Building my perfect NES/SNES/N64 setup

[RdCrestdBreegull]

It depends on what N64 revision you have. If it's the NUS-CPU-03 no need to worry, if it's anything else you'll need to wire the luma pin from the multiout to the composite sync pin.

So when my RGB-amplified N64 arrives in the mail, and when I hook up my csync Multi-Out/BNC cable to it and connect it to my PVM-14M4U, what might happen? Besides it working fine, what are some possibilities of what might occur? If I really should be using sync-on-luma, but I'm using a csync cable, what will I see on my monitor?

[ApolloBoy]

It depends, try asking the person who's modding it for you what board revision it is.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

In one of these pictures he has a cable soldered to 'CS' which may be csync.

https://store.retrofixes.com/products/n ... 1077357325

[ApolloBoy]

In one of these pictures he has a cable soldered to 'CS' which may be csync.

https://store.retrofixes.com/products/n ... 1077357325

Those board pics are actually of an SNES mini, not an N64. Again, if yours is a NUS-CPU-03 you won't have to worry as composite sync is already there. If it's a NUS-CPU-04 he'll probably add it in for you anyway. Still, always good to ask.

[Ikaruga11]

Will the "official" RGB mod or Tim's RGB board give me better image quality?

I think the consensus is that the N64RGB provides slightly better video quality compared to installing an RGB amp. I've been using a THS7314-based amp in mine for years though and I'm still pretty satisfied with the image quality.

Do both ouput CSync?

The N64RGB can provide composite sync, but the NUS-CPU-03 revision already has composite sync so you don't need to use the N64RGB's sync signal.

Can I have both installed at the same time?

Um no, you either go with one or the other. The N64RGB isn't a bad option to go with but it's really better suited for later N64s that can't be RGB modded through conventional means.

According to RetroRGB, N64's RGB is all 100% identical regardless of your hardware revision or RGB method.

http://retrorgb.com/n64rgb.html

[ApolloBoy]

According to RetroRGB, N64's RGB is all 100% identical regardless of your hardware revision or RGB method.

http://retrorgb.com/n64rgb.html

He was only talking about a homemade amp versus the prebuilt one sold by Retrofixes. The N64RGB takes the digital video signals straight from the RCP so it has a slight edge over conventional RGB mods in terms of video quality. That's also why the N64RGB is compatible with every N64 instead of just the early models.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

Those board pics are actually of an SNES mini, not an N64. Again, if yours is a NUS-CPU-03 you won't have to worry as composite sync is already there. If it's a NUS-CPU-04 he'll probably add it in for you anyway. Still, always good to ask.

If I have a -04, and if I ask him to add csync capability, will I be losing any functionality? Will sync-on-luma still be available to use, or will I then have to use csync on my N64 from then on? Are there any advantages to sync-on-luma vs csync, or vice versa? There might still be time to ask him, but I want to make sure I'm making the right decision and not anything I'll regret later.

Also, when I finally get a SCART switcher and get a separate SCART cable for each console, will all of my systems need to have the same sync setup to all work together with the switcher? Or will multiple consoles with different sync setups somehow work all going into the same switcher?

[ApolloBoy]

Those board pics are actually of an SNES mini, not an N64. Again, if yours is a NUS-CPU-03 you won't have to worry as composite sync is already there. If it's a NUS-CPU-04 he'll probably add it in for you anyway. Still, always good to ask.

If I have a -04, and if I ask him to add csync capability, will I be losing any functionality? Will sync-on-luma still be available to use, or will I then have to use csync on my N64 from then on? Are there any advantages to sync-on-luma vs csync, or vice versa? There might still be time to ask him, but I want to make sure I'm making the right decision and not anything I'll regret later.

You won't be losing functionality at all, in fact you'll be gaining some as it'll allow you to use cables that are only wired to use composite sync in addition to cables that use composite video or luma as sync. Composite sync is usually best as it's just the horizontal and vertical sync signals with no additional video information attached.

Also, when I finally get a SCART switcher and get a separate SCART cable for each console, will all of my systems need to have the same sync setup to all work together with the switcher? Or will multiple consoles with different sync setups somehow work all going into the same switcher?

