Hey, I know there is a 128 forum, but there are a lot of 128 guys here so I thought I'd check here first. I saw that there is a cable that allows you to plug into a regular TV (with S-video or composite?) and get your 128 to work in 40 and/or 80 column mode. I found some dead links on ebay, but don't know where I could get one. I don't have the space for a 1902 monitor and was hoping to use a regular CRT or LCD TV.

I have been an owner of a C64 for 24 years, but just got my first 128 a few months ago and would like to use it. I have a composite plug to use in 40 column mode already, but need the 80 column mode too. I checked the forum here before posting, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks for any help!

80 column mode on a TV is only possible in monochrome. You need a cable that connects from the 8-pin round video input to a scart or chinch-video connector on the TV.

For coloured 80 column mode you need a monitor or other display that can do digital RGB. Most TVs cannot do RGB at all, some can, but only analogue RGB. I think there exists some schematics for a do-it-yourself converter (digital to analogue), if I remember it wasn't that difficult, just some resistors, but I would have to search to find this again.
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Right. If you want colour 80 column mode on a non-RGBI monitor then you'll have to invest in a conversion device. Luckily they'll only run you about $25.
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Thanks guys,

Is this what I need?

http://www.converters.tv/produ...c/477.html

It looks good, but is pricy. Also the power supply plug is not compatible with anything in my house.

Anyone know of an affordable place to buy such a thing?

This looks like an analogue RGB to video converter.
But what you need is a RGBI (red, green, blue, intensity), (also called digital RGB or RGB TTL) converter to video.

As mentioned, if your TV can accept analogue RGB signals then you just need a converter for analogue to digital RGB, which might be cheaper or easier to make one yourself.

I found schematics and it isn't that difficult!
You just need 6 resistors and 3 diodes.
Here is a German site which explains how to do it (even when you cannot read German you can see the schematics):
http://www.emu-ecke.de/index_q..._rgb_2.htm
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This will do what you want. It converts the 128's RGB to composite and S-video in full colour. It's only $25 so it's a whole lot easier to swallow than that other device (which isn't what you need anyway). I would check out this thread at 128 Alive! for more information about the device and how it works.

Hope that helps.
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Thanks Overdoc and Golan! It looks like my problem could be solved, but I have to do some tinkering with electronics first.