XRGB Sync issues - multiple consoles and HDMI

[nova1313]

Just bought a XRGB mini and having issues with sync. All my consoles are US NTSC. I have a non-sync stripper Euro to XRGB adapter from ConsoleGoods and Euro Scart cables for my consoles.
The solution may be as easy as getting a Sync Stripper cable to replace the converter but I'm not sure. I read many places that the mini didn't need this cable. This is the one I'm considering: http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/mico ... ipper.html

With Sync mode set to Auto only the Saturn and Genesis work.

Saturn - Works with Sync mode on auto. Flickers even in this mode (lose signal then comes back) so I think I have to mod my cable/system to use raw/composite sync. I got the cable from RobWebb as his were suppose to be universal cables with the proper sync line connected.
Genesis/Sega CD - Works with Sync mode on auto. Looks great.
32x - Won't work on auto (same cable as used with genesis), on Sync setting 8 the picture is semi stable