gscartsw / gscartsw_lite / gcompsw switches support thread

[superg]

So, I don't need anything weird in order to build my own YPbPr-through-SCART adaptor.

Simply this:
Pins 2 and 6 for audio as well as pin 4 for ground
Pins 5, 9 and 12 for YPbPr ground
Pins 7, 11 and 15 for YPbPr

And that's all. No use of anything else. Pins 20 and 8 unplugged. And there won't be any problem if I plug two of these into Gscart, would they? I don't need input 8 for this and I can keep it for PS2's SoG, can't I?

Thanks a lot, by the way!!

But you realize that if you're going to mix RGBS and YPbPr sources at the same time you will have to come up with some solution for gscartsw->TV as well? You can't just pass YPbPr signal using SCART to your TV, can you? How are you going to use YPbPr on your TV side?

[DiegoPonga]

So, I don't need anything weird in order to build my own YPbPr-through-SCART adaptor.

Simply this:
Pins 2 and 6 for audio as well as pin 4 for ground
Pins 5, 9 and 12 for YPbPr ground
Pins 7, 11 and 15 for YPbPr

And that's all. No use of anything else. Pins 20 and 8 unplugged. And there won't be any problem if I plug two of these into Gscart, would they? I don't need input 8 for this and I can keep it for PS2's SoG, can't I?

Thanks a lot, by the way!!

But you realize that if you're going to mix RGBS and YPbPr sources at the same time you will have to come up with some solution for gscartsw->TV as well? You can't just pass YPbPr signal using SCART to your TV, can you? How are you going to use YPbPr on your TV side?

It would be connected to the OSSC, which does accept YPbPr-through-SCART.

If that is the case, it wouldn't mind if I have your device, would it?

That would save me a lot of money and a lot of issues, indeed!

[superg]

It would be connected to the OSSC, which does accept YPbPr-through-SCART.

If that is the case, it wouldn't mind if I have your device, would it?

That would save me a lot of money and a lot of issues, indeed!

Well, if OSSC supports it then it's great!
I don't own OSSC at the moment so I'm unable to try.

[DiegoPonga]

It would be connected to the OSSC, which does accept YPbPr-through-SCART.

If that is the case, it wouldn't mind if I have your device, would it?

That would save me a lot of money and a lot of issues, indeed!

Well, if OSSC supports it then it's great!
I don't own OSSC at the moment so I'm unable to try.

Yes, it does!

I can't try for the moment, first I have to buy all of this shit and build my YPbPr-SCART converter.

Nonetheless, the idea would be:

Wii > Component cable > My own YPbPr-SCART converter > SCART cable >
..................................................................................................................... > SCART switch (Gscartsw) > OSSC > LCD TV
Xbox > Component cable > My own YPbPr-SCART converter > SCART cable >

That way I can have just one switch instead of both a SCART switch and a Component one (wich saves me around €90.) Furthermore, I can use component YPbPr signal without the need of a signal converter like Garo (whicha gain saves me around 90€.) And last but not least, I can plug both Xbox and Wii to the OSSC with audio too, since currently the OSSC does not allow any audio input. This keeps a lot of simplicity around my setup, instead of having video and audio separated and floating around.

So, although you probably don't realize, you saved my (setup's) life!

[mjs0686]

Hi, sorry to jump in, but something I'm not clear about here:

My understanding is that the gscartsw knows to switch by detecting the sync signal on the composite pin.

But you seem to also be saying it can switch Y-Pr-Pb signals just fine by detecting the sync signal on the Y pin (which would be the G pin when sending an RGB signal).

But also, for sync on green signals like PS2 (in RGB mode) needs to be in port 8 (the default port) because it is transmitting sync-on-green signal and it cannot detect this to switch to it on other ports. (so why doesn't it detect this?)

Thanks.

[zeruel85]

By the way, have you tested your switch(es) with YPbPr-through-SCART? I mean, instead of a SCART with composite or RGB signal, a SCART with a YPbPr signal. Allegedly, pins 11, 7 and 15 can carry Y, Pb and Pr signals, respectively.

