XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

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Blair
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XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

Post by Blair »

I have a question, I'm really enjoying my Micomsoft XRGB-1 line doubler. but all the inputs on my RGB Scart to JP-21 switcher are full (it has only three inputs). but the XRGB-1 has another RGB input ( the 15-pin input) I was wondering if I could use that input in conjunction with an arcade forge Sync Strike and a 15-pin to VGA cable. so I could get some use out of that input. I'm assuming that the 15-pin RGB input can handle 15Hz 240p/480i signals (I was going to hook a PlayStation up to it).

so to summarize, here's what I want to do.

1. connect my PlayStation to the scart-in on the Sync Strike

2. connect the XRGB-1 to the Sync strike's vga out via the original Micomsoft VGA to 15-pin cable

3. Is there any problems I could encounter with any pin-out, incompatibilities, or damage any of my equipment?

I'm thinking it should work, but I wanted to ask you guys first just in case I was overlooking something.

(down below are some images that should illustrate some of my thought process)

I would appreciate any advice.


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Last edited by Blair on Mon Apr 03, 2017 11:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
SuperDeadite
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Re: XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

Post by SuperDeadite »

The 15pin input is just a pass-through port. The idea was you connect your actual computer to that port, so you could use your computer and play games on the same monitor without changing cables around. Input = Output and nothing more.
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Blair
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Re: XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

Post by Blair »

are you sure? I thought the XRGB-1 could also line double the older 15hz Japanese micro computers. like the sharp x68000 and NEC pc88/98. also, what is the fm towns switch for then?

[edit]
this page from the Internet archive seems to indicate that the 15 pin RGB input is processed by the XRGB-1.
(https://web.archive.org/web/20141217052 ... xrgb-1.htm)

should I just try it? whats the possibility i'll hurt something?
SuperDeadite
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Re: XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

Post by SuperDeadite »

???
The default video output of X68000 is 31khz. Some games do use 15 or 24, but it always first boots in 31...
PC88 and most 98 games output in 24...

The XRGB-1 can only line-double 15->31.

The XRGB's output port follows the NEC/Sharp spec and outputs in RGBHV. The FM Towns switch changes the output to RGBS. (Older Towns were strictly RGBS, Towns didn't support RGBHV until the 486 models)

I also just pulled out my XRGB-1 manual. It clearly states the 15pin input is a pass-through. It only works when the unit is powered off. Input=Output.
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Blair
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Re: XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

Post by Blair »

ah, I see. thank you for clearing all that up for me. I must have confused the XRGB-1 with another device as I've seen those Japanese micro computers hooked up with something similar to play games on a Pioneer Plasma display (XRGB-2?) and since the XRGB-1 has an Arcade PCB mode I thought it would be compatible with medium res games (mine did not come with any instructions, or the little plastic tool).

I guess the 15-pin input is kinda useless to me then, i'll just have to switch systems manually until I can upgrade to a better Scart/jp-21 switch.

thanks again!
SuperDeadite
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Re: XRGB-1, 15-pin Input question

Post by SuperDeadite »

You are most likely thinking of the XPC-4.
As for the Arcade PCB switch, turning that on sends the color signals through a set of resistors in order to weaken it. Arcade PCBs and monitors typically use stronger RGB signals then consumer level gear. The switch weakens the signal to increase compatibility with normal VGA monitors.
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