gscartsw: automatic 8:1 SCART-RGB switch

I did, he got in touch. My switch is currently in the Netherlands...

Back on the VGA out again (I'm developing a borderline obsession); I understand (I think...) that a traditional VGA signal comprises R, G and B plus horizontal then vertical sync signals separately at 31kHz refresh rate. The rather helpful Retro RGB FAQ says the signal out from this socket is not VGA, merely a VGA shaped socket. So then, what signal does it put out? Is it RGB with CSync 15kHz, like SCART leads can carry?

I'm only banging on because rather than buy the cable and adapter linked to earlier I'm asking various folk if it's possible to build a custom all in one cable; this way I'll know what to ask for.

 

Works on my modded N64 to PVM just fine. Note, my N64 board is CPU-03 which has native C-Sync.

 

Yes.

 

RGB signal in SCART and VGA is electrically compatible, only the sync is different. The switch is just passing through the RGB and separating sync. What does it mean:
1. You connected Sega Genesis using standard SCART-RGB cable, as Sega Genesis outputs 15kHz signal - VGA output will also carry the same 15kHz signal.
2. You connected Sega Dreamcast using SCART cable while forcing Dreamcast VGA mode. Dreamcast VGA mode outputs 31kHz signal - VGA output will also carry the same 31kHz signal.
What is meant by "not VGA" is merely that gscartsw doesn't perform any kind of conversion of the source signal.

Hope that explains everything.

 

That explains everything, thankyou fellas.

EDIT - I'm just talking with the boss of Retrogamingcables currently, he may be able to build a dsub (VGA) to mini din adapter fro XRGB Mini users, I'm currently asking if he can make this with audio in capability too. When I get an answer I'll post here in case it's useful to anyone else.

 

I'm just curious if anyone in the UK have received their equipment, and if they have, were they requested to pay a customs charge and if they did how much?

Thanks

 

I'll let you know if I get stung by customs. I probably will, I'm unlucky these days in that regard! Also, the custom cable is likely to be a goer: I was initially quoted one million dollars, but expect that to come down some

 

Hey superg-
I just received my switch and seem to recall you saying that it would be OK to piggyback power from an NES PSU, using a splitter like this one? Is that true? What are the amperage requirements (I'm assuming very low but it would be nice to have a ballpark number anyway)? Any preference between old-school linear PSUs and the cheaper, more common switching types? Sorry if this has been answered already

ED: What about a cable like this used with a high-amperage USB charger, like one for an iPad (5V/2.1A)? Presuming that the cable actually does what's advertised and is center-negative?

 

Is a 1.5 amp, 12vdc adapter enough?

 

There are details here of UK PSUs for Sega consoles...

http://www.bordersdown.net/threads/...Drive-Mega-CD-32X-Master-System-Game-Gear-etc

... I don't know what the minimum amperage for the GSCARTSw is, but if we work on the assumption that the MD power supply's 1.2a is the minimum (given Superg's recommendation to use the MD's PSU) then we can pick any PSU that has at least this amperage out.

As long as that PSU doesn't exceed the specified (7- 12v) voltage. I always think along the lines that the PSU 'sends' volts, and the device into which it is plugged 'draws' amps; there has to be enough of the latter and neither too much or too little of the former.

So the 1.5a / 12v adapter would work (right at the top end of voltage requirements), but a 5v / 2.1a USB type adapter does not meet the voltage requirements while it does fulfill the amperage quota and won't work.

I don't know about splitting though, what effects on v & a to expect etc... The stuff above I know only from asking questions on forums, I have no specialised knowledge on the subject.

 

Ok, the power light isn't turning on. If I turn on a console I'm only getting sound and distorted at that. Is it faulty?

 

Not sure about the light, it could be a few things. If it were me I'd do these checks in this order:

1) Change PSU. This will determine if only the LED does not work, or, if the light comes on with the new PSU it could indicate that the original was defunct.

2) If the above works and we have a verified PSU and there are still AV problems you'd need to check all your cables, particularly SCART out, it may need a wiggle at either end or replacing for a better quality cable.

If none of that works you'd have to speak to Superg. Hope you get it fixed.

 

Ok, pulled out my Megadrive PSU and success! So I don't know what to do now, firstly replace this 12VDC PSU

 

Phew eh?! Glad it works for you.

 

£45.57. Told you I'd get stung. It'll be here tomorrow though

 

You can use DC splitter as long as you're under the PSU specifications.

You've gotten your switch so why not to check what's written in front of the DC connector?
Are there +5V stated anywhere?
This is A WARNING FOR ALL THE EXPERIMENTATORS out there - fry the switch and I WON'T FIX IT.

 

100mA-200mA is enough.

 

I got mine today and got hit for $45 coming into Canada.

Switch also looks great. Can't wait for my output cables to get here so I can get it set up. Going to have to figure out how to cleanly run all the wires for my set up.

I'm planning on running games to my xrgb through the scart output and to my PVM through the VGA output.

Should be pretty cool when it's all set up.

 

superg, it might be a good idea to compile a list of DC adapters, and links to places that sell them, so that people don't end up going cowboy and trying all sorts of dodgy adapters... Would take you 10 minutes, and probably save you alot of potential hassle of people claiming it was faulty on arrival etc...

 

But I bought a 1.5A 12V DC PSU and it didn't work, yet my old MegaDrive adapter did. A previous post just a few up suggested that 1.2A was a minimum. So I'm really confused here