gscartsw: automatic 8:1 SCART-RGB switch

Hooked up three consoles to the switch, audio to my amp and VGA to BNC to BVM, everything works perfect, it feels so strange to not have to push buttons and/or swap cables in between consoles. Couldn't be happier, thank you so much Superg!

 

https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/male-rgb-break-out-scart-to-4-x-bnc--2-x-rca-converter-cable

Superg, I keep hassling on this but if you'd indulge me once more - would the above adapter (output type) work with this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111402258315

... that you posted earlier? I'd like (as I keep spamming!) to output from the GSCART to a second (CRT) TV with this combination.

 

cleeg, yes, both will work. I use this, which looks the same as your eBay link: http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=568

 

Perfect, thankyou for looking.

 

All gscartsw's have been shipped. I added a tips / review page for it as well, which I'll keep current and updated: http://www.retrorgb.com/gscartsw.html

Everyone who ordered should receive their switch within a few days. Also, as of tomorrow morning (USPS processes the tracking overnight), all tracking numbers should be live. Please let me know if you haven't received a tracking number.

 

I don't have one

 

Just got mine last night but haven't hooked it up yet. A couple of questions, which maybe @retrorgb could use to start building a FAQ?

1. Which pins are different or behave differently from the "standard" VGA port? Here's the standard pinout: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector

2. Is it OK to flip the CV/HV or Sync Stripper switches while the unit is on and plugged in?

3. Does the Sync Stripper affect the VGA port? How would I know when to use it?

 

This one was tested by me.

 

There's no difference, but when the switch is in "CV" mode, csync is outputted to pin 13 and when it's in "HV" mode, it outputs like a normal VGA pinout with H&V separated: http://www.retrorgb.com/images/VGAConnector-02.jpg

It's okay for the switch, but might not be the best for your display. Personally, I did it once or twice during testing, but would recommend against it.

I leave mine on all the time and haven't found any issues yet.

 

pins 4, 11 12 15 unused, pin 9 provides +5V in case you want to power up something external (like beharius scanliner etc.).
Pin 13 (HSYNC) function is controlled by one of the ON/OFF switches. One mode is to provide composite sync to that pin, other mode is the default VGA behaviour - horizontal sync.

Yes.

Sync cleaner ON/OFF switch affects only SCART output, for VGA it's always used.
By default it's on. Shouldn't cause a problem. But just in case, you'll be able to turn it off.

EDIT: Oh, retrorgb already replied - haven't seen that

 

I purchased this power supply for my switch:
http://www.amazon.com/Tomee-Genesis-1-AC-Adapter-Sega/dp/B00DEORYZ8
I'm finding that for my cabinet the power cord sticks out too far from the switch. Can someone recommend either a right-angle adapter for this plug or a right-angle adapter that will work with this switch? I'm not sure what the size of the plug is.

 

Ok, to address some complains:
1. Some people complained about seeing some "dog hair". First of all it's my cat. Second - I apologize for this, I used compressed air spray to clean it up as much as I could but probably some of those are still there. If you are uncomfortable about it or if you have an allergy - clean it. And to be honest, that's the last thing I'd complain about - everything was assembled here at home by my wife and me, it's days of work, try to reassemble the switch and you'd know how difficult is to properly align those 18 screws with bottom panel - some of you did it and were surprised how can I do it.

Plexiglass panels static electricity attracts pretty much everything, I brush every PCB but once the switch is assembled it's difficult to clean everything.
2. VGA connector is ~1mm higher than available space between the two plexiglass panels. There is nothing wrong with it and this is just an aesthetics. Everything has been tested thoroughly. If I would increase the gap between panels, top panel wouldn't hold SCART connectors securely which is much worse problem. Initially 3mm top panel have been used but with current Kycon SCART connectors used I've had to increase thickness to 6mm.

I use this stuff:
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/tensility-international-corp/10-01080/839-1152-ND/3507707

 

Awesome! Thank you again for everything, superg.

Ugh. Just realized it says shipping date it three months from today. Let's me know what to look for though.

 

Awaiting on my order as we speak, should get here by next week. My one concern is connecting the device to my Framemeister as it requires using a standard Scart cable which will clutter up things. I'm wondering if it's possible to get a Scart cable made with the standard plug on one end and the FM's RGB Din plug on the other, or maybe the FM's Scart adapter but with the male instead of a female

 

Well, you can build the cable yourself or ask somebody to make it for you.
Definitely I won't build those.

 

retrogamingcables.co.uk used to make exactly that. Maybe email them and see if they still do?

This might work too: https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/161986475008

 

The switch is here, had to pay the steep price of over 40 € customs.

The good news: It rocks, works flawless. Hadn’t had time to test Dreamcast (with Toro) yet, but if I can sell my extron sync processor I’ll be a very happy dude. In other news: rgb-modded n64 doesn’t want to sync to a-series bvm. I thought that maybe it would work with a sync cleaner but the switch doesn’t make a difference sadly. Console works on a lcd (with framemeister) without problems. So most likely monitor related. No issue of the switch.

Thanks a lot superg and retrorgb. Could you now make world’s first proper kvm switch superg?

 

Out of interest Superg, why did you opt for a VGA out instead of a 2nd SCART? I assume as a bonus or for extra versatility?

Thanks!

 

Glad you liked it. N64: signal level has to be checked. My N64 is yet to be RGB modded.
KVM - why would I make that?

That's actually a very good question, now I think maybe a second SCART output would be a better idea. At the time it was recommended by beharius and all the signals were already available (EL1883), so I thought why not.

 

Yeah, if someone has a RGB modded N64, tell me if it works.


KVM because there are no good KVM switches out there. They all suck one way or the other (was just a joke of course)

I’m glad there’s a VGA port, versatility is quite nice. A VGA -> SCART cable is like 3 bucks, so if anyone needs another SCART output it’s not very expensive.