BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

The place for all discussion on gaming hardware
PeterWar
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:17 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by PeterWar »

daty2k1 wrote:
jwrose wrote:
daty2k1 wrote:I see. Then with the D Series you have access to VCR mode which can help with most of theses issues no?
No, I don't. I think it's in there somewhere but I've always seen it greyed out. Maybe because I'm using RGB? Either way it's not an option for these systems.
Ah strange. I found this video if it's any help:
https://youtu.be/6_2_OgrMPcg

Or you could watch Bob's great BKM-68x part 2 video, he has already posted it but just for convinience:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

daty2k1 wrote:Ah strange. I found this video if it's any help:
https://youtu.be/6_2_OgrMPcg
Thanks for sharing. I've actually solved my TG16 and Neo Geo AES with just an Extron RGB 203 RXI (the SERR setting was all I needed) It's just the SMS that's giving me issues.
Ikaruga11
Posts: 1454
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:32 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Ikaruga11 »

jwrose wrote:
GeneraLight wrote: Is your US Neo Geo AES a 3-1 (first hardware version) by chance? Someone told me that his Neo Geo AES was a 3-1 US model and had no sync issues with RGB on the BKM-68X. Would putting the Extron 203rxi after the Extron Crosspoint mess up other consoles when the sync fix is adjusted for Neo Geo AES?
I'm not sure which mine is. How can I tell? I get the flagging issues but sync seems just fine as the image complete, just distorted.
Open up the cartridge slot and look to the far right with a flash light. You should see "NEO-AES, followed by the board revision number. No number means it's a 3-1

Image
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

GeneraLight wrote: Is your US Neo Geo AES a 3-1 (first hardware version) by chance? Someone told me that his Neo Geo AES was a 3-1 US model and had no sync issues with RGB on the BKM-68X. Would putting the Extron 203rxi after the Extron Crosspoint mess up other consoles when the sync fix is adjusted for Neo Geo AES?


Open up the cartridge slot and look to the far right with a flash light. You should see "NEO-AES, followed by the board revision number. No number means it's a 3-1
Ah, thanks! Yep, this is a 3-1. I double checked by peeking under the daughter board below the "Neo-AES" and all it said there was "Made in Japan".
Image

Thanks for the heads-up on that. I suspected this was the first hardware version, but I wasn't 100% sure until now. So, the newer hardware versions have sync issues with BVMs? Is it similar to the SMS sync issue?
Ikaruga11
Posts: 1454
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:32 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Ikaruga11 »

jwrose wrote:
GeneraLight wrote: Is your US Neo Geo AES a 3-1 (first hardware version) by chance? Someone told me that his Neo Geo AES was a 3-1 US model and had no sync issues with RGB on the BKM-68X. Would putting the Extron 203rxi after the Extron Crosspoint mess up other consoles when the sync fix is adjusted for Neo Geo AES?


Open up the cartridge slot and look to the far right with a flash light. You should see "NEO-AES, followed by the board revision number. No number means it's a 3-1
Ah, thanks! Yep, this is a 3-1. I double checked by peeking under the daughter board below the "Neo-AES" and all it said there was "Made in Japan".
Image

Thanks for the heads-up on that. I suspected this was the first hardware version, but I wasn't 100% sure until now. So, the newer hardware versions have sync issues with BVMs? Is it similar to the SMS sync issue?
Nice job and thank you for checking. Well it seems like every SNK Neo Geo AES has sync issues with BVMs, regardless of the region or motherboard revision. Which makes sense. I don't think a different region BIOS or hardware revision would produce a different sync signal. Yeah, every Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis console playing SMS games have sync issues on BVMs as well.

