So I bought one of these : http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380243114447&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT In case the above link doesn't work, it's an "Unpowered 5 Way Scart Switch Box Splitter". It was the cheapest option I thought of for having my NES, SNES and MD connected to the one TV's SCART input. So anyway, when I hooked it all up I realised that since it is unpowered, I should only power one console at a time. Makes sense. When I tried to power on one console, in this case the MD, the SNES switched on 'automatically' also, resulting in a distorted combination of images from the SNES and MD. But the SNES powered on with it's switch in the off position! The same thing happens if I power on the SNES with the MD switched to off - the MD powers up also! But, this doesn't happen with the NES I guess cause it's composite-SCART.. So, I'm guessing there's voltage carried over the SCART cables, which is fed into the all the ports of the switch box? I'm new to this, so that's what i'm assuming. Anyway, is this normal? Everytime I want to use a console now, i've got to unplug the SCART cable from the switch box of the console I don't want to use - something I wanted to avoid doing by purchasing this switch box so I could avoid swapping cables
You are correct that SCART can carry voltage, it is generally used to signal a switch to switch inputs automatically, you might be SOL cuz of the cheap nature of the switch you picked. I'm not a UK member though so someone more knowledgable on SCART might have a solution you might wanna check out http://www.videogameperfection.com/scart.php
Never EVER use a unpowered switchless/buttonless SCARTbox like this on your consoles! You are lucky you didnt fry any of your systems! In other news, a SNES can be powered through your TV, cool
I'll tell you why you have problems with it. Because it's garbage! >_< A scart "splitter" like this was also my first back when I was 14 or so. It didn't work because all the signals are led through the same cables, overlaying images, lots of distortion and, needless to say, no good RGB picture. Good RGB-splitters have the following: - buttons to choose an input source - all RGB-in's are fully equipped (on the very cheap ones it's only 1 fully equipped scart-in (RGB) and the others are just "SCART composite" input's) - solid casing Some of the best RGB splitters I know are made by Wolfsoft in Germany. I know they look quirky, but the guy from Wolfsoft is almost legendary in Germany (sellling mods/imports/superguns since the late 80's!) because of the extremely high quality of his products. I got two of those splitters for 30 Euros shipped. http://www.wolfsoft.de/shop/advance...a7939e212733636e8f4f618a&keywords=rgb&x=0&y=0 I know his shop is expensive, so you might want to watch ebay a bit. Usually they go for about 15-20 Euro on ebay.de and they're totally worth it. Best RGB-splitters in the world, trust me. I'm referring to the grey ones btw, all the others are recommendable as well if they say "RGB" behind the name. It's a really reliable shop, the owner has been into the RGB/arcade/modification business for more than 20 years.
thanks heaps for your replies! i love this forum, so many experts so i wasted my money on this damn passive switch box! i'll now look out for powered ones like you recommend above
Or upscale the signals in a way that a VGA monitor can display them and use a KVM switch... I found two pretty cheap at the flea market (3 euros each)
Is this one any good? http://www.wolfsoft.de/shop/product...1//4-fach-scart-umschalter-rgb-(schwarz).html I bought a Quintro+ SCART switch a while back but the SCART connectors don't hold the male SCART in securely. Would be nice for when I get a PVM. Dreamcast, Saturn, PS2 and PC Engine. http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/BT945-Quintro+.html Cost me about £13 off eBay - and it's powered. Only 3 RGB SCART inputs though, the other is S-Video/Composite.
Replace the connectors? I'm sure you can scavenge a block of scart sockets from cheapy splitters easy enough
True enough, but even so the unit just feels a bit crappy. I'd have been royally peeved had I paid £70+ for it. My old Profigold component switch was totally worth the money though.. I shall get that German switch I think.
