The Freebies Thread

[TheShortTimer]

Yet again, an early morning jog through my neighbourhood yields a haul.

I found this LCD TV/monitor dumped on the pavement, took it home and gave it a good clean.

Composite video, S-Video, stereo audio in and a headphone jack.

Not bad. Let's have a look at the other ports.

VGA, PC audio in and RGB SCART/Euroconnector/Peritel. This is pretty decent for a freebie find.

It's compatible with worldwide voltages and the old analogue TV standards of NTSC, PAL and SECAM - which is perfect for my purposes. The TV tuner is only UHF/VHF - which has been deprecated and curiously, DVB-T isn't included. Ah well, it's not like I'll be needing that side of things.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro consoles and computers and yes, I already have a TV that fits this purpose but this one is essentially a portable that's compact enough for me to use as a test display on my repair table. Providing that it works of course. Time to find out!

Here it is connected to my C64 via S-Video displaying a beautiful PAL signal.

NTSC composite video from my A/V Famicom and the picture quality is much better than the photo suggests.

I'll have to do some testing with RGB devices and I might consider buying a remote control if I can find one for the right price.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Yet again, an early morning jog through my neighbourhood yields a haul.

I found this LCD TV/monitor dumped on the pavement, took it home and gave it a good clean.

Composite video, S-Video, stereo audio in and a headphone jack.

Not bad. Let's have a look at the other ports.

VGA, PC audio in and RGB SCART/Euroconnector/Peritel. This is pretty decent for a freebie find.

It's compatible with worldwide voltages and the old analogue TV standards of NTSC, PAL and SECAM - which is perfect for my purposes. The TV tuner is only UHF/VHF - which has been deprecated and curiously, DVB-T isn't included. Ah well, it's not like I'll be needing that side of things.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro consoles and computers and yes, I already have a TV that fits this purpose but this one is essentially a portable that's compact enough for me to use as a test display on my repair table. Providing that it works of course. Time to find out!

Here it is connected to my C64 via S-Video displaying a beautiful PAL signal.

NTSC composite video from my A/V Famicom and the picture quality is much better than the photo suggests.

I'll have to do some testing with RGB devices and I might consider buying a remote control if I can find one for the right price.

Nice top loader NES. I have one too

Is that Euro RGB connector similar to component here in the states? Too bad there isnt a DVI on there. I have quite a few freebie LCDs in the garage. You never know when you'll need one!

Very nice C64 as well

 

[TheShortTimer]

Nice top loader NES. I have one too

It's the Japan only A/V Famicom, not a U.S. top loader NES but they do look similar.

Here's some shots for you…

Unlike the original Famicom and the top loader NES, it outputs composite video instead of an RF signal via the multi-AV out port also seen on the SNES/SFC/N64/GameCube.

Is that Euro RGB connector similar to component here in the states?

I can't answer this fully but these experts can!

https://forums.atariage.com/topic/351609-rgb-vs-component-your-preference-and-why/

Too bad there isnt a DVI on there. I have quite a few freebie LCDs in the garage. You never know when you'll need one!

Couldn't agree more, especially when you have multiple set-ups. The omission of DVI is a shame but like you, I've got plenty of other gear with that feature.

Very nice C64 as well

Why thank you. I posted here about fixing it if you'd like to know more.

 

[weckart]

I'll have to do some testing with RGB devices and I might consider buying a remote control if I can find one for the right price.

Back in the day(i.e. before Covid) Poundland used to sell cheap and nasty all-in-one remotes that worked by typing in a code to set it to your particular TV. They came with a sheet with hundreds of TVs and their respective codes on them. That might be an avenue to explore if you can't find the exact remote for your mode.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Oh wow, I have never seen a famicon like that. Learn new things every day

What a neat addition to any retro gaming console collection.

 

[ToniCH]

Yet again, an early morning jog through my neighbourhood yields a haul.

I found this LCD TV/monitor dumped on the pavement, took it home and gave it a good clean.

Composite video, S-Video, stereo audio in and a headphone jack.

Not bad. Let's have a look at the other ports.

VGA, PC audio in and RGB SCART/Euroconnector/Peritel. This is pretty decent for a freebie find.

It's compatible with worldwide voltages and the old analogue TV standards of NTSC, PAL and SECAM - which is perfect for my purposes. The TV tuner is only UHF/VHF - which has been deprecated and curiously, DVB-T isn't included. Ah well, it's not like I'll be needing that side of things.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro consoles and computers and yes, I already have a TV that fits this purpose but this one is essentially a portable that's compact enough for me to use as a test display on my repair table. Providing that it works of course. Time to find out!

