XRGB-mini Framemeister

[Unseen]

One more question, is there a setting / method which will auto-power on the FM ? I.e. you do not have to push the POWER button on the unit.

You can disable the standby mode with Options->Power Set->On, with that option set the FM will fully turn on when it is powered and ignore the power button.

[rtw]

One more question, is there a setting / method which will auto-power on the FM ? I.e. you do not have to push the POWER button on the unit.

You can disable the standby mode with Options->Power Set->On, with that option set the FM will fully turn on when it is powered and ignore the power button.

Thank you, now everything powers at once

[Skavi_]

I finally got all the cables and everything I need to start using my framemeister.

I have one problem however. I cannot update the firmware.

I put the folder straight onto the SD-card (so I have a SD card with a folder named "XRGBmini")
I connect the HDMI out (someone said it was needed)
I insert the SD-card into the Mini
I connect the power

I end up with a solid red standby light and a solid green power light.

Anyone know what to do?

[Skavi_]

I finally got all the cables and everything I need to start using my framemeister.

I have one problem however. I cannot update the firmware.

I put the folder straight onto the SD-card (so I have a SD card with a folder named "XRGBmini")
I connect the HDMI out (someone said it was needed)
I insert the SD-card into the Mini
I connect the power

I end up with a solid red standby light and a solid green power light.

Anyone know what to do?

Bought a micro SD card from another brand and it worked easy as pie.

@FBX, I tried your SNES 4x profile. It looks very good, however I had to adjust zoom width from 50 down to 41 to get it to 4:3 format. The height was a perfect 224*4=896 pixels from what I could see but the width was a bit off. I compared to a 896x1195 rectangle I made in paint on an identical monitor (very scientific). I use a computer monitor so it should be "full pixel".

I have no real issue because I fixed it, just thought I'd bring it up here if you know what might be the problem.

[FBX]

I finally got all the cables and everything I need to start using my framemeister.

I have one problem however. I cannot update the firmware.

I put the folder straight onto the SD-card (so I have a SD card with a folder named "XRGBmini")
I connect the HDMI out (someone said it was needed)
I insert the SD-card into the Mini
I connect the power

I end up with a solid red standby light and a solid green power light.

Anyone know what to do?

Bought a micro SD card from another brand and it worked easy as pie.

@FBX, I tried your SNES 4x profile. It looks very good, however I had to adjust zoom width from 50 down to 41 to get it to 4:3 format. The height was a perfect 224*4=896 pixels from what I could see but the width was a bit off. I compared to a 896x1195 rectangle I made in paint on an identical monitor (very scientific). I use a computer monitor so it should be "full pixel".

I have no real issue because I fixed it, just thought I'd bring it up here if you know what might be the problem.

The SNES width was determined via pixel width coming out of the console, which is equal to 288x224. I seem to recall the default 50 setting exactly matched this ratio (assuming I remember this correctly). I'll go back and have a 2nd look to make sure tomorrow.

[Skavi_]

The SNES width was determined via pixel width coming out of the console, which is equal to 288x224. I seem to recall the default 50 setting exactly matched this ratio (assuming I remember this correctly). I'll go back and have a 2nd look to make sure tomorrow.

Ohh alright, I was under the impression that the SNES output 256x224 resolution. Anyway, I simply aimed for 4:3 resolution by multiplying 244x4/3=298.6. That is probably the reason I adjusted the width compared to your preset then.

[juji82]

@FBX

Will you ever make a Wii 480p Profile?

[Cirventhor]

Sorry if this has been asked before - but how much have the latest firmware improved games switching between 240p/480i? Games like Chrono Cross, Silent Hill etc. How long is the sync/handshake delay?

Have a Framemeister on the way from Japan at the moment.

[FBX]

The SNES width was determined via pixel width coming out of the console, which is equal to 288x224. I seem to recall the default 50 setting exactly matched this ratio (assuming I remember this correctly). I'll go back and have a 2nd look to make sure tomorrow.