They should work fine. Most PVMs tend to be tolerant of different sync signals (composite video, luma, composite sync) so I think you'll be fine.

[Ikaruga11]

He was only talking about a homemade amp versus the prebuilt one sold by Retrofixes. The N64RGB takes the digital video signals straight from the RCP so it has a slight edge over conventional RGB mods in terms of video quality. That's also why the N64RGB is compatible with every N64 instead of just the early models.

So you're saying that Tim's N64RGB Board is better than the standard RGB Mod that only works for early motherboards?

[ApolloBoy]

He was only talking about a homemade amp versus the prebuilt one sold by Retrofixes. The N64RGB takes the digital video signals straight from the RCP so it has a slight edge over conventional RGB mods in terms of video quality. That's also why the N64RGB is compatible with every N64 instead of just the early models.

So you're saying that Tim's N64RGB Board is better than the standard RGB Mod that only works for early motherboards?

A smidge better, at least in my experience. IMO if you have an early board, the conventional mod with an amp still works great and is easier to install since you don't have a bunch of wires to contend with and you don't have to worry about soldering onto an SMD chip.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

Alright so this is what RetroFixes says about sync in reference to NUS-CPU-03 and NUS-CPU-04:

"Neither have reliable csync. It's a myth. I do not add csync to N64 rgb mods, that's why I suggest sync on Luma cables. You might have a usable csync signal on NUS-CPU-03 but it depends on your displays sensitivity." "You can also use composite video sync but you might have a quality drop."

[ApolloBoy]

I use the stock composite sync signal on my NUS-CPU-03 and I've never had any issues. Your PVM is fairly similar to mine (I've got a PVM-1354Q) so I don't think you'll have a problem.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

I use the stock composite sync signal on my NUS-CPU-03 and I've never had any issues. Your PVM is fairly similar to mine (I've got a PVM-1354Q) so I don't think you'll have a problem.

Okay cool. Hopefully my N64 has the CPU-03. But even if it does, I'll get a sync-on-luma cable when it comes time to get each console their own cable with a switcher.

[RGB0b]

There's a few updates to the N64 RGB mods. I'll be updating my page with all of this soon:

- In my opinion, Tim's board will always have the advantage, since it can be flashed with the de-blur firmware and is compatible with all models. It's more expensive though.

- The amp on Tim's board is a THS7374. The amps previously used in the "basic" N64 RGB mods was the 7314, which isn't quite as sharp. All the new N64 boards being released are using 7374, so (assuming you're not using the deblur firmware), the picture should probably be identical. I'll confirm shortly.

- Up until now, my opinion on N64 sync was to just use a sync-on-luma cable...but one of the new boards being released has both the sharper THS7374 chip AND a sync stripper built-in. That means you can use the same csync cable as a SNES, not worry about crosshatch patterns and be fully compatible with all displays that require csync. There's just two more steps added to the already easy mod: Connect the RGB via's, remove the SMD resistor that's connected to the csync pin on the multi-out, then set a jumper on the new board.

The new board will be for sale by the end of this month and I'll have the N64 pages updated by then (both installation instructions and links on where to buy it). Also, I'll be talking about it (and other new boards) extensively on the podcast...probably not this week (24th), but the week after (31st).

[RdCrestdBreegull]

- The amp on Tim's board is a THS7374. The amps previously used in the "basic" N64 RGB mods was the 7314, which isn't quite as sharp. All the new N64 boards being released are using 7374, so (assuming you're not using the deblur firmware), the picture should probably be identical. I'll confirm shortly.

The new board will be for sale by the end of this month and I'll have the N64 pages updated by then (both installation instructions and links on where to buy it).

Does 'all the new N64 boards' include the boards used in the "basic" install that RetroFixes does? And if so, will Wesley be getting these new boards at the end of the month? My N64 is with him now and I'm wondering if I should request him to hold off on the mod so that I can make sure to get the new board. And if he's already performed his mod, can I switch out his board for the new one? I get my mods done with Wesley because he's a highly skilled professional and I wouldn't want to get my mods done by anyone else.