That wouldn't have any issues in switches like yours, would that?

It will work, Y carries sync and it will be detected just fine. But obviously it's not going to convert it to RGBS.

So, I don't need anything weird in order to build my own YPbPr-through-SCART adaptor.

Simply this:
Pins 2 and 6 for audio as well as pin 4 for ground
Pins 5, 9 and 12 for YPbPr ground
Pins 7, 11 and 15 for YPbPr

And that's all. No use of anything else. Pins 20 and 8 unplugged. And there won't be any problem if I plug two of these into Gscart, would they? I don't need input 8 for this and I can keep it for PS2's SoG, can't I?

Thanks a lot, by the way!!

I don't think it'll work in this way.

You have to pass Luma aka Y to pin 20 of the SCART input, otherwise the gscartsw does not recognize the input, if I recall correctly.

Superg should confirm this btw.

Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk

[Fudoh]

from a posting by SuperG one page back:

It will work, Y carries sync and it will be detected just fine. But obviously it's not going to convert it to RGBS.

[zeruel85]

That's right, but not if we use pin 11 for Y channel, like DiegoPonga has said. It won't switch between the inputs, in that way.

Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk

[superg]

I don't think it'll work in this way.

You have to pass Luma aka Y to pin 20 of the SCART input, otherwise the gscartsw does not recognize the input, if I recall correctly.

Superg should confirm this btw.

Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk

Oh, right, I didn't pay the attention to his exact pin numbers. The detection is performed on SCART pin 20, that's where Y has to be routed.
But since he plans to come up with custom adapters it shouldn't be hard.

Thanks for pointing that out!

[zeruel85]

Nevermind, it's a pleasure for me.

Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk

[BobLoblaw972379]

gscartsw - last batch units have been shipped to everybody

Will there ever be another batch? Am I interpreting that as the end of gscartsw?

[Fudoh]

What does the Altera do with a 31khz SoG signal ? Will it be cleaned and output as composite sync as well or does the Altera just work with 15khz sync signals ? And if the latter, does it hurt the sync processor in any way to pass a 31khz sync signal into it ?

[DiegoPonga]

I don't think it'll work in this way.

You have to pass Luma aka Y to pin 20 of the SCART input, otherwise the gscartsw does not recognize the input, if I recall correctly.

Superg should confirm this btw.

Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk

Oh, right, I didn't pay the attention to his exact pin numbers. The detection is performed on SCART pin 20, that's where Y has to be routed.
But since he plans to come up with custom adapters it shouldn't be hard.

Thanks for pointing that out!

Oh, so I should change some pins...

I see.

So this wouldn't work:



But this would:



In other words, Y shouldn't be routed to pins 9 and 11 but rather 17 and 20. Pb, Pr, Left Audio and Right Audio are OK, I guess...

[mjs0686]

I don't think it'll work in this way.

You have to pass Luma aka Y to pin 20 of the SCART input, otherwise the gscartsw does not recognize the input, if I recall correctly.

Superg should confirm this btw.

Inviato dal mio LG-D855 utilizzando Tapatalk

Oh, right, I didn't pay the attention to his exact pin numbers. The detection is performed on SCART pin 20, that's where Y has to be routed.
But since he plans to come up with custom adapters it shouldn't be hard.

Thanks for pointing that out!

Oh, so I should change some pins...

I see.

So this wouldn't work:



But this would:



In other words, Y shouldn't be routed to pins 9 and 11 but rather 17 and 20. Pb, Pr, Left Audio and Right Audio are OK, I guess...

Wouldn't doing that require you to do some re-wiring on the output side? Since now Y is going to a different pin than usual?

Also, I came across this adapter:


https://store.retrofixes.com/collection ... 3738326474

This is specifically meant for gamers who use a SCART switch into an RGB monitor that accepts both RGB and component. This adapter will allow for example a Wii plugged into the SCART switch and when it's being used, you simply need to hit the toggle switch on your PVM/BVM to go between RGB and component (and ext/int sync). IMPORTANT - It will not work in any other scenario and if you are using a gscartsw, it will only work in port 1.

