Continuing on with the video theme in these “maybe someday” projects, here's one about vectors:

I've read that converting raster CRT displays to vector input is impractical because of the horizontal drive circuitry (flyback) being part of the HV generation, and the deflection coils basically having to be completely rewound, because they're tuned for specific (too low) frequencies.

While pondering these things, I started to wonder if maybe I could make a hybrid raster/vector monitor that retains the horizontal sweep and the original coils.

Here's the plan:

1. Sort the list of vectors that need to be drawn by the X position of their first coordinate

2. Keep track of the horizontal raster position. When it gets to the value of the next entry of the list, turn on the beam.

3. Change the vertical deflection and beam intensities as needed to draw the line.

Possible Issues:

1. Only one line per horizontal scan?

Q. Is this really an issue, given persistence of vision and high scan rates (e.g. VGA's 31kHz)?

Q. Could the signal be "chopped" between multiple lines rapidly enough to appear to be multiple continuous lines?

2. Perfectly vertical lines would be very difficult – or maybe impossible – depending on the original horizontal scan rate and the slew rate of the vertical amplifier.

Q. Could it be compensated for in software, somehow?

Q. Could this effect be mitigated by rotating the deflection yoke at a 45° angle, with respect to the tube?  The raster would scan diagonally, and both vertical and horizontal lines would be drawn as 45° lines. 45° lines in the direction perpendicular to the  original horizontal axis would, of course, still be impossible/difficult, but these could likely be designed around.

I welcome any feedback; especially from those who've implemented a similar conversion before.