Q. I would like to use a monitor with my Commodore 64. I have access to an ICL green screen monitor and would like to know if it is possible to use this. If so, how do I connect the two?

B. Miller
Widnes

A. On the rear of the Commodore 64 are two DIN sockets. One has a composite video signal on it. If the monitor you wish to use with the C64 has a composite video interface, you should be able to use this output with no problems.

If, on the other hand, the monitor has an RGB output I'm afraid you're out of luck.

We are not familiar with the monitor you mention but since it is a green screen monitor, and not colour, we assume it is a composite monitor. In that case you need to purchase a 5-pin DIN socket and the necessary connector for your monitor.

Pin 4 on the DIN connector should be connected to the video in on your monitor and pin 2 should be connected to the earth. If your monitor has a sound input you can also write pin 3 on the DIN connector to your monitor. If your monitor doesn't have a sound input you won't hear any sound at all from your C64.

If you want to know more about the DIN connector the pin out is covered at the back of the Commodore 64 manual and the Commodore 64 reference guide.