gscartsw / gscartsw_lite / gcompsw switches support thread

[superg]

Apologies, here are the correct links to my video review of the gscartsw_lite:

https://youtu.be/vWLOFZFW5a0

https://youtu.be/FcETb5UmTPM

As you'll see, I can't get the lite to work in some PAL consoles.

That sucks. Half of my console collection is PAL. What consoles doens't work for you (I don't have any sound so the video doesn't tell me much)?

A switchless moded PAL Megadrive 1 (VA4 board) and a RGB moded Sega Master System II

My both PAL MD1 (not modded) and SMS1 work here. SMS required sync regeneration, have you tried it?

[superg]

I got my SCART->SCART cable today (nothing spectacular, this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DYELZXE/ , I may replace it later) and that did the trick, the SNES and Genesis I tried worked great. Thanks!

Yeah, I'm quite interested in knowing if that particular RCA cable is incompatible or if you just got a faulty cable. I just received my gscartsw_lite and realized I don't have a male SCART cable to go to my Framemeister and was thinking of ordering the same cable you have... Please keep us updated on your findings.

I use the same R.C.A. SCART->XRGB cable here and it works well, probably just a soldering issue.

[DirkSwizzler]

The RGBHV output of the gscartsw 3.4 going into the Kenzei into a framemeister caused sync issue that doesn't reproduce for any other scart device hooked into the gscartsw.

If the Kenzei combines HV sync into csync using the same method as the Garo (which makes sense since it's the same designer), then it'd be the same problem, that it uses an incorrect method for combining sync, producing a signal that works on some displays but not others.

I don't believe it's exactly the same. I've had the Garo outputting RGBHV directly into the Kenzei that recombined it to RGBS to fix the sync issues I was getting outputting RGBS directly from the Garo.

[FBX]

Yeah, I'm quite interested in knowing if that particular RCA cable is incompatible or if you just got a faulty cable. I just received my gscartsw_lite and realized I don't have a male SCART cable to go to my Framemeister and was thinking of ordering the same cable you have... Please keep us updated on your findings.

I use the same R.C.A. SCART->XRGB cable here and it works well, probably just a soldering issue.

I also have the same cable. Works perfect on mine too.

[vmagix]

Having had a read around it looks like there are some non-specific issues with the USB3HDCAP drivers, and potentially I should be using some hacked ones made from the XCAPTURE-1 drivers (same internals apparently) but we'll see.

Thanks

yes, give the Micomsoft drivers a try with the USB3HDCAP. i've heard that fixes a bunch of issues. (from this blog: https://thethrillness.blogspot.com/2015 ... eview.html) StarTech and Micomsoft drivers for this device can have issues with the AMD FX series of CPUs. some users have also reported success with another set called the "Taiwanese drivers" so also give those a look.

Thrillness' Micomsoft drivers worked for the USB3HDCAP! Finally have a setup that lets me capture footage and stream directly from the GSCARTSW's VGA out while playing on a TV with the OSSC.

Couldn't be happier... But seriously, why would Startech release drivers that don't even work? :S

Thanks for your help

[magus90]

I use an Elgato HD 60 and i have had no issues recording while dual outputting. Just wanted to share in case anyone else wanted to try.

I have the Scart coming out of the Gscart and into the PVM via BNC cables. Scart male-BNC cable

And then the VGA with sound coming out of a custom cable that uses the VGA/3.5 sound port into the XRGB mini via the Euro scart adapter and then into my PC monitor. VGA/3.5 sound-Scart male.

I tested it out and i was able to record in crystal clear 1080 no problem while playing on the PVM, and if it were not for the Gscart i would not be able to do this. That feature alone was worth the money.

Now with it having dual scart outputs, this should be even easier to do.

[ChuChu Flamingo]

I got my SCART->SCART cable today (nothing spectacular, this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DYELZXE/ , I may replace it later) and that did the trick, the SNES and Genesis I tried worked great. Thanks!

