Keene Scart Commander - No video output... *Flickering*

[broken harbour]

So I just integrated my new Scart commanders into my gaming setup today, I can only get audio out of them, no video output. Doesn't matter what scart cable I use.

If I bypass it... perfect audio/video. I bought two Scart Commanders and neither of the will output video, only audio. Doesn't matter if I use a single unit, or both in a master/slave arrangement.

My setup:
Consoles --> Scart Commander --> XRGB Mini --> HDMI Switch --> Receiver --> TV

Just wondering if I'm missing something obvious?

[BuckoA51]

Scart Commander --> XRGB Mini -->

How are you doing this step?

Can you test them without the mini in the chain? If it was one I'd say return it, but for two to have the same problem is extremely unlikely.

[broken harbour]

Scart Commander --> XRGB Mini -->

How are you doing this step?

Can you test them without the mini in the chain? If it was one I'd say return it, but for two to have the same problem is extremely unlikely.

Yeah exactly.

This step is as follows:

Console --> Retro Console Accessories Scart cable --> Scart Commander --> 3ft Euro Scart Cable --> Retro Console Accessories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter --> XRGB Mini

I know the 3ft Euro Scart cable isn't the problem, if I leave it in the chain but bypass the Scart Commander, everything works.
The Retro Console Accessories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter is this: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/160962351822?ssP ... 1439.l2649

I can't test without the mini in the chain as it's the only device I have that will accept Scart. (I live in Canada, Scart never existed here)

[BuckoA51]

Try disabling the auto switching and selecting the active input manually. There's really not a lot else I can suggest, my SCART Commander works just fine with my mini and there aren't exactly many things you can do wrong with a simple switch so I really don't know.

[Fudoh]

I know the 3ft Euro Scart cable isn't the problem, if I leave it in the chain but bypass the Scart Commander, everything works.

in this scenario, how do you connect the male RGB cable output to the male 3ft cable input ? A coupler ?

[broken harbour]

I know the 3ft Euro Scart cable isn't the problem, if I leave it in the chain but bypass the Scart Commander, everything works.

in this scenario, how do you connect the male RGB cable output to the male 3ft cable input ? A coupler ?

The 3ft extension is a male-male cable. So it's male going into the output of the scart commander, and male going into the Retro Console Accessories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter.

[Fudoh]

I know, but IN THE SCENARIO WITHOUT the Keene, how did you confirm that the 3ft cable was ok ?

[broken harbour]

I know, but IN THE SCENARIO WITHOUT the Keene, how did you confirm that the 3ft cable was ok ?

Ah good point, i tried 2 other longer scart cables I bought from Keene at the same time and they all do the same thing. It might be possible that they are all faulty or wired wrong.

[airs]

Open up the 3ft cable on both ends and check the wiring.

[broken harbour]

Well I popped open the cable and everything looks ok, I actually went and purchased 2 nicer cables from Keene, thinking that perhaps the cheesy Chinese one I had was faulty.

Still no video.

I emailed Keene, hopefully they don't ignore their inbox.

My only guess is that the Scart Commanders might be wired wrong.

[broken harbour]

So here's my response from Keene:

"We have had a customer in America with an almost identical problem.
We have modified a board sent it to him but it has not fixed the problem.
All we can think its to try swapping cables round just in case it's a cable issue, or is it possible RGB output from the games console is not giving a composite sync?
The Commander looks for the composite sync).
If it isn't composite sync then the Commander won't recognize it."

I'm using the Retro_Console_Accesories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter cable to go from the Scart Commander to the Framemeister, and it says it has a 'Sync Booster', whatever that means.

Would this solve my problem maybe?
http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/mico ... ipper.html

[Fudoh]

If anything, then you should try an adapter without further processing. Both the retro access adapter and the one from retrogamingcables you linked contain sync processing.

[broken harbour]

http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/euro ... -sale.html

Like so?

Or I could just buy a Japanese to euro scart converter cable and use the stock Scart to 8 pin adapter that comes with it I guess....

[BuckoA51]

I'm using the sync boosted cable on my mini here with a Keene SCART commander and I've not had any issues, sorry that's not much help. Have you tried a multi-meter on the RGB and sync output from the Keene?