SNK Neo Geo AES Sync Fixes:
  • Extron RGB 203rxi
  • Extron RGB 580xi
  • gscarts
Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Sync Fix:
  • Extron RGB 580xi
What about mods to the consoles themselves? Like replacing the master clock crystal of the Neo Geo AES to more closely match the NTSC standard of 59.94 Hz. According to this thread on NeoGeo.com, 3-1 and 3-2 revisions run at 59.18hz, while 3-3 through 3-6 revisions run at 61.18hz. 3-1 and 3-2 have a 24mhz crystal and the newer ones use a 24.16mhz crystal.
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

GeneraLight wrote:
Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Sync Fix:
  • Extron RGB 580xi
Interesting, I hadn't heard about the Extron RGB 580xi fixing the SMS sync issues. I just ordered one as they're pretty cheap. Are there certain Genesis' that hav sync issues? Mine is a model 1 and it has no issues. I also use a Sega CD model 2 and a 32x, all without any problems.
Ikaruga11
Posts: 1454
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:32 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Ikaruga11 »

jwrose wrote:Interesting, I hadn't heard about the Extron RGB 580xi fixing the SMS sync issues. I just ordered one as they're pretty cheap.
Yeah, the Extron 580xi does in fact fix the Sega Master System's sync issues. Bob from RetroRGB did a two part YouTube video series about it.

Sony BVM A-Series and the BKM-68x - Pt 1
Sony BVM A-Series and the BKM-68x - Pt 2
jwrose wrote:Are there certain Genesis' that hav sync issues? Mine is a model 1 and it has no issues. I also use a Sega CD model 2 and a 32x, all without any problems.
Not exactly. Genesis, Sega CD and 32X games do not have sync issues, but Sega Master System games do still have sync issues on all Sega Mega Drive/Genesis models and revisions.
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

GeneraLight wrote: Yeah, the Extron 580xi does in fact fix the Sega Master System's sync issues. Bob from RetroRGB did a two part YouTube video series about it.

Sony BVM A-Series and the BKM-68x - Pt 1
Sony BVM A-Series and the BKM-68x - Pt 2
Not exactly. Genesis, Sega CD and 32X games do not have sync issues, but Sega Master System games do still have sync issues on all Sega Mega Drive/Genesis models and revisions.
Wow- I don't know how I missed those videos when I was searching a couple months ago on this topic. Thanks!
In regards to SMS games on Genesis- ok, yeah I've experienced that when I tried my Extron SMS adaptor on my Genesis. Game Gear games are pretty weird as well through Genesis/MD aren't they?
Ikaruga11
Posts: 1454
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:32 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Ikaruga11 »

jwrose wrote:Game Gear games are pretty weird as well through Genesis/MD aren't they?
I don't have any experience with Game Gear so I'm not sure.
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

GeneraLight wrote:
Sony BVM A-Series and the BKM-68x - Pt 1
Sony BVM A-Series and the BKM-68x - Pt 2
Not exactly. Genesis, Sega CD and 32X games do not have sync issues, but Sega Master System games do still have sync issues on all Sega Mega Drive/Genesis models and revisions.
So I finally sat down and watched both of those- great stuff. The 580xi's COMP SYNC option is really interesting. The manual seems to just imply that its doing composite sync when its on. Is there something in the SMS sync signal that is slightly out of spec that this is fixing? Anyway, just thinking out loud.

I mentioned this before but checked again based on the second video and VCR mode. So, I have a BVM-D14H5U and VCR mode is present but is not available (see image below). I noticed that my menu system was a bit different than the video, but that's likely due to different model and software. Any thoughts on why the VCR mode isn't selectable? Before I saw this video, I thought VCR mode was only for composite video or another signal type I wasn't using. I'm using RGB and I think that's what was being used in the video, too.

Image
Ikaruga11
Posts: 1454
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:32 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Ikaruga11 »

jwrose wrote:So I finally sat down and watched both of those- great stuff. The 580xi's COMP SYNC option is really interesting. The manual seems to just imply that its doing composite sync when its on.
Yes, those videos were very interesting and fun to watch. I definitely learned a lot about A-Series BVMs and console sync issues from them.
jwrose wrote:Is there something in the SMS sync signal that is slightly out of spec that this is fixing? Anyway, just thinking out loud.
I'm not exactly sure what is out of spec about the SMS signal. I think it has something to do with the sync pulses. Someone on here should know.
jwrose wrote:I mentioned this before but checked again based on the second video and VCR mode. So, I have a BVM-D14H5U and VCR mode is present but is not available (see image below). I noticed that my menu system was a bit different than the video, but that's likely due to different model and software. Any thoughts on why the VCR mode isn't selectable? Before I saw this video, I thought VCR mode was only for composite video or another signal type I wasn't using. I'm using RGB and I think that's what was being used in the video, too.

