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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: Wibox on Sat, 11 June 2011, 14:34:01

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: Wibox on Sat, 11 June 2011, 14:34:01

I purchased an IBM 5155 and I am humbled by its awesome monitor, monitor controls, and keyboard.

I'd like to use linux on it without X- just the usual cli tools- ssh and irssi mostly.
I realize linux isn't going to run on this ancient hardware, so I need to figure out how to replace the motherboard in this thing with having the monitor survive.

I know I'll need to also make modifications to the keyboard, replace the power supply, etc..

I'm not familiar with the old monitor technologies here so I need some help if anyone can give it.

The monitor is connected to an RF modulator which is then connected to a 4pin composite connector on the CGA video card. The video card (and this 4pin connector) is described here (http://www.seasip.info/VintagePC/cga.html).

I'm not sure if CGA composite is the same as normal composite or not. If it is, could I just connect the composite output of a video card to the RF modulator?

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: Wibox on Sat, 11 June 2011, 15:29:14

A friend pointed me in the direction of the Wikipedia page for CGA which states that the composite output is in normal NTSC format.

So.... The pins for the monitor are:

    Pin 1 is +12V
    Pin 2 is not present
    Pin 3 is composite video
    Pin 4 is ground

I could use the +12V from the peripheral connector on a power supply

http://www.smpspowersupply.com/ATX-connectors.JPG

And then I'm guessing since it is NTSC that the composite out of any video card will work?

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: Wibox on Sat, 11 June 2011, 21:27:00

Quote from: kalrykh;359186

someone ban that **** already :P

 
I guess the spam post was deleted by the time I saw this so it looked like you were replying directly to me. I was so confused :(

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 12 June 2011, 07:40:51

Im not sure if an ATX mobo will fit inside one of those things, would be interesting to fit a small embedded board inside it though.

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: bhtooefr on Sun, 12 June 2011, 09:13:16

XT form factor is the same as Baby AT. So, you can get as late as a P4 in there, although I'd recommend something a bit... lower power... (Besides, P4 Baby AT boards aren't exactly common.)

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: DaemonRaccoon on Sun, 12 June 2011, 09:18:27

Quote from: ripster;359390

Put a BIG fan in there if you go P4.  Like a GE turbine.

High CFM Delta fans.

Title: IBM 5155 with modern parts?
Post by: wcass on Sun, 12 June 2011, 15:58:56

you could go with a ITX board. an Atom cpu and board are dirt cheap and would run a text UI just fine and generate little heat. replace the original system board with a metal plate. mount the new system board to the plate with standoffs - leaving room to make connections to the IO ports. extend IO ports to the original slot covers. gut the original PSU case and drop in the internals of a modern PSU. you might also try to mount a floppy faceplate on a slot-load optical drive.

from the outside it would look stock.