Everdrive64 + N64 PAL + NTSC Rom + XRGB-Mini = Error

[Kristian_J]

I live in Denmark (Europe) and I own an N64 (PAL version) and the XRGB-Mini Framemeister. I have just recieved my Everdrive64 cartridge and as long as i play PAL roms everything works fine. However, as soon as i Launch a NTSC rom the image crashes but the sound works fine. If I connect the N64 through Composite to my TV I can still play NTSC roms.

Is there anyway / setting / solution that will enable me to play NTSC rom through the XRGB-Mini?

[Fudoh]

Your N64 has component outputs ? The connection to your Mini is RGBs ?

[Kristian_J]

Sorry, Composite output, not component.

I connect my N64 to the XRGB with the original N64 composite cable

[Richtr8]

This probably has something to do with the XRGB not knowing what to do with the non-standard frequency put out by a PAL signal sped up to NTSC specifications. IIRC the PAL Playstation 1 & 2 also struggle when running in emulated-NTSC.

[Fudoh]

But PAL Playstation units output NTSC games in (roughly) 60Hz, while PAL N64 units remain in 50Hz when running NTSC roms, don't they ?

Anyway, a RGB mod would certainly be a solution to the problem.

[BuckoA51]

Anyway, a RGB mod would certainly be a solution to the problem.

Don't bet on it, I've seen similar behaviour running PAL carts on an NTSC machine and that's with an RGB modded unit. I forget exactly what type of signal it was outputting but unless I unlocked the frame rate the TV wouldn't even display it.

[Fudoh]

I know this from the NES/FC and SNES/SFC running through a XRGB-3/DVDO combo, but not really from a Framemeister. I'd still say a RGB mod is at least his best shot.

[BuckoA51]

Don't see how it makes a difference? If the signal is too far out of spec the FM will struggle too, surely?

[Fudoh]

If it was a general problem we would probably have heard about it. PAL N64s are not this uncommon, are they ? Worst case scenario is that the Everdrive just kills the video signal's impedance, but with a RGB signal he could at least pump up the sync level on the Mini to compensate for this. I had a similar problem on my MD (+ XRGB3): fine with retail carts, but horrendous dropouts with an Everdrive. On the XRGB-3 I had to use a sync stabilizer to get it running properly. On the Mini adjusting the sync level was good enough.

[BuckoA51]

Hmm, I thought the reason we didn't hear more about it was because few people bother jumping through hoops to play import games on the N64.

Regardless, a RGB mod isn't going to hamper anything, so worth a shot at least.

[Kristian_J]

I'd really like to keep my N64 untouched / original, but if if I can find a cheap used RGB modded N64 it might be worth the try.

I'm kinda "sad" that the XRGB didn't have the ability to do a task my cheap Samsung television can do without any issues. Wonder if I could buy a cheap NTSC -> PAL converter and insert it between my N64 and XRGB?

[BuckoA51]

You've tried unlocking the frame rate on the mini right? (Turn Sync Mode OFF).

[Kristian_J]

Yes i did and i actually forgot about this, but the strangest thing happened.

If i unlock sync, set the output signal to 1080p 50hz, remove the composite cables and connect them again, I get a black and white picture with tear / lines, which I've been told is how it should look when you play NTSC on PAL TVs