Yeah, I'm quite interested in knowing if that particular RCA cable is incompatible or if you just got a faulty cable. I just received my gscartsw_lite and realized I don't have a male SCART cable to go to my Framemeister and was thinking of ordering the same cable you have... Please keep us updated on your findings.

Isn't that one listed above not fully shielded on all lines (KabelDirekt Male to Male)? My life in gaming recommended it at their Q&A stating it was fully shielded, but then I recall reading a comment saying it wasn't fully shielded on each line.

[clintkolodziej]

I gathered more data. The TLDR is that the gscartsw_lite is super awesome and the Garo is outputting something weird.

I narrowed down the problem to be a bad interaction between the Garo and the original gscartsw 3.4 when the xbox is outputting 1080i, but not 480p. But ONLY if the Garo is plugged into any port other than 8 on the gscartsw. I must have had it plugged into port 8 before I hooked up the gscartsw_lite. When it's plugged into port 8 everything works just fine. If it's a port other than 8, it works until the xbox switches to 1080 and then it appears to get a garbage sync signal where I can make out parts of the menu but it's moving around a lot and switching back and forth to screen garbage. So yeah. I'm chalking it up to the Garo being goofy as Guspaz mentions and the gscartsw switching back and forth to port 8. Which just happens to be "good enough" if the Garo is already on port 8.

If I plug the gscartsw_lite into port 8 on the gscartsw 3.4 , the signal is stable with sync regeneration on and off.

If I plug the gscartsw_lite into any other port of the gscartsw 3.4, the signal is stable if I have sync regeneration on, and it completely drops the input if it's off.

I was already planning on hooking up all my non-csync sources to the lite and leave regeneration on all the time. So I'll just have to write down a note that the Garo is weird if I have issues again.

I missed out on the gscart_lite but have a gscart v3.4, gcompsw, garo and xbox/wii so I thought I'd provide some results of testing that I've done. I use the OSSC at the end of my chain - I believe you said you used the framemeister. I didn't have any 1080i games so I only tested up to 720p. Actually I usually keep CS/OFF in my setup, I never noticed the issues until this thread got me interested enough to test it out. I had previously noticed the Garo/Xbox had crazy sync issues in HD but never thought to test on Port 8 until DirkSwizzler mentioned it (thanks for that, now I can use HD!). Now I guess the question is who gets port 8: PS2 or Xbox/Wii via gcompsw/garo?

Also note, that in both setups I have Scanlines Off, Width = Narrow (Left switched), and Even Scanlines (Left Switched) on the Garo. All scanline functionality I use is done via the OSSC, so hopefully keeping that scanline functionality off on the Garo would produce more of a true/original signal.

Xbox (unmodded) -> OEM Xbox Advanced AV Pack -> gcompsw -> Garo -> gscartsw v3.4 -> OSSC (v0.77 firmware):

R=gscartsw v3.4 CS-ON/OFF &Port &XBox 480i &XBox 480p &XBox 720p R=CS/ON &8 &NO SYNC &NO SYNC* &NO SYNC R=CS/ON &not 8 &NO SYNC &NO SYNC* &NO SYNC R=CS/OFF &8 &works &works &works R=CS/OFF &not 8 &works &works &sync goes haywire on OSSC and cant lock a resolution

* = occasionally the signal would sync once the resolution changed from 480i to 480p, but that was infrequent and i couldn't reproduce it consistently

Wii (unmodded) -> Monoprice Component Cables for Wii -> gcompsw -> Garo -> gscartsw v3.4 -> OSSC (v0.77 firmware):

R=gscartsw v3.4 CS-ON/OFF &Port &Wii 480i &Wii 480p R=CS/ON &8 &NO SYNC &NO SYNC R=CS/ON &not 8 &NO SYNC &NO SYNC R=CS/OFF &8 &works &works R=CS/OFF &not 8 &works &works

If anyone thinks it is worth a shot to test, if I get time to rewire a few things behind my setup I can try Garo direct into the OSSC via SCART and see what the results look like for that. I assume it would follow the same as I'm seeing on Port 8 with CS/OFF since that is the pass-through port.

