More Sony PVM CRT Troubles

I don't seem to be particularly lucky when it comes to Sony PVMs, huh?

Recently, I picked up a Sony PVM-2950Q out of town, and I had to pay a pretty penny for this one, no less. Well, this one actually worked for more than 5 minutes, so I ordered a couple RGB SCART cables, and a RGB SCART to 4 BNC/Stereo RCA cable from this fellow here, and waited.

Unfortunately, when I tried both my Genesis 1 and my SNES, I realized there was something wrong with the sync.



My picture and sound cut out every second as if the signal is interrupted.

Fellow Assembler member la-li-lu-le-lo suggested that I try to connect the pin for sync to a composite video input, to see if composite video is being used for sync--and it does provide a picture, so it does seem composite video is being used for sync here.

From what I gather, I'm going to need something called a sync stripper, or a new cable that's wired for composite sync. Could someone point me in the direction of either of those, or... better yet, tell me if I'm completely wrong before I spend more money? I'd appreciate it.

 

My PVM needed a sync stripper too so that's probably the problem. Retrogaming cables makes a great cable for the pvm with a sync stripper built in.

 

I just want to be sure before I go out and buy yet another cable. All this spending I'm doing on cables lately is starting to add up.

 

I can tell you that a sync stripper is precisely what you need. The PVM-2950Q will not accept composite video as a sync source.

I built one in to my AV switch box, so I could use standard SCART cables.

 

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

How much do these cost, or might I be better off picking up a new cable from Retro Gaming Cables as billcosbymon suggested?

 

If you're not confident with electronics, get the cable. Otherwise the datasheet implementation of the LM1881 will do the job (it's on the very first page): http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/snls384f/snls384f.pdf

That circuit would cost under $5 to knock up.

 

Unfortunately, electronics are not my forte. Looks like I'll be purchasing another cable and trying to sell of this one. Thanks for the advice!

 

Aaaaand I'm back!

I picked up one of the cables from RetroGamingCables, with composite sync rather than sync on composite video, aaaaaand...

It's doing the same thing. Only now I'm out another fifty bucks.

Someone told me I need a sync strike in one of the video's comments, but now I'm hesitant to spend any more money on this thing. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Looks to me more like the display is having issues. Probably in need of a recapping.

Does it make any audible noise when all of that is going on?

 

Now that you mention it, no, it doesn't. I'm not getting any sound output.

 

I more meant the tube itself but you will need to connect audio separately.

 

Retro gaming cables are extremely expensive for what they are.

 

The tube itself doesn't make any particularly noticeable noise during this.

I'm starting to wonder if I should just try and sell this PVM off and make my money back. All this trouble for RGB output doesn't seem to be worth it any more.

 

Does the cable have a sync stripper built in?

 

Now that you mention it, I think I might have purchased the wrong cable. Only one of the cables advertised on the site are advertised with a 'sync stripper' built into it, and that wasn't the one I received.

I don't know what I'm going to do with these cables I have now. I sure paid a lot for them, and now I don't have a use for them.

 

You could probably sell them to someone here. I'm sure there are people in need of such cables. You could also just keep the cables and buy a separate sync stripper to use together with the cables you currently have. There's no need, other than convenience, for the sync stripper to be integrated into the cable.

 

The cable with the sync stripper built in will be the same cable you have now - just with a few parts added. Get someone to solder them in for you.

"syncstrike" is just a commerical version of the sync stripper circuit posted above. It also would mean some more rewiring as its designed for use with the GBS scaler.

Just get someone to solder in a sync stripper for you.

 

Wouldn't it be better just to add a rgb scart socket to the television? As in find the apropriat bbc points on the board and solder the sync stripper in the middle and add a rgb scart socket at the end. When thats finished just use a rotary tool to make the basic shape then the slowly sand it until perfect and finally mount the socket into place with either screw or hot glue. And if you want to be fancy use a template and engrave rgb next to the socket for that factory look.

 

That doesnt sound anywhere near as easy as just plugging in a cable.... especially when the op has already said he isnt any good with a soldering iron.

 

Didn't read that part. Any how I need to track down a 29" pvm pretty soon. Btw do you need the sync stripper? Its not like I could solder that(my skills are far past this) I just wana know if its necessary before investing 7 bucks in parts.