gscartsw / gscartsw_lite / gcompsw switches support thread

[clintkolodziej]

Getting a separate power source that can stand in as a composite video feed to trigger the automatic switching logic is easier said than done. You'd need to buy some sort of power adapter that is an appropriate voltage to stand in for composite video, and solder an RCA connector on the end.

Actually this is quite interesting. At least on the OSSC I believe you can select YPbPr as the input signal, even on the SCART input. Since SCART is just a cable/connector format that can carry many types of signals, has anyone tried something like the following Component to SCART adapter from gcompsw to gscartsw? I know this one is probably horrible quality, its just the first one i could find. Would the gscartsw detect and pass that signal along?

https://www.amazon.com/Component-YPbPr- ... B0060HOY5O

That solution wouldn't quite get me to my "completely autoswitching" goal as I'd have to switch the OSSC input signal type when using a component device, but it would be a great solution for those that don't mind doing that.

[DirkSwizzler]

I'm having trouble getting my component consoles to work going through a garro into my gscart lite and then into my framemeister and PVM. Someone in the PVM/BVM collectors group on facebook warned me about this and i was wondering if there are any solutions?

I was able to get it to work by having the Garo output RGBHV directly into a Kenzei that output RGBs SCART. This was the simplest fix I've found. And they're still being produced.

I'm still trying out other converters to find one I love. The current contender is an Audio Authority 9A65 with a super janky set of passive adapters. I hear that the Crescendo Systems RTC2200 is the thing to get. But haven't found one yet.

[clintkolodziej]

I'm having trouble getting my component consoles to work going through a garro into my gscart lite and then into my framemeister and PVM. Someone in the PVM/BVM collectors group on facebook warned me about this and i was wondering if there are any solutions?

I was able to get it to work by having the Garo output RGBHV directly into a Kenzei that output RGBs SCART. This was the simplest fix I've found. And they're still being produced.

I'm still trying out other converters to find one I love. The current contender is an Audio Authority 9A65 with a super janky set of passive adapters. I hear that the Crescendo Systems RTC2200 is the thing to get. But haven't found one yet.

The Garo -> Kenzei solution was to correct for the goofy Sync signal that the Garo throws on the SCART RGBS output? If I remember correctly you have the gscart_lite, was that working with/without sync regen? I have the gscartsw v3.4 and I have issues when not using Port 8 with the Garo only.

[DirkSwizzler]

I was able to get it to work by having the Garo output RGBHV directly into a Kenzei that output RGBs SCART. This was the simplest fix I've found. And they're still being produced.

I'm still trying out other converters to find one I love. The current contender is an Audio Authority 9A65 with a super janky set of passive adapters. I hear that the Crescendo Systems RTC2200 is the thing to get. But haven't found one yet.

The Garo -> Kenzei solution was to correct for the goofy Sync signal that the Garo throws on the SCART RGBS output? If I remember correctly you have the gscart_lite, was that working with/without sync regen? I have the gscartsw v3.4 and I have issues when not using Port 8 with the Garo only.

Yes, it's to correct the Garo's goofy sync output. I discovered the problem going xbox 1080i -> gcompsw -> gscartsw_lite -> gscartsw 3.4 -> framemeister. The gscart_lite was rejecting it with sync regen off, and I believe it was working with sync regen on (my memory is crap though). I also discovered that the garo output had only been working directly into the gscartsw 3.4 when plugged into port 8.

Going Garo RGBHV -> Kenzei RGBs fixed all the sync issues.

[Fudoh]

Just a small remark, SCART pin 8 / pin 16 is not used for the detection anymore. That was the case for v1.4 and earlier. Now it intelligently detects sync pulses on SCART composite pin. Component signal carries sync on Y line so if it'll be forwarded using composite - it will be detected just fine.

The common component to Scart adapter plugs route Luma to the "G" pin though, so a little mod is required.

What's a safe voltage range to feed into the sync pin in order to activate the port in question and route the RGB signals untouched ?

[superg]

Just a small remark, SCART pin 8 / pin 16 is not used for the detection anymore. That was the case for v1.4 and earlier. Now it intelligently detects sync pulses on SCART composite pin. Component signal carries sync on Y line so if it'll be forwarded using composite - it will be detected just fine.

The common component to Scart adapter plugs route Luma to the "G" pin though, so a little mod is required.

What's a safe voltage range to feed into the sync pin in order to activate the port in question and route the RGB signals untouched ?

Yeah, those component->scart reroute adapters have to be rewired.
RGBS: 0.7Vpp 75ohm loaded. I have yet to see the device which doesn't output proper component signal.