It looks like it passes component through the Scart pins like you are looking for. I want to use this too when I get my gscartsw for my Gamecube.
I have a PVM that can switch between Y-Pb-Pr and RGB with or without external sync.

I'm assuming it passes Y through pin 9 and 11, which would mean that the gscartsw would not detect the sync.

I don't know why it says that it only works on Input 1 though (is something special about input 1? I thought only 8 was "special" in that it was the default passthrough if no sync signals are detected), furthermore it looks like it wouldn't fit in input 1 but only intput 8 because the rca stereo connectors would block port 2.

[superg]

https://store.retrofixes.com/collection ... 3738326474

This is specifically meant for gamers who use a SCART switch into an RGB monitor that accepts both RGB and component. This adapter will allow for example a Wii plugged into the SCART switch and when it's being used, you simply need to hit the toggle switch on your PVM/BVM to go between RGB and component (and ext/int sync). IMPORTANT - It will not work in any other scenario and if you are using a gscartsw, it will only work in port 1.

It looks like it passes component through the Scart pins like you are looking for. I want to use this too when I get my gscartsw for my Gamecube.
I have a PVM that can switch between Y-Pb-Pr and RGB with or without external sync.

I'm assuming it passes Y through pin 9 and 11, which would mean that the gscartsw would not detect the sync.

I don't know why it says that it only works on Input 1 though (is something special about input 1? I thought only 8 was "special" in that it was the default passthrough if no sync signals are detected), furthermore it looks like it wouldn't fit in input 1 but only intput 8 because the rca stereo connectors would block port 2.

I have similar input component->SCART adapter and it can easily be rewired. As of output I don't know where OSSC expects sync, if that's configurable that's fine, if not - something has to be done on output as well.

[superg]

I've been testing latest lite prototype. Everything quality wise and sync regeneration is fine, no more fiddling with XRGB sync level!
Let's say I have a SNES and some inferior SCART cable - direct SNES->XRGB connection doesn't work, have to alter XRGB sync level above 12 to have it stable (9 is the default). The same connection through gscartsw_lite works perfect with XRGB default sync level! Now I can officially declare that lite improves the signal.
Stumbled upon a small detection issue on GameCube PAL, detection algorithm have to be slightly adjusted. It's firmware only so no worries, will take 1-2 days and then I'll continue the testing.

[DiegoPonga]

Wouldn't doing that require you to do some re-wiring on the output side? Since now Y is going to a different pin than usual?

Also, I came across this adapter:


https://store.retrofixes.com/collection ... 3738326474

This is specifically meant for gamers who use a SCART switch into an RGB monitor that accepts both RGB and component. This adapter will allow for example a Wii plugged into the SCART switch and when it's being used, you simply need to hit the toggle switch on your PVM/BVM to go between RGB and component (and ext/int sync). IMPORTANT - It will not work in any other scenario and if you are using a gscartsw, it will only work in port 1.

It looks like it passes component through the Scart pins like you are looking for. I want to use this too when I get my gscartsw for my Gamecube.
I have a PVM that can switch between Y-Pb-Pr and RGB with or without external sync.

I'm assuming it passes Y through pin 9 and 11, which would mean that the gscartsw would not detect the sync.

I don't know why it says that it only works on Input 1 though (is something special about input 1? I thought only 8 was "special" in that it was the default passthrough if no sync signals are detected), furthermore it looks like it wouldn't fit in input 1 but only intput 8 because the rca stereo connectors would block port 2.

The problem with that connector is that, as you said, it uses Y signal through green in RGB. In other words, it uses pins 9 and 11 instead of 17 and 20. And also, $25 for a piece of wires like that seems to be quite expensive for me.

I guess "input 1" is "input 8". Just think about it. It depends on how you start counting ports. Whether you think the nearest to output is the last one or the first one.

Regarding to the extra wiring, that's a good question. Could that be solved with configuration at OSSC? Could a firmware update for OSSC fix that? That would be interesting. Another option would be that Superg included a manual selection of inputs in future iterations of the Gscartsw.

