Questions that do not deserve a thread

[BuckoA51]

Thanks guys much appreciated.

[Bassa-Bassa]

Any opinions on this seller's products, particularly his scart switchers with dual simultaneous output?

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005005165935651.html

Concerned about the automatic switching-only? condition of these switches in general. My CRT in use keeps switching over and over between 4:3/16:9 modes depending on the system and game unless I change to manual on my current switcher (Keene Scart Commander). Service mode didn't help there.

[Bassa-Bassa]

Hopefully this is an easy one - does the Japanese Sega Saturn output raw c-sync RGB only or does it also output CVBS as sync RGB?


Thks.

[bobrocks95]

Hopefully this is an easy one - does the Japanese Sega Saturn output raw c-sync RGB only or does it also output CVBS as sync RGB?


Thks.

It has both available on the output, just depends on how you want to wire your cable

[Bassa-Bassa]

So they just killed pin 1 for PAL SAT, to make it CVBS as sync RGB-only...

Is the Japanese DC the same (both, CVBS-as-sync RGB and raw C-sync)?


Edited to add another unrelated question - I'm seeing Panasonic TAU CRTs are well regarded, but checking the manual, they don't seem to have enough geometry options to tweak for gaming needs:



Is this a right assumption or may be it's just this GL1 chassis in particular?

[Konsolkongen]

Pin 1 is 9V on a pal Saturn, so don’t use a c.sync cable on a pal system.

https://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:saturnav

[Bassa-Bassa]

Cheers, good to know. I guess the DC just can't output CVBS-a-sync RGB after some tests today, but I'm not sure yet.

[sky-13]

Hi Shmups Forum, I was wondering if anyone is familiar with what my BVM is doing. This used to occur when turning the monitor on via the switch in the back but now has also happened when using the remote to turn on the monitor. I let run for about 15 minutes in the mode but nothing changed.

https://imgur.com/a/bvm-blink-ebpCuqJ

[Koa Zo]

Modding & Pre-paid shipping?

In discussion to have my Mega-CD units refurbished and the modder/repair person wants to purchase the shipping label for me to send the consoles to them. They say this is to save a few bucks since they receive a shipping discount.

Do you all see this as unusual or risky?

While this person has a track record of good transactions, I'm concerned that if my consoles get damaged or go missing, then I have no recourse. I'd have no receipt of shipping anything to this person. I'd have to trust them to pursue a claim with the shipping service etc.

Shipping two model 1 Mega-CDs and a Mega Drive and cables to someone I don't know, using their shipping label, makes me uneasy.

[SavagePencil]

Ship in the way you’re comfortable shipping.

[Koa Zo]

Ship in the way you’re comfortable shipping.

Thanks.
I should have phrased my post another way.

Essentially I was wondering if this is a new normal?
The modder hasn't responded now after I expressed unease with the shipping scenario.

Considering their online presence and budding reputation, I don't exactly think there is anything underhanded going on.
Perhaps it is a tactic to keep their address hidden so they don't get stalked or whatever.

[ldeveraux]

Ship in the way you’re comfortable shipping.

Thanks.
I should have phrased my post another way.

Essentially I was wondering if this is a new normal?
The modder hasn't responded now after I expressed unease with the shipping scenario.

Considering their online presence and budding reputation, I don't exactly think there is anything underhanded going on.
Perhaps it is a tactic to keep their address hidden so they don't get stalked or whatever.

If they have a reputation you trust, seems like you should just do it, no?

[Koa Zo]

Ship in the way you’re comfortable shipping.

Thanks.
I should have phrased my post another way.

Essentially I was wondering if this is a new normal?
The modder hasn't responded now after I expressed unease with the shipping scenario.

Considering their online presence and budding reputation, I don't exactly think there is anything underhanded going on.
Perhaps it is a tactic to keep their address hidden so they don't get stalked or whatever.

If they have a reputation you trust, seems like you should just do it, no?

I didnt actually know of this person but they were recommended by someone established who is too busy to take on my work.

I was basically hoping someone here would have experience with this type of scenario and be able to say "oh, yeah, that's how the modders are doing it now." as well as explain or illuminate the reasoning behind it.