Here it is connected to my C64 via S-Video displaying a beautiful PAL signal.

NTSC composite video from my A/V Famicom and the picture quality is much better than the photo suggests.

I'll have to do some testing with RGB devices and I might consider buying a remote control if I can find one for the right price.

Yes, it is pretty much perfect for vintage gaming. I have one too. I think mine is the 710MP.

Almost quarter of century ago I sold it new (worked in computer sales) to my mom to use as a monitor with her Mac. Later She used it as kitchen TV. When my parents moved to smaller apartment they god rid of lots of stuff. I then got it with the remote.

The thing on top of the disk drive is the OSSC Scan Converter which upgrades resolution to bigger res screen.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Yanno what is so funny to me is that I almost bought one of these when they were new because of the built in sound bar which I liked just as a measure of desk decluttering. I ultimately ended up going with a Gateway FPD2185W. Still have it It is one of the monitors in portrait mode that I have connected to my windows gaming box (which will soon become a Linux gaming box when w10 stops updating lol). It was widescreen, crushed it with the i/o (vga/dvi/rca/component & s-video), was a usb hub with 4 usb2 ports and was rotatable, so that's what I went with despite no soundbar. It was a bit out of my price range at the time but my Dad egged me on to get it LOL. I have to say that I am happy that I did. If I had one negative thing to say about it, it is that the refresh rate was not great with that era lcd, so would crease sometimes while gaming FPSs but I did not and still do not mind.

I have been on the hunt for an old 80s tube TV of moderate size for some of my retro gaming boxes back to my 2600. Nothing beats that and when I was a kid, that is exactly what I had my systems connected to (although technically for quite a while I used my Commodore 1701). That monitor still crushes it in color. Mine needs a recap as the color went kinda wonky so maybe instead of a retro TV, I should just recap it.

Ooooooooooorrrrr both

 

[TheShortTimer]

Back in the day(i.e. before Covid) Poundland used to sell cheap and nasty all-in-one remotes that worked by typing in a code to set it to your particular TV. They came with a sheet with hundreds of TVs and their respective codes on them. That might be an avenue to explore if you can't find the exact remote for your mode.

The notorious universal remotes.

You've reminded me of the extent to which Poundland's range of items has diminished. At one point you could find so many things in there. I've found a clone remote on eBay and Amazon for £12.99 but there's a number of universal ones which are half the price. If they're compatible, I might opt for one.

Yes, it is pretty much perfect for vintage gaming. I have one too. I think mine is the 710MP.

That's the perfect endorsement.

Almost quarter of century ago I sold it new (worked in computer sales) to my mom to use as a monitor with her Mac. Later She used it as kitchen TV. When my parents moved to smaller apartment they god rid of lots of stuff. I then got it with the remote.

Yours and mine have held up well. The days of when things were built to last!

Is the remote a deal breaker, in your opinion?

The thing on top of the disk drive is the OSSC Scan Converter which upgrades resoluution to bigger res screen.

I've heard of the OSSC but I hadn't seen one in action till now. Nice to see that yours is also used with a C64!

Yanno what is so funny to me is that I almost bought one of these when they were new. I ultimately ended up going with a Gateway FPD2185W. Still have it It is one of the monitors in portrait mode that I have connected to my windows gaming box (which will soon become a Linux gaming box when w10 stops updating lol). It was widescreen, crushed it with the i/o and was rotatable, so that's what I went with. It was a bit out of my price range at the time but my Dad egged me on to get it LOL. I have to say that I am happy that I did. If I had one negative thing to say about it, it is that the refresh rate was not great, so would crease sometimes while gaming.

This one? I can see why you like it. The reviews are positive and the only downside that I can find is the max resolution of 1680 x 1050.

I have been on the hunt for an old 80s tube TV of moderate size for some of my retro gaming boxes back to my 2600. Nothing beats that and when I was a kid, that is exactly what I had my systems connected to (although technically for quite a while I used my Commodore 1701).

From my experience, a 2000s era CRT would be even better because of the advances in tube quality. I've got a couple - a Samsung 21" that my mum abandoned and a 14" portable that I found during a jog. The latter is PAL only - which means that I can't use it with my NTSC gear.

That monitor still crushes it in color. Mine needs a recap as the color went kinda wonky so maybe instead of a retro TV, I should just recap it.

Ooooooooooorrrrr both

Yeah, why not both? I think it's worth recapping anyway for the sheer fun of a nice EE project if you've got the enthusiasm.

 

[ToniCH]

Is the remote a deal breaker, in your opinion?

