gscartsw / gscartsw_lite / gcompsw switches support thread

[superg]

Chile is disabled. Is it safe to ship there?

Sure it's safe! it takes forever to arrived (from my capital to my city, it arrives fast to the country), but post office has never "lost" a packege (they are just slow).

Consider the shipping under my responsability (no complains if something happens, is out of your hands after all).

Best regards!

Well, if it this person then I would say it is out of your hands.

I have to check my records if I have somebody else who ordered from Chile.

[FriendofSonic]

Thank you for the feedback on the Ext function. To be fair, when my PCE was modded, it was as properly done as the community knew how to do back then.

So why it doesn't work then?
PCE is more problematic console, but there are at least several good working mods. In this topic there was somebody who used a modern board like an old "Turbo Booster", and it worked well, forgot the name.

It doesn't work because the PCE isn't sending a strong enough sync signal. What is the point of this facetious question? If I came in here and told you that a Bandridge automatic switcher was picking up my PCE, but the gcscartsw wasn't and told you that it was time for your designer to be 'properly' done, would that serve any purpose? No, it would not because the gcscartsw and the bandridge switcher are two separate designs. Neither of their designs are 'improper' in this regard on when it automatically switches to a console. I'm here because I have two devices not interacting with each other, and to document the solution so that others can see it if they encounter the same issue.

In fact, I don't even know if it's the RGB board that is causing the issue-- I am using an IFU that was modded. Maybe the issue is that I am drawing composite from the expansion bus instead of directly from the motherboard. I really don't know, but telling me to "do it properly" without knowing what design I'm using for the RGB mod borders on being pointless.

Great product otherwise, I have been enjoying it!

[superg]

It doesn't work because the PCE isn't sending a strong enough sync signal. What is the point of this facetious question? If I came in here and told you that a Bandridge automatic switcher was picking up my PCE, but the gcscartsw wasn't and told you that it was time for your designer to be 'properly' done, would that serve any purpose? No, it would not because the gcscartsw and the bandridge switcher are two separate designs. Neither of their designs are 'improper' in this regard on when it automatically switches to a console. I'm here because I have two devices not interacting with each other, and to document the solution so that others can see it if they encounter the same issue.

In fact, I don't even know if it's the RGB board that is causing the issue-- I am using an IFU that was modded. Maybe the issue is that I am drawing composite from the expansion bus instead of directly from the motherboard. I really don't know, but telling me to "do it properly" without knowing what design I'm using for the RGB mod borders on being pointless.

Great product otherwise, I have been enjoying it!

I simply meant that if it doesn't work that the signal is not up to the spec, as simple as that. That's why people came up with the extension board where it's amplified e.g. up to the spec. BTW the compatible product is called "db-Electronics grafx booster", I have a confirmation here that it works fine. I ordered Voultar kit but still not having enough time to install it.
Also PCE issue was discussed numerous times here with possible solutions, it's just hard to search for it.

[chromium]

Hmm I hope my PCEs work.

I've got an original PCE and Duo R. Both RGB modded

[Sabin]

Voultar board does work with my gscartsw so there's that.

[Voultar]

Voultar board does work with my gscartsw so there's that.

Damn straight it does.

Should slice my C-Sync no probz.

[doonut]

my PCE mod rgb JP21. fully work in process.
PCE JP21 -> JP21 to SCART adapter -> DIY scart joiner (lm1881) -> gscartsw_lite

[DirkSwizzler]

Voultar board does work with my gscartsw so there's that.

Damn straight it does.

Should slice my C-Sync no probz.

Can confirm. I've got Voultar's board in my Supergrafx and it works just fine with my gscartsw

[hex12]

That's why people came up with the extension board where it's amplified e.g. up to the spec.

I have a PC Engine CoreGrafx with Tennokoe 2 modded to send RGB signal taken from the expansion port, but the mod that is installed is amplified (RGB AMP) and the cable is wired for CSYNC.
With framemeister and Bandridge it functions, i hope it will also when i will buy the gscartsw once it becomes available again.

I should be curious to know if gscartsw 3.4 (not lite, the previous model), has a different approach with this problem and works differently or if the same problems should be experienced also with that version.
Except on output, from the point of view of how it is build, what is the main difference between the two versions? There are differences in compatibility?

[FriendofSonic]

I appreciate the confirmation about Voultar's board, I had planned on picking it up. In particular, good to know the expansion bus should work. RGB a harsh mistress is who never satisfied despite all the money you throw at it

[superg]

I should be curious to know if gscartsw 3.4 (not lite, the previous model), has a different approach with this problem and works differently or if the same problems should be experienced also with that version.
Except on output, from the point of view of how it is build, what is the main difference between the two versions? There are differences in compatibility?

