Apple Multiple Scan 20

Matt Ross
August 24, 2024, 4:00 am
October 2, 2024, 5:50 pm

Summary

Despite its dry, overly descriptive name, Apple's "Multiple Scan 20" monitor was a very capable display for its time. Manufactured by Sony in 1994, it features a 20" (19" viewable) dark tinted Trinitron tube, similar to those used in 20" PVMs. It has advanced features such as digital convergence controls accessible from the front panel. Picture quality in 480p and HD resolutions is softer than newer PC monitors in its size range, very similar to a multiformat BVM. It has a maximum scan rate of 83 kHz, and will display 1024x768 at 100 Hz.

Literature

Notes

This monitor was also identified as model # M1823.

This model will accept separate H/V sync, composite sync, and sync on green. For composite sync (through the H Sync pin), the switch on the back of the monitor must be set to 75.

The monitor comes with a built in video cable with a proprietary Macintosh DA-15 connector. It was advertised as being compatible with PCs, and was sold with a VGA to Mac adapter. However, the connector on the attached cable is 3.5 inches long and very heavy, due to an integrated ferrite core. The additional length provided by the adapter may put excessive strain on the VGA connector. In practice it's better to make an adapter with a short length of flexible cable for adequate strain relief. An adapter can easily made by soldering a female DA-15 connector to a VGA cable.

DB15 Pinout

  1. Ground
  2. Red
  3. Green
  4. Ground
  5. Blue
  6. V Sync
  7. Ground
  8. H Sync

Gallery

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