No, analog tv is dead so its basically only used as a display. If you can choose input and adjust volume without it then it is not needed.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I have a few crt already squirreled away in my garage and yes, image quality is unparalleled. One is actually hooked up on my test bench at the moment. I have another big 21” (I think lol) that is dead unfortunately but will get around to repairing it eventually lol.

The tube TV is a nostalgia thing for me I think. I remember my folks old Sony trinitron and would like an equivalent to sit my nes or 2600 on.

 

[ToniCH]

It is funny, back in the day when I had PM 8500/9500/9600/PowerTower Pro 225 & 250, G4s etc. and the best 20-21" Sony Trinitrons and Eizos in the market I (and others) always swore at them for their back breaking weight and were super happy when LCD displays came out. Pretty much most of the people swapped right away to LCD when big enough screens were available. Some mission critical repro/print houses kept the CRTs until the end but most ad agencies etc. swapped to Cinema displays etc. very quickly. As did I too.

In retrospect I should have kept the last 21" Trinitron I had. But, who has space for such monsters when they are considered obsolete? Now they are nowhere to be found anymore - and I still have no more space.

Last Sony Trinitron I threw away due lack of storage space was the very cool 17" dark gray monitor with a proper multimedia speakers in the stand. Cannot remember the model. That one would have been a super crt for vintage gaming but I was not thinking about that at the time.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Yep, I offloaded all my back breaking CRTs as soon as I could afford to except my 1701 and that one was safe only because I had it squirreled away at my Dads place. Dumping those boat anchors was the way back then. I jumped on the opportunity to grab the CRTs I have now when I saw them pop up on CL free a few years back. They do take up so much space and is why they are out in my garage LOL. I remember having to move with those things from floor 1 to floor 3 when I was in an apt. WOOF.

 

[ToniCH]

In my country the old good quality CRTs have vanished from existence. I guess the easy and effective recycling has taken care of them long time ago. It's been about 20 years since they were the norm and free recycling of electronics made it easy to get rid of them (and also CRT televisions) very effectively. What is left now is priced at absurd levels.

 

[TheShortTimer]

No, analog tv is dead so its basically only used as a display. If you can choose input and adjust volume without it then it is not needed.

Cool! I'll put that plan on hold for the meantime.

It is funny, back in the day when I had PM 8500/9500/9600/PowerTower Pro 225 & 250, G4s etc. and the best 20-21" Sony Trinitrons and Eizos in the market I (and others) always swore at them for their back breaking weight and were super happy when LCD displays came out. Pretty much most of the people swapped right away to LCD when big enough screens were available. Some mission critical repro/print houses kept the CRTs until the end but most ad agencies etc. swapped to Cinema displays etc. very quickly. As did I too.

In retrospect I should have kept the last 21" Trinitron I had. But, who has space for such monsters when they are considered obsolete? Now they are nowhere to be found anymore - and I still have no more space.

Last Sony Trinitron I threw away due lack of storage space was the very cool 17" dark gray monitor with a proper multimedia speakers in the stand. Cannot remember the model. That one would have been a super crt for vintage gaming but I was not thinking about that at the time.

Twenty years ago, I connected a laptop to a VGA CRT monitor for some gaming on a larger display and I was taken aback by the marked superiority of the colour and hues representation. When I discussed this with an engineer, he smiled and nodded at my discovery and explained that the flat panels and their backlights were no match for a CRT. He predicted that in years to come, many people who've jumped ship will regret doing so when they discover the shortcomings of LCD displays.

In my country the old good quality CRTs have vanished from existence. I guess the easy and effective recycling has taken care of them long time ago. It's been about 20 years since they were the norm and free recycling of electronics made it easy to get rid of them (and also CRT televisions) very effectively. What is left now is priced at absurd levels.

In London you can still find them periodically when people who can't be bothered to visit a recycling centre just dump them on the pavement etc. Whether they're actually working is another matter but they still pop up. For now…

 

[ToniCH]

Twenty years ago, I connected a laptop to a VGA CRT monitor for some gaming on a larger display and I was taken aback by the marked superiority of the colour and hues representation. When I discussed this with an engineer, he smiled and nodded at my discovery and explained that the flat panels and their backlights were no match for a CRT. He predicted that in years to come, many people who've jumped ship will regret doing so when they discover the shortcomings of LCD displays.

Yes, that is true. But, surprise surprise, also the LCD-technology advanced and became good enough for even the most demanding users quite rapidly and by then CRT were history for good - in large scale. Still today there are some uses for them in hobby circles but as said they are difficult to find now.

