Topic: CHEAP 80-Column Display for C128

[Hydrophilic]

Want to see the 80-column output of your C128 but don't have a lot of money to spend?  Well here is a cheap method to get a monochrome display.
 
All you need is three things, which you may already have
 

• TV or Monitor with composite input *
• A composite audio/video cable
• Wire cutters/strippers (or a knife)

If you have those items then this method is free... is FREE cheap enough for you? 
 
Step 1: Get a composite video cable to use (see photo 1)
 
Step 2: Using wire cutters, cut off one end of the video cable (see photo 2)
 
Step 3: Strip about 1 inch | 2.5 cm of insulation from the end you cut (see photo 3)
 
Step 4: Twist the outer wire mesh (ground) into a solid wire (see photo 4)
 
* You can use a TV without composite input if you have a VCR with composite input... I did this back in the day, ask if you need details about this method.

[Hydrophilic]

Step 5: Strip about 0.5 inch | 1 cm from the (Monochrome) inner insulated conductor (see photo 5)
 
Step 6: Stuff the ground into pin 2 (or pin 1) and the inner conductor into pin 7 on the back of the C128 (see photo 6)
 
Step 7: Connect the other (uncut) end of the audio/video cable to your TV/Monitor/VCR (see photo 7)
 
Step 8: Turn on your display device and your C128 and enjoy monochorme 80-columns (see photo 8 )
 
If you are not good with wire cutters / knife, or do not have an audio/video cable available, or if you just want a more professional look, you might be able to find a pre-made monochorme cable on eBay.
 
Also note the last photo looks like it has some color, but it is really *bright* white on my TV.  I had to fiddle with the TV contrast and camera settings to get a photo that was not washed out (too bright).