PC Engine Turbo Duo-R RGB Mod comparison?

[GunstarSilver]

I’m trying to work out what the best option is for RGB modding a Turbo Duo-R.

Has anyone ever done a photo comparison between the different RGB mods available for the Duo? Specifically between Tim Worthington’s AV Driver and Voultar’s THS7374 based solution?
Links below:

http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=21 ... how_detail

http://voultar.com/index.php?route=prod ... duct_id=53

Tim’s solution is more readily available to me in Australia...


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[leonk]

Not sure if Voultar ships to Australia. We were having issues getting it to Canada for the longest time.
I've installed all of these and here's my personal experience (this may differ for you)

For Duo, There is another option: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53517

Voultar' design expands on this one as it buffers csync as well. But you will need to rid of composite video and run csync in place. RetroRGB has shown that with good scart cables one can't tell the difference between csync and cvideo sync. I've done a few installs of Voultar's amp (not using csync) and the output is identical to above.

Tim's solution works best with TG16 where console has RF only and one needs audio amp to bring the audio output to correct levels. But I've also noticed his amp is very sensitive. It shows video noise very easily (depending where you get ground or Vcc)

The only issue I have with Tim and Voultar's is it's not complete. I got spoiled by the 3rd option where almost for the same cost as the other 2, I also get the RGB port for DUO, 2 SMD caps to fix jailbars AND decent SCART cable! He also always has stock and ships to Canada.

So. I find that 3rd option is best bang for the buck. In terms of Video quality, it's the same as Voultar's (with Tim's a close 3rd). Voultar's is a must if you want csync output

[Voultar]

Not sure if Voultar ships to Australia. We were having issues getting it to Canada for the longest time.
I've installed all of these and here's my personal experience (this may differ for you)

For Duo, There is another option: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53517

Voultar' design expands on this one as it buffers csync as well. But you will need to rid of composite video and run csync in place. RetroRGB has shown that with good scart cables one can't tell the difference between csync and cvideo sync. I've done a few installs of Voultar's amp (not using csync) and the output is identical to above.

Tim's solution works best with TG16 where console has RF only and one needs audio amp to bring the audio output to correct levels. But I've also noticed his amp is very sensitive. It shows video noise very easily (depending where you get ground or Vcc)

The only issue I have with Tim and Voultar's is it's not complete. I got spoiled by the 3rd option where almost for the same cost as the other 2, I also get the RGB port for DUO, 2 SMD caps to fix jailbars AND decent SCART cable! He also always has stock and ships to Canada.

So. I find that 3rd option is best bang for the buck. In terms of Video quality, it's the same as Voultar's (with Tim's a close 3rd). Voultar's is a must if you want csync output

My transmission lines are attenuated quite differently, Leonk. And unfortunately I don't ship to Canada. But I did send you free samples after you asked and asked.

Guspaz might be fixing that for our northern friends.

Any of those 3 will do quite nicely.

[leonk]

i know. and i thank you for it. I did see the different resistor values. will keep the secret sauce to myself.

I think that to make the offering top dog, the din port should be included with your amp. Otherwise more difficult for your customers to find it. while at it. recommend scart cable from trusted makers and order of connecting R G and B would make your rgb amp top choice.

[jwo825]

I recently installed Voultar's mod on my PC Engine Duo and couldn't be happier. I waited months for them to come back in stock and I am glad I waited. It's small and easy to mount wherever you want it. Output is razor sharp on my PVM-20L5 going through a retrogamingcables.com SCART cable and a gscartsw-Lite switch. The only tough parts were soldering to the tiny IC pins and actually finding a replacement Din-8. I ended up having to order one off eBay from China. And then I still had to use the bottom plate from the original because the mounting pins on the new one didn't line up. I have not used Tim's board, but I can honestly say Voultar's is worth it.

[GunstarSilver]

Not sure if Voultar ships to Australia. We were having issues getting it to Canada for the longest time.
I've installed all of these and here's my personal experience (this may differ for you)

For Duo, There is another option: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53517

Voultar' design expands on this one as it buffers csync as well. But you will need to rid of composite video and run csync in place. RetroRGB has shown that with good scart cables one can't tell the difference between csync and cvideo sync. I've done a few installs of Voultar's amp (not using csync) and the output is identical to above.

Tim's solution works best with TG16 where console has RF only and one needs audio amp to bring the audio output to correct levels. But I've also noticed his amp is very sensitive. It shows video noise very easily (depending where you get ground or Vcc)

The only issue I have with Tim and Voultar's is it's not complete. I got spoiled by the 3rd option where almost for the same cost as the other 2, I also get the RGB port for DUO, 2 SMD caps to fix jailbars AND decent SCART cable! He also always has stock and ships to Canada.

So. I find that 3rd option is best bang for the buck. In terms of Video quality, it's the same as Voultar's (with Tim's a close 3rd). Voultar's is a must if you want csync output

Thanks so much for the advice!
I just found out from Bob of RetroRGB that he’s working with Voultar to compare the lot of them. So it’ll be interesting to see the comparison.

Incidentally I did end up going for the third option as I really wanted a THS7374 based solution to get the most out of the visuals, I’m pairing it up with a Packapunch PC Engine cable from retrogamingcables.co.uk and as you say with high quality cables csync and sync on composite the picture quality is virtually the same.

Voultar’s solution was my first choice but I have had no luck in trying to get one shipped to Australia unfortunately after a few attempts to contact Voultar. mickcris replied within minutes and shipped it same day! Bonus points for customer service.

I also found a great place for things like the 8pin din and caps for jailbars that would go really well with any of these options.
https://console5.com/store/



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