Ohh alright, I was under the impression that the SNES output 256x224 resolution.

It does. The to 288 figure is the apparent aspect ratio converted into pixels. In other words, it takes 288 square pixels to approximate the horizontal width of the SNES's 256 pixels.

[stranno]

I have four questions with XRGB-Mini.

1) Is there any way to stretch content to 1920x1080? I have tried with zoom option but no matter if the native content is 4:3 or 16:9, thin black bars appear on the sides (around 4-6 pixels width). Its not the aspect ratio, i can zoom 4x the original resolution and black bars stay there. Running 2.00A firmware.

http://i.imgur.com/D4pwrX7.jpg
black bars

2) Most of 480i content i've played looks wonderful on XRGBM but TimeSplitters (PS2) looks amazingly bad with interlaced all around. Game1 and Game2 seems to correct this but the image quality suck.

http://i.imgur.com/Ij9KcaK.jpg
interlaced all around

3) With Alpine 3 i obtain graphical artifacts and blinking frames. Any way to fix this?

http://i.imgur.com/Z9nWnD4.gif

4) Is there any way to rename the saved profile through XRGBM menu?

Any idea about this?

And is there any difference between stretching with visual_set and stretching with zoom menu? I cant notice any with 480P content i've been playing.

[lettuce]

Have just tried a Playstation 1 with the xrg-mini for the first time and noticing im getting graphical glitches on the screen with some games, is this a known issue or is my scart lead the cause?

Also is there anyway to sort the constant sync interruptions?, so games it will sync 3-4 time before i even get to play the game

[eightbitminiboss]

Have just tried a Playstation 1 with the xrg-mini for the first time and noticing im getting graphical glitches on the screen with some games, is this a known issue or is my scart lead the cause?

Also is there anyway to sort the constant sync interruptions?, so games it will sync 3-4 time before i even get to play the game

I've played through the majority of Parasite Eve and didn't notice any irregularities. The only thing I'm aware of when playing some games on the PS1 is resolution changes like on the N64. Chrono Cross shows this issue a lot.

[FBX]

I wanted to apologize that I've not gotten to a few things people were asking me to check on. I recently returned from the hospital after emergency surgery to remove my gall bladder (it went into 'kill the human' mode), So I've been recovering slowly. It was supposed to be the minimally invasive laparoscopic method, but the surgeons had to improvise when they discovered the gall bladder had become gigantic and infected. The result was half my lower belly cut open so they could make room to pull the wretched thing out of me. The bad side of this has been feeling like I've been run through with a sword, but at least no more agonizing gall bladder pain. Another side effect of the surgery was losing sensation of the flesh that extends about two inches in total below my navel, which is obviously due to all the severed nerves when they sliced me open. Going to take some time to get used to that.

At any rate, I'm still waiting on the Toro device to arrive in the mail. With any luck, it will get here some time this week. Also snagged both the SD2SNES and the N64 EverDrive carts frim Krikzz, which almost gives me a full set now (just missing the GB ED). I'll post a heads up when the Toro gets here. I'm anxious to get some good Dreamcast profiles worked up.

[austin532]

Why did you hesitate to get it removed? It's a good thing it did not burst or it would have caused major problems. Mine was enlarged but it went successfully and I was an outpatient.

I know what you mean about the feeling. It will be like that for a week or two. Best thing to do is keep your mind off it and take it one day at a time.

[opt2not]

Damn sorry to hear that, FBX! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

[Smashbro29]

FBX, dude. Forget the video signals and focus on getting better. We'll still be here when you get back.

[opossum]

Hi all, I've been using FM since April 2014 without problems and with a wide selection of consoles, both older and newer ones. I have a problem with PSX... I'm using a chipped PAL PSX, classic 5552 grey model... Whatever combination of RGB cable and EuroScart adapter i use (I have a few... Sync on Luma RGB Cable, CSync RGB cable with built in sync separator, CSYNC EuroScart adapter, passive EuroScart adapter) in some games like TOBAL 1 and 2 (but not on TEKKEN games, for instance), during the FMV intros the console seems to lose connection with the mini, in other words the screen becomes dark or displays shetz - the music is ok - while I have no video problems during the actual games.