[Ikaruga11]

Can RetroFixes install Tim's board instead of the basic mod?

Will a CPU-04 or newer motherboard be able to output CSync RGB after installing Tim's Board, or does it need additional modding to restore CSync functionality to the multiout?

Likewise, will a CPU-03 or older motherboard be able to output CSync RGB after installing Tim's Board, or does it need additional modding to restore CSync functionality to the multiout?

The new board will be for sale by the end of this month and I'll have the N64 pages updated by then (both installation instructions and links on where to buy it). Also, I'll be talking about it (and other new boards) extensively on the podcast...probably not this week (24th), but the week after (31st).

Will this new board come with the de-blur and Borti's 15-bit mode pre-installed, or do we still have to install it? Also, does it use a better amp? Is it possible for an amp better than the THS7374?

[RGB0b]

Does 'all the new N64 boards' include the boards used in the "basic" install that RetroFixes does? And if so, will Wesley be getting these new boards at the end of the month?

I'm honestly not sure, but in my opinion (once again, just an opinion), on N64, the difference between 7314 and 7374 is barely noticeable, since the 3D games are already "softened".

Can RetroFixes install Tim's board instead of the basic mod?

Yes.

Will a CPU-04 or newer motherboard be able to output CSync RGB after installing Tim's Board, or does it need additional modding to restore CSync functionality to the multiout?

Likewise, will a CPU-03 or older motherboard be able to output CSync RGB after installing Tim's Board, or does it need additional modding to restore CSync functionality to the multiout?

I think Tim's installation recommends using composite video or luma as sync. Using luma as sync is usually fine in most situations though.

Will this new board come with the de-blur and Borti's 15-bit mode pre-installed, or do we still have to install it? Also, does it use a better amp? Is it possible for an amp better than the THS7374?

I know it can be confusing, but you're mixing up the boards. The "new" boards I'm talking about are simply updated versions of the "basic" RGB mod that's been around forever. There's no logic to them, simply an amp circuit. At the moment, there are a handful of amp's that are about the same quality as the THS7374.

Tim's board is completely different.

[Ikaruga11]

I'm honestly not sure, but in my opinion (once again, just an opinion), on N64, the difference between 7314 and 7374 is barely noticeable, since the 3D games are already "softened".

What if the softening was disabled? How apparent is the picture quality difference then?

Yes.

Sweet. So I just buy Tim's RGB board off his website, make an order to RetroFixes, mail my N64 and RGB Board and Wesley will install it? Sounds good.

I think Tim's installation recommends using composite video or luma as sync. Using luma as sync is usually fine in most situations though.

Composite Video = CSync? I mean, if early US CPU-03 have a buffered CSync signal that's ready to use, then you can just use it immediately after modding RGB in, whether through the "basic" mod or Tim's board?

I know it can be confusing, but you're mixing up the boards. The "new" boards I'm talking about are simply updated versions of the "basic" RGB mod that's been around forever. There's no logic to them, simply an amp circuit. At the moment, there are a handful of amp's that are about the same quality as the THS7374.

Tim's board is completely different.

Oh, okay. When do you think Tim will release v1.3 of his N64RGB Board?

Also, when is the Everdrive 64 v4 coming out? I want to buy the Everdrive 64 v3, but if a new version is coming out in the future then I'll just wait.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

I think Tim's installation recommends using composite video or luma as sync. Using luma as sync is usually fine in most situations though.

Are you referring to the new board with the THS7374 chip and sync stripper built-in? If so, are you saying that even though the new board has a sync stripper built in to allow csync functionality, that it is still problematic and that sync-on-luma is still preferred? I don't want to use csync with an N64 unless it has no issues.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

So if I end up getting a gscartsw v3.4 SCART switcher to hook up my NES, SNES, and N64 (and possibly original PlayStation in the future), will I need a sync stripper for my sync-on-luma RGB N64 SCART cable in order for it to be compatible with the switcher? And even if sync-on-luma without a stripper works fine, then will adding a sync stripper to the mix improve the picture? Have there been any comparisons between sync-on-luma N64 picture with and without a stripper? Thanks

PS--Does anyone know the width of the NES, SNES, and original PlayStation? I know my N64 is about 10-1/2" wide, but my SNES is with Wesley right now and I don't have my NES or PlayStation yet (currently own a Generation NEX) so I can't get those measurements. All of the info I've found online seems to be very fishy and I won't trust anything except someone here getting measuring tape and actually measuring their systems. I'm trying to find an entertainment center (shelving unit) to hold on this stuff so I need the console widths at least. Thanks!