[Dopefish]

Superg, I assume you can use both composite and component at the same time in the gcompsw? Would you consider making an 8 input version of it?

[Guspaz]

Rewiring the adapters won't neccessarily work because devices like a PVM or the OSSC that support RGBS and YPbPr on the same inputs will also expect Y to be on G and not S.

On a device like an OSSC, you can get away with running two outputs from the gscartsw-lite to the OSSC to account for the wiring differences (scart-to-scart for RGBS and rewired-scart-to-rca for the YPbPr), but this means the gscartsw can only be used with one output device, and this approach doesn't work at all for devices like a PVM which often only have one input shared by both RGBS and YPbPr.

This is why using a gcompsw for component sources and then converting YPbPr to RGBS between the gcompsw and gscartsw-lite would be the ideal solution, but the problem is there don't seem to be any good YPbPr-to-RGBS converters available.

I'm still hoping to try the sync bypass mod on the GARO as soon as I get Voultar's boards in, it'll be a few weeks though.

[clintkolodziej]

I'm still hoping to try the sync bypass mod on the GARO as soon as I get Voultar's boards in, it'll be a few weeks though.

If you are able to successfully do that I'm sure a bunch of us would love to see how, if you don't mind taking the time to document the process.

[DirkSwizzler]

This is why using a gcompsw for component sources and then converting YPbPr to RGBS between the gcompsw and gscartsw-lite would be the ideal solution, but the problem is there don't seem to be any good YPbPr-to-RGBS converters available.

This exactly summarizes my thinking as well.
Garo (RGBHV) -> Kenzei works using hardware that's still in production.
I tried a Keene RGB2C. I'm suddenly failing to remember the result but I wasn't happy with it. I should retry it to refresh my memory. EDIT: I retried it. It screws up 1080i (in both directions).
I tried an Audio Authority 9A62 and 9A65. They're discontinued, so slightly hard to come by. They work with some super goofy passive adapters to properly rewire the VGA style output (DSub 15?) to a scart head. But there's some weird purple diagonal lines on the right edge of my screen.
I want to try a Crescendo RTC2200, but they seem to gone from the planet.

I hear there's an extron device to do the job (I forget the model). But it looked like you had to manually dial in the input resolution. Which isn't saving me any work.

So if someone makes a quality, no fuss Component to RGBs SCART adapter. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[Guspaz]

If you are able to successfully do that I'm sure a bunch of us would love to see how, if you don't mind taking the time to document the process.

I plan to. I already know that it will solve the GARO sync issues because I "prototyped" a non-amplified sync bypass, but I don't know if it will help with the issues that Garo has with glowing artifacts when you have white objects on black backgrounds (like a GBI image for example). The planned mod also does an RGB bypass (take the RGB output from the TI chip and correct the output levels using the amp, and bypassing the GARO's incorrect scanliner circuitry), but I don't know if that will solve those issues.

This exactly summarizes my thinking as well.
Garo (RGBHV) -> Kenzei works using hardware that's still in production.

I tested something similar using an Extron sync processor to convert the RGBHV output of the GARO to RGBS. It didn't help the glowing issues, but it did solve the sync problems. The issue is that it takes up a ton of extra space, and my Extron sync processor smells quite bad

Basically my plan is:

1) Wait to get the batch of SNESRGB boards from Voultar
2) Order required additional parts (resistors/capacitors) that Ste has listed
3) Do the mod (and document it)

The SNESRGB is really just acting as a breakout board for the THS7374, but the mod still requires soldering wires to two legs of the chip. They're bloody tiny, but I already bought some 30AWG wire and a magnifier headset that works kind of OK.

[clintkolodziej]

The issue is that it takes up a ton of extra space, and my Extron sync processor smells quite bad

I've read a lot of issues with devices, first time I've seen that one. Kudos!

Guessing we should start a separate thread for the Garo sync thing since we're going on a tangent away from g*sw things. Guspaz, I really appreciate all the work you are doing on that, it will help a lot to have that knowledge for the community.

[DirkSwizzler]

This is why using a gcompsw for component sources and then converting YPbPr to RGBS between the gcompsw and gscartsw-lite would be the ideal solution, but the problem is there don't seem to be any good YPbPr-to-RGBS converters available.

