4-layer PCB design
Dedicated ground planes, controlled signal paths and improved shielding between channels. Cleaner analog video than typical 2-layer hobbyist designs.
ATARI ST
Passive VGA adapter for the Atari ST family. 4-layer PCB, dedicated RGB low-pass filters, native timings preserved. No external power, no scan doubling, plug-and-play.
Compare ST2VGA models ↗
Connect your Atari ST, STE or Mega ST to a modern VGA monitor
The ST2VGA Adapter (Revision 3) is a passive VGA adapter for the Atari ST, STE, Mega ST and Mega STE. It plugs into the Atari monitor port and outputs a clean analog VGA signal to any multisync monitor that accepts the original 15 kHz horizontal sync used by the ST color modes. No scan doubling, no scaling, no external power. The ST’s native timings are preserved, so the picture looks the way the hardware always meant to look. Revision 3 is a 4-layer PCB design with dedicated RGB low-pass filters that produce a noticeably sharper image than earlier hobbyist boards.
From €17 plus taxes. Ships from Spain. Atari ST, STE, Mega ST, Mega STE.
Key features
RGB low-pass filters
Analog filtering on the RGB lines tames the high-frequency noise modern LCDs amplify. Smoother colors, cleaner edges, less shimmer.
Color/Mono slide switch
A built-in slide switch toggles between color modes (ST Low/Medium) and mono mode (ST High) on the fly. No software, no jumpers.
Native Atari timings preserved
No scan doubling, no scaling, no upscaler chip. The original Atari video frequencies and the classic look go straight through to the monitor.
3.5 mm audio jack
The Atari mono audio signal is routed to both left and right channels through a standard 3.5 mm jack. Speakers, amps, capture devices, headphones, plug-and-play.
No external power required
The adapter runs entirely off the +12 V rail provided by the Atari video port. No USB power cable, no charger, no extra plug. Just the adapter and a VGA cable.
Choose the right ST2VGA
Two adapters, same family, different jobs. Pick the one that fits your machine.
ST2VGA Adapter
€17 plus taxes
- Healthy Atari ST, STE or Mega ST with a clean video output
- Machine already known to drive a passive VGA adapter
- Smallest, cheapest, no-extra-power option
ST2VGA Enhanced Adapter
€25 plus taxes
- Early Atari ST with no +12 V on the video port
- Visible "jailbars", ringing or color noise on a modern display
- Long VGA cables or picky LCD inputs that fail to lock
- Restoration project where you want the cleanest possible image
Specs
- Weight: under 50 g
- Dimensions: approximately 38 mm x 45 mm x 36 mm
- Power: passive, fed from the Atari video port (+12 V rail)
- Atari connector: DB-13W3 (Atari monitor port)
- Output: VGA-compatible (multisync monitor required for color modes)
- Audio: 3.5 mm stereo jack (mono routed to both channels)
- Horizontal sync: 15 kHz (ST Low / Medium), 31 kHz (ST High)
- PCB: 4-layer, RGB low-pass filtering
Frequently asked questions
Hardware & compatibility
Which Atari models are compatible?
Tested on the Atari 520ST / STF / STFM / STE, 1040ST / STF / STFM / STE, Mega ST and Mega STE. Some very early Atari ST boards do not expose the +12 V rail on the monitor connector that this passive adapter needs to operate. If yours is one of those, use the ST2VGA Enhanced Adapter, which carries its own +5 V supply over micro-USB.
How hard is it to install?
Plug the adapter into the Atari monitor port, plug a standard VGA cable into a multisync monitor, power on. No soldering, no modifications, no tools.
Is there a 3D printable enclosure?
Yes. Enclosure files and links for the ST2VGA family live in the ST2VGA family Enclosures/Cases page.
Can this damage my Atari?
No. The adapter is electrically safe and places minimal load on the Atari video circuitry.
Video & timings
Is this a scan doubler?
No. The adapter preserves the original Atari scan frequencies and timings. No upscaling, no scan conversion, no processing latency.
What video modes are available, and what monitor do I need?
Color modes (ST Low and ST Medium) require a VGA monitor that accepts a 15 kHz horizontal sync signal. Mono mode (ST High) works on any standard VGA monitor. The 15kHz reference list is the most practical starting point if you are unsure about a model.
How do I switch between video modes?
A slide switch on top of the adapter toggles between color modes (ST Low / Medium) and mono mode (ST High) on the fly. No software needed.
My display shows jailbars or fails to lock. What now?
If your monitor already accepts 15 kHz but you still see vertical “jailbars” or frequent sync drops, move up to the ST2VGA Enhanced Adapter. Its buffered RGB amplifier and extra filtering were built specifically to clean up marginal signals and keep picky LCDs happy.
Audio & cables
How is audio handled?
The adapter includes a 3.5 mm audio jack. The Atari’s mono audio signal is duplicated on both left and right channels.
Are special VGA cables required?
A standard VGA cable works. For best results, a cable with ferrite noise filters is recommended, particularly on longer runs.
Community & policy
Is this product for me?
Yes, if you want a clean and simple way to drive a modern VGA monitor from a healthy Atari ST, STE or Mega ST, you have (or are willing to find) a 15 kHz-capable multisync monitor, and you appreciate a passive, plug-and-play device with no extra power supply. It is a homebrew product built for hobbyists, not a sealed appliance.
Why can’t I access the store even though you ship to my country?
Access to our products and community spaces requires basic respect. We have zero tolerance for harassment, personal attacks, abusive behaviour or defamatory content toward our team or community. The principle is simple: don’t be abusive. If that principle is violated, access is revoked. We build for people who enjoy experimenting, not for people creating hostility.
Certifications & Compliance
This product has been assessed for European (CE) and UK (UKCA) conformity. Official Declarations of Conformity and EMC Assessment reports (ST2VGA REV3.4.0):