Once I know what's the way to follow, I'll order some RCA and SCART mounts and I'll design both the PCB and the 3D-printable case.

[RaphM]

I've been testing latest lite prototype. Everything quality wise and sync regeneration is fine, no more fiddling with XRGB sync level!
Let's say I have a SNES and some inferior SCART cable - direct SNES->XRGB connection doesn't work, have to alter XRGB sync level above 12 to have it stable (9 is the default). The same connection through gscartsw_lite works perfect with XRGB default sync level! Now I can officially declare that lite improves the signal.
Stumbled upon a small detection issue on GameCube PAL, detection algorithm have to be slightly adjusted. It's firmware only so no worries, will take 1-2 days and then I'll continue the testing.

That sync regeneration feature sounds pretty nice.

I have an RGB modded N64 that utilizes CSYNC using a quaility cable from https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/, but whose picture still every now and then slightly "wobbles" in the horizontal direction - are these the kinds of sync issues this is supposed to fix? (Could also provide a video)

[superg]

That sync regeneration feature sounds pretty nice.

I have an RGB modded N64 that utilizes CSYNC using a quaility cable from https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/, but whose picture still every now and then slightly "wobbles" in the horizontal direction - are these the kinds of sync issues this is supposed to fix? (Could also provide a video)

Yes, this could be one of the cases where it will help.

[eric90000]

if I fed the output of a gscartsw (with sync stripper off) into one of the inputs on the new gscart lite, would the digital sync regeneration work across all SCART inputs on both devices?

Game console > gscartsw > gscart lite > OSSC > TV

[superg]

if I fed the output of a gscartsw (with sync stripper off) into one of the inputs on the new gscart lite, would the digital sync regeneration work across all SCART inputs on both devices?

Game console > gscartsw > gscart lite > OSSC > TV

Yes, it will work.

[Namdor]

After the shenanigans at the other forum, are you moving the discussion here?

Yeah, it's gonna be here and I don't think I'm gonna use assemblergames for my switch support again.
It was a major pain not to be able to get a feedback and to post updates.

Hey Superg,

I missed the last assembler games post about pre orders for your gscart. I reached out to you directly and you let me know to keep an eye on the assembler forum and you would post something before any extras were sold. Well then the assembler forums went offline and you sold the extras during that time so I missed those too.

When you do think more pre orders will go up and how should I sign up to be notified? I have missed two pre-order rounds (October and January I think) because of failed notifications at assembler games. I signed up here today just to ensure I could get a hold of you because I couldn't find any contact info on your website. I have been dying to get one of these for over half a year now.

A friend of mine has two of these and absolutely loves them.

Thank you very much for all you do for the community.

[superg]

After the shenanigans at the other forum, are you moving the discussion here?

Yeah, it's gonna be here and I don't think I'm gonna use assemblergames for my switch support again.
It was a major pain not to be able to get a feedback and to post updates.

Hey Superg,

I missed the last assembler games post about pre orders for your gscart. I reached out to you directly and you let me know to keep an eye on the assembler forum and you would post something before any extras were sold. Well then the assembler forums went offline and you sold the extras during that time so I missed those too.

When you do think more pre orders will go up and how should I sign up to be notified? I have missed two pre-order rounds (October and January I think) because of failed notifications at assembler games. I signed up here today just to ensure I could get a hold of you because I couldn't find any contact info on your website. I have been dying to get one of these for over half a year now.

A friend of mine has two of these and absolutely loves them.

Thank you very much for all you do for the community.

Hey,
If you watch this topic you shouldn't miss the next batch. I will announce everything here, it's unlikely that this forum will be hacked like assemblergames.

[jordan.rees]

I don't want to miss the pre-order again. Assemblergames is down and out for the count it seems due to a malware injection or something.

[Wolf_]

Just curious but are there any plans to have future full versions (not the lite) support Digital Sync Regeneration?

Also would you mind explaining to me how RGsB from the PS2 works? I know it needs to be sync stripped before being fed into an extron for it to output 480p rgb so does that mean it is just a change in the sync that somehow allows the signal to natively change from interlaced to progressive? If so is there any way a future Gscart could support it?