I tried to mess with mini sync settings (SYNC MODE...) without success...
Probably someone can help or give an explanation...

Thanks for attention.
A.

[darcagn]

Hi all, I've been using FM since April 2014 without problems and with a wide selection of consoles, both older and newer ones. I have a problem with PSX... I'm using a chipped PAL PSX, classic 5552 grey model... Whatever combination of RGB cable and EuroScart adapter i use (I have a few... Sync on Luma RGB Cable, CSync RGB cable with built in sync separator, CSYNC EuroScart adapter, passive EuroScart adapter) in some games like TOBAL 1 and 2 (but not on TEKKEN games, for instance), during the FMV intros the console seems to lose connection with the mini, in other words the screen becomes dark or displays shetz - the music is ok - while I have no video problems during the actual games.

I tried to mess with mini sync settings (SYNC MODE...) without success...
Probably someone can help or give an explanation...

Thanks for attention.
A.

It only drops out for a few seconds correct? It sounds like the game is changing video modes (240p to 480i or vice versa). Unfortunately when this happens the XRGB-mini needs to resync to the video signal and this can take a few seconds. It's one of the known flaws of this device and unfortunately there's nothing you can do about it. Luckily it doesn't really impact most games, although some of them change video modes when pausing/unpausing and this flaw can make those games unplayable.

Most games that do this are from the PSX/Saturn/N64 era.

[opossum]

Hi all, I've been using FM since April 2014 without problems and with a wide selection of consoles, both older and newer ones. I have a problem with PSX... I'm using a chipped PAL PSX, classic 5552 grey model... Whatever combination of RGB cable and EuroScart adapter i use (I have a few... Sync on Luma RGB Cable, CSync RGB cable with built in sync separator, CSYNC EuroScart adapter, passive EuroScart adapter) in some games like TOBAL 1 and 2 (but not on TEKKEN games, for instance), during the FMV intros the console seems to lose connection with the mini, in other words the screen becomes dark or displays shetz - the music is ok - while I have no video problems during the actual games.

I tried to mess with mini sync settings (SYNC MODE...) without success...
Probably someone can help or give an explanation...

Thanks for attention.
A.

It only drops out for a few seconds correct? It sounds like the game is changing video modes (240p to 480i or vice versa). Unfortunately when this happens the XRGB-mini needs to resync to the video signal and this can take a few seconds. It's one of the known flaws of this device and unfortunately there's nothing you can do about it. Luckily it doesn't really impact most games, although some of them change video modes when pausing/unpausing and this flaw can make those games unplayable.

Most games that do this are from the PSX/Saturn/N64 era.

Ciao Yes on TOBAL 1/2 the game is changing video mode for sure, probably to a FMV lower resolution... But in my case the black screen doesn't last just for a few seconds, It's like the Mini gets puzzled and can't resync by itself at all.... I noticed it needs an input of some sort for resync, since I can eventually watch the FMV if in the meanwhile of the big black i mess with video modes and options on the remote... And i guess this can't be solved, as you said...Thanks for reply!

[NightSprinter]

Hey FBX, glad to at least see you're still alive and well. I know what you had to go through too well. Exact same happened to me four years ago. I have wondered, has anyone compiled a list of games from Generations 4-7 (Wii being the only 7th Gen console to do this) that switch resolutions (be it on occasion or constantly)? I think such a list would help make users more aware of what could be unplayable on the Mini.

[austin532]

I don't think any 4th gen. games switch to 480i except for Sonic 2 and Ranma 1/2.

As for the 5th gen......my god .......there are too many to name. Probably close to a 100 between the three systems. Here is a small list of PS1 games that do.
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=54382

The 6th gen has a handful of games that switch to 240p. Mostly PS2 games which I made a list for.
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=55420

As for the Wii, I have no idea what games run in 240p. I know you can set VC games run in 240p by entering a command.

