Super SD System 3

[Gara]

OK thank you. It's a real shame to have to do this with a 200€+ device... I think I'll just stick to burning CDs.

It's still pretty cool to just plop the SSDS3 onto an unmodded system and get RGB without fuss.

These days I am mostly doing my PC Engine stuff on the MiSTer. Being able to toggle the raw RGB and Original colors is pretty awesome. I'm sort of used to the look of raw RGB at this point, but it's still a lot of fun to see how the system should look.

[nullity]

I thought I should post a small update on my situation in case it helps anyone in the future.

I decided to buy an unmodded CoreGrafx in the hope that it would solve my noise issues only to find the noise was *exactly* the same as on my RGB modded machine
...
I had been considering building a cable which takes the audio from the SSDS3 and the video from my RGB modded din, however, as the RGB cable was the only thing I hadn't switched, I bought a £10 Amazon cable, just to see what the results would be.

It turns out that using this cable the noise is almost gone!
...
I'm sure some people will disagree and would maybe find fault in the picture I'm getting, but my tip to anyone having noise problems is to first of all try a lower quality video cable!

I wish I'd tried that before getting another console!

Duuuuude... Dude! Thanks so much for sharing. I, too, have RGC component cables and you're the only other person I've seen who had the issue of diagonal bars and noise on solid colors.

I was about to splurge on a supergrafx but ordered a cheap composite cable yesterday just to be sure. After reading your story I'm confident that it will fix the issue for me.

I'll report back next week with results and share observations about audio quality, too (TG16).

[nullity]

So, I can say with certainty that the issue in my case was 100% the RGC Component cables.

• 1. I picked up a no-name Genesis 2 composite cable and the image looked much better. Not as crisp but no lines or shimmering pixels.

• 2. Bought a new Triad power supply as some had suggested the OG TG16 was delivering insufficient power. This made no difference with either the RGC Component or the no-name Gen2 composite.

• 3. HD Retrovision cables are back in stock at Castlemania, so I bought their Gen2 Component cables. Problem solved! See below...

RGC Component:


HD Retrovision Component:


I actually bought a Genesis 2 (VA4) for kicks since I now have a spare component cable for it that doesn't like the SSDS3. Surprisingly, it works just fine on the Genny. I don't understand why, but seeing as how StrzxgvNuvWvfld and I had the same experience with the RGC cables, I would question RGC's claim that their cables are compatible with SSDS3.

[Taiyaki]

Were the early analog video and most importantly analog audio issues on the Super HD System 3 Pro resolved through updates or are they still working on them? Since I didn't buy a unit yet I can't login to see what the update status is.

I'm always so tempted to buy one but the issues what I've seen in Youtube videos for CRT use didn't bode that well, but that was over a year ago so here's hoping progress has been made.

[Kez]

Which issues are you referring to specifically? I recall there were some issues with low audio volume early on, there were one or two updates which resulted in the volume slider being removed altogether and a significantly higher volume - although still a little bit lower than would be ideal. The CD audio is apparently very accurate to the original hardware though. I use a well shielded cable so I don't get any buzz or anything when I turn up the volume, so having it run a little quiet isn't much of an issue for me.

I wouldn't count on any updates coming out in the future.

[Taiyaki]

Which issues are you referring to specifically? I recall there were some issues with low audio volume early on, there were one or two updates which resulted in the volume slider being removed altogether and a significantly higher volume - although still a little bit lower than would be ideal. The CD audio is apparently very accurate to the original hardware though. I use a well shielded cable so I don't get any buzz or anything when I turn up the volume, so having it run a little quiet isn't much of an issue for me.

I wouldn't count on any updates coming out in the future.

Mostly the audio issues brought up in this video among others:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7lvNs7Xkbk

Maybe they fixed that early on and I missed it?

[Taiyaki]

I'm strongly considering buying one but I have two questions for those familiar with the the Super HD System 3:

1. Does any Sega Genesis 2/CDX scart cable work? From what I read on the last few pages there seems to be a strong correlation to picture quality (especially displayed noise) and cables used. Is there anything in particular that needs to be modified to bring out the best out of the SHDS3? Has anyone tried Retro Access' Genesis 2 cable?