Just seems strange for someone to suggest buying a shipping label for me, then emailing it to me.

[ldeveraux]

Just seems strange for someone to suggest buying a shipping label for me, then emailing it to me.

?? How else would they get you a label? How would YOU suggest they have handled this? It all sounds fine to me.

[Koa Zo]

Just seems strange for someone to suggest buying a shipping label for me, then emailing it to me.

?? How else would they get you a label? How would YOU suggest they have handled this? It all sounds fine to me.

Simple. Tell me the address to ship the package to.
Which is what they are now going to do.

You're not seeing the issue in shipping something valuable using a stranger's shipping account?

[ldeveraux]

Simple. Tell me the address to ship the package to.
Which is what they are now going to do.

You're not seeing the issue in shipping something valuable using a stranger's shipping account?

Again, if you trust that they will actually provide the service, why would you NOT trust them to ship it properly? I'm completely confused as to how you think you could get screwed in this transaction. This all based on you trusting them to actually perform the service. If it gets damaged on the way; OK then the modder will fix it. My biggest concern with all of this would have been sending a console to a random internet person and then getting ghosted. You don't seem to have that issue. they were trying to save you a couple shekels AND take care of the estimate process of getting a label. Why won't you let them do that?

[Koa Zo]

Simple. Tell me the address to ship the package to.
Which is what they are now going to do.

You're not seeing the issue in shipping something valuable using a stranger's shipping account?

Again, if you trust that they will actually provide the service, why would you NOT trust them to ship it properly? I'm completely confused as to how you think you could get screwed in this transaction. This all based on you trusting them to actually perform the service. If it gets damaged on the way; OK then the modder will fix it. My biggest concern with all of this would have been sending a console to a random internet person and then getting ghosted. You don't seem to have that issue. they were trying to save you a couple shekels AND take care of the estimate process of getting a label. Why won't you let them do that?

I've been shipping items for nearly 3 decades and this is the first time this scenario was presented to me.
There are countless instances of online services, DIY'ers, homebrewers, modders, taking payment for a service or product and then not delivering. Have you seen the N64 thread here?
If an item is shipped to someone using their shipping label and then that person goes MIA, then I would have no recourse to claim a lost package or stolen goods.That is my concern.

Case in point, back in December I returned an Amazon purchase. Amazon required that I take the package to a local retail store to process and ship the return. The store took and scanned my item, hours later I received an email stating that my return was accepted and a refund was issued.
Fast forward 6 weeks and I get an email saying my item was never returned and that I will be charged for the item if I don't return it. I don't have the item, nor do I have a tracking or shipping receipt. I have an email saying it was received at Kohls department store, but now Amazon is saying it wasn't received. Hours of phone calls to get that supposedly resolved. Except now just weeks ago in April I get another email saying I will be charged for the unreturned item.
More hours of calls and assurances I won't be charged. Then a week later I am charged for the item that was returned to Kohls. More hours on the phone to Amazon, I finally got refunded, again. Roughly 10 hours of phone calls and holding on the phone and transfers and re-explaining etc. You can't trust when something is shipped or received when you don't have the receipts or tracking numbers. You have no ability to file claims on that tracking number then you are shit out of luck.

Now also add in the fact that this person uses UPS and UPS is seeing mass layoff and closures of distribution centers and low morale and disdain for their new CEO, reliability is entirely gone. I've had severe issues with 4 out of 5 of the recent UPS packages shipped to me - delivered to wrong address, item marked undeliverable when my camera shows the truck driving by without stopping, not home for signature while I was at home and again camera shows driver never came to door, package out for delivery waiting all day to sign for delivery then truck pulls up at 7:10pm and driver rummages around in back of truck then says "your package isn't on my truck"... then days of phone calls to be told they don't know where it is it might turn up later. etc etc.

So for someone who I don't know who I've never had any business with, who right out of the gate in their first contact with me says they'll buy the shipping label, that was entirely unique and unusual and somewhat concerning considering the recent of shipping issues I've experienced.
I'm sorry ldeveraux.

[ldeveraux]

Simple. Tell me the address to ship the package to.
Which is what they are now going to do.

You're not seeing the issue in shipping something valuable using a stranger's shipping account?