[ApolloBoy]

Are you referring to the new board with the THS7374 chip and sync stripper built-in?

No he's referring to this: http://etim.net.au/n64rgb/

[RGB0b]

So if I end up getting a gscartsw v3.4 SCART switcher to hook up my NES, SNES, and N64 (and possibly original PlayStation in the future), will I need a sync stripper for my sync-on-luma RGB N64 SCART cable in order for it to be compatible with the switcher? And even if sync-on-luma without a stripper works fine, then will adding a sync stripper to the mix improve the picture? Have there been any comparisons between sync-on-luma N64 picture with and without a stripper? Thanks

If you're using a gscartsw, you don't have to worry about sync strippers at all, since it has one built in; Feel free to use sync-on-luma.

Adding a sync stripper to the SCART head is just for compatibility, not for picture quality issues. With a gscartsw, this isn't needed.

[FBX]

My own ultimate Nintendo first 3 list I've decided on is as follows after testing various mods and console revisions:

N64 with the UltraHDMI mod + the analogue RGB mod.

Super NES mini/jr with the 7374 amp board and filtering turned off + TOSLINK digital sound mod. (love this combo btw)

AV Famicom with NESRGB mod + my custom palette and soon-to-be NES Classic palette installed.


I've already got the HDretrovision component cables and a component CRT, but I primarily use the Framemeister on my large flat panel for these guys.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

I managed to snag a BVM-20F1U from craigslist for $460 (after gas and stuff it came to around $530). The cabinet isn't in the best condition, and I have no idea how many hours it has (how can I check?) but the screen seems fine enough. Hopefully everything goes smoothly! Oh and it's missing the standard 4:3 mask/bezel but I see that another one on ebay is missing this as well and I can't see that really affecting anything other than cosmetic appearance.

Do I need the BKM-10R remote to start using the monitor? Or can I plug my SNES etc into it right away and start playing? Hopefully the remote isn't needed for selecting the RGB input and is only needed to adjust settings?

Another question... why do people always say the BVM-20F1U is so great when the 20E1U has more TV lines? Does the E1U have too detailed/crisp of a picture?

Also, are there any downsides to the D20F1U or A20F1U?--these seem like the more logical choices over the older 20F1U because they are 480p capable... do people just never mention them because they are usually way more expensive or because the 480p capability is irrelevant to 240p gaming etc?

[RdCrestdBreegull]

Just noticed the dark square on the screen on the bottom left. Can't test the picture since I don't have the remote yet. Anyone know what this is or if it will be visible when picture is being displayed?

Spoiler

[Guspaz]

Looks like burn-in to me.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

Looks like burn-in to me.

How would that have occurred? I thought these monitors were meant to withstand almost anything. Man I really hope I didn't drive for twelve hours for an abused monitor (

[RdCrestdBreegull]

So my RGB-modified SNES and N64 (probably 7314) will be arriving from Retrofixes tomorrow.

I have a Multi-Out to BNC cable from retro_console_accessories that has capacitors on the BNC plugs (meant for SNES). The cable might work with my N64 as well, but it might not (depends on sync situation), but if it does then will the capacitors in the cable harm my N64 at all? I'm guessing it will be fine, but I want to ask you guys before I use it with my N64. Thanks.

[mvsfan]

I can also see that you have some burn in over the whole screen. I can see a line towards the edge of your screen, all the way around it.

[RdCrestdBreegull]

I can also see that you have some burn in over the whole screen. I can see a line towards the edge of your screen, all the way around it.

Damn, I think you're right. I guess this purchase will just be a huge lesson for me.

How much do you think the burn-ins will affect the picture? How noticeable will the smaller square be? My BKM-10R won't arrive until next week so I can't test it until then.