RGN modded N64 dull whites/off colours issue

[andykara2003]

Hi,

I've always had a feeling that my THS-7314 RGB modded N64 outputs whites that are slightly dull and colours generally a bit off compared to the standard s-video output, even though the THS-7314 method is generally considered to be the brightest and best option. Here's a demonstration of this that someone put on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHwxu-3JwhE

I prefer the colours on the right (composite) although I would never want to use anything less than RGB.

Also our own Darcagn posted this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oxVt5y2-a8

In the comments, he & TheVoultar commented about the dull whites.

Does anyone know how to get the N64 to produce RGB that is as bright as the standard output but in RGB?

Also, I'm reading that some people are searching out the revision 3 consoles that have c-sync so they can use that instead of composite video. Is doing that likely to produce a better quality output from the console?

Cheers

[kel]

What cable are you using? Make sure it doesn't have any resistors in it on the RGB lines.

[andykara2003]

I'm using the official Gamecube scart cable:



Which is recommended by mmmonkey - the SNES RGB cable is less bright but looks the same colour-wise so I'm thinking it must be something else?

Would using c-sync instead of composite video sync affect the colours at all (or the image clarity)?

[kel]

I can't say for sure without stripping down my N64 but I don't think that the NTSC N64 would need a 75 ohm resistor in the cable on the CV line and the 220uf cap on the CV line should already be in the console so try a cable without those like the NTSC SNES cable.

I personally can't notice any improvement between CS and CV on the N64 but I suppose it also depends what display or scaler you use

[blizzz]

Here's a screenshot of a youtube video I did last year, compared to darcagn's video.


My N64


darcagn's N64

The white is noticeably brighter on my machine.

[andykara2003]

Wow this is great Blizzz! What RGB mod did you use?

[blizzz]

It's a Japanese NUS-CPU-04 modded with the normal THS7314 mod by donking 2000. I also got the cable from him.

[kel]

I was under the impression from other peoples experiences that if anything the THS7314 on the N64 is a bit over saturated and bright.

The fact that yours is the opposite leads me to believe that it may be the cable.

If the input of the THS7314 is connected to the DC coupled part of the N64 RGB lines then a straight through pin to pin cable with no caps or resistors would probably be best. If it was connected to the AC coupled part of the N64 RGB line then you would definitely need some 220uf caps on the RGB lines in the cable, but no resistors in the cable either way.

[andykara2003]

Thanks for that guys - I wouldn't know (or be able to tell) if the chip is connected to the AC or DC coupled part of the RGB lines :/

Saying this, Dorking 2000's website offers different RGB cables for Japanese and USA RGB modded N64's (they use the THS7314 as well):

http://www.kingkonsolen.de/preisliste/d ... el/15.html

I guess I could try their Japanese cable as I have the Jap console....

[kel]

The JP and US N64 motherboards are exactly the same as far as I know so the JP cable on that site may be referring to the scart pin out or maybe it is just stating that it is compatible with both JP and US N64s, IDK.

[andykara2003]

Ahh maybe that's it - I'll contact them & find out.

Oddly enough, the image is actually quite bright - the colours are strong but off and the whites are just not as clean as with s-video - but the image looks maybe a little oversaturated as you say, but not right colourwise.

[blizzz]

The page you linked just says "Compatibility / Suited for: -N64 NTSC USA -N64 NTSC Japan". It's the same cable. He's still on parental leave this month, so don't expect an answer from him soon.

[andykara2003]

Thanks very much for clearing that up Blizzz. I'll give him a shout & will probably get one of my spare N64s modded by him & see if that coupled with his cable will produce the cleaner picture.

Another option is the 'RGB for all' mod but I've seen someone say it's not as good as the THS7314 - but that's just one person. I'd love to hear from someone who's compared the two.

On a side note, I'm testing the new N64RGB mod by Viletim very soon. Anything by him will be good so I'm looking forward to that