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Any way to make my B/W screen amber?

ardsleytank

Experienced Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2015
Messages
282
Location
Tennessee
So my TRS-80 has the standard fuzzy B/W screen. It's very hard on the eyes, even if I'm only sixteen. ;)

I have seen lots of Model I/III's with green tinted anti-glare screens. Like these: http://www.vintagecomputer.net/tandy/trs80_3_hi-res/TRS-80_III_Hi-res_Hat.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGBPRKpWYAAIivH.jpg http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/79/Okona-GfhR-TRS-80.jpg

So, how can I make an amber version of one of these? I've also seen where someone pasted a green colored sheet plastic onto the screen, like the Magnavox Odessy.

Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Peter
 
"Gels" for stage lighting are very inexpensive and available in a wide variety of colors.

Or you could simply wear amber-tinted spectacles--I think that some are marketed under the brand "Blu Blockers":

313DdG7hoQL.jpg
 
So my TRS-80 has the standard fuzzy B/W screen.
So, how can I make an amber version of one of these? I've also seen where someone pasted a green colored sheet plastic onto the screen, like the Magnavox Odessy.

Putting coloured filters over the existing screen won't make it any less fuzzy. To do it properly you'll need to replace the CRT. TRS-Ian created a video a while ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sMXSMSsCZU
 
Yeah, I just thought I'd give it a shot. Where is the best place one can find a 12" Amber monochrome CRT?

Butcher up a pre-existing monitor?
 
Oh it's not really fuzzy, just not crisp like a new monitor.

Pski, I'd bet they have one, but their contact form is down.
 
Oh it's not really fuzzy, just not crisp like a new monitor.

Pski, I'd bet they have one, but their contact form is down.

yes, website is very 1990s. :) they're old school. try their email or call, i think thats how I got in touch with them.
 
Out of curiosity I got in touch with them today. They only have B&W and green @$75, no amber.
 
Green looks good BTW that's what my Model III has in it. It was in a Model 4 Gate array that I parted out due to a bad display board.
 
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If it was a 9", I'd trade you. I've been wanting a white one in my PET.

Monochrome CRTs are usually blurry for one of three reasons:

1) failed anti glare screen (you don't have)
2) mechanical damage (rare)
3) electrical problem

A new tube will not cure number 3.
 
I bought a new B&W Model III CRT (RCA 12VCLP4) from these guys a few years ago. Not the cheapest route, but it is new. Not sure if they have the equivalent in amber, but ask them.

http://www.cathoderaytubes.com/

:eek::eek::lookroun:

They sent you a real CRT, not an LCD on a metal frame?

I've ordered CRTs for industrial equipment about a dozen times in the past ten years. Every time, the price is obscene; every time they assure me it's a new CRT. Every time a big CRT-safe crate shows up, containing a VGA LCD monitor and adapter board in a CRT-frame sized 12ga metal frame.

But I never ordered one from that place. Their logo looks familiar.
 
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:eek::eek::lookroun:

They sent you a real CRT, not an LCD on a metal frame?

I've ordered CRTs for industrial equipment about a dozen times in the past ten years. Every time, the price is obscene; every time they assure me it's a new CRT. Every time a big CRT-safe crate shows up, containing a VGA monitor and adapter board in a CRT-frame sized 12ga metal frame.

But I never ordered one from that place. Their logo looks familiar.

Yep, brand new naked CRT tube! Not sure if it's NOS or if someone is still making them.
 
Not sure if these guys would sell just a bare CRT, but they specialize in replacement gaming and industrial displays - CRT and LCD.

http://www.niemandisplays.com/index.htm

Almost got one of their CGA-LCD panels for a piece of test equipment (found a mint pair of IBM CGA and monochome monitors the following week instead).
 
I actually found that part number watching Ian's CRT replacement video linked earlier. He shows the tubes and part numbers. He specifically said this is an Amber display. Just have to watch it carefully and pause the video to see the entire part number and the manufacturer was VDC. And that is was new.
 
Yep, brand new naked CRT tube! Not sure if it's NOS or if someone is still making them.

I wish I'd known that when I needed them. Do you know what brand?

If anyone's actually making them, theyre probably in Taiwan or further.
 
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