[excalibur]

So here's my response from Keene:

"We have had a customer in America with an almost identical problem.
We have modified a board sent it to him but it has not fixed the problem.
All we can think its to try swapping cables round just in case it's a cable issue, or is it possible RGB output from the games console is not giving a composite sync?
The Commander looks for the composite sync).
If it isn't composite sync then the Commander won't recognize it."

I'm using the Retro_Console_Accesories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter cable to go from the Scart Commander to the Framemeister, and it says it has a 'Sync Booster', whatever that means.

I believe they are referring to me, since i have the same problem, i have pretty much the same setup as you it appears, I'm getting audio but no video when i hook up the scart commander, when run straight through the XRGB everything works, Keene sent me a new board but I still have the same problem. I've tried swapping SCART cables among other things. I hate someone else has this issue but at the same time it's good I'm not alone and maybe between us, we can come up with something that will work, though I've tried everything I can think of at the moment. So if you happen to figure it out let me know what fixed it, and If i figure it out I'll do the same.

[excalibur]

So here's my response from Keene:

"We have had a customer in America with an almost identical problem.
We have modified a board sent it to him but it has not fixed the problem.
All we can think its to try swapping cables round just in case it's a cable issue, or is it possible RGB output from the games console is not giving a composite sync?
The Commander looks for the composite sync).
If it isn't composite sync then the Commander won't recognize it."

I'm using the Retro_Console_Accesories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter cable to go from the Scart Commander to the Framemeister, and it says it has a 'Sync Booster', whatever that means.

I believe they are referring to me, since i have the same problem, i have pretty much the same setup as you it appears, I'm getting audio but no video when i hook up the scart commander, when run straight through the XRGB everything works, Keene sent me a new board but I still have the same problem. I've tried swapping SCART cables among other things. I hate someone else has this issue but at the same time it's good I'm not alone and maybe between us, we can come up with something that will work, though I've tried everything I can think of at the moment. So if you happen to figure it out let me know what fixed it, and If i figure it out I'll do the same.

So I bought this cable (http://www.retrogamingcables.com/europe ... -sale.html) and it worked for me. I have SNES, Genesis and Saturn run through it at the moment, Dreamcast gives me audio only for whatever reason but I'm still trying to figure that part out. So I just thought I'd update and hopefully help out anyone else having this problem.

[broken harbour]

So I bought this cable (http://www.retrogamingcables.com/europe ... -sale.html) and it worked for me. I have SNES, Genesis and Saturn run through it at the moment, Dreamcast gives me audio only for whatever reason but I'm still trying to figure that part out. So I just thought I'd update and hopefully help out anyone else having this problem.

Good news, I might try that as well, and I might try their euro-Japanese scart converter as well and just use the cable that comes with the Framemeister.

[noonan2678]

I believe they are referring to me, since i have the same problem, i have pretty much the same setup as you it appears, I'm getting audio but no video when i hook up the scart commander, when run straight through the XRGB everything works, Keene sent me a new board but I still have the same problem. I've tried swapping SCART cables among other things. I hate someone else has this issue but at the same time it's good I'm not alone and maybe between us, we can come up with something that will work, though I've tried everything I can think of at the moment. So if you happen to figure it out let me know what fixed it, and If i figure it out I'll do the same.

Haha! Or definitely me! I have had the same issue also and they modified two more switches and sent them to me. I was originally running to a PVM and then picked up a mini. One thing that fixed it for most consoles, was that I had previously put resistors on the sync line (many thanks to Fudoh's continued support and invaluable help). This fixed a flashing issue on my PVM, but once I put the Mini in place, I got no video, but did get audio. Removing the resistors fixed the issue.

I do however still have an issue when running two of the Commanders. I daisy chain one off the other and the "chained" unit definitely has what appear to be ground issues. The M-M Scart cable that I am using from the first to the Mini and from the second to the first are identical, so not sure why the issue. I'm just at this point as of today, so it is still very much an active issue that I'll be working on. I'm using the same Female SCART --> Mini adaptor BTW.