The signal detection principle is different but switching is the same.

[axlblazeadam]

Hmm I hope my PCEs work.

I've got an original PCE and Duo R. Both RGB modded

I got the shitty Doujindance Duo R RGB mod and that works without problems on my gscartsw

[hex12]

The signal detection principle is different but switching is the same.

But if detection principle is different it means that for example a mod that has problems on lite can work on gscartsw?

[hex12]

Hmm I hope my PCEs work.

I've got an original PCE and Duo R. Both RGB modded

I got the shitty Doujindance Duo R RGB mod and that works without problems on my gscartsw

Do you have the lite or the "normal" scart?

[axlblazeadam]

Hmm I hope my PCEs work.

I've got an original PCE and Duo R. Both RGB modded

I got the shitty Doujindance Duo R RGB mod and that works without problems on my gscartsw

Do you have the lite or the "normal" scart?

The normal one, ordered 2(?) years ago

[superg]

The signal detection principle is different but switching is the same.

But if detection principle is different it means that for example a mod that has problems on lite can work on gscartsw?

Or vice versa. Theoretically yes, practically no such issues so far.

[hex12]

The signal detection principle is different but switching is the same.

But if detection principle is different it means that for example a mod that has problems on lite can work on gscartsw?

Or vice versa. Theoretically yes, practically no such issues so far.

Correct me if i am wrong, but from what i read here i can understand that some PCE mods work on gscart and have problems on the lite.
That suggest me the normal version has more tolerance about signals that can be received.
If i am wrong please tell me because i have found a normal version on the ebay while i am waiting the restock of the lite here and as i need a gscart switch i am in trouble which one is better to buy.
My preference goes to the lite because it is new and still in production, but the experiences that i have read about PCE mods let me understand that maybe the normal one has, let's say, more tolerance.
If it is not this way please tell me in order for me to address the better peripheral to buy.
Thanks and sorry if i wrote something wrong, you can correct me without any trouble because i need to clarify this point

[mickcris]

The issue with Friendofsonic's IFU is where sync is pulled from. I had linked him to this site when he installed it:
http://www.obsolete-tears.com/forum/vie ... f=8&t=7231

in that guide, composite sync is pulled from the expansion port. It works for the most part but not for the Lite. I confirmed on mine that it does not work when connected this way. On mine, i moved the wire for sync over to to the plug that connects to the composite rca jack (after it is processed by the IFU). It works fine when connected this way. the yellow wire is composite video:
https://i.imgur.com/iLKJhyX.jpg

He said he is going to move the wire on his also and will probably confirm here if it worked for him or not.

I think the only PCE consoles that the lite might have an issue with are the original white PCE and the TG!6. Also possibly some expansion port mods that just pull the composite signal from the pins and do not do any extra processing on it. If using any of these consoles, some post processing of the composite video or c-sync from the expansion port might be needed. I did not think to try the composite video signal from the expansion port though. It possibly might have worked.

All other PCE consoles have composite video which works fine a sync source for the gscartsw lite.

[hex12]

The issue with Friendofsonic's IFU is where composite video (sync) is pulled from. I had linked him to this site when he installed it:
http://www.obsolete-tears.com/forum/vie ... f=8&t=7231

in that guide, composite synce is pulled from the expansion port. It works for the most part but not for the Lite. I confirmed on mine that it does not work when connected this way. On mine, i moved the wire for synce over to to the plug that connects to the composite rca jack (after it is processed by the IFU). It works fine when connected this way. the yellow wire is composite video:
https://i.imgur.com/iLKJhyX.jpg

He said he is going to move the wire on his also and will probably confirm here if it worked for him or not.

I think the only PCE consoles that the lite might have an issue with are the original white PCE and the TG!6. Also possibly some expansion port mods that just pull the composite signal from the pins and do not do any extra processing on it. If using any of these consoles, some post processing of the composite video or c-sync from the expansion port is probably going to be needed. All other PCE consoles have composite video which works fine a sync source for the gscartsw lite.

Thanks for the explanation.
My PCE (i have the grey CoreGrafx) has the RGB MOD on the Tennokoe 2, so taken from expansion port connector, but it is amplified, so between the expansion port and the cable there should be an amplificator (if i am able i will post a pic here later).
Signal then is sent directly to a RGB cable (CSYNC) without the use of a DIN.
I should be curious to know if i could have any trouble with the Lite.