In London you can still find them periodically when people who can't be bothered to visit a recycling centre just dump them on the pavement etc. Whether they're actually working is another matter but they still pop up. For now…

We lack (sadly for us hobbyists and diy-people) the "leave stuff on the pavement" -culture here. Dumping anything outside of landfill and later the recycling center has been frowned upon a long time. And every town has recycling places for metal, glass, plastic containers, small batteries, paper and cardboard and some times small electronics too. Bigger electronics, home appliances and other stuff must be taken to a recycling center but those are plentiful.

BTW. is this dumping to pavement newish thing in London? I don't remember seeing anything on sidewalks when I used to live there around 35 years ago. Damn, is it that long already, feels like last year?!

 

[TheShortTimer]

Yes, that is true. But, surprise surprise, also the LCD-technology advanced and became good enough for even the most demanding users quite rapidly and by then CRT were history for good - in large scale. Still today there are some uses for them in hobby circles but as said they are difficult to find now.

I totally agree - and that's why I mentioned the timeline... I've been using a plasma TV (not LCD but still a flat panel unit) as my main display for over a decade and beyond a couple of minor issues, it surpasses my beloved Sony Trinitron 600hz CRT TV that was so huge and heavy that it took a pair of us to lug the thing outside for collection when it died. Curiously, someone else grabbed it soon afterwards!

BTW. is this dumping to pavement newish thing in London? I don't remember seeing anything on sidewalks when I used to live there around 35 years ago. Damn, is it that long already, feels like last year?!

Over the past 25 years it has certainly escalated in conjunction with an ever increasing disposable culture and rapid obsolescence. Pavements, walls, communal areas and dumpsters are all prime spots for people to discard stuff.

The demise of repair shops has also been a contributor. For example, the engineer that I mentioned earlier recalled finding an expensive TV abandoned with a note - warning people that the TV has a fault. This note was detailed enough for him to find and correct the problem. To top it all, they'd also sellotaped the remote control to the TV.

A major factor is your location in London (I'm in one of the most densely populated boroughs) and what time you happen to go out. From my personal experience, people mainly dump items late at night or during the early hours and so unless you're around during those periods, you're less likely to spot them.

 

[ToniCH]

I've been using a plasma TV (not LCD but still a flat panel unit) as my main display for over a decade

Yeah, plasma TVs were the high end stuff originally and LCD TVs were lower tier. They were too expensive for me as I was spending all my money on high computers so I "upgraded" (in size, not pic quality) from 32" Trinitron TV to 42" rear projector Sony. I was early going into home theatre stuff and had an AV-receiver and surround speakers to go with my VHS and later DVD - and the rear projector tv.

A major factor is your location in London

I used to live in Fulham. As a 19-20 year old student with active social life I was very much around during late night.

But, as computer age was still so young, everything was newish and expensive so they didn't yet get disregarded so easily. As you say, the disposable culture was not there yet?

The demise of repair shops has also been a contributor.

That is a problem here too. It is really difficult to find anybody anymore who has the skills to service for example old tape decks etc. The TV repair shops have closed long time ago as the guys retired. Only few left around the country and they will be gone too soon, unless young people see the niche as interesting. I doubt that will happen. 🙁

 

[TheShortTimer]

The more that I jog first thing in the morning, the more goodies that I find!

This is a satellite TV set-top box and PVR that's provided to subscribers of a very popular digital TV network in the UK that previously belonged to a notorious Australian mogul and is now owned by US giant Comcast. I wouldn't mind having a DVB-S2 decoder but not this type as it's basically locked to the service provider and locked down generally.

Nonetheless, this model should have a 500GB surveillance HDD - and they possess many advantages over a normal drive - endurance being one of them. With that in mind, I took it home for disassembly on my work table.

Let's have a look inside!

This was a nightmare to dismantle compared to other set-top boxes. It has definitely been designed to alert the service provider's engineers at various levels that the consumer has attempted to gain entry to the unit and to deter a novice from doing so. Ah well, slow and steady wins the race.

Nearly there. I can see the drive. Just a couple more screws...

Success!

So, what do I have?

Okay and the next questions are, does the drive actually work and what's its condition? Finder, Disk Utility and DriveDx will provide the answers.

It definitely works and I can see evidence of the previous owner's (encrypted) TV recordings. Now for the health report:

97.4% health/overall performance and zero issues found! Absolutely fantastic. I'll keep the PCBs for soldering practice, as you can never have too many to mess around on and if I stumble across this set-top box model again, I'll grab them because they're worth salvaging for their HDDs.