atlas@cbnewsd.ATT.COM (scott.s.abderhalden) (11/17/89)
Product Review: Multi-Switch cable for Atari's and Multisync-type monitors Manufacturer: IB Computers 9244 S.W. Beaverton-Hillside Hwy Beaverton, OR 97005 (503) 297-8425 Background: I delved into the world of Atari color by purchasing an AT&T CRT329M Multisync-type monitor. In fact it comes off the same assembly line as the NEC monitors and is identical to the II+. I had planned on having my local Atari dealer make a cable for me; the specs for which have already been broadcast over the net. He turned me on to this new product, Multi-Switch. He gave it to me at cost since he wanted feedback on how it worked. ($US 32.95) The 4' cable has a 3"x4"x2" box mid-length with a color/mono button. As expected, changing to and from mono and color reboots the system. There are also two RCA jacks on the box for audio-in and audio-out. Results: What versatility! The monochrome mode is a bit hazy on using multisync but its quite acceptable. The color modes are exhilarating. Crisp and solid displays. 8^) There wasn't enough juice on the DIN cable to sufficiently power the box, so I was forced to buy a 9v. 500mA adaptor. There is a female-side inlet built into the box, so they must have expected this problem. The last outlet on the power strip thus being eaten up. 8^( I do miss a volume control on the audio. I have lots of background noise as home (two boys) and can't drown it out anymore. 8^( Overall, I would rate this as a solid product for those of us who need it. It has it's shortcomings but I consider them minor in light to the versatility provided by the monitor. - Scott Abderhalden att!golfer!atlas