Lastly I heard you were considering it so I thought I should let you know I would love the option to enable or disable the low pass filter. (As well as the option to have a manual switch only mode but I doubt that will ever happen.)

[superg]

Just curious but are there any plans to have future full versions (not the lite) support Digital Sync Regeneration?

Also would you mind explaining to me how RGsB from the PS2 works? I know it needs to be sync stripped before being fed into an extron for it to output 480p rgb so does that mean it is just a change in the sync that somehow allows the signal to natively change from interlaced to progressive? If so is there any way a future Gscart could support it?

Lastly I heard you were considering it so I thought I should let you know I would love the option to enable or disable the low pass filter. (As well as the option to have a manual switch only mode but I doubt that will ever happen.)

Lite is the full version, I think it may replace gscartsw in future.
Regarding SoG: read this topic backwards, I think I've explained it here. I'm not aware of Extron specifics though. As I've said earlier I have a SoG board in development which installs in a middle of PS2 SCART and ultimately provides RGBS not depending on PS2 video mode.
Low pass filter: I think it's too late for gscartsw but there is no any filter in gscartsw_lite so there is nothing to disable.

I'm still working on the gscartsw_lite firmware, there is a good chance that I'll finish next week.

[Guspaz]

Shouldn't be too hard for users with some soldering experience to mod a switch for the low pass filter. Unless I'm mistaken, you just need to lift pin 9 on the THS7374 and connect it to pin 10.

For the RGsB adapter board, it could make sense to build it into a VGA-to-SCART adapter so that it could be used by the user without any cable modding, and potentially with other devices that output sync on green.

[Wolf_]

Lite is the full version, I think it may replace gscartsw in future.
Regarding SoG: read this topic backwards, I think I've explained it here. I'm not aware of Extron specifics though. As I've said earlier I have a SoG board in development which installs in a middle of PS2 SCART and ultimately provides RGBS not depending on PS2 video mode.
Low pass filter: I think it's too late for gscartsw but there is no any filter in gscartsw_lite so there is nothing to disable.

I'm still working on the gscartsw_lite firmware, there is a good chance that I'll finish next week.

Wow all those features sound fantastic!
Will the ps2 cable you have in mind work through a Gscart Lite? Also you claim it works regardless of the video mode, does that mean every game would show up in 480p or just the games that support it and the ones that don't would simply run without any issue?

So basically other than having no way to disable the autoswitch feature the Gscart Lite is perfect.

[superg]

Shouldn't be too hard for users with some soldering experience to mod a switch for the low pass filter. Unless I'm mistaken, you just need to lift pin 9 on the THS7374 and connect it to pin 10.

For the RGsB adapter board, it could make sense to build it into a VGA-to-SCART adapter so that it could be used by the user without any cable modding, and potentially with other devices that output sync on green.

It could be a better way actually but I'm worried about the cable availability. I've got one from my official PS2 Linux kit and the genuine ones go for ridiculous price on ebay. Another point is whether sync over that cable is provided when PS2 is in standard mode?

Wow all those features sound fantastic!
Will the ps2 cable you have in mind work through a Gscart Lite? Also you claim it works regardless of the video mode, does that mean every game would show up in 480p or just the games that support it and the ones that don't would simply run without any issue?

So basically other than having no way to disable the autoswitch feature the Gscart Lite is perfect.

No image changes / upscaling, just forwards the signal and if SoG is detected it's replaced by the standard RGBS.

There is a way for gscartsw_lite to support manual switching. There is an EXT header which supports all that, a simple small board with one button can be made which will switch the inputs (actually any configuration, leds displays, two buttons etc.)

[DiegoPonga]

There is a way for gscartsw_lite to support manual switching. There is an EXT header which supports all that, a simple small board with one button can be made which will switch the inputs (actually any configuration, leds displays, two buttons etc.)

Where can I find one of those?

If it had manual switching, I can use both Sync-on-Green and YPbPr-through-SCART without any problem, can't I? That would be cool for PlayStation 2 as well as both Xbox and Wii.