Image
After doing some research, it seems that VCR Mode on the 14" and 9" Sony BVMs are only usable with Composite and S-Video signals. So they effectively have the same sync issues as an A-Series BVM when played in RGB.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=60403&start=30
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=57929&start=120

Fortunately for you though, your BVM-D14 uses the BKM-129X expansion card for RGB and YPbPr, which has been reverse engineered and cloned by Skum. Maybe he'll add a VCR Mode in an update.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=65940
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

GeneraLight wrote:
After doing some research, it seems that VCR Mode on the 14" and 9" Sony BVMs are only usable with Composite and S-Video signals. So they effectively have the same sync issues as an A-Series BVM when played in RGB.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=60403&start=30
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=57929&start=120

Fortunately for you though, your BVM-D14 uses the BKM-129X expansion card for RGB and YPbPr, which has been reverse engineered and cloned by Skum. Maybe he'll add a VCR Mode in an update.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=65940
Whoa... that's super interesting. Thanks for sharing.

OK, so I had it in my mind that it was composite only (and s-video, too!) so I'm wondering if I had read in months past and totally forgot the details. Thanks for pointing it out! At least i know its not defective or has some settings that are incorrect. I've only had a BVM for about 7-8 months so there's still a ton I'm learning. I thought I'd would have a year or so to do a bunch of research before actually finding one, and then THREE of the same D series popped up not too far from me. (two from the same seller). I didn't even realize it supported resolutions higher than 480i when I bought it. After hooking up my older systems and thought I was "done" and realized I had a 360 and PS3 sitting in the same room unused and could be hooked up :)
PeterWar
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:17 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by PeterWar »

It took me a while, but I've done all the test I can think of, you'll see that most of my sync issues are probably because slightly off spec frequencies, I also tested an unmodded PAL megadrive and have the same issue as well, the only problem that I've been able to solve with this setup is the skew problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhgcH13zha4
daty2k1
Posts: 69
Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2020 9:31 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by daty2k1 »

I recently discovered that the N64 has the same issues as the PS1. You either need an NTSC console to play NTSC games or you need a dual frequency oscillator to operate at the correct frequencies. I suspected as such since I can't get PAL games to sync on my japanese console.
PeterWar
Posts: 103
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:17 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by PeterWar »

I've done a table to summarize my results, this corroborates that sync issues on the BVM-A20F1M and BKM-68x are the result of offspec sync signals. I'm considering buying a native NTSC Megadrive, Master System II and Saturn as my PAL consoles just don't work well. EDIT:will do so unless someone can offer hope of a solution that would fix this without adding input lag.

Image
daty2k1
Posts: 69
Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2020 9:31 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by daty2k1 »

I came to the same conclusion. Every system that runs at the wrong speed when playing a game from a different region will not sync.

I believe for Megadrive, Nintendo 64, Playstation and Saturn, you have the option to install a dual oscillator. For Master System, the only fix that I know of is the gscartsw. As for Neogeo I think you can install an oscillator as well but I'm not sure. You can also go the MiSTer route which is working fine for me with a custom core.

I have decided to get a dual oscillator installed for my PS1, N64 and Saturn. I'll report back when I get them. I know it's a lot of fuss and someone once told me to sell the BKM-68x and get a D series or a 20L5 but it's not like I can snap my fingers and find one of these monitors...
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

daty2k1 wrote: As for Neogeo I think you can install an oscillator as well but I'm not sure. You can also go the MiSTer route which is working fine for me with a custom core..

For my US Neo Geo (and Turbografx 16) on my d series bvm, the Extron RGB 203 RXi did the trick.
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

I came across another solution for my D series BVM with an accidental purchase. I intended to buy an Extron USP 405 upscaler with SDI. Anyway, I bought one without and decided to try to find a use for it. I ran my Master System into it and I was able to get a good picture with the issue resolved at 720p and 576p. My first two images are 720p and second is 576p. 576p fills the screen better but, of course, sacrifices frame rate since it’s 50hz.

Obviously no scan lines, but it’s another good option. I’m sure other upscalers would do the trick. The Extron scaler I got has lower resolutions- but they all had some weird visual issues with colors not quite right and the middle of the image having a weird shadow like problem. 576p and 720p were the only ones that looked right.

https://ibb.co/zh33TFw
https://ibb.co/NL0P9nj
https://ibb.co/n8dKRTK

Now to try to fit this into my crazy setup chain.
User avatar
Fudoh
Posts: 13015
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:29 am
Location: Germany
Contact:

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Fudoh »

any upscaler that doesn't directly lock the output to the input sync will work and "fix" the problem (well, let's call it a workaround instead).

