gscartsw / gscartsw_lite / gcompsw switches support thread

[sofakng]

beast1x5, thanks for the information.

I really don't want to hijack this thread so we can end this discussion here if needed, but I'm confused about the sync strike because it says the output is "Female VGA 15Khz out with clean sync signals for RGB, CSYNC, VSYNC". It doesn't list RGBHV or separate H/V sync. Instead it says CSYNC and VSYNC which confuses me.

[beast1x5]

beast1x5, thanks for the information.

I really don't want to hijack this thread so we can end this discussion here if needed, but I'm confused about the sync strike because it says the output is "Female VGA 15Khz out with clean sync signals for RGB, CSYNC, VSYNC". It doesn't list RGBHV or separate H/V sync. Instead it says CSYNC and VSYNC which confuses me.

Okay , I'll explain my setup I own a bvm 20G1U band I have a scart male lead going into the sync strike which then converts the video into VGA 15khz out and stereo audio which I use to capture video for my xcapture 1

[superg]

beast1x5, thanks for the information.

I really don't want to hijack this thread so we can end this discussion here if needed, but I'm confused about the sync strike because it says the output is "Female VGA 15Khz out with clean sync signals for RGB, CSYNC, VSYNC". It doesn't list RGBHV or separate H/V sync. Instead it says CSYNC and VSYNC which confuses me.

That was my point, they may source CSYNC instead of HSYNC, which might not be enough for some configurations.

[Guspaz]

From the official thread about the sync strike, it does not support real RGBHV, per this statement from 2014:

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... 9#p1019079

The HSYNC switch has nothing to do with the quality of output from the device. The switch was removed since the circuit to split the sync out (from a RGBs signal), never worked correctly

My guess from what I'm reading is that it can output either RGBS or RGBSV, but not RGBHV. RGBSV is sometimes "good enough" for some devices that expect RGBHV, but not every device works with it. This makes sense because the Sync Strike uses the LM1881 which outputs vsync but not hsync.

[sofakng]

That makes sense. Thanks so much for the information!

[Weiwei107]

SuperG! I need 2!!!! Please invoice me now!!

[arithmaldor]

I have tested using one of these component to scart adapters:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RGB-SCART-to-Co ... Sws65Tq7ux
and adding one of these 3 female rca leads:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A3VSV92/_e ... 7DQYNTRFOS

I left the component to scart wiring as is and adding the audio to pins 2 and 6 and the composite video to pin 20.

Some component cables (my PS2 cables in for example) also include a composite video lead. This can be routed through the gcompsw simultaneously. If this is attached to the adapter, the gscart_lite switches perfectly, looks great on my PVM1953MD in YPbPr mode (funnily enough now YPbPr internal sync and external sync work since there is a signal on the sync line) and also works on OSSC SCART input in YPbPr mode.

For my XBOX, no composite lead, so I can split the Y (Green) lead to go into the yellow and green leads on the adapter, and again it works perfectly, but there is a significant brightness loss. How can this signal be properly split? There is room in the adapter for an amp like the THS7374. If this would work (with components to attenuate the split signals to proper levels) then a device like this could serve for people just wanting to go to a device that supports RGB and YPbPr on the same input and don't mind changing the setting.

Another solution would be custom cables that include the composite video lead, as I haven't really been able to find any for XBOX (Combination Wii/PS2/PS3/XB360 cables exist and the gamecube is covered with the AV port)

Also, I have been using gcompsw->garo->gscartsw_lite->PVM2530 without issues, but my OSSC broke recently so I haven't had a chance to try it on that. I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

[Mobiusstriptech]

SuperG! I need 2!!!! Please invoice me now!!

That's not how this works dude.

[clintkolodziej]

I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

I ordered mine in June of this year, I don't see any revision numbers printed on the board to know more than that. I go gcompsw->garo->gscartsw v3.4->OSSC. If I'm using Port 8 on the gscartsw v3.4 (or bypass the gscartsw entirely) then I can get 720p/1080i out of the Xbox. If I use other ports then it fails to sync with the OSSC with anything above 480p. Its really weird, the sync light on the OSSC is green, but it can't lock on a resolution - its like the sync signal is there but slightly off and it can't figure it out. I'm really not sure how going through the other ports on the gscartsw cause that, I have the built-in sync stripper on the gscartsw v3.4 turned off (doesn't have sync regen like the _lite).

