gscartsw: automatic 8:1 SCART-RGB switch

Every time this thread gets bumped, I get excited.

 

Yeah, please stop this useless bumping

 

Just people showing their support and interest.

 

A lot of it is really just useless bumping that makes it annoying to follow updates from superg, mostly from new "members" asking where to buy/when is it coming out/not reading OP.

On a more positive note, happy to hear that the design is finalized; I missed out on that update through email because I stopped checking the thread due to all of the garbage bumping going on.

 

I'm hoping to pick up a Sony PVM. Is there any disadvantage to having a sync stripper downstream of this switchbox?
Here's why I ask - I need to get SCART-to-BNC cables. I know an integrated sync stripper won't be needed once I have this switch, however, until then I think I will need it for some of my systems.

 

Every additional logic is affecting the signal in some way. It's likely that it'll work just fine but that is something you shouldn't rely on.
My official recommendation would be to get the cable without stripper, you (and everybody else) will probably want use the integrated sync stripper because of included DC restore circuit which will correct signal in some cases.

 

Thanks superg! I'll be buying 2 the moment they are available.

 

I haven't been updated on this thread in a while, but looks like I didn't miss too much. The updated specs on the front page look awesome. Cool beans, superg!

 

I know everybody will hate me for bumping this, but yeah, just want to say that I am ordering this the day they becomes available!

 

I am not very technical when it comes to things like this. I have some cables to buy and I am giving 2 choices, csync or composite video. I am planning to get 2x of these Scart 8 in1 switch for a wide range of consoles, so will it work with both these cables? And what if I have cables for difference console, some using csync and some composite video on the same switch, is that going to be a problem? WHat about some that say Sync Stripper?

Any help/info would be appreciated, as this is getting quite confusing. Thanks

 

Hey Jon. Best advice for you regarding questions about what cables to get is to visit retrorgb.com. This guys has a ton of information about most consoles and what works best for each of them. Hope this helps

 

I wouldn't get anything with SyncStripper integrated. Based on your consoles / mods your experience may vary but in general you can mix whatever cables you want.

And update:
I'm in talks with my manufacturer, need to decide what I'm gonna do with SCART sockets. What they currently can source is not exactly what I want, trying to find some solutions.

 

Thanks a lot superg. Will make sure I don't get SyncStripper for now, and will replace any I might already have if I experience problems. For now, I'll get the csync if I can as I heard it can be a bit better quality wise (not sure if this will make a difference in my setup, but they aren't much more anyway).

I hope you'll be able to work the SCART sockets issues... We can't wait for these to be release, but quality and practicality are obviously important too, so I am sure everyone's appreciate you doing the best possible job.

Thanks

 

Will continue to check daily though

 

It seems that the bottleneck to get these things made is the SCART connector. Personally (given I'm in North America) I've never been a huge fan of the format. Have you considered an alternative solution? Same design but use a 25 pin serial connector or something similar? Connectors are more readily available and most SCART cable makers will switch to using them if asked (due to cost savings for them!). As long as we have a standard pin out (maybe same pin out as euro SCART with last 4 pins being ground?). I think SCART is dead. But 25 pin connectors will be made for decades to come. Just a thought.

 

If you change from 21pin RGB then everyone would need to buy new custom made cables for their systems. That would put many people off including myself. Anyway, 21 pin RGB cables are not dead in Europe and even here in Japan they've made a big comeback in the last 2 years. Loads of 3rd party companies are now making them.

 

As Yakumo pointed out 21-pin SCART a status quo for the RGBS connectivity. I do agree it's big, clumsy and inconvenient but everybody is using those cables.
SCART connector isn't a bottleneck, it's rather me because I want to make it as cheap as possible and as good as possible. Personally I like connectors with two holes (like my early batches) which provide additional mount points for them. My last batches used those new ones - kycon. It's not the end of the world, the newer ones could be used but I'm exploring the options.

 

Question (possibly dumb): can I pipe a composite signal into this chain? I prefer my pre-NES stuff to be a little dirty.

I bought one of these assuming I could manage this with the input/output switch, but I only got audio:

http://www.amazon.com/Scart-Composi...103946&sr=8-3&keywords=composite+to+rgb+scart

 

Is that question regarding my switch?
If yes, which version do you own?

 

If you're using a XRGB, you may want to pick up a composite to HDMI upscaler like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NS0UUQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

And plug it into your XRGB by HDMI. I tried one of these and it was very mediocre, but if you want a little dirty upscaled, it'll do the job great.