Let's keep in touch on it. I do have a couple of extra Keene switches if anyone is interested. They are build VERY well and are completely isolated. All of the issues to this point that I have fixed have been attributed to config and/or cables, so the switches seem to be solid.

[BuckoA51]

Sometimes I think SCART runs on some kind of weird voodoo, the number of issues there always seems to be with it. Make sure you do try turning off auto switching mode if you're having issues with the switch as that has helped me, though I never got a blank screen, just picture flickering in/out.

[excalibur]

So I bought this cable (http://www.retrogamingcables.com/europe ... -sale.html) and it worked for me. I have SNES, Genesis and Saturn run through it at the moment, Dreamcast gives me audio only for whatever reason but I'm still trying to figure that part out. So I just thought I'd update and hopefully help out anyone else having this problem.

Quick update

It appears I've fixed my issues with the Dreamcast not getting video, by adjusting the sync level on the XRGB mini to 13.

Now everthing I have hooked up via RGB SCART through the Keene SCART Commander (SNES, Genesis CDX, Saturn & Dreamcast) seems to be working, with only minor issues here and there which i believe is related to the XRGB mini. For instance, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for Genesis' multiplayer mode is unplayable due to garbled video when it changes resolutions but that was the case before i introduced the Scart Commander.

Haha! Or definitely me! I have had the same issue also and they modified two more switches and sent them to me. I was originally running to a PVM and then picked up a mini. One thing that fixed it for most consoles, was that I had previously put resistors on the sync line (many thanks to Fudoh's continued support and invaluable help). This fixed a flashing issue on my PVM, but once I put the Mini in place, I got no video, but did get audio. Removing the resistors fixed the issue.

I do however still have an issue when running two of the Commanders. I daisy chain one off the other and the "chained" unit definitely has what appear to be ground issues. The M-M Scart cable that I am using from the first to the Mini and from the second to the first are identical, so not sure why the issue. I'm just at this point as of today, so it is still very much an active issue that I'll be working on. I'm using the same Female SCART --> Mini adaptor BTW.

Let's keep in touch on it. I do have a couple of extra Keene switches if anyone is interested. They are build VERY well and are completely isolated. All of the issues to this point that I have fixed have been attributed to config and/or cables, so the switches seem to be solid.

Heh, Well it was one of us or perhaps it was actually both of us, who knows. But hopefully you will get your issues sorted out aswell, mine seems to be mostly fixed, for the time being that is.

[broken harbour]

The plot thickens...

I've gotten the Scart Commander to work by using a generic Euro Scart lead on the output of the KSC mated to the Retro Gaming Cables XRGB Mini adapter.
It works for every RGB console I have, except the PS1.


-The PS1 will only output proper video/audio using my generic scart lead into the retro_console_accessories XRGB Mini adapter.
-If I use the Retro Gaming Cables XRGB mini adapter, then I get no video, and audio that cuts in and out.
-If I use the stock XRGB Mini adapter coupled to a Male-Male Euro to Jap scart adapter cable, I get no video, and audio that cuts in and out.
I think it's an issue with the console itself, as I use an identical cable for my PS2, which outputs (with or without the KSC) just fine.

Saturn, SNES and PS2 all work no problem......

I wonder if this is some sort of sync problem....

[noonan2678]

The plot thickens...

I've gotten the Scart Commander to work by using a generic Euro Scart lead on the output of the KSC mated to the Retro Gaming Cables XRGB Mini adapter.
It works for every RGB console I have, except the PS1.


-The PS1 will only output proper video/audio using my generic scart lead into the retro_console_accessories XRGB Mini adapter.
-If I use the Retro Gaming Cables XRGB mini adapter, then I get no video, and audio that cuts in and out.
-If I use the stock XRGB Mini adapter coupled to a Male-Male Euro to Jap scart adapter cable, I get no video, and audio that cuts in and out.
I think it's an issue with the console itself, as I use an identical cable for my PS2, which outputs (with or without the KSC) just fine.

Saturn, SNES and PS2 all work no problem......

I wonder if this is some sort of sync problem....

I'm confused, what were you using before to bridge the Commander to the Mini adapter?

