What's wrong with my SFC's RGB?!

[Skykid]

Bought a SFC from reputable seller Magic Knight, had an EU RGB cable shipped from England after buying from ebay. Finally set it all up via XRGB2+ today, using an EU->JP adaptor, and it looks like this:



I'm stumped. This image is actually better than it looks in reality, thanks to my phone's camera. The image is incredibly dull, while at the same time appearing completely washed out on lighter colours.

I've tried adjusting all the LCD and XRGB settings, and nothing works. If I switch to my Saturn using an identical setup, also with an EU RGB scart, it's perfect:



What gives?

Could it be the cable most likely, or possibly the SFC? Magic Knight is a stand up guy, I've bought loads from him in the past, so if it's a hardware issue I doubt he knew about it.

For the record, even adjusting brightnesses barely impacts the screen's dullness, and there's nothing that seems to give the washed out image any clarity or strength.

I realise trying another scart is a good first step, but it's easier said than done being in a country with no scart. JPN RGB leads are ridiculously expensive too.

This EU lead was tested in the UK on a UK Snes by my brother, he reported no issues with it.

Any ideas?

[blizzz]

It's most likely the wrong cable. There's a difference between an NTSC SFC / SNES cable and PAL cable.

More info: link

Edit: To clarify, I mean the components inside the cable. The PAL cable uses resistors, while the NTSC cable uses capacitors. Both are usually wired for Euro SCART. Make sure that you don't mix up Euro SCART and JP21 on your XRGB2+.

[Fudoh]

This EU lead was tested in the UK on a UK Snes by my brother

yes, this. Wrong cable. If it works fine on a PAL SNES, then it won't on a NTSC SFC.

[Skykid]

This EU lead was tested in the UK on a UK Snes by my brother

yes, this. Wrong cable. If it works fine on a PAL SNES, then it won't on a NTSC SFC.

Damn, I had it sent over for nothing?

So even with the appropriate adaptors the SFC won't output in the same fashion as other setups? I've often used EU RGN cables with JP machines and never encountered a problem until now.

Would it be fair to assume the SFC is unique in this respect? And is a true JP RGB cable my only option?

[Fudoh]

Damn, I had it sent over for nothing?

you add a capacitor to each RGB line and you're fine.

Would it be fair to assume the SFC is unique in this respect? And is a true JP RGB cable my only option?

No, all the cable makers NTSC SNES and PAL SNES cables - both with european Scart on the other end. You just ordered the wrong cable.

[Skykid]

Would it be fair to assume the SFC is unique in this respect? And is a true JP RGB cable my only option?

No, all the cable makers NTSC SNES and PAL SNES cables - both with european Scart on the other end. You just ordered the wrong cable.

Sorry I'm being dumb. I don't understand.

On the bright side getting capacitors fitted may not be too difficult. Is there an image guide you might be able to link me to?

[Fudoh]

When you hear "NTSC and RGB" in the same sentence, you think of JP21 cables. That's usually wrong.

Most American users will still prefer a EURO-SCART cable, unless they really use a XRGB unit. On the SNES there a potentially four difference cables you can get:

for NTSC SNES machines (us/jp) and with EURO-SCART output (what you need)
for NTSC SNES machines (us/jp) and with JP21 output (what's available in Japan)
for PAL SNES machines (us/jp) and with EURO-SCART output (what you got now)
for PAL SNES machines (us/jp) and with JP21 output (<- highly uncommon)

Here's your guide:

[blizzz]

In addition, here's how your current cable is wired: SNES RGB cables
Top is PAL, bottom is NTSC

To change your PAL SCART cable to an NTSC one you have to

1. remove the connections from R, G, B and Video to ground
2. add a 220µF cap to each of the R, G, B lines (negative leg towards the TV)
3. connect Scart pin 8 to 5V

[Fudoh]

Just two more notes:

- On the XRGB he doesn't have to bother with pin 8 or pin 16.
- On many PAL RGB cables the resistors are straight in line with the RGB lines, so no connection to the ground pin.

[Skykid]

Ok I'm going to try the mod. Thanks guys for the info, I learned something today. Really didn't realise EU scart had so many variations.

[Fudoh]

Really didn't realise EU scart had so many variations.

it doesn't. It's Nintendo's fault.

[Skykid]

Really didn't realise EU scart had so many variations.

it doesn't. It's Nintendo's fault.

Motherfuckers.

[speedlolita]

What you want is an Official GameCube RGB cable.

[Fudoh]

don't confuse him

[speedlolita]

I merely assumed it was an Official SNES cable from France or something. Those are worth $$ so you'd be better off selling it and getting the Cube one IMO. If it's any old RGB cable then yeah, just add the caps.

[Skykid]

So I couldn't be bothered with the rewiring business and had a SFC cable custom made from a taobao seller. Looks good, sounds good, but.... the picture is scrolling horizontally at a hundred miles an hour.



The PAL lead gave a worthless image but at least it was static. What gives now, is the lead at fault or something else?

[bobrocks95]

Did they solder the ground pin for composite video? Do you know which type of sync it's using, or if you need a specific type?

[Xyga]

Snes cables suck. I have a french model which is complete shit (ultra dark/purple picture) couldn't get it to work like it should yet.
I kind of gave up and let my snes take the dust...

[neorichieb1971]

Should have gone to retro cables.

http://retrocables.es/tienda/index.php? ... &id_lang=4

They moved to Spain now?

[eightbitminiboss]

Should have gone to retro cables.

http://retrocables.es/tienda/index.php? ... &id_lang=4

They moved to Spain now?

Do you mean Retro_Accessories/retro_console_accessories or retrogamingcables.co.uk?

Never even heard of retrocables.es...

[bobrocks95]

He's in China I think? Hong Kong maybe? Probably hard to import from elsewhere, hence why he got a person on taobao to make one.

[Asure]

Looks like you are missing the SYNC (Composite Video) wire, or it is connected to the wrong input/output.

If it's a screw-to-close scart, open it up, and take a few pics for us. At best, you will need to move just a single wire

[Skykid]

Looks like you are missing the SYNC (Composite Video) wire, or it is connected to the wrong input/output.

If it's a screw-to-close scart, open it up, and take a few pics for us. At best, you will need to move just a single wire

It looks like screw to close, but the cap has been tightened over a thicker reinforced wire underneath and I can't get the thing to budge. I'm worried about breaking it.