[Elite Evil]

Sorry for derailing the topic for a second but this seems to be the biggest topic on tinternet for the framemeister.I have my Framemeister and a UK power supply and it the machine seems to work great over component and (as well as can be expected) over composite.

I have a passive SCART to RGB cable from retrogaming cables and this seems to be a piece of junk and/or broken though. It doesn't fit neatly into the socket on the frameister, the pins are like needles rather than flat head screwdrives like the JP21 cable that comes in the box and it seems to be able to rotate about 10o clockwise or anticlockwise in the socket which the original adapter won't.

Initially it displayed a picture but the colours were all off (all purpley red) so I disconnected it, blew on the cable and the socket and then it stopped displaying any picture at all. Another reconnection it had a picture very lightly displayed in black and very dark grey. Audio comes and goes but I suspect that is being delivered fine but the framemeister is so confused by the picture it drops the audio at the same time.

I looked at where the contacts were on the mini and pushed the pins very slightly in that direction on the cable and it works the best it has so far; at times the picture is displayed for a second and in the right colours but then it all scrambles and breaks up like a loosely connected analogue cable.I have tried saturn, PS2 and gamecube scart cables and I am 99% sure it is not the scart end but the XRGB end.

Has anyone else had any success or struggles with this cable? Have I got a bad cable? Is there anything I should do before sending it back and it worth asking for another copy of the same or would I be better getting a JP21 to Euroscart instead, even though there are more connections in the chain maybe they would be better than a terrible single connector?

RE: Chipped PS1 does it do this with PAL and/or NTSC games? I think the PS1 and 2 have weird outputs when running different region software.

[pyrotek85]

Sorry for derailing the topic for a second but this seems to be the biggest topic on tinternet for the framemeister.I have my Framemeister and a UK power supply and it the machine seems to work great over component and (as well as can be expected) over composite.

I have a passive SCART to RGB cable from retrogaming cables and this seems to be a piece of junk and/or broken though. It doesn't fit neatly into the socket on the frameister, the pins are like needles rather than flat head screwdrives like the JP21 cable that comes in the box and it seems to be able to rotate about 10o clockwise or anticlockwise in the socket which the original adapter won't.

Initially it displayed a picture but the colours were all off (all purpley red) so I disconnected it, blew on the cable and the socket and then it stopped displaying any picture at all. Another reconnection it had a picture very lightly displayed in black and very dark grey. Audio comes and goes but I suspect that is being delivered fine but the framemeister is so confused by the picture it drops the audio at the same time.

I looked at where the contacts were on the mini and pushed the pins very slightly in that direction on the cable and it works the best it has so far; at times the picture is displayed for a second and in the right colours but then it all scrambles and breaks up like a loosely connected analogue cable.I have tried saturn, PS2 and gamecube scart cables and I am 99% sure it is not the scart end but the XRGB end.

Has anyone else had any success or struggles with this cable? Have I got a bad cable? Is there anything I should do before sending it back and it worth asking for another copy of the same or would I be better getting a JP21 to Euroscart instead, even though there are more connections in the chain maybe they would be better than a terrible single connector?

RE: Chipped PS1 does it do this with PAL and/or NTSC games? I think the PS1 and 2 have weird outputs when running different region software.

It sounds like the RGB cable pins might have bent, I know I nearly damaged mine that way. It seems way more delicate than it should be, I had to orient it very carefully before inserting it in slowly. I can't really say much else though without seeing pictures of the cable and socket, and even then I'm not one of the experts on here.

[TheShadowRunner]

I have a passive SCART to RGB cable from retrogaming cables and this seems to be a piece of junk and/or broken though.

Not surprised at all. Bought a cable from them, it came very late, with the wrong pins connected and a pitiful single ground connection. I'd recommend shipping that crap back and getting a proper one instead.
Hopefully the socket on your Mini's side isn't broken.