[mickcris]

The issue with Friendofsonic's IFU is where composite video (sync) is pulled from. I had linked him to this site when he installed it:
http://www.obsolete-tears.com/forum/vie ... f=8&t=7231

in that guide, composite synce is pulled from the expansion port. It works for the most part but not for the Lite. I confirmed on mine that it does not work when connected this way. On mine, i moved the wire for synce over to to the plug that connects to the composite rca jack (after it is processed by the IFU). It works fine when connected this way. the yellow wire is composite video:
https://i.imgur.com/iLKJhyX.jpg

He said he is going to move the wire on his also and will probably confirm here if it worked for him or not.

I think the only PCE consoles that the lite might have an issue with are the original white PCE and the TG!6. Also possibly some expansion port mods that just pull the composite signal from the pins and do not do any extra processing on it. If using any of these consoles, some post processing of the composite video or c-sync from the expansion port is probably going to be needed. All other PCE consoles have composite video which works fine a sync source for the gscartsw lite.

Thanks for the explanation.
My PCE (i have the grey CoreGrafx) has the RGB MOD on the Tennokoe 2, so taken from expansion port connector, but it is amplified, so between the expansion port and the cable there should be an amplificator (if i am able i will post a pic here later).
Signal then is sent directly to a RGB cable (CSYNC) without the use of a DIN.
I should be curious to know if i could have any trouble with the Lite.

I edited my post a little above as i mistakenly said composite video was where FriendofSonic's sync was connected instead of c-sync.

I just tried a modded ten no koe 2 that is just hooked to the composite video on expansion port and it is working fine. For what that's worth. I think its just due to the fact that FriendofSonic's was connected to c-sync on the expansion port is the issue. Using composite from the expansion port looks to possibly be fine.

[hex12]

The issue with Friendofsonic's IFU is where composite video (sync) is pulled from. I had linked him to this site when he installed it:
http://www.obsolete-tears.com/forum/vie ... f=8&t=7231

in that guide, composite synce is pulled from the expansion port. It works for the most part but not for the Lite. I confirmed on mine that it does not work when connected this way. On mine, i moved the wire for synce over to to the plug that connects to the composite rca jack (after it is processed by the IFU). It works fine when connected this way. the yellow wire is composite video:
https://i.imgur.com/iLKJhyX.jpg

He said he is going to move the wire on his also and will probably confirm here if it worked for him or not.

I think the only PCE consoles that the lite might have an issue with are the original white PCE and the TG!6. Also possibly some expansion port mods that just pull the composite signal from the pins and do not do any extra processing on it. If using any of these consoles, some post processing of the composite video or c-sync from the expansion port is probably going to be needed. All other PCE consoles have composite video which works fine a sync source for the gscartsw lite.

Thanks for the explanation.
My PCE (i have the grey CoreGrafx) has the RGB MOD on the Tennokoe 2, so taken from expansion port connector, but it is amplified, so between the expansion port and the cable there should be an amplificator (if i am able i will post a pic here later).
Signal then is sent directly to a RGB cable (CSYNC) without the use of a DIN.
I should be curious to know if i could have any trouble with the Lite.

I edited my post a little above as i mistakenly said composite video was where FriendofSonic's sync was connected instead of c-sync.

I just tried a modded ten no koe 2 that is just hooked to the composite video on expansion port and it is working fine. For what that's worth. I think its just due to the fact that FriendofSonic's was connected to c-sync on the expansion port is the issue. Using composite from the expansion port looks to possibly be fine.

Thanks a lot. That makes me feel more relexed and hopeful about that.
I will wait for the Lite to be restocked again, i can't wait for that time because this is a very good object to use to have big satisfactions on retroconsole in join with a Framemeister.
Hope it can be ordered again in a short time.

[mickcris]

although i just tried my modded TG16 that i did a long time ago and its not working. not sure how i have the sync hooked up on that. will need to take it apart and look. It does work on an older rev of the gscartsw though and everything else I have ever tried to use it on.

[superg]

Correct me if i am wrong, but from what i read here i can understand that some PCE mods work on gscart and have problems on the lite.
That suggest me the normal version has more tolerance about signals that can be received.
If i am wrong please tell me because i have found a normal version on the ebay while i am waiting the restock of the lite here and as i need a gscart switch i am in trouble which one is better to buy.
My preference goes to the lite because it is new and still in production, but the experiences that i have read about PCE mods let me understand that maybe the normal one has, let's say, more tolerance.
If it is not this way please tell me in order for me to address the better peripheral to buy.
Thanks and sorry if i wrote something wrong, you can correct me without any trouble because i need to clarify this point

Lite is superior in every way, I don't plan to manufacture v3.4 anymore. If RGBS is at the right levels you shouldn't have any problems on lite.