Again, if you trust that they will actually provide the service, why would you NOT trust them to ship it properly? I'm completely confused as to how you think you could get screwed in this transaction. This all based on you trusting them to actually perform the service. If it gets damaged on the way; OK then the modder will fix it. My biggest concern with all of this would have been sending a console to a random internet person and then getting ghosted. You don't seem to have that issue. they were trying to save you a couple shekels AND take care of the estimate process of getting a label. Why won't you let them do that?

I've been shipping items for nearly 3 decades and this is the first time this scenario was presented to me.
There are countless instances of online services, DIY'ers, homebrewers, modders, taking payment for a service or product and then not delivering. Have you seen the N64 thread here?
If an item is shipped to someone using their shipping label and then that person goes MIA, then I would have no recourse to claim a lost package or stolen goods.That is my concern.

Case in point, back in December I returned an Amazon purchase. Amazon required that I take the package to a local retail store to process and ship the return. The store took and scanned my item, hours later I received an email stating that my return was accepted and a refund was issued.
Fast forward 6 weeks and I get an email saying my item was never returned and that I will be charged for the item if I don't return it. I don't have the item, nor do I have a tracking or shipping receipt. I have an email saying it was received at Kohls department store, but now Amazon is saying it wasn't received. Hours of phone calls to get that supposedly resolved. Except now just weeks ago in April I get another email saying I will be charged for the unreturned item.
More hours of calls and assurances I won't be charged. Then a week later I am charged for the item that was returned to Kohls. More hours on the phone to Amazon, I finally got refunded, again. Roughly 10 hours of phone calls and holding on the phone and transfers and re-explaining etc. You can't trust when something is shipped or received when you don't have the receipts or tracking numbers. You have no ability to file claims on that tracking number then you are shit out of luck.

Now also add in the fact that this person uses UPS and UPS is seeing mass layoff and closures of distribution centers and low morale and disdain for their new CEO, reliability is entirely gone. I've had severe issues with 4 out of 5 of the recent UPS packages shipped to me - delivered to wrong address, item marked undeliverable when my camera shows the truck driving by without stopping, not home for signature while I was at home and again camera shows driver never came to door, package out for delivery waiting all day to sign for delivery then truck pulls up at 7:10pm and driver rummages around in back of truck then says "your package isn't on my truck"... then days of phone calls to be told they don't know where it is it might turn up later. etc etc.

So for someone who I don't know who I've never had any business with, who right out of the gate in their first contact with me says they'll buy the shipping label, that was entirely unique and unusual and somewhat concerning considering the recent of shipping issues I've experienced.
I'm sorry ldeveraux.

I couldn't read all this, you've become a real broken record. I'm done trying to reason with you. Do what you want, you were going to anyway. I can't believe you tried to compare an Amazon return to an online console modder.

[bobrocks95]

Can't say I've heard that one before, I think every modder I've shipped to just gave me an address. Maybe they don't want to pay for a PO Box but also don't want their home address exposed. I think you do what you probably already did, say you'd be more comfortable spending a bit more buying the label yourself if that's alright, which sounds like it was anyways.

Basically I can think of the same number of reasons to offer it as number of reasons to be wary of it. I think just vet your modders remains the #1 piece of advice.

[Koa Zo]

Can't say I've heard that one before, I think every modder I've shipped to just gave me an address. Maybe they don't want to pay for a PO Box but also don't want their home address exposed. I think you do what you probably already did, say you'd be more comfortable spending a bit more buying the label yourself if that's alright, which sounds like it was anyways.

Basically I can think of the same number of reasons to offer it as number of reasons to be wary of it. I think just vet your modders remains the #1 piece of advice.

Thanks. Same here. Standard procedure would be to discuss service and rates and timeframe and expectations and risks, then I get an address and mail my stuff. Pretty basic.

This is how this one played out:
The person I contacted forwarded my email to another person I'd never heard of.
That person sent a friendly reply and said they understand I have two consoles needing repair.
They said the service begins at $300, but didn't detail what that service entails, and they said they'd send me a prepaid label to ship my stuff to them.
So first email was essentially: pay $300 for unspecified service and ship 3 consoles (2 repair and one base console to connect the CD units to for testing) and cables to them on their account.
That raised alarm bells. Hence why I sought perspective here.