This exactly summarizes my thinking as well.
Garo (RGBHV) -> Kenzei works using hardware that's still in production.
I tried a Keene RGB2C. I'm suddenly failing to remember the result but I wasn't happy with it. I should retry it to refresh my memory. EDIT: I retried it. It screws up 1080i (in both directions).
I tried an Audio Authority 9A62 and 9A65. They're discontinued, so slightly hard to come by. They work with some super goofy passive adapters to properly rewire the VGA style output (DSub 15?) to a scart head. But there's some weird purple diagonal lines on the right edge of my screen.
I want to try a Crescendo RTC2200, but they seem to gone from the planet.

I hear there's an extron device to do the job (I forget the model). But it looked like you had to manually dial in the input resolution. Which isn't saving me any work.

So if someone makes a quality, no fuss Component to RGBs SCART adapter. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Updated after retrying Keene RGB2C. It screws up 1080i (in both directions).

[chromium]

Guessing we should start a separate thread for the Garo sync thing since we're going on a tangent away from g*sw things.

What's the Garo sync thing?

I've only used mine a little and on a VGA CRT.

Seemed fine apart from the blinding LEDs on the device

[juanjuan]

Hi superg,

I have a gscartsw lite in my set up and it has been an absolutely beast. I love just setting it up and forgetting that it's even there.

With that said, one of the things I love about it is the dual output with no signal loss, which comes in handy when you have configurations such as mine, going to both a PVM and an OSSC. This saves me from having to fiddle with cables when I want to play multiplayer games in the big screen instead of in a 19" PVM.

I would love to have a similar feature added to the gcompsw, as every component splitter I've encountered introduces ghosting and brightness loss. For component sources, this would be even more convenient, as that means we could output the PSP 3001/GO to a PVM/CRT for PS1 240P games, and to an HDTV, OSSC or Framemeister for native progressive games.

Is this possible to add to future iterations without making the cost of the unit prohibitively expensive?

(Sorry if this was already posted...)

Thanks!

[Krissyme1]

What's the Garo sync thing?

I've only used mine a little and on a VGA CRT.

Seemed fine apart from the blinding LEDs on the device

If you plug component consoles into the garro and then into the gscart lite and then into an upscaler or a pvm, then you get problems with the sync. Apparently if you send the signal through a Kenzei via VGA and then via scart into a pvm or upscaler then it fixes the sync issue.

But that garro LED! You could see that thing from space. I took the lid off and covered it in gaffer tape. I can still see it, its just much darker.

[chromium]

If you plug component consoles into the garro and then into the gscart lite and then into an upscaler or a pvm, then you get problems with the sync. Apparently if you send the signal through a Kenzei via VGA and then via scart into a pvm or upscaler then it fixes the sync issue.

But that garro LED! You could see that thing from space. I took the lid off and covered it in gaffer tape. I can still see it, its just much darker.

Haha yeah it's insane.

I can't see a reason for me to go from Garo to my ossc or pvm through the gscartsw_lite. I really only got it for component to VGA. Why would one want to use it through the gscartsw_lite to an upscaler or pvm?

[Krissyme1]

If you plug component consoles into the garro and then into the gscart lite and then into an upscaler or a pvm, then you get problems with the sync. Apparently if you send the signal through a Kenzei via VGA and then via scart into a pvm or upscaler then it fixes the sync issue.

But that garro LED! You could see that thing from space. I took the lid off and covered it in gaffer tape. I can still see it, its just much darker.

Haha yeah it's insane.

I can't see a reason for me to go from Garo to my ossc or pvm through the gscartsw_lite. I really only got it for component to VGA. Why would one want to use it through the gscartsw_lite to an upscaler or pvm?

I use it so that i can run my component consoles through my gcomp, into my garro, into the gscart Lite and then split it to run simultaneously into my pvm and framemeister. "IF" it works then you dont have to change any cables or flick any switches you just turn on the console and the screen and they work. You dont have to change the color space from rgb to component on the pvm and you can run the component consoles into the FM through its scart adapter.

[chromium]

I use it so that i can run my component consoles through my gcomp, into my garro, into the gscart Lite and then split it to run simultaneously into my pvm and framemeister. "IF" it works then you dont have to change any cables or flick any switches you just turn on the console and the screen and they work. You dont have to change the color space from rgb to component on the pvm and you can run the component consoles into the FM through its scart adapter.

Ahh ok cool. I actually haven't even set up my gscartsw_lite and am waiting for gcompsws to go on sale again.

I've also got an ossc, Framemeister and PVM 2950 and almost every console under the sun. Haven't decided how I'm going to set it all up yet. I probably need another gscartsw_lite as I have more than 8 scart consoles.

Using the gcompsw with the gscartsw_lite via garo sounds cool, shame it has issues.

I don't have a Kenzei, only a Toro and Garo

[Krissyme1]

I'm ordering the kenzei next pay just so i can have the seamless setup. I will have to get another gscart soon too.

Down to the last five consoles i want to get. Started with my favorites and moved down the list to my least.

Only need NES, SMS, PCE DUO R, SMD & Neo Geo AES. HD systems i still need a Jap 360, Xbox one X and Switch.

[Weiwei107]

The official support thread for my products.

Current status (8/29/2017):
gcompsw - Sold out, will order a new batch a bit later
gscartsw_lite - The extras will go on sale next week, the exact date / time will be announced here in this thread

Store:
http://www.gretrostuff.com

Hi SuperG, I know this post is a bit old, but I have been waiting and looking for good scart switcher for the longest time. My friends all recommended your switcher. Is there anyway I can purchase 2 Gscart_lite from you asap? I can PayPal you immediately.

My system set up is a mess right now without a good switcher. Please help! I hope you don't find me offensive by contacting you this way, as I am in no way trying to be rude and to harass. Thanks in advance.

[Guspaz]

The Garo is badly designed and does not output a valid composite sync signal, so it works with some devices and not others. It causes issues with the gscartsw-lite sync processor and the OSSC, if memory serves. One solution is to use the separate sync signals from the Garo and combine them on another device before feeding it in to the gscartsw-lite: some people use a Kenzei for that, which presumably does a better job at combining sync than the Garo. Another approach is to bypass the Garo entirely for sync processing and use the original luma sync from the component video, I'm going to try that approach.

The only reason we've been discussing the Garo here rather than in a separate thread is because the use case we're all talking about is to get component consoles connected to the gscartsw-lite, with people often wanting to use the Garo to connect their gcompsw to their gscartsw-lite. If SuperG wants the discussion in a sparate thread, that's no problem. I'll certainly be documenting my mod efforts in a new thread when the time comes. Still, if enough people show that they're using gcompsw -> gscartsw, maybe he will make an official solution to connect the two together

[setsunabr]

Man, the people here are SO hardcore . There's so many things i never EVER heard before like garo, kenzei, toro e etc.
I only have a frameister, few consoles and i need a gscartsw_lite to made everything work together in harmony .

[superg]

It looks like everything is on track.
The extra lite units will be put on sale next Monday (9/4/2017), around 10:00am EST time.

[clintkolodziej]

Still, if enough people show that they're using gcompsw -> gscartsw, maybe he will make an official solution to connect the two together

That would be awesome. I'd buy a gcompsw that has a SCART RGBS output in a heartbeat. Maybe something like a gcompsw pro, with dual outputs (component + scart) and possibly add a few more inputs to make those that were saying 4 isn't enough happy as well?

[beast1x5]

It looks like everything is on track.
The extra lite units will be put on sale next Monday (9/4/2017), around 10:00am EST time.

Awe yeah let's go!!

[sofakng]

Is there any gscartsw (non-lite) units going up for sale anytime soon?

Also, if I really needed RGBHV (VGA) I could use gscartsw_lite -> sync strike, right?

EDIT: Actually, does the Sync Strike output correct RGBHV over VGA? My end goal is to go from gscartsw_lite -> sync strike -> TC1600 (VGA to Component).

[superg]

Is there any gscartsw (non-lite) units going up for sale anytime soon?

Also, if I really needed RGBHV (VGA) I could use gscartsw_lite -> sync strike, right?

EDIT: Actually, does the Sync Strike output correct RGBHV over VGA? My end goal is to go from gscartsw_lite -> sync strike -> TC1600 (VGA to Component).

To be honest I'm not sure if SyncStrike separates HV sync. Currently I don't have plans on manufacturing older gscartsw, everybody is so happy about the new lite and HV sync is the only feature that is not implemented.
You can use Micomsoft XSYNC-1 which will do just that.

[sofakng]

OK - Thanks superg!

[beast1x5]

Is there any gscartsw (non-lite) units going up for sale anytime soon?

Also, if I really needed RGBHV (VGA) I could use gscartsw_lite -> sync strike, right?

EDIT: Actually, does the Sync Strike output correct RGBHV over VGA? My end goal is to go from gscartsw_lite -> sync strike -> TC1600 (VGA to Component).

To be honest I'm not sure if SyncStrike separates HV sync. Currently I don't have plans on manufacturing older gscartsw, everybody is so happy about the new lite and HV sync is the only feature that is not implemented.
You can use Micomsoft XSYNC-1 which will do just that.

Sync strike strips sync and outputs the signal via vga