Genesis 2 Sync Issue

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strygo
Posts: 506
Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2017 5:47 am
Location: Snohomish, WA

Genesis 2 Sync Issue

Post by strygo »

I'm experiencing a weird sync issue with a Genesis 2 in a specific configuration. I have a workaround - I'm more interested in understanding why the problem happens. I've tried a range of configurations:

GOOD: Genesis 2 -> RCA csync RGB cable -> PVM
BAD: Genesis 2 -> RCA csync RGB cable -> Sync Strike -> Extron Rxi -> PVM
GOOD: Genesis 2 -> RCA csync RGB cable -> Sync Strike -> Genius 2 -> Extron Rxi -> PVM

GOOD: Genesis 2 -> RCA sync-on-composite RGB cable -> PVM
GOOD: Genesis 2 -> RCA sync-on-composite RGB cable -> Sync Strike -> Extron Rxi -> PVM
GOOD: Genesis 2 -> RCA sync-on-composite RGB cable -> Sync Strike -> Genius 2 -> Extron Rxi -> PVM

I've confirmed with RCA that the csync cable contains a 220uf capacitor and 470 ohm resistor. I obviously can just use my sync-on-composite cable. I am however curious whether something is out of spec and that is causing the problem. The earlier problem I had with my SNES csync cable only manifested itself in a specific configuration and was resolved with an added resistor on the sync line.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve
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theclaw
Posts: 273
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2011 2:41 pm

Re: Genesis 2 Sync Issue

Post by theclaw »

Hmm, you're sending csync into a sync cleaner. I have no idea what may go wrong when attempting to remove composite video signals that don't exist.
strygo
Posts: 506
Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2017 5:47 am
Location: Snohomish, WA

Re: Genesis 2 Sync Issue

Post by strygo »

As far as I can tell, it's necessary when using the Extron Rxi. Most of my systems use csync and the Genesis 2 is the only one that runs into trouble. I've tried leaving out the Sync Strike, and this causes most systems to not work.

It's worth noting that my RCA cable has buffered sync - could this be to blame? It looks like RCA isn't selling the buffered sync as a default anymore.

In case you're curious why I'm not just using sync-on-composite, I see jailbars on my consumer CRT. The csync version looks great there.
strygo
Posts: 506
Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2017 5:47 am
Location: Snohomish, WA

Re: Genesis 2 Sync Issue

Post by strygo »

I got a cable that does not contain a buffered sync circuit and that resolved my problem.
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