XRGB-mini Framemeister

[Smashbro29]

So it's a matter of seeing which is cheaper?[/quote]

Yeah, I think so. Honestly, the UMSA is easier, at this point, as no one has worked on the Kuro (in terms of mods) that I know of. Yeah, its another cable, but....

-Jim[/quote]

Hmm... so an extra power cord for the UMSA, are their enclosures worth it or is it one of those "enclosures" that are just 2 plates on the top and bottom?

@Guy who just posted the picture: Is that different from what we're discussing with the Kuro and UMSA?

[Fudoh]

Is that different from what we're discussing with the Kuro and UMSA?

yes. I think the point was that the Kuro accepts the RGBHV signal in both 15 and 31khz without the need for a sync combiner. The UMSA is an external (and available to buy) sync combiner circuit which does the RGBHV to RGBs conversion for both 15khz and 31khz signals and the circuit shown above is something you can build into your DC VGA box or into an adapter cable to make the VGA box in both, 15 and 31khz, modes, compatible with the XRGB-Mini. If you put it into your VGA box, you won't be able to use the VGA box on a standard PC display anymore though. The circuit is passive, so you don't need an additional PSU.

[crmb]

I have tried the 3-way switch on my black VGA Box.
the 480i / 240p mode is detected by the mini however the DC display black image after the loading (3rd strike).
Only get the capcom logo etc..

But i will find out

[Smashbro29]

Is that different from what we're discussing with the Kuro and UMSA?

yes. I think the point was that the Kuro accepts the RGBHV signal in both 15 and 31khz without the need for a sync combiner. The UMSA is an external (and available to buy) sync combiner circuit which does the RGBHV to RGBs conversion for both 15khz and 31khz signals and the circuit shown above is something you can build into your DC VGA box or into an adapter cable to make the VGA box in both, 15 and 31khz, modes, compatible with the XRGB-Mini. If you put it into your VGA box, you won't be able to use the VGA box on a standard PC display anymore though. The circuit is passive, so you don't need an additional PSU.

If I remember correctly though, the mod to the existing VGA box only works on the official box right?

[Konsolkongen]

Can be done on all VGA boxes, and should be a bit simpler than modding the SEGA one.

[Smashbro29]

Can be done on all VGA boxes, and should be a bit simpler than modding the SEGA one.

Well than I can't think why anyone would go with the other setup, unless finding a modder is difficult. Speaking of which: Any of you like money?

[ulloaoshi]

Hi everyone!

I've just bought a Framemeistre but I have problems with the RGB input. I'm from Spain, so I'm using an adapter from European scart to JAP21 scart, but it doesn't work. I only hear the sound but the screen remains in black. I list you the systems I've tried.

-NEO GEO CDZ: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-Super Nintendo: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-PS2: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-Dreamcast: The screen appears but disappears constantly. It's like flicking.

The adaptor I'm using is this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micomsoft-Frame ... 19d724cdc5

The other inputs are OK. I play Wii through D-Terminal and works fine.

Do you think that maybe is the unit broken or damaged? (at least the scart input)

What can I do??


Thank you very much guys!!!!

[Fudoh]

Could you clarify:

I'm using an adapter from European scart to JAP21 scart

and

The adaptor I'm using is this one

are the complete opposites of each other. You would use an EU to JP21 adapter with the Mini-Din adapter originally supplied with the Mini, while you would be using your EU scart cables DIRECTLY with the adapter linked above.

[theclaw]

I've been warming up to the idea of XRGB, probably Mini.

Can we have a summary on the Dreamcast situation or in other words an idiot proof setup and parts obtaining guide?
If I understand correct using my current VGA box means I'd need:

A way to switch it between 15khz / 31khz
Sync combiner smart enough to not choke when the sync is already combined
VGA to SCART adapter
Some device to merge the audio in (this I should already have).

[akumajo]

I'm tired to repeat myself, read above.

[fonf]

Hi everyone!
I've just bought a Framemeistre but I have problems with the RGB input. I'm from Spain, so I'm using an adapter from European scart to JAP21 scart, but it doesn't work. I only hear the sound but the screen remains in black. I list you the systems I've tried.

-NEO GEO CDZ: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-Super Nintendo: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-PS2: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-Dreamcast: The screen appears but disappears constantly. It's like flicking.

I have exactly the same issue with my Super Nintendo. Only sound and no input. I use this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micomsoft-Frame ... 19d724cdc5 and it works perfectly with my Jaguar (Same condition with same adapter), so the XRGB works fine.

But with the Super Nintendo, nothing. I use the official scart cable. I tried 2 scart cables and 2 Super Nintendo and same issue.

[eightbitminiboss]

Hi everyone!
I've just bought a Framemeistre but I have problems with the RGB input. I'm from Spain, so I'm using an adapter from European scart to JAP21 scart, but it doesn't work. I only hear the sound but the screen remains in black. I list you the systems I've tried.

