gscartsw: automatic 8:1 SCART-RGB switch

Hey SuperG, I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing before I order... ...would you happen to know if this cable would be appropriate for connecting directly from the framemeister to your switch? I tried messaging the seller, but I imagine that she's so swamped with orders that she isn't checking email much: http://www.ebay.com/itm/162058151450?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

Yes, that should be correct. SCART cables are directional and since that one says "from" a SCART device (in this case, a Toro) "to" the XRGB Mini, it'll work fine.

 

Thanks, RetroRGB. I ordered the coaxial version so it'll be super shielded. Excited!

 

Hey guys, I've been doing boatloads of research in an effort not to bother anyone, but there's one thing I'm not totally sure about: The sync stripper function.

My understanding is that a sync stripper is used to separate the composite sync (H + V) from other signals. So, if you're using luma sync, it separates the composite sync from the luminance data. Or, if you're using sync-from-composite-video, it separates the composite sync (H+V) from the composite video data (Chrominance/Luminance).

What I'm not totally sure about is if things will function correctly with this switch always turned to on. Will I need to turn it off for CSYNC-enabled systems like SNES/Genesis and on for a luma-sync system like N64? (i.e. will the sync stripper being on somehow interfere with CSYNC data?) CSYNC has its own pins so I figure it'd be fine, but I'm just curious and am always learning about this stuff. Thanks!

 

If you are using an XRGB Frameister mini Simply Put..leave the CSYNC switch on. all your consoles that already output CSYNC (Composite Sync) will be fine with the CSYNC switch turned on but i personally would turn it off when using these because there's no point in the EL1883 processing an already CSYNC signal. Sync Is not separated into H + V unless you turn on the HSYNC switch. default output by the switch is the input you are feeding it which is typically RGBS. The reason for using HSYNC switch is to make the output signal True VGA which could be understood by a tv or PC monitor. Good Luck finding a TV or PC monitor in this day and age that recognize a 240p RGBHV signal however. Best use of the HSYNC feature is for a dsub to BNC out cable to hook your scarts directly up to a PVM or something. Luma, Sync on Composite all get converted to CSYNC with switch on. It's the cleanest form of sync for rgb anyways so its recommended you use it.

simple explanation:
if console is CSYNC = Turn off CSYNC Switch
if console is Luma Sync = Turn On CSYNC Switch
if console is sync on composite = Turn On CSYNC Switch

 

But no ill effect if CSYNC switch is left on for a CSYNC console, right?

 

I turned off the sync cleaner switch on the gscartsw because I already got one in my adapter to the Framemeister. I mostly got consoles outputting csync, but my Genesis 2 outputs sync on composite and my PS1 uses sync on luma. Long story short: I have a sync cleaner that is always on and I got no problems with my csync consoles.

 

That is correct sir...

 

Thanks, Xenoghost. I guess my only outstanding question/concern is what sort of input lag, if any, leaving the syncstripper on would cause. It seems odd that it would process a CSYNC signal if it's already CSYNC, but I'm obviously ignorant about how the circuit/stripper works.

Reason I asked is.... I'm all about ease-of-use where I can get it. If I can just leave the switch on and there are no ill-effects, then that means that's one less thing I have to touch when I boot up my games (vs. the pelican device where I always have to select the input I want). I love that this thing is auto=switching. Going RGB certainly isn't simplifying anything, but once I've worked out all of the kinks, it'll be one less thing I have to do. Good design is nerd heroin!

 

People usually leave it always on. The only exception is when you daisy chain 2+ gscartsw's it should be turned off for all but the root one. Every sync cleaning circuit adds some lag so yes, you don't want to clean it more than once anyway.

UPDATE:

Those are the two connector types which are going to be used from now on. My manufacturer got stock of these and it's waiting to be soldered.

 

Thanks, superg. Any benefits/drawbacks to these connectors vs. Other revisions?

 

Well, it's just a connector, don't you think?

 

Yeah, I didn't think there was much to them, but you went through the trouble of showing them, so I thought there might be more to it than meets the eye!

 

Seems that the version that actually has screw holes would be more secure than the version with just those pressure clips.
Not that I plan on ripping the connectors out of the sockets but having the connector mounted with screws just seems like it would be better.
No biggie I suppose. I'm sure they will be fine either way.

 

Quick question lads... trying to hook the switch up to a PVM via the 15pin connector. Would either of these cables work, or do I specifically need the "HD15" cable and not the "VGA" cable?

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-100568-6-Feet-HD15-BNC/dp/B001UJME4U/
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-100566-6-Feet-HD-15-Monitor/dp/B001UJMGZC/

I prefer a black cable. ;p

 

You can use the black one and leave 5th connector (VSYNC) floating.

 

Hiya, would running a scart cable from my Playstation 2 through this switch with the sync stripper activated and using the vga output be equal to using the VGA cable from the PS2 Linux kit per-say? As I understand it the VGA signal isn't pure VGA like the Dreamcast it uses sync on green. I noticed the VGA adapter still requires you to change the system settings to RGB same as scart. Just curious, thanks for any info! Hoping to avoid paying up the rear for a VGA cable.

 

No, it won't work, basically when PS2 is in VGA mode it outputs sync only on Green channel, read RetroRGB PS2 web-page for the details.

 

Any news on when the excess stock will be available? I am very eager to pick one up!

 

JP21: I haven't forgotten about you guys, reached 30 units so far. I'm waiting for SCART news from my manufacturer. It doesn't look like I'm gonna reach 50 units so I'll launch JP21 manufacturing once I'll get news regarding SCART version. This could be the last JP21 batch, it doesn't really worth the hassle.

I've got some demanding email regarding JP21 version from one buyer. Basically he complained that "superg is unwilling to take the risk" and he is unwilling to go beyond 60-days PayPal refund request. His payment has been refunded and somehow I feel "unwilling" to deal with such people. Apparently he was unable to understand the terms on the pre-order page (Available in ~5 weeks once the preorders are filled)

Nevertheless if there are any trust issues, please request a refund before I launch the production, no questions asked.