When I inquired about shipping options I asked for details of the $300 service - they replied this is recap and cleaning of the board and and replace rubber belt.
I had to ask "is this for both units?"
All along I was referencing repair of two units, and was told $300, but their replies didn't make clear what I'd be paying for. Now that I asked for clarification they've gone MIA.
Not shaping up to be a reassuring transaction.

So new topic:
Anyone have a contact in the US for model 1 Sega-CD repair?

I couldn't read all this, you've become a real broken record. I'm done trying to reason with you. Do what you want, you were going to anyway. I can't believe you tried to compare an Amazon return to an online console modder.

Again, ldeveraux I'm sorry this bothered you so severely.

Providing an example of what happens when you don't have control of a shipment and don't have the tracking number isn't comparing Amazon to an online modder, it is providing an example of shipping something where you don't have the tracking number under your ownership.
Of course I'm going to do what I want. Why were YOU so worked up about this?

[jd213]

I don't have much experience repairing with them myself, but pretty sure Sega CD model 1s are a major PITA, there's a ton of things that can go wrong with them (and they might just break again). It might be hard to find someone reliable who can work on them.

[SGGG2]

Sort of off topic a bit, but I'm thinking of ordering some Lumacode modules and am wondering what the tariff would be to ship to the US. Not sure if country of origin would be listed as China or Austria. Has anybody in America ordered lately?

[ajdesmarais]

Just popping in to re-ask a question that I could have worded more concisely:

Any idea what would cause a gradient of color temperature from left to right on a tube? Everything along the left edge seems warmer, and gradually gets slightly cooler as you go to the right. It's present at all times, but more noticeable on dark menus with white text to create contrast. It's practically invisible if the screen is busy, or if it's a solid, bright color—for example, the PS1 startup screen seems perfectly normal. It definitely seems to be more of a color temp thing and not a brightness thing. Could also be purity, but I can't move my rings and I'm afraid to break them.

Thanks in advance!

[vol.2]

Any idea what would cause a gradient of color temperature from left to right on a tube? Everything along the left edge seems warmer, and gradually gets slightly cooler as you go to the right. It's present at all times, but more noticeable on dark menus with white text to create contrast.

Yes.

Could also be purity, but I can't move my rings and I'm afraid to break them.

Yes, it's probably purity. But that can mean a few different things actually. The simplest possibility is that you need to degauss your screen. It may be possible that a strong magnetic field has magnetized the shadow mask or grill on one side of the TV, like from having a unshielded speaker too close or something

But the fact that you are describing it as very uniform on one side of the screen would suggest to me that it is the yoke. It's either the purity rings, or the yoke itself has come a bit loose and backed off a bit. That would completely explain what you are seeing.

As you can see here, the purity rings effect this control. But they don't have to make it uneven on both sides, you can also end up with a situation like you are having where the purity is out on one side and not the other. It's a bit of a balancing act where you are trying to center the purity the best you can with the rings, and then move the whole yoke backwards and forwards. Usually you are supposed to start with the rings completely centered on the top, and then move the yoke until you have a completely uniform green or some other color, and then you fine tune it with the rings or sometimes other controls.

[alamone]

Sort of off topic a bit, but I'm thinking of ordering some Lumacode modules and am wondering what the tariff would be to ship to the US. Not sure if country of origin would be listed as China or Austria. Has anybody in America ordered lately?

I ordered about $200 worth (2 for NES, 1 for C64, and a RGB2HDMI). It got shipped. We'll see if I get hit with a bill.

[ajdesmarais]

OKay, cool! Thanks for your advice, vol.2

Any tips for freeing up stubborn purity rings and a yoke? It's a 20m4u, and my yoke seems cemented in place even after removing the clamp, and my rings seem to move a tiny amount in either direction (with no effect on the actual purity) and then feel like they're bumping up against some sort of lock or tab, but I can't find any info—every video I can find shows people just freely, effortlessly moving them.

I don't want to force this shit and break it, so honestly I think I'm just learning to live with the discoloration at this point, lol.