Why doesn't my Saturn like my PVM?

[spadgy]

I'm getting a very scrambled, dark picture when I run my JPN Saturn through my PVM.

Here's how it's all linked:

Saturn>SCART>Y-U-V-to-RGB converter>3.5mm RGB Cable>PVM

I'm using a standard Saturn SCART cable.

If I introduce my Supergun or Dreamcast in place of my Saturn in the chain above, it all works fine.

Is it that I need a different SCART cable?

Thanks!

[neorichieb1971]

Some of the chain isn't exactly descriptive enough.

[StarCreator]

Probably a dumb question, but does your converter take Euro SCART or Japan SCART, and are you using the corresponding SCART cable for your Saturn?

[antron]

Y-U-V-to-RGB converter?

for a saturn? or Supergun or Dreamcast ?

sure you have that right?

[kernow]

Have you tried just getting them to sit down and talk it over for a bit?

[RGB32E]

I'm getting a very scrambled, dark picture when I run my JPN Saturn through my PVM.

Here's how it's all linked:

Saturn>SCART>Y-U-V-to-RGB converter>3.5mm RGB Cable>PVM

I'm using a standard Saturn SCART cable.

If I introduce my Supergun or Dreamcast in place of my Saturn in the chain above, it all works fine.

Is it that I need a different SCART cable?

Thanks!

What is the model number of your PVM? There shouldn't be any RGB to component conversion in the chain...

Saturn -> RGB Cable -> PVM monitor

[spadgy]

Y-U-V-to-RGB converter?

for a saturn? or Supergun or Dreamcast ?

sure you have that right?

Sorry everyone - I've been a bit daft.

Here's wht I meant by 'RGB-to-Y-U-V converter'.

It's actually this SCART-to-YUV converter

So, my Japan Saturn is hooked up to the SCART-to-YUV converter box with a standard Saturn SCART cable (works fine plugging the Saturn direct into a normal TV with a SCART port).

From the SCART-to-YUV converter and RGB cable (one with three 3.5mm jacks at each end) goes into the back of my PVM (via BNC adapter couplings of course).

And all I get is a dark, occasionally rolling, always distorted image.

Perhaps a straight up Saturn RGB cable is the answer, but I can't spot any yet (only searched eBay).

Thanks for your help so far!

[Jockel]

Perhaps a straight up Saturn RGB cable is the answer

I'm quite sure it is.
On Germany ebay, i found this:
http://cgi.ebay.de/Saturn-original-RGB- ... 3cb7127291
they ship into the EU, so you're pretty much set.
I'm also sporting a PVM and a Saturn via RGB, and it's lovely.

[antron]

I think he has that already. Now he just needs a SCART to BNC beakout cable. What king of sync will your PVM take?

there is this:
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... t+breakout

[spadgy]

Thanks Jockel. So are you suggesting I plug that cable into my YUV box? I can't plug it straight into my PVM as it doesn't have SCART ports (only composite and component BNC ports).

Also, how is that cable you linked too different from the Saturn SCART cable I'm using (one I believe is the standard Saturn SCART cable)?

EDIT: On pressing submit, I got the message saying antron had posted.

As for the kind of sync my PVM takes - I'll have to look into that (I meekly admit I don't know what you mean, but I do have the manual and a wife who works in TV and knows about such things). I do have this custom made MegaDrive BNC RGB cable that I never got working with my PVM. It had R, G, B, Sync and Comp BNC jacks on it. I thought I was meant to put either comp or sync in, but it never worked. Perhaps finding out about the right kind of sync will help.

EDIT: I really need to read something that teaches me a bit more than the very basics of SCART, RGB, composite, component, sync, comp, scanlines etc etc.

[antron]

what's the model PVM?

[Fudoh]

The last PVM I had here accepted RGBs by four BNC jacks and it required pure sync, not composite video.

Your Mega Drive BNC cable requires a capacitor soldered in the sync line (that it unless your MD is modded internally). You can check if it's got this capacitor.

99% of the Saturn cables on sale use composite video for sync, so you wouldn't be able to use it directly on your PVM. To use this you would need a sync stripper (like the Sync Strike).

[antron]

99% of the Saturn cables on sale use composite video for sync, so you wouldn't be able to use it directly on your PVM. To use this you would need a sync stripper (like the Sync Strike).

or the product I linked above.

[Fudoh]

ah, ok. Didn't know that the breakout board did actual sync stripping.

[antron]

ah, ok. Didn't know that the breakout board did actual sync stripping.

yeah, breakout board isn't the most descriptive name it could have been given. too bad it doesn't provide the c-sync on BNC. you would have to get it from that pin header. his ng forum post provides more info on that:
http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthrea ... kout-Board

but this is the case with the sync strike as well, but it provides screw terminals:
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=37285

but there seems to be a switch for CSYNC or HVSYNC, for the "VGA" connector I presume. if that's the case he would just need one of these and he's done:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... largeimage