Hopefully this helps others with a gscart/garo setup, especially with those that use the sync stripping functionality who wonder why it isn't working, or are looking for a 720p signal on Xbox. I have no idea why using the sync stripper built into the gscartsw v3.4 doesn't like the Garo, but that may be due to the signal issues on Garo that were pointed out recently by Guspaz and others recently. I also find it odd that with the CS/OFF when not using Port 8 the gscartsw v3.4 must be able to identify the sync signal is present enough to switch to that input, but something isn't working right in that chain as the sync goes haywire by the time it gets to the OSSC, where Port 8 works.

[Guspaz]

Most of the problems I've had with the OSSC locking to the Garo csync have been 240p. For example, the SNES and 240p Wii VC games won't normally sync, but 480i Wii menus and VC games will sync.

[DirkSwizzler]

Has anyone here contacted the Behar Bros about the Garo output sync issues? If I don't see that anyone has done so in the near future, I'll be sure to get in contact.

[clintkolodziej]

Most of the problems I've had with the OSSC locking to the Garo csync have been 240p. For example, the SNES and 240p Wii VC games won't normally sync, but 480i Wii menus and VC games will sync.

I haven't tried the VC games on Wii. Honestly I never had a Wii before, just picked one up in the last few months. Do you have similar issues locking sync with PS2 240p via component via Garo? I use PS2 via SCART into my gscartsw v3.4 on Port 8 and switch OSSC to RGsB when needed for 480p, but considering I may need Port 8 to support Xbox 720p it may be better to use component on PS2 instead for 480p through the gcompsw/Garo on Port 8 of the gscartsw.

[clintkolodziej]

Has anyone here contacted the Behar Bros about the Garo output sync issues? If I don't see that anyone has done so in the near future, I'll be sure to get in contact.

Maybe Rene from dbelectronics can write an article on it and upset some more retro hardware designers?

Seriously though, I haven't seen anyone indicate they contacted them unless Guspaz or Ste from HDRetrovision reached out to them. I love my Garo and the Beharbros seem to be great guys -- they certainly helped me out with a replacement board for my Garo when the initial one had an issue without any complaints. I'm sure they would look into it if given some background with someone with the technical know-how. I'm just a programmer, not an EE, might be better coming from someone that can read an oscilloscope to show what the issue is.

[Guspaz]

I haven't tried the PS2 as I don't own a PS2. If memory serves, I've tried 240p output over YPbPr from the Wii, the SNES, and the PAL GameCube (GBI). The latter two using HDR cables.

In terms of contacting the Beharbros, it's a tricky situation: I'm not an electrical engineer, and I have little to no domain-specific knowledge, so I don't feel competent to explain to them how or why it's wrong. I can repeat information from people that I trust, but I couldn't tell them how to improve anything. I don't think Ste has the time to do any more work on the subject than he already has: he and Nick are swamped working on their own products and projects.

Basically my current position is: I know the Garo sync isn't done right, I can prove that it isn't right because its output doesn't work but bypassing its sync deos work, and I can look at the scope screenshots and say "Yes, clearly the sync timing output from the Garo is not the same as the sync input, when it should be the same timing", but I couldn't tell you why an XNOR is the wrong way to combine sync, and I couldn't tell you how to do it correctly.

[DirkSwizzler]

In terms of contacting the Beharbros, it's a tricky situation: I'm not an electrical engineer, and I have little to no domain-specific knowledge, so I don't feel competent to explain to them how or why it's wrong. I can repeat information from people that I trust, but I couldn't tell them how to improve anything.

Informing them that there is a problem with relevant data collected is still a step above not knowing the device has flaws. My plan is to literally point them at this thread and quote some highlights. So if you have the time, I think you're a better point of contact than I.

