.

The way I see it, I would have to buy one of these then cut the cable and wire it into the PC. :
1 PC to 2 VGA SVGA Monitor Y Splitter Cable / Lead - eBay VGA, SVGA, Cables, Connectors, Components, Upgrades, Computers. (end time 25-Jul-08 20:51:05 AEST)

Any easier solution (and not sure if possible) would be to buy this item and somehow 'bend' the existing VGA port on the motherboard UP so I can connect the adapter without wiring. I could then put one of the cables through to the back plate and the other to the attached LCD unit.

Any help would be appreciated.

Mods: If this is better in the hardware section, please move

gavpk

If both screens are not required at the same time,
a KVM switch may give you a solution

AussieM8

Yeah, they both don't have to be used at the same time but whatever solution it is, I want it to be in inside the box.

gavpk

or a dual vga out video card? then just do your rewiring on one of the vga ports, might be a bit fine, but you may be able to desolder one and extend the pins so you can move it where you want.

z80

dual head video card.

I prefer a matrox millenium g450.

they are cheap and do they will do what you intend far better with less bugs.


Also suggest you check out the negative feedback on that splitter cable link on ebay.

Plenty of unhappy buyers...

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fandtm666

is you mother board a standard agp based board if so i have a video card here that the vga has a removable cable on it and you can just plug your new cable with appropriate header on it and remains internal




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AussieM8

Thanks for the reply fellas ... a dual head video card would be a good idea but as it's a mini-itx, space is limited. It has onboard video and only one PCI slot which I am unable to use as there is no room for the riser.

AussieM8

So can you buy pins to extend it or is it a matter of finding the right type of wire and soldering them on?

I may have to give up the idea of having dual VGA out, so I'd be happy to just keep the video connector inside the box. Essentially, I've cut a square whole in the case and mounted a lcd to it with the wiring inside. I didn't want to run a VGA cable out through the back and into the VGA port if I could help it.

gavpk

if its onboard graphics, then i would run a lead out the back of the box, you may be able to
get some sort of right angle vga adapter to make things a bit tidy, i say this because unless
your soldering skills are fairly good, you may risk lifting a track and trashing you main board.
If you still want it all incase then remove the motherboard and have a look under the vga head,
you should 15 spots (i thinks its 15?) where the pins penetrate the board and solder to the
underside, just solder wire directly to these, the other ends go to a plug, a quick google search
will find the vga pinouts
here is an example of what i talking about.

PhillTheQuad

i got giga am2 board here.
vga and dvi out from mobo.
tv out pins on board,lead to plate with composite? output?
GIGABYTE - Product - Motherboard - Specification - GA-MA69GM-S2H (rev. 1.0)

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AussieM8

Nah ... it's a mini-itx case but thanks anyway.

AussieM8

I think this is a good option gavpk. I am not the best solderer and my iron doesn't have a fine tip, but will give it a crack as it would be a good solution to enable both the existing vga at the back and hard-wire the screen using the soldered wires. I have a spare board if things turn ugly