[hex12]

Correct me if i am wrong, but from what i read here i can understand that some PCE mods work on gscart and have problems on the lite.
That suggest me the normal version has more tolerance about signals that can be received.
If i am wrong please tell me because i have found a normal version on the ebay while i am waiting the restock of the lite here and as i need a gscart switch i am in trouble which one is better to buy.
My preference goes to the lite because it is new and still in production, but the experiences that i have read about PCE mods let me understand that maybe the normal one has, let's say, more tolerance.
If it is not this way please tell me in order for me to address the better peripheral to buy.
Thanks and sorry if i wrote something wrong, you can correct me without any trouble because i need to clarify this point

Lite is superior in every way, I don't plan to manufacture v3.4 anymore. If RGBS is at the right levels you shouldn't have any problems on lite.

Ok i will wait for the new availability of the Lite. Thanks.

[FriendofSonic]

The modder who sold me the bord (mickcris) had an IFU wired exactly as me (composite wired directly on the expansion bus) He changed it to the correct spot on the Mobo and he now gets a picture on gscartsw Lite. So his board meets spec in order to send the correct signal, we just both followed an ill advised guide and didn't grab composite from the right spot. I doubt there's a lot of people doing IFU RGB mods, but just in case anyone followed the same guide for their IFU, that will resolve the issue if you're using mickcris' board.

[superg]

The modder who sold me the bord (mickcris) had an IFU wired exactly as me (composite wired directly on the expansion bus) He changed it to the correct spot on the Mobo and he now gets a picture on gscartsw Lite. So his board meets spec in order to send the correct signal, we just both followed an ill advised guide and didn't grab composite from the right spot. I doubt there's a lot of people doing IFU RGB mods, but just in case anyone followed the same guide for their IFU, that will resolve the issue if you're using mickcris' board.

Perfect, glad that it has been sorted out!

[Kez]

The modder who sold me the bord (mickcris) had an IFU wired exactly as me (composite wired directly on the expansion bus) He changed it to the correct spot on the Mobo and he now gets a picture on gscartsw Lite. So his board meets spec in order to send the correct signal, we just both followed an ill advised guide and didn't grab composite from the right spot. I doubt there's a lot of people doing IFU RGB mods, but just in case anyone followed the same guide for their IFU, that will resolve the issue if you're using mickcris' board.

I have modded my IFU for RGB - out of interest, where did you get the sync from in the end? I actually just built a transistor circuit and ran csync from the expansion connector through that. I don't have a gscartsw though so not sure if it would work with one.

[FriendofSonic]

I have modded my IFU for RGB - out of interest, where did you get the sync from in the end? I actually just built a transistor circuit and ran csync from the expansion connector through that. I don't have a gscartsw though so not sure if it would work with one.

Here's an image he provided me-- yellow wire. This is for composite video.
https://imgur.com/a/aQUWu

Perfect, glad that it has been sorted out!

Yes sir, hopefully my beginner soldering skills hold up to move a single wire (I suspect they will) Once I get my PS2 csync mod sorted out, I'm going to be a happy camper. It truly is wonderful to not have to mash buttons finding the combination in my chain that my system is set to. Automatic is so very nice.

[Kez]

I have modded my IFU for RGB - out of interest, where did you get the sync from in the end? I actually just built a transistor circuit and ran csync from the expansion connector through that. I don't have a gscartsw though so not sure if it would work with one.

Here's an image he provided me-- yellow wire.
https://imgur.com/a/aQUWu

Ahh okay thanks, that's composite video - the pin is connected directly to the composite video RCA. Actually when I first did the mod I was using that but I had a lot of interference. At the time I thought csync would help but it turns out that I changed the wrong caps when I did the jailbar fix on my CoreGrafx, so I suspect the sync amp isn't necessary after all! Still it's working now and the picture is insanely good so I am gonna just leave it be.

[FriendofSonic]

Ahh okay thanks, that's composite video - the pin is connected directly to the composite video RCA. Actually when I first did the mod I was using that but I had a lot of interference. At the time I thought csync would help but it turns out that I changed the wrong caps when I did the jailbar fix on my CoreGrafx, so I suspect the sync amp isn't necessary after all! Still it's working now and the picture is insanely good so I am gonna just leave it be.

Hoping I don't get the same interference as you, Mik didn't so I'll give it a shot