-NEO GEO CDZ: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-Super Nintendo: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-PS2: Black screen. Only sound. (no input)
-Dreamcast: The screen appears but disappears constantly. It's like flicking.

I have exactly the same issue with my Super Nintendo. Only sound and no input. I use this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micomsoft-Frame ... 19d724cdc5 and it works perfectly with my Jaguar (Same condition with same adapter), so the XRGB works fine.

But with the Super Nintendo, nothing. I use the official scart cable. I tried 2 scart cables and 2 Super Nintendo and same issue.

When you say official scart cable. Is that the official one for the Japanese or European version of the cable? You can't use a JP21 cable with that adapter.

[theclaw]

True. VERY unlikely he'd have the American kiosk cable. Obscure enough I only learned of their existence a few weeks ago.

[RGB32E]

Looks like new firmware is on it's way. The HDMI bypass mode looks interesting! I noticed that there was some picture quality loss when running the Wii U via HDMI @ 1080p through the XRGB-mini. Hopefully the new firmware will solve this!

http://twitter.com/MicomsoftX/status/296905588015759360

Long time no see everyone. Will be busy at work, it is a daily panic. But Meanwhile, we are also here! The new Firmware XRGB-mini, bug fixes and is expected to bypass mode will be added. Stay tuned to this!

[Smashbro29]

Any news on what any of that actually does?

Not bypass, that one's obvious the other stuff!

[Konsolkongen]

Awesome news about the firmware

EDIT: And yes, HDMI 720p and 1080p is still affected by the scaler in some way. Which is why I'm not using the HDMI inputs at all. This is good news indeed, but I really hope they have fixed some of the other problems as well.

[MMJuno]

It'll be interesting to see what ends up in the list of bug-fixes.

[fonf]

When you say official scart cable. Is that the official one for the Japanese or European version of the cable? You can't use a JP21 cable with that adapter.

I use the official European scart cable.

I have 2 Super Nintendo PAL with their official scart cable and same issue.

But my 2 Jaguar are working fine (1 PAL and 1 NTSC).

[Smashbro29]

Awesome news about the firmware

EDIT: And yes, HDMI 720p and 1080p is still affected by the scaler in some way. Which is why I'm not using the HDMI inputs at all. This is good news indeed, but I really hope they have fixed some of the other problems as well.

It affects the HDMI signal even if you're asking it to output the same thing? What's the point? And I was thinking as a bonus it'd act as an HDMI switch.

[ulloaoshi]

Hi people,

I used both an adapter from European scart to JPN scart and the European counterpart of the japanese Framemeister cable (RGB to Mini Din). None of them works. For this reason I think that maybe the scart input is damaged.

Do you think I could use an adaptor from RGB to Component and then put it through D-Terminal?

Any other idea?


Thank you very much guys

[Konsolkongen]

Awesome news about the firmware

EDIT: And yes, HDMI 720p and 1080p is still affected by the scaler in some way. Which is why I'm not using the HDMI inputs at all. This is good news indeed, but I really hope they have fixed some of the other problems as well.

It affects the HDMI signal even if you're asking it to output the same thing? What's the point? And I was thinking as a bonus it'd act as an HDMI switch.

I hope that's exactly what HDMI Bypass fixes in the new firmware

[dakidski]

All my retro consoles are PAL. Should I get the Framemeister or the older XRGB-3?

[Fudoh]

Mini, the XRGB-3 is a total no-go with PAL systems unless you add another scaler to scale 576p from VGA to 1080p50 in HDMI.

[pyrotek85]

It sure does (kinda). When your PS2 is set to RGB, 480p titles are output in RGsB format. Similar to Dreamcast titles in 480p RGBHV you can run this through a sync processor to get 480p RGBs, which the XRGB-Mini can understand.

I can confirm this. I simply run the PS2's RGB signal through an Extron RGB 190 and it works with all output resolutions. 240p, 480i and 480p as far as I can tell.

EDIT: It's actually a RGB 192. So it's 2 better I guess.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Extron-RGB-192- ... 19d6e1d977

I think I may try this, I'm getting quite tired of the audio buzzing on ps2 component, but I'd like to still get 480p. Pretty sure it's not a ground loop problem as it doesn't happen when using rgb over scart. I do have a question though, what sort of cables/adapters would I need to use it? Convert scart to d-sub for input, and then the reverse to go into the mini?

[Smashbro29]

It sure does (kinda). When your PS2 is set to RGB, 480p titles are output in RGsB format. Similar to Dreamcast titles in 480p RGBHV you can run this through a sync processor to get 480p RGBs, which the XRGB-Mini can understand.

I can confirm this. I simply run the PS2's RGB signal through an Extron RGB 190 and it works with all output resolutions. 240p, 480i and 480p as far as I can tell.