[clintkolodziej]

I just posted on the Garo support thread to give them a heads-up and take a look at the discussion in this forum.

[DaveOwl]

Just seen that the order has shipped. Thanks for all the hard work in getting these done!

[PeterWar]

My both PAL MD1 (not modded) and SMS1 work here. SMS required sync regeneration, have you tried it?

Yes, I've tried it both for the Mega Drive 1 and the Master System II, it won't work. Just tell me what settings to try and I'll test them.

[pixelpynk]

The 3.4 will automatically use port 8 if no sync is detected, whereas the lite will not forward the signal if no sync is detected.

This 3.4 feature is useful for using sync on green for 480p on PS2 or for forwarding YPbPr using a component to SCART adapter, as neither of these have a signal on the sync pin. I think that having a lite+3.4 is the perfect combo and more versatile than having 2 of either.

Will the lite be able to detect sync-on-luma as provided by a PS2 or SNES SCART cable?

[superg]

My both PAL MD1 (not modded) and SMS1 work here. SMS required sync regeneration, have you tried it?

Yes, I've tried it both for the Mega Drive 1 and the Master System II, it won't work. Just tell me what settings to try and I'll test them.

Both MD1 and SMS2: What SCART cable do you use, CSYNC? Does it have appropriate resistor installed on sync line?
In my case I use SCART sync from composite.
When you turn on your MD1, do you see 1 second quick blinking of switch green power LED?

[superg]

All shipped (except a few requests to postpone), can't believe it!
Will be dropped off tomorrow.
Now it's time to get some rest.

[DirkSwizzler]

All shipped (except a few requests to postpone), can't believe it!
Will be dropped off tomorrow.
Now it's time to get some rest.

Congratulations! You make fine products that benefit all those who are lucky enough to acquire them.

[schnuth]

All shipped (except a few requests to postpone), can't believe it!
Will be dropped off tomorrow.
Now it's time to get some rest.

My body is ready.

[mjs0686]

All shipped (except a few requests to postpone), can't believe it!
Will be dropped off tomorrow.
Now it's time to get some rest.

You deserve it.

Thanks again. Your work is greatly appreciated superg!

[magus90]

All shipped (except a few requests to postpone), can't believe it!
Will be dropped off tomorrow.
Now it's time to get some rest.

You deserve it.

Thanks again. Your work is greatly appreciated superg!

Yeah man thanks. You are doing this hobby a major service, and we all appreciate it. I know it is only a matter of time before you quit making these which is why i am buying two!

[naz]

Hello,

what brand are those sweet power supply (can't see on the pictures)?? I have a 12v one that does a REALLY high pitch sound and want to replace it, but can't distinguish from a good quality from a crappy one.

Regards!

[superg]

Hello,

what brand are those sweet power supply (can't see on the pictures)?? I have a 12v one that does a REALLY high pitch sound and want to replace it, but can't distinguish from a good quality from a crappy one.

Regards!

It's 9V 550mA XP Power.
I order them from here: https://www.digikey.com/products/en?key ... 70-2780-ND

[jwo825]

I was absolutely thrilled when I sat down his morning and saw the shipping message in my inbox. Thanks for all your hard work, Superg. No more musical cables around this place!

[mikehaggar]

Enjoy your rest! BTW, any idea when we'll be able to order gcompsw again? Just don't want to miss the preorder window....

[superg]

Enjoy your rest! BTW, any idea when we'll be able to order gcompsw again? Just don't want to miss the preorder window....

Definitely not sooner than next lite batch.
Extra lite switches will go on sale in two weeks.

[Smile_Kaiser]

Enjoy your rest! BTW, any idea when we'll be able to order gcompsw again? Just don't want to miss the preorder window....

Definitely not sooner than next lite batch.
Extra lite switches will go on sale in two weeks.

Hot dang, that's just about the time I'm gonna be building my new computer. Gscart and new computer, both in two weeks! How exciting.

Rest well!