First, the beginning: The Nintendo 64 console which I rescued from a box next to a dumpster. This rugged machine was one of the coveted models which has the coveted VDC-NUS A chip built in (a link that explains what this means)
I performed this mod to install an RGB amp into the N64 motherboard.
I bought this cable to get RGB video from the console out to SCART (Note: Wired for Composite Video in the drop-down menu).
Then bought this cable to get RGB video from the SCART connector to BNC 4 connectors (and RCA stereo audio).
These finally terminated into the SONY TRINITRON PVM-1910. Mine was perviously owned by a hospital.
The result is beautiful and perfect, though the display does show mild artifact and pixel bleeding in some areas, as well as curious sync destabilization on the bottom half of the monitor when displaying a primarily white image.
Other sort of problem: the PVM 1910 only does mono sound. Even stranger, the audio input and output terminals are 1/8" (3.5mm) mono audio, not RCA. Future solution to this will involve sending the audio to an external 2.1 stereo system.
Next step, I mentioned that the PVM 1910 has audio in and out. Well as it happens, the 1910 handles RGB video out as well! This means I didn't have to buy a SCART splitter amp for this particular project(though you may still want one if you would prefer to avoid unplugging one console to plug in another). I bought =http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sony- ... this cable to begin the journey to my capture card. It should be noted: the dude who runs that site was *extremely* helpful. When I described what I wanted this cable to do, he actually reversed my accidental purchase, replaced it with the correct one, and refunded me the difference.
Next, I needed a Sync Strike. Truth be told, I could have built my own, but I didn't wanna. The device sold by arcadeforge has drop-down menus to include an enclosure, power supply, and EU -> US or EU -> UK outlet adapter, each for extra cost.
After that, this next part is not "required," but I wanted to artificially induce scanlines on my video signal. The solution I chose was the Scanline Generator SLG3000. This thing is rad, and incredibly simple for the user: toggle switch turns it on/off. Knob is twisted to control scanline intensity.
Next on the chain gang, we need something to translate the 15khz video signal from the RGB display to something the video capture card will be able to interpret: a CGA to VGA board. There are multiple brand options, but I picked the Gonbes 8200. My board came with a package of jumpers, designed to wire into the power supply of an arcade cabinet, but that's not what I'm mounting it on. I got a third party AC adapter (the specifications available online, and with the included documentation, have details regarding which type of adapter to use).
Finally, everything connected, the video signal finally terminates into the VGA port on the AVerMedia Game Broadcaster HD. Audio actually splits out from the Sync Strike with female RCA ports. I used a stereo audio male RCA to 3.5mm stereo mini cable into the Line In port on my on-board soundcard.
Finally, it's all software at this point. I use Amarec, because it's free. The capture card came with some capture software, but the video options are much less robust.
It's worth mentioning that the audio and video on the capture card lags behind the PVM signal by about half a second, so it's absolutely unplayable as a primary A/V option. Luckily, I only wanted the capture card to broadcast on Twitch
(I know, I promised photos, and they'll be added eventually!)
(I need to thank some people. I will add all of your names/usernames at once, after I collect them!)