[broken harbour]

I'm confused, what were you using before to bridge the Commander to the Mini adapter?

Before I was using a generic male-male scart cable to the retro_console_accessories XRGB Mini adapter to go from the KSC to the Framemeister.

[noonan2678]

I'm confused, what were you using before to bridge the Commander to the Mini adapter?

Before I was using a generic male-male scart cable to the retro_console_accessories XRGB Mini adapter to go from the KSC to the Framemeister.

Ok, and what are you using now? I'm missing something in the terminology. This might be part of my issue too, so want to understand the difference.

That said, I've pretty much dumped any idea of using switches. I just ran all of my RGB cables nice and neatly under my stand right up to the mini adapter. I'm okay at this point just plugging in which one I need at that time. Still interested though as I might experiment more. : )

Thanks!

[broken harbour]

Now Im using the retro gaming cables adapter for the framemeister and a generic male-male scart lead. I fiddled more with the sync setting on the framemeister, brought it down to '6' and it works great now. So if you havent fiddled with that setting try that. It was probably my problem all along but I didnt know the setting was there. The only thing is I need to set the sync setting back to '15' for the other consoles but whatever... It works so I'm happy.

[EmperorZelos]

I just got my own having similar problems, where is the sync setting on the framemeister?

[broken harbour]

I just got my own having similar problems, where is the sync setting on the framemeister?

I'm not at home to look right now but I believe it's under 'visual set' menu.

If you go through all the menu's you'll find it eventually.

[broken harbour]

I've still got output issues, that I just noticed, I hadn't fired up any of my systems that use Scart for a while...

Now Im using the retro gaming cables adapter for the framemeister and a generic male-male scart lead. I fiddled more with the sync setting on the framemeister, brought it down to '6' and it works great now. So if you havent fiddled with that setting try that. It was probably my problem all along but I didnt know the setting was there. The only thing is I need to set the sync setting back to '15' for the other consoles but whatever... It works so I'm happy.

I'm still using this cable configuration. I've noticed that there is still a small amount of screen flickering going on no matter what I set the sync level to. I mostly notice it if I pause the game, once everything is in motion it's not that noticeable but it is still there. Any suggestions? Do I need a sync stripper or something?

[billbrasky]

So here's my response from Keene:

"We have had a customer in America with an almost identical problem.
We have modified a board sent it to him but it has not fixed the problem.
All we can think its to try swapping cables round just in case it's a cable issue, or is it possible RGB output from the games console is not giving a composite sync?
The Commander looks for the composite sync).
If it isn't composite sync then the Commander won't recognize it."

I'm using the Retro_Console_Accesories Euro Scart to XRGB Mini adapter cable to go from the Scart Commander to the Framemeister, and it says it has a 'Sync Booster', whatever that means.

I believe they are referring to me, since i have the same problem, i have pretty much the same setup as you it appears, I'm getting audio but no video when i hook up the scart commander, when run straight through the XRGB everything works, Keene sent me a new board but I still have the same problem. I've tried swapping SCART cables among other things. I hate someone else has this issue but at the same time it's good I'm not alone and maybe between us, we can come up with something that will work, though I've tried everything I can think of at the moment. So if you happen to figure it out let me know what fixed it, and If i figure it out I'll do the same.

So I bought this cable (http://www.retrogamingcables.com/europe ... -sale.html) and it worked for me. I have SNES, Genesis and Saturn run through it at the moment, Dreamcast gives me audio only for whatever reason but I'm still trying to figure that part out. So I just thought I'd update and hopefully help out anyone else having this problem.

i'm having the same problem, i've just ordered this cable you mentioned to hopefully fix my issue. my setup is (3) keene commanders into 1 (i have 4 commanders) and that one into a retro accessories "sync boosted" xrgb-mini cable. each individual console through the euro scart "sync boosted" cable into the xrgb works fine, but using the commanders i get no picture-- only sound. i've tested each commander individually also and same thing. the setup worked perfectly on my pvm.

[billbrasky]

as an update, wanted to let people know that by using this cable http://www.retrogamingcables.com/europe ... -sale.html my scart commanders now all work, must have been something with the boosted cable i was using originally.