[DirkSwizzler]

Also, I have been using gcompsw->garo->gscartsw_lite->PVM2530 without issues, but my OSSC broke recently so I haven't had a chance to try it on that. I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

If your gscartsw_lite has sync regen on. My tests have shown that can repair the goofy sync as well. Plus it's important to note that I haven't seen any sync issues except in my XBox at 1080i

[superg]

I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

I ordered mine in June of this year, I don't see any revision numbers printed on the board to know more than that. I go gcompsw->garo->gscartsw v3.4->OSSC. If I'm using Port 8 on the gscartsw v3.4 (or bypass the gscartsw entirely) then I can get 720p/1080i out of the Xbox. If I use other ports then it fails to sync with the OSSC with anything above 480p. Its really weird, the sync light on the OSSC is green, but it can't lock on a resolution - its like the sync signal is there but slightly off and it can't figure it out. I'm really not sure how going through the other ports on the gscartsw cause that, I have the built-in sync stripper on the gscartsw v3.4 turned off (doesn't have sync regen like the _lite).

v3.4 is using a different approach on automatic selection (priority encoder). Input 8 is connected by default, that is when no sync is detected, that's why it works with flaky syncs on that port.

[clintkolodziej]

I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

I ordered mine in June of this year, I don't see any revision numbers printed on the board to know more than that. I go gcompsw->garo->gscartsw v3.4->OSSC. If I'm using Port 8 on the gscartsw v3.4 (or bypass the gscartsw entirely) then I can get 720p/1080i out of the Xbox. If I use other ports then it fails to sync with the OSSC with anything above 480p. Its really weird, the sync light on the OSSC is green, but it can't lock on a resolution - its like the sync signal is there but slightly off and it can't figure it out. I'm really not sure how going through the other ports on the gscartsw cause that, I have the built-in sync stripper on the gscartsw v3.4 turned off (doesn't have sync regen like the _lite).

v3.4 is using a different approach on automatic selection (priority encoder). Input 8 is connected by default, that is when no sync is detected, that's why it works with flaky syncs on that port.

So on Port 8 the signal is just forwarded, bad sync and all, since there is no sync signals on Ports 1-7 so it just forwards what is on Port 8. However on other ports, the sync detection is active and although the sync stripper might be turned off, the issue with Xbox (via GARO) at 720p/1080i is just that the GARO is sending a strange sync and that is confusing sync detection so the signal isn't getting cleanly passed on to the output port? So essentially it finds signal and forwards it, then doesn't for a short while, then finds it again and forwards it.

If I understood that correctly I think that would explain exactly what I'm seeing, its almost like it sends a signal for a short while, then drops, then finds the signal again, then drops again - repeatedly in a loop. On the OSSC it seems to look like it is getting a signal, but like it just cant quite lock onto it long enough to output to the TV.

[superg]

For my XBOX, no composite lead, so I can split the Y (Green) lead to go into the yellow and green leads on the adapter, and again it works perfectly, but there is a significant brightness loss. How can this signal be properly split? There is room in the adapter for an amp like the THS7374. If this would work (with components to attenuate the split signals to proper levels) then a device like this could serve for people just wanting to go to a device that supports RGB and YPbPr on the same input and don't mind changing the setting.

You will need an amplifier to be able to split the line into two, you can use just one channel from ths7374.

[cegha04]

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.

Hello, I'm very new to all this. I just found this thread a couple days ago. I want to post more later, but the most important thing to ask is exactly where would we order from? Direct from your site? I assume at 10AM EST you will replace the "Out of Stock" notification with a "Order" button?

I see quite a few people have posted that they want one. Is there any rough estimate of how many units will be available? I personally only need one, but saw some people hoping to get multiples. Will there be any quantity limits?

Thanks for your time & dedication!

[Ward1986]

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.

Can confirm that 10:00am EST is 3:00pm in the UK?

[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.

Hello, I'm very new to all this. I just found this thread a couple days ago. I want to post more later, but the most important thing to ask is exactly where would we order from? Direct from your site? I assume at 10AM EST you will replace the "Out of Stock" notification with a "Order" button?

I see quite a few people have posted that they want one. Is there any rough estimate of how many units will be available? I personally only need one, but saw some people hoping to get multiples. Will there be any quantity limits?

Thanks for your time & dedication!

Yes, the store is at http://gretrostuff.com, "out of stock" notification will be replaced with paypal order button.
I usually don't disclose the amount of units. No quantity limits but I've never had more than 3 units order, and those are rare, mostly people buy one and later another one.

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.

Can confirm that 10:00am EST is 3:00pm in the UK?

That's about right, usually there is a 5 hour difference between Michigan (EST) and the UK. The easiest way to figure out the time is to google "EST time now".

[Milspex]

does anyone have any clue as to why the rgb-pi doesn't show an image through the gscartsw_lite, I can confirm it does work when I plug the rgb-pi directly into the tv, but not through the gscart. I've tried with sync on/off, both show no image

[superg]

does anyone have any clue as to why the rgb-pi doesn't show an image through the gscartsw_lite, I can confirm it does work when I plug the rgb-pi directly into the tv, but not through the gscart. I've tried with sync on/off, both show no image

It works for me using RGB PI-SCART cable.

