The C-128's 80-column RGB video output can be viewed on a low-cost monochrome
composite monitor that conforms to NTSC specifications.  By using a monochrome composite
monitor, you avoid purchasing an expensive RGB monitor to view 80-column text.
 (I'm assuming that a color composite monitor will work as well, though I havn't tried it D.K.)
     A special adapter cable must be constructed to connect the C-128's RGB output to the
monitor.  You will need the following components, all availabe at any electronics store:

   * A shielded video cable with an RCA-style plug (also known as a "phono" plug) at one
      one end.  A good quality audio patch cord will work equally well.

   * A 9-pin, D-style subminiature connector that will mate with the C-128's RGB video
               output plug.  (It will resemble the joystick port connectors on the C-128.)

   * A matching hood with two screws for the D connector.  (Screws normally come with
               the hood.)

   * A "pencil" soldering iron and 60-40 rosin core solder.

   * A small screwdriver that fits the hood screws.

     Strip enough insulation off the outside of the cable so that 3/8 inch of copper is visible.
Carefully unravel it and twist it into one conductor.  Then strip 1/4 inch of the center
insulation away so that the center conductor is visible.  Solder the "braid" (the braided
copper shield that surrounds the center conductor's insulation) to pin 1 or 2 (or both for that
matter) of the new D connector.  Then carefully solder the center conductor of the cable to
pin 7 of the connector.  Make sure no solder "bridges' exist between pins; only pin 1 (or 2,
or 1 and 2) and pin 7 should have anything connected to them.  Put the plastic cover over
the D connector, being careful not to short the two wires together or to move the wires so
that they accidentally touch other terminals.  Attach the D connector to its mate on the C-128
and use the mounting screws to secure it to the C-128 connector.
     Connect the other end of the cable (the end with the RCA/phono plug) to the round video in
connector on the back of your composite monitor.  After powering up the C-128 with the
80-column display active, adjust the brightness and contrast controls for the best image.
You will probably find that the 80-column output requires different setting for these controls
than does the VIC-II (40-column) output.

Well there's one thing I didn't know :-) (out of atleast a couple more I'm sure ;-) hehe).  When you think about it, colors weren't the best reason to have a 80 column screen (especially before BASIC 8.0 surfaced).  So yeah, if I knew that back then, it would have been more than enough for my 80 column needs.

Awesome :-)

Yeah, but on a standard color composite display, it is almost unreadable.  Most composite displays don't have enough resolution and dot pitch to be able to read it.  What is worse is that you only get black, white, and a single shade of gray.  This is bad because so many programs were designed with color.  So if your background is supposed to be some color (like blue) but comes out gray, and your text comes out gray too, you can't see it!  

If you have a really nice Apple II or Amdek monitor, it will display the 80-column mode with decent clarity, so long as the software doesn't make too much use of color!