2. For use on a consumer CRT a simple Coregrafx would be enough to get the best out of the system (assuming I get lucky with cables that display as little to no noise as possible)?

Or is the Coregrafx II preferable?

I've read comments that the Supergrafx gives the best video out but it also appeared that these users were on LCD's where I assume the slightest noise is going to be as visible as can be, and I'm really not a fan of the ergonomics or dimensions of that system, just hogs up so much space on any given shelf.

[Taiyaki]

Core grafx II here. No internal mods. Noise in grays on the ssds3 menu screen, and noticeable in games. Fu-rgb mod and stereo bypass amp. Expensive shielded coax scart cable, original tg-16 power supply. It's just what it is.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Finally spent some time on my new SHD3S and this is exactly my experience except I have a coregrafx 1.

Running it to my CRT with a retro access Genesis 2 cable and a replacement triad power supply. Greys look like they’re dancing. It’s not ideal but could be worse I guess.

[Taiyaki]

Ok actually I fully resolved my SHDS3 issue which was that I was using a palette. Once I went back to the default no more noise and the RGB picture is outstanding on my CRT. Love this device. Only issue I have is that the ingame reset seems to work only every other game. I almost feel might be better to just leave it off at this point.

Also one game I had an issue with is Popful Mail. I ended up taking it off the Micro SD. Real shame cause I love that game, but it doesn't play nice giving occasional visual artifacts. Also each time I start it up my tv behaves as if it had switched channel and back to Video 3 which is weird.

Overall really happy with this. Looks great and sounds great. Plays almost all the PCE games I love.

[Taiyaki]

Last update to say that I got the composite color palette to work. Not sure which look I prefer as the composite colors look quite a bit desaturated but in some areas looks better.

Two questions for those with experience with the device:

1. Alternate CD enabled or disabled?

2. How much difference does Seek time emulation make and is it best to enable it?

[fernan1234]

Last update to say that I got the composite color palette to work. Not sure which look I prefer as the composite colors look quite a bit desaturated but in some areas looks better.

How did you resolve this issue? I was wondering if a prior RGB mod was somehow conflicting with this device. Either way, the argument for the composite palette is that it should match the "intended" colors that game designers had in mind or saw in their consumer test CRTs back in the day. It has been proven to make a positive difference and I'd always go for it, though there are people who used the raw colors in RGB mods for years, which can make you feel like the original ones are "desaturated" (I'd say the raw ones are oversaturated and garish )

2. How much difference does Seek time emulation make and is it best to enable it?

I'd turn that on, it may help with compatibility and probably not slow down loading by much (will still be faster than a good working real CD unit anyway).

[Taiyaki]

Last update to say that I got the composite color palette to work. Not sure which look I prefer as the composite colors look quite a bit desaturated but in some areas looks better.

How did you resolve this issue? I was wondering if a prior RGB mod was somehow conflicting with this device. Either way, the argument for the composite palette is that it should match the "intended" colors that game designers had in mind or saw in their consumer test CRTs back in the day. It has been proven to make a positive difference and I'd always go for it, though there are people who used the raw colors in RGB mods for years, which can make you feel like the original ones are "desaturated" (I'd say the raw ones are oversaturated and garish )

2. How much difference does Seek time emulation make and is it best to enable it?

I'd turn that on, it may help with compatibility and probably not slow down loading by much (will still be faster than a good working real CD unit anyway).

Thank you, will do.

The issue I had was due to my using the wrong palette file. I originally found in a different forum and just changed the extension to .pal but I suspect it was either an unfinished or intended for a mister. Although it accepted it it seems to have introduced noise into the video and didn't really change the colors as intended. I found the proper file from the github and used that one and it worked just fine with no noise and no issues.

I agree the original RGB colors are garish by any standard. It's just a bit jarring when doing comparisons especially since I think I've mostly played the PC Engine in RGB and therefor have always been used to the wrong colors.

[Kez]

1. Alternate CD enabled or disabled?

I believe the alternate CD core ended up being completely superior - it should be on by default I think. I would leave it on and experiment with turning it off if you have issues.

