Convert 1980s TV to HDMI

by madoxm in Circuits > Electronics

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Convert 1980s TV to HDMI

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Here is my 1980s Quasar Color TV which I have converted to HDMI to play on my Nintendo Switch. Could I have used a regular TV? Yes, but where's the fun in that? Here is my instructable on how you can do this yourself for your old TV needs.

Supplies

- RF Modulator: RCA to RF

- RCA Output to HDMI Input converter

- RF Coaxial (Coax) Cable

- RCA (AV) Cable

- HDMI Cable

- Old TV

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First, start by taking your coax cable and plugging it into your TV and turning it clockwise to secure it.

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Next take the other end of the coax cable and secure it to the "TOTV" port on your RF modulator. You will also want to plug your AV cable into the modulator as well making sure to plug each cable into its corresponding color. Also note that the modulator should come with a power cord which will also need to be plugged in.

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Next grab your RCA output to HDMI input convertor. Make sure to do the same as you did with the RF converter and plug each AV cable into its corresponding color. Then grab your HDMI cable and plug that into the converter as well as your device you intend to use on your TV. Here I use a Nintendo Switch. (Be sure to plug your convertor into a power source as it also needs power to operate)

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Now that everything is plugged in and hooked up to power you'll want to turn your tv on. Don't celebrate too quickly as there is one more important step.

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On your RF modulator there will be a switch with two channels on it. You will want to switch the VHF dial on your TV to match the same channel that is switched on your RF modulator. Here I use channel 4.

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Lastly turn everything on and bask in your retro TV glory.

Troubleshooting

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  • If your TV says no signal most likely it is because the device you are using on your TV is off. Make sure that is on.
  • If everything is plugged in and on and you receive a static screen make sure that there are no loose connections and make sure your TV and RF modulator are on the same channel.