If you want something solid, including scanlines, then a Retrotink2x Scart along with any HDMI to VGA dongle will do a nice job on any CRT having problems with native sync from any system.
Saturngamer81
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Saturngamer81 »

So whats the consensus on the neo geo AES. Which revision serial number is best to invest in,, as in at least getting a stable image with an extron RGB in the chain.

i want to get an aes to replace my mvs
daty2k1
Posts: 69
Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2020 9:31 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by daty2k1 »

Just get a MiSTer :wink:
Saturngamer81
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Saturngamer81 »

daty2k1 wrote:Just get a MiSTer :wink:
does the mister sync well with neo geo core on the a series? since the mister will emulate the odd refresh rate
daty2k1
Posts: 69
Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2020 9:31 am

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by daty2k1 »

I use a modified version with the refresh rate of a late AES revision and it works perfectly on my A series.
Saturngamer81
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Saturngamer81 »

daty2k1 wrote:I use a modified version with the refresh rate of a late AES revision and it works perfectly on my A series.
oh really interesting i might just do that,, can you pm me on how to go about what to buy and setup,, if you could spare your time?

Ive never used anything like the mister, I persume that ill also have access to other hardware cores.
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

Saturngamer81 wrote:So whats the consensus on the neo geo AES. Which revision serial number is best to invest in,, as in at least getting a stable image with an extron RGB in the chain.

i want to get an aes to replace my mvs
Unfortunately a prior owner removed the serial number on mine, but it’s an original hardware version (I forget the number on the board that indicates that) and it does have the issue. So later may be better.
Extron 203Rxi can also fix the signal if you place it in the chain AFTER the crosspoint output.

UPDATE: sorry- I misread and pictured “Extron Crosspoint” when you said “Extron RGB”. Sorry for telling you to do what you were already doing :)
Last edited by jwrose on Fri May 29, 2020 9:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Saturngamer81
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Saturngamer81 »

jwrose wrote:
Saturngamer81 wrote:So whats the consensus on the neo geo AES. Which revision serial number is best to invest in,, as in at least getting a stable image with an extron RGB in the chain.

i want to get an aes to replace my mvs
Unfortunately a prior owner removed the serial number on mine, but it’s an original hardware version (I forget the number on the board that indicates that) and it does have the issue. So later may be better.
Extron 203Rxi can also fix the signal if you place it in the chain AFTER the crosspoint output.
does your aes have the 24.00 mhz crystal?
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

Saturngamer81 wrote:
jwrose wrote:
Saturngamer81 wrote: does your aes have the 24.00 mhz crystal?
It must since it’s the first gen AES and has issues. Mine must be a 3-2. When I checked the board previously I remember it being the earliest. Looks like 3-6 has the good crystal, but I’m not sure how early they added it.
Saturngamer81
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Saturngamer81 »

if thats so then the issue with the MVS can be timing, since that has the same refresh rate. it has to be the sync pulse. but when i use my MVS the monitor goes into 576i50 mode like its confused

whats issues with yours aes did you have?
jwrose
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 5:15 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by jwrose »

Saturngamer81 wrote:if thats so then the issue with the MVS can be timing, since that has the same refresh rate. it has to be the sync pulse. but when i use my MVS the monitor goes into 576i50 mode like its confused

whats issues with yours aes did you have?
It was flagging (top of image was pushed to the right). SERR on my EXTRON RGB solves it.
Saturngamer81
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:03 pm

Re: BVM-A20F1M Sega consoles Sync problems

Post by Saturngamer81 »

jwrose wrote:
Saturngamer81 wrote:if thats so then the issue with the MVS can be timing, since that has the same refresh rate. it has to be the sync pulse. but when i use my MVS the monitor goes into 576i50 mode like its confused

whats issues with yours aes did you have?
It was flagging (top of image was pushed to the right). SERR on my EXTRON RGB solves it.
if you culd somewhen confirm it is 24.00mhz crystal that would be apreciated, we need to start documenting properly things like this for future users
Post Reply