[Taiyaki]

1. Alternate CD enabled or disabled?

I believe the alternate CD core ended up being completely superior - it should be on by default I think. I would leave it on and experiment with turning it off if you have issues.

Thank you! Will do that.

[Kez]

Also one game I had an issue with is Popful Mail.

This is a known issue, there are issues with a few games still unfortunately. RevQuixo put together an unofficial bug tracker here: https://github.com/RevQuixo/SSDS3-SHDS3 ... ker/issues

[Taiyaki]

Also one game I had an issue with is Popful Mail.

This is a known issue, there are issues with a few games still unfortunately. RevQuixo put together an unofficial bug tracker here: https://github.com/RevQuixo/SSDS3-SHDS3 ... ker/issues

Bummer. Looks like it's been brought to them a while back. I guess the chances of them fixing it aren't high are they?

By the way is it a good idea to just disable the arcade card? In principle I shouldn't be needing it but wondering if it makes a difference to compatibility of games.

[Taiyaki]

Guess I answered my own question after looking up which games benefit from it and finding out a few of the games in my library do use it.

[Taiyaki]

Just wanted to double check but is it normal for the SHDS3's menu colors to get desaturated after selecting the composite palette?

[Elrinth]

I tried playing Batman HuCard (same problem running original card and rom) and I have the Super HD System 3 Pro with a Core GrafX 2 and the audio is very scratchy... Like static in audio randomly appearing. Why is this? Is there any soldering fix I can do inside the Super HD System 3 Pro?
I am using SHDS3PRO firmware 1.01 R6. I bought it: Order: DBOANMBXW Placed on 05/30/2021 07:24:09 . But I have no idea which revision I have.

I replaced it with previous device (Super SD System 3) and with that there is no scratchy audio... So something is wrong with the blue Super HD System 3 Pro.

Using it with a Super GrafX instead and there is no scratchy audio?!

[Josh128]

Guys, I wanted to play some Supergrafx Daimakaimura on my SSDS3 yesterday, booted it up, picked the game, and was treated to nothing but a black screen, no audio. Tried other SGX games, had same result. Tried normal Turbo games, they work fine. Is there some kind of setting which may cause such behavior? This is very concerning.

[Steven]

Check the switch on the back of your SuperGrafx. I have never messed with the switch, but if it's in the wrong position, I would not be surprised if there is a possibility that it might cause problems.

[SavagePencil]

Check the switch on the back of your SuperGrafx. I have never messed with the switch, but if it's in the wrong position, I would not be surprised if there is a possibility that it might cause problems.

That’s my recommendation too. It has a comparability switch for default PC Engine.

[Josh128]

Check the switch on the back of your SuperGrafx. I have never messed with the switch, but if it's in the wrong position, I would not be surprised if there is a possibility that it might cause problems.

That’s my recommendation too. It has a comparability switch for default PC Engine.

Thats the thing, I dont have a Supergrafx, I have a Turbografx 16. Supergrafx games used to work fine on the SSDS3 on my standard Turbo until now.

[Gara]

Check the switch on the back of your SuperGrafx. I have never messed with the switch, but if it's in the wrong position, I would not be surprised if there is a possibility that it might cause problems.

That’s my recommendation too. It has a comparability switch for default PC Engine.

Thats the thing, I dont have a Supergrafx, I have a Turbografx 16. Supergrafx games used to work fine on the SSDS3 on my standard Turbo until now.

That's not possible. The SSDS3 does not emulate the Supergrafx. You can only play Supergrafx games when plugged into an actual Supergrafx. Are you thinking of the SHDS3 (Super HD System 3 PRO)? The ugly blue one. The SHDS3 has imperfect Supergrafx emulation that lets you play Supergrafx games on PC Engine hardware. It also unfortunately uses its emulation even when plugged into a real Supergrafx.

[Josh128]

I must be going senile. I could have sworn that I played them on it before. My buddy just confirmed this for me. I had confused playing SGX on the Mister with playing on the SSDS3. I thought it had FPGA emulation built in for the SGX.

