VS19e vs e190i

[CamilliLa]

I've had an AlphaServer1000 for 20 years.  It has a video card that claims (by its stickers) to be a 54-23184-01, but seems to really be a ZLXp-E1.

With the video card connected to a monitor, when the O/S is not running, cpnsole output is displayed (as text scrolling down the whole screen).  With the O/S running, the display is DECwindows.  Never had a problem until I was forced to switch to modern HP monitors.

After I switched from CRT monitors, I used HP VS19e monitors.  They''re pretty unreiiable, and I'm down to my last one (and its display is screwed-up).  Difficult to find on-line these days.  I tried an EliteDisplay E190i.  No matter what I've tried, it says "no signal".  The E190is that I have on a Windows XP workstation and a CentOS Linux Deskpro both claim to be operating at 60Hz and 1280x1024.  I set the AS1000 video card to both of its possible 1280x1024 settings (via DIP switches on the board).  Still "no signal".  I tried connecting an L1940T.  Same thing.  I tried the L1940T connected to the AS1000 native VGA port (on the main board).   It works, but the resolution is way off, so the terminal windows take up the whole screen and can't be cascaded.  In the manual for a DIFFERENT board (ELSA GLoria Synergy / CPQ 298693-001), there are scripts to run in the O/S to change the resolution.  Haven't tried that, yet.

My question is why the monitor says "no signal".  When kind of VGA stuff might be going to the monitor that it doesn't recognize?  Would it do that with the wrong pixel frequency  (e.g., 108MHz)?  Refresh rate?  60Hz?  Resolution?  What settings does the VS19E have that the E190i does not have?  How do I find a monitor that has whatever the VS19E has that works with the AS1000 VGA card?  Or, how do I find a video vcard that'll work with an E190i monitor?

[70007]

Hello CamilliLa,

Thank you for posting your concern,

I'm here to assist with HP products and services, so I can provide guidance on compatibility issues with your HP VS19e monitors.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Resolution and Refresh Rate:

   • Ensure that your AlphaServer's video output settings are compatible with modern monitors. Check the resolution and refresh rate in the DECwindows settings. A resolution that is too high or a refresh rate that isn’t supported might prevent display output.

2. Monitor Input Settings:

   • Verify that the HP VS19e monitor is set to the correct input source. If it has multiple inputs (VGA, DVI), ensure it's configured for the input connected to the AlphaServer.

3. Video Card Compatibility:

   • Ensure that the video card and its drivers (if applicable) are compatible with the current display technology. While the ZLXp-E1 might have worked fine with CRTs or older LCDs, modern flat panels can sometimes have compatibility issues.

4. Cabling:

   • Check that all video cables are secure and in good condition. Also, try different cables if possible to rule out defects.

5. Monitor Firmware Update:

   • Some monitors receive firmware updates to address compatibility or functionality issues. Check on the HP website or contact support to see if there are any firmware updates available for the VS19e.

6. Test Different Monitors:

   • If possible, test the AlphaServer with a different modern monitor to see if the issue lies with the current monitor setup.

Should these steps not resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to involve a technical expert familiar with legacy systems and modern display technology integration. Unfortunately, beyond general troubleshooting, support for AlphaServers specifically may be limited due to their age and the specific technology involved.