EDIT: It's actually a RGB 192. So it's 2 better I guess.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Extron-RGB-192- ... 19d6e1d977

I think I may try this, I'm getting quite tired of the audio buzzing on ps2 component, but I'd like to still get 480p. Pretty sure it's not a ground loop problem as it doesn't happen when using rgb over scart. I do have a question though, what sort of cables/adapters would I need to use it? Convert scart to d-sub for input, and then the reverse to go into the mini?

Hmmm.. so there is a better way to do PS2 than component. I like that that may be an option. I'll have to watch and see how it all works.

[acampero]

Don't think it's been covered before

You have set the Framemeister to Wide right? It's one of the buttons right above the red or green buttons.
The only other thing I can think of is that you have the output set to 480p and your monitor forces this to 4:3. Try 720p instead

Well interestingly enough, the Wii only outputs 4:3 video, it's "16:9" mode is simply a mode designed to be stretched out by your TV.

The Wii 16x9 output is anamorphic video like a DVD. When you set your console for 16x9 and have your TV set to 16x9 the TV will unsqueeze the pic and display it in 16x9. When you set the Wii to 4x3 it letterboxes the material for display on a 4x3 monitor.

Unfortunately I can't get the Framemeister and Wii on my cheap LCD TV to work properly. I'm going to try switching to my Mitsubishi in the family room and see if I get better results.

Everything else so far has been great.

[Fudoh]

Hmmm.. so there is a better way to do PS2 than component. I like that that may be an option. I'll have to watch and see how it all works

there's nothing to watch. Connecting a PS2 via RGB for both 15khz and 31khz output is more complicated than connecting a DC and we all know you have problems wrapping your head around that

[Smashbro29]

Hmmm.. so there is a better way to do PS2 than component. I like that that may be an option. I'll have to watch and see how it all works

there's nothing to watch. Connecting a PS2 via RGB for both 15khz and 31khz output is more complicated than connecting a DC and we all know you have problems wrapping your head around that

Low blow man. Low blow. Still love you.

I might not always figure it out right away but I get it as soon as I have the time to sit down and do the reading and frankly I don't need to know how it works just what to get and how to make it work in the best way possible.

Like a simple idiot proof guide
Here's how to get the best PS2 image quality without losing any compatibility and make it all hassle free

Step 1 - Buy this

Step 2 - Connect it here

Step 3 - Plug it in

Step 4 - Set your PS2 to this mode

Done. I just need to know if there any pitfalls to it.

I found connecting the Dreamcast was a lot simpler when I got directions that basically told me "here's how to get the VGA/RGB thingy working as best as it possibly can"

Step 1 - Show these things to a modder

Step 2 - Send in your VGA box

Step 3 - Pay the nice man

Step 4 - Plug into your Dreamcast

Mission Complete, go get yourself a congratulatory soda.

See what I'm getting at? I don't need to know what lead in what cable does what thing, I don't know if its pixie dust or the blue wire. I would love to learn (because hey, who doesn't love to learn?) but for right now all I need to know is what to buy how to hook it up to get the best picture quality and what resolutions I'd get out of them.

[Fudoh]

Here's how to get the best PS2 image quality without losing any compatibility and make it all hassle free

here you go:

Step 1 - Buy this

PS1/2/3 RGB cable - good brand besides the original is Snakebyte
Arcadeforge Sync Strike - to get clean sync when using a 15khz signal.
Extron RGB Interface to convert RGsB in 31khz mode to RGBs for the Mini, e.g. a 190 xi.

Step 2 - Connect it here

PS2 > (RGB) > Sync Strike > (VGA cable) > Extron interface > (VGA to MiniDin cable) > XRGB Mini

Step 4 - Set your PS2 to this mode

set the PS2 to RGB. This will output RGBs in 15khz mode and RGsB (Sync on Green) in 31khz modes.

[Smashbro29]

Just what I needed.

That was beautiful. Like poetry on an internet forum.

Where's a good place to buy this Extron thing?
Was the Extron 190xi the best option? I found one on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXTRON-RGB-109X ... 19d6303a15

Here's a thought: the mini only has one input for mini din, which would be taken by the SCART switch (y'know, Genesis SNES etc), this might be totally asinine or a stroke of genius but I figure I'll ask if there's going to be all this extra hardware involved for the PS2.

Assuming this works like I think it might it really begs the question: why not put ALL of my consoles that are going to be using SCART through the process I'm using for the PS2?

SNES/N64/Saturn/DC/PS2/SEGA 32X > (RGB) > Sync Strike > (VGA cable) > Extron interface > (VGA to MiniDin cable) > XRGB mini

It ties it all up so nicely as far as plugging things in go but I wonder if it would actually work. I'm planning an entire room around the mini and it'd be amazing if I didn't need to swap cables around.