[Steven]

Yeah if you don't have a SuperGrafx, that's why it doesn't work.

I forgot if the SHDS3 will let you play SuperGrafx games using the real HuCards or not, but I have indeed heard that its SuperGrafx emulation is not perfect in some way that I forgot. Is the SHDS3 even worth getting if I already have a SuperGrafx, every SuperGrafx HuCard, and the SSDS3?

[SuperDeadite]

Yeah if you don't have a SuperGrafx, that's why it doesn't work.

I forgot if the SHDS3 will let you play SuperGrafx games using the real HuCards or not, but I have indeed heard that its SuperGrafx emulation is not perfect in some way that I forgot. Is the SHDS3 even worth getting if I already have a SuperGrafx, every SuperGrafx HuCard, and the SSDS3?

Imo, sell all that shit. SuperGrafx+EDFX+TurboEverdrive Pro ftw.

[SavagePencil]

Imo, sell all that shit. SuperGrafx+EDFX+TurboEverdrive Pro ftw.

Mostly agree (and that’s how I usually run) but there are still a few issues with the TED Pro:

https://krikzz.com/forum/index.php?topic=13515.0

[Steven]

Yeah if you don't have a SuperGrafx, that's why it doesn't work.

I forgot if the SHDS3 will let you play SuperGrafx games using the real HuCards or not, but I have indeed heard that its SuperGrafx emulation is not perfect in some way that I forgot. Is the SHDS3 even worth getting if I already have a SuperGrafx, every SuperGrafx HuCard, and the SSDS3?

Imo, sell all that shit. SuperGrafx+EDFX+TurboEverdrive Pro ftw.

Huh. The EDFX is new. Never seen that before.

But doesn't this basically do the same stuff that what I have now does? I have a MiSTer too, so it's not like I don't have other ways to play PC Engine games.

[Gara]

Yeah if you don't have a SuperGrafx, that's why it doesn't work.

I forgot if the SHDS3 will let you play SuperGrafx games using the real HuCards or not, but I have indeed heard that its SuperGrafx emulation is not perfect in some way that I forgot. Is the SHDS3 even worth getting if I already have a SuperGrafx, every SuperGrafx HuCard, and the SSDS3?

Not really worth it. Much like the SSDS3 they pretty much abandoned it. No firmware updates ever came to fix issues. After they shut down their forums the only bug tracking started coming from a customer who started one and even those won't be getting addressed. So it has unfixed SSDS3 issues on top of its own issues.

Due to some hardware issue the analog audio output is massively lowered, but it is apparently a bit more accurate than the SSDS3 in reproducing the original audio. Audio is fine on their hdmi output, but the hdmi.output sucks. I wish they would have allowed for 240p over hdmi or even just digital audio output when using analog video.

It does have the composite colors with RGB and HDMI output though. So you can use the MiSTer color palette. It's nice being able to get the more natural colors in RGB that you would normally only see in composite but i've used the overblown colors in RGB so long that they still have a lot of charm to me.

Ultimately I kept my SSDS3 hooked up to Supergrafx. I retired the ugly SHDS3 to its box. I then bought a Turbo Everdrive Pro and use it with a PC Engine modified with the Turbonanza. With the Turbonanza you can get composite colors if you use s-video. The s-video output looks close enough to RGB sharpness that I didn't mind the downgrade. The TEDP is a much better flashcart and it has improved compatability with some of the more oddball titles like fan translations and such. It's not perfect, so maybe someone will do a proper ODE one day.

]
Huh. The EDFX is new. Never seen that before.

But doesn't this basically do the same stuff that what I have now does? I have a MiSTer too, so it's not like I don't have other ways to play PC Engine games.

Pretty much. The problem with the Turbo Everdrive is that cd emulated games will only have mono audio when played on a stock or traditionally RGB modified system. The EDFX pulls audio off the back pins and fixes that issue. You can apparently also modify other expansion devices to be compatible that allow for audio and video to be pulled from the back. The Turbonanza internal mod was made with the Turbo Everdrive Pro in mind so it has stereo sound and the composite colors on s-video feature I mentioned above.