N64 RGB mod question

Hello there, I have a question. I want to mod my n64 in RGB as shown on the web by various tutorials notably this one ( http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/rgbn64.htm ). But I only have a coax cable of the n64, not the RGB. will it still work ?

thanks

 

only have this cable

do the rgb mod will still work using it ?

 

You'll need a special RGB cable, the cable in your pic won't work.

The cable in question can be bought for a few dollars from different hong kong sites, if you can't get hold of an used original SNES or GC cable. You'll have to open the SCART connector and change a few components in it, (don't worry, both opening the connector and changing the components are very easy operations) if I remember it right.

Personally I'm using this cable. I like it because the connector on the console side got a complete set of contact tabs, and is fairly easy to open up withut breaking it, which makes it ideal for modding. In comparison, the original leads only got the contact tabs that are actually used for the signal type the cable is intended for, and I've seen the same thing on some other 3rd party cables. Also, the SCART connector got soldering tabs, instead of the usual crimped connections. The cable itself is of horrible quality though, so you might want to use something else.

I've wired up cables for my SNES and GC using the schematics found here, with as good as perfect results. Basically I just removed the D-subs from a VGA cable and put the connectors from the aforementioned RGB cable on it, used the R,G and B leads for the respective signals, the sync lead for composite (which is used as sync signal in RGB mode if I remember it right), and the KEY, SDA, ID0 and so on leads for audio and the scart switch signals. I hid the resistors in the SCART connector, there's plenty of room in it.

 

wow, it looks complicated to do... but if a Snes or gamecube cable alone can do the job then I'll get one.

 

Getting started with RGB is the tough part. Multiple cable options with Europe vs Japan having different SCART pinout, and several consoles changing their AV connections between models. A number requiring hardware mods to restore their potential RGB (N64 / Turbografx / etc). In addition to most American TVs needing a converter because SCART inputs are rarely offered here.

Usually for the US it costs less to focus on European wiring style. Still more than worth doing after any complications. Going above composite (even if just svideo) correct is NOT exaggerated! It really offers immense sharpness possibilities. In particular for systems like Genesis or Neo Geo who contain poor composite encoders inside.

 

ok... well my n64 is NTSC version...

 

Do you have a TV with a SCART connector or other method for RGB? Component, VGA, HDMI and so on do not count.

 

no scart connector, I only have 1 tv that hold an AV in, but it is different 'cause it using a certain adaptor... don't know what its name is...

but like you connected your AV with the adaptor then the other extremities is green and I just ocnnected it in my HDTV samsung.

 

I dont own and never saw out-of-internet yet a TV that has a SCART connector. But which cables works with the RGB mod ? not even the AV cable ?

thanks !

 

ok I understand we can only use that cable: https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/i...HyZ6SIwikoLnVQdGoVk_j5xzbG41TTrvbj2YbXoECuViQ

so I'll need some scart converter to av or coax...

 

Right it's best to try some converter. Component is generally nearest in quality.

One key reason this type of RGB failed here, is no physical interface was agreed upon. Our few direct compatible TVs and monitors may use SCART or various other input connectors. (BNC, etc)

 

Rgb scart to vga+ line doubler + scanline generator is the best you can get.

 

amazing suggestion; saw some vids on youtube how these can changes the images to looks closer to an arcade one. would probably get my hands on a rgb snes cable and a line doubler and see how it improving; thanks man !

seems hard to find some line doubler for cheap ! they're only a few on ebay for minimum 200 $ !
d'you know any other place I can look to buy some ?

 

OT: line doublers actually degrade video due to the A/D and D/A process and a scanline "generator" just darkens every other line (by electrically malforming the signal) to look sorta-kinda like a 15 kHz raster. The "best you can get" for 15 kHz is a 15 kHz monitor...

 

if I use a SCART to AV or Scart to coax, will the RGB will still be applied ? ( even thought I understand the image quality could be ''poorer'' )

thanks for your help guys !

 

No. SCART to AV is for the composite signal. I've never heard of SCART to coax, but that'd probably get plain old NES era RF. (that big gray box in your picture was released in 1985 originally...)

 

scart tv seems pretty rare to find where I live, so I thought I could buy a SCART to HDMI upscaler... good alternative ?

 

It should do OK. There's a big quality range to consider.

SCART to HDMI at the lowest end is like $50. Top luxury scalers go over 400.

 

Nice ! Ive just ordered an n64 RGB cable from play-asia, the same as you kaput. so, like you guys were saying, I also have to make a modification to the cable ?
I though it was just in the n64...

Once I'll receive the cable, I'll do the RGB mod guys and let you know how it turned ( after buying either a SCART in tv or converter).

thanks everyone for contributing !

 

That depends on what cable type you decided on. SCART devices wire RGB differently than Japan. There are converters.