[FBX]

New profile package update:

The "Toro" box for the Dreamcast arrived today, and I was able to get a working profile made up for RGB SCART at 2x the 640x480 converted VGA-to-RGB output. Surprisingly, everything worked first try when I hooked it all up and followed the PDF directions for setting the "Toro" box. Getting a perfect 2x-scale Zoom profile going was a bit more tricky, but eventually I found the right combination of the Visual_Set V_Width and the Zoom_Set Zoom_Overscan values to nail it down. A quick check with the scanline feature confirmed everything was kosher, and then I measured the image to calculate the perfect 4:3 aspect ratio value for the Zoom_Set Zoom_Width entry.

Please note the above profile is for Dreamcast games that support VGA mode 640x480. In my case, I had Code Veronica to test with. I don't have any other Dreamcast games at the moment, so I won't be able to make other Dreamcast profile modes at present.

Also please note there is the usual issue of 480p getting horizontally contoured by the Framemeister. My profile is sharp, so you can tell the false contours are there.

[Pasky]

Playing Armed Police Batrider via RGB with the framemeister mini and I noticed it's adding this blue tinge to everything. It's the only PCB I have that it does this with, I know it's incorrect because my CRT display and my Blast City show it much differently. My cab and CRT match MAME really closely while the framemeister has this blue tint to everything where stuff is normally grey/green:

PCB with Framemeister:




Mame:





Here is how it comes through on my CRT:



Any ideas what's causing this? Switching to DVI output does the samething (purple etc... in the title screen).

[Skavi_]

The SNES width was determined via pixel width coming out of the console, which is equal to 288x224. I seem to recall the default 50 setting exactly matched this ratio (assuming I remember this correctly). I'll go back and have a 2nd look to make sure tomorrow.

Ohh alright, I was under the impression that the SNES output 256x224 resolution.

It does. The to 288 figure is the apparent aspect ratio converted into pixels. In other words, it takes 288 square pixels to approximate the horizontal width of the SNES's 256 pixels.

I think I understand the concept. Still 288 width combined with 224 height dont give a 4/3 ratio, is this intended?

(I'm not trying to question your profiles, I'm just curious and want to learn. Just adding this because sometimes it's diffucult not to sound like a douche in text)

[FBX]

Still 288 width combined with 224 height dont give a 4/3 ratio, is this intended?

It is indeed. Both the NES and the SNES have the same horizontal timing/width, and the SNES merely sends black bars on the top and bottom where the extra 16 pixels are that the NES makes use of (thus resulting in 224 vertical res for the SNES, while the NES is 240). I believe a few emulators also use the 288 formula. For example, Nestopia does.

That all being said, I'm going to have to dig out my SNES gear and double-check to make sure the Zoom_Width is accurately set to reflect the 288 formula. As I mentioned before, I thought I had done so, but I'm not sure. Maybe it was a thing where I had done it for the NES profiles but forgot on the SNES. I'll check to make sure soon.


Edit:

Just got done checking the SNES width and it seems I did not correct the width for 4x mode afterall. The correct Zoom_Width should be a value of 48, whereas the 5x profile is correct at a value of 50. The profiles package has been updated, but you can easily change the 4x value to 48 and re-save the profile yourself.

[Unseen]

I think I understand the concept. Still 288 width combined with 224 height dont give a 4/3 ratio, is this intended?

Square pixels are rarely used in SD video - for example the standard 720x480 resolution gives a 3/2 ratio if you just go by the numbers, but is actually a 4:3 or 16:9 image because the pixels rectangular.

[CkRtech]

I think I understand the concept. Still 288 width combined with 224 height dont give a 4/3 ratio, is this intended?

Square pixels are rarely used in SD video - for example the standard 720x480 resolution gives a 3/2 ratio if you just go by the numbers, but is actually a 4:3 or 16:9 image because the pixels rectangular.

Exactly.

Remember that all of this stuff wasn't designed for a fixed pixel display but rather to be "painted" onto a 4:3 CRT with a bit of overscan.