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I picked up this TV and thought it may be fun to use it with a Raspberry Pi.

https://www.cnet.com/products/spectra-52-bw-5-crt-tv/

However, I soon realized the only way to get a video signal to the TV is via VHF or UHF signals. The only inputs to the TV are an antenna and a headphone jack.

I did find information for the Pi TV Hat:

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-tv-hat/

However, it doesn't look like it can broadcast UHF or VHF. I tried some Google searching but can't find much info for RPi and UHF or VHF.

I do realize there are laws governing broadcasting UHF/VHF but I'm only planning to do very short range transmission, like from across a room so about 15 feet or 5 meters max.

Does anyone have information on a good direction I can take with this project or is this simply a futile cause?

I do understand the resolution of the TV is low. I don't care about that. I just want the effect of displaying video on this small TV.

Justin
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2 Answers2

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I think the most simple way is to use the Pi's composite video output and a "Composite to RF modulator" sometimes referred to as "RCA RF modulator" since the composite A/V is using a RCA connector. These devices are independent of the Pi and could be used with any composite source. One would reasonably assume those devices will comply with all relevant regulations on broadcasting. (I will not recommend a specific product but you'll find a few online starting at about $10.)

Note that the Pi 3 has a composite video out that is routed to the sleeve of the 3.5 mm Audio/Video jack, see my answer here. There is no need to use an additional HDMI to RCA converter.

Ghanima
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I got it to work! In the end, it was simpler than I thought. Basically, through a series of cables and adapters, you can simply convert the HDMI output to an RF signal then send it directly into the TV's antenna jack. Then you adjust the frequency and you have a display!

The quality isn't the best and the color is only black and white but it does look really cool.

I've updated my website and added this to my projects. If you click on RPi CRTV Monitor, you can see photos of the connections and video output.

https://justinckirk.com/pages/projects.html

Justin
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