[The Kento Dragon]

Hi there, my name is Aaron Smith, if it possible to chat to you in privet about something concerning your scart exchanger I am thinking of doing pet product which if I am successful would like to make in to a much bigger thing is it possible to contact me on my email kento.lung@gmail.com it would be appreciated greatly I came on hear just to talk to you hope to hear back soon
Thanks Aaron

[Milspex]

I tried multiple sockets but I don't get anything, weird

[superg]

Hi there, my name is Aaron Smith, if it possible to chat to you in privet about something concerning your scart exchanger I am thinking of doing pet product which if I am successful would like to make in to a much bigger thing is it possible to contact me on my email kento.lung@gmail.com it would be appreciated greatly I came on hear just to talk to you hope to hear back soon
Thanks Aaron

PM me.

[gordon-creAtive]

superg, I do have the impression that the demand for the gscartws_lite as well as the gcompsw outweighs the supply considerably. I wonder if there's anything the community can do solve this problem. Could you imagine working with some of the reputable members of this community (obviously not me) to lighten your workload?

[superg]

superg, I do have the impression that the demand for the gscartws_lite as well as the gcompsw outweighs the supply considerably. I wonder if there's anything the community can do solve this problem. Could you imagine working with some of the reputable members of this community (obviously not me) to lighten your workload?

There were several attempts and they all failed.
Mostly there are all sorts of resellers and distributors, I believe I nailed that part and packing / shipping is not something that is slowing me down.
What I really needed is switch case assembly which somehow nobody wanna do so my wife had to step in.
The funding: preorders definitely help as I can order more units without taking a loan from somewhere.

But here is the key thing, this is the first version of gscartsw_lite and I wanted to get a community feedback on it and possibly sort out some bugs. That's what keeps me from constantly backordering it to satisfy the demand, and not anything else.

[gordon-creAtive]

Ok. In case assembly becomes the only bottleneck would it be an option to send out the switches unassembled?

[superg]

Ok. In case assembly becomes the only bottleneck would it be an option to send out the switches unassembled?

It would be definitely easier for me but you can't expect everybody to be able to do it. Plastic can be broken easily by over tightening the screws or by forcing top panel onto the sockets. Also I'll have to come up with some screw-nuts-spacer-standoffs packaging and a method to properly calculate the components as every screw up (literally ) will need another shipment. Everything has it's pros and cons.

[Jdandersson]

I have been using the g-scart light for some time now. My review, its awesome. Looks just like direct connection. With two outputs I can nerd out with my big 28' crt and my new 4K tv rocking it out with the framemeister without any compromises.

10/10 buy it!

[chromium]

Any issues daisy chaining these?

Thinking of ordering a second. Really need a gcompsw as well

[beast1x5]

Any issues daisy chaining these?

Thinking of ordering a second. Really need a gcompsw as well

the dudes from my life in gaming did it

[lavignep]

Also, I have been using gcompsw->garo->gscartsw_lite->PVM2530 without issues, but my OSSC broke recently so I haven't had a chance to try it on that. I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

If your gscartsw_lite has sync regen on. My tests have shown that can repair the goofy sync as well. Plus it's important to note that I haven't seen any sync issues except in my XBox at 1080i

So if I understand correctly, gcompsw->garo->gscartsw_lite->ossc is expected to work? That is the route I was going to go once I manage to assemble the parts needed. I planned this setup for GC, Wii and original Xbox and perhaps PSP.

[DirkSwizzler]

Also, I have been using gcompsw->garo->gscartsw_lite->PVM2530 without issues, but my OSSC broke recently so I haven't had a chance to try it on that. I got my Garo fairly recently, maybe there has been a revision? Or I'm just lucky?

If your gscartsw_lite has sync regen on. My tests have shown that can repair the goofy sync as well. Plus it's important to note that I haven't seen any sync issues except in my XBox at 1080i

So if I understand correctly, gcompsw->garo->gscartsw_lite->ossc is expected to work? That is the route I was going to go once I manage to assemble the parts needed. I planned this setup for GC, Wii and original Xbox and perhaps PSP.

I would personally expect it to work with sync regen on. But the short answer is that the Garo is out of spec. And when something goes out of spec you shouldn't get your hopes up too high that it will just work.

If it doesn't work then I would follow Guspaz's quest for a sync bypass. It seems like the most sane option. Or if you're impatient I've had good results with a Kenzei.

I'm hoping Guspaz will at least share his plan sometime soon. I have a spare voultar snes rgb board I was going to jam into a mini for work (I make games) and this seems like a much better use. I can solder just fine, but I can't seem to understand the fundamentals of EE. I get that boosting the signal with the snesrgb board will help the signal to retain brightness as well as possibly de-stress whatever component system is active. But I'm not quite sure if he's planning to just split after the amp, or one pre-amp, one post-amp. I just dont get it enough to make good decisions.