CraftyMech TPG Manual

Test pattern generator

Hide thumbs

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Links

Download this manual

Table of Contents

Need help?

Do you have a question about the TPG and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for CraftyMech TPG

Page 2 Test Pattern Generator Updated 6/7/2021 - Firmware 05 (C) 2014-2021 CraftyMech LLC http://craftymech.com...
Page 3 Usage The Test Pattern Generator produces display patterns for use with Standard Resolution (15.7khz) and Medium Resolution (24khz) RGB monitors. These patterns may be used to calibrate a display, or diagnose display issues. FEATURES • Selectable resolution (Standard/Medium) • Single button operation •...
Page 4 Menu. If all patterns & animations are disabled, then only the title screen will be displayed. I changed the DIP switch for resolution but nothing happened. Resolution change will take effect when the TPG is power-cycled. This protects you from accidently changing the resolution, and possibly damaging the monitor circuitry.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS 1. Output Header 2. Resolution 3. Battery Level 4. Patterns 5. Animations 6. DIP Switches 7. Menu 8. Troubleshooting 9. Test Cables...
Page 6: Output Header
1: Output Header The output header is a 10 pin interface for connecting the TPG to a monitor chassis. The layout from left to right is: R, G, B, GND, V, H, n/c, GND, -V, -H It is recommended to use a test cable with a 4 position connector for R,G,B,GND and a 2 position connector for the desired sync polarity.
Page 7: Resolution
Always double check the resolution switch setting before connecting the TPG to a monitor chassis. Mismatching the resolution & chassis type may result in damage to the chassis when the TPG is powered on. Notes on Medium resolution • These patterns are not available: 8 Color Bars (Alternate version), RGB Crosshatch.
Page 8: Battery Level
Access the Menu (by holding down the MODE button), to view the most recent battery reading. The battery level is measured by checking the output of the TPG’s +5v voltage regulator. As the 9volt battery capacity diminishes from use, the output of this voltage regulator will drop below the nominal +5v.
Page 9: Patterns
4: Patterns The MODE button is used to select the test pattern to display. Pressing MODE will cycle through the available patterns for the chosen resolution. Holding down MODE will display the Menu, where patterns may be toggled ON/OFF. When cycling through patterns using the MODE button, only enabled patterns will be displayed.
Page 10: Animations
5: Animations The TPG includes looping sequences for verifying operation over an extended time. They are designed to refresh the display continously, preventing image burn-in that might occur with a static pattern. There are five animations included, which can be enabled/disabled via the Menu.
Page 11: Dip Switches
6: Dip Switches The Dip Switch bank has 4 switches. Dip switches are always in one of two states: ON or OFF. The switch numbers run from left (1) to right (4). A switch is ON, when the top of the rocker switch is depressed. A switch is OFF, when the bottom of the rocker switch is depressed.
Page 12: Menu
7: Menu The on-screen Menu is activated by holding down the MODE button. The Menu is only supported in Standard resolution, although the settings will carry over to Medium resolution. The MODE button is used to navigate the Menu options. A short press of the MODE button will move the cursor to the next option, while a longer press of the MODE button will toggle the option between Y/N.
Page 13 Sleep The sleep/resume feature of the TPG is designed to save battery life if the unit is accidently left on. When enabled, the TPG will enter a low-power state after the configured time interval of no activity (pressing the MODE button resets the sleep timer).
Page 14: Troubleshooting
If your test cable has a separate connector for sync (recommended), try turning the sync connector so just the H pin is connected. If you are sure the sync is connected properly between the TPG & • monitor chassis, then the hold/sync pot on the chassis may need to be adjusted slightly to lock in the picture.
Page 15 The display is too dim/bright, or the contrast is too low/high. Adjustment of the monitor chassis brightness/contrast pots may be needed, to better match the RGB signal levels of the TPG. The TPG does not enter sleep mode if left running.
Page 16: Test Cables
8: Test Cables The part numbers below can be used to build your own test cable for use with the TPG. The recommended length is 6’, with a pair of connectors on each end (4pin + 2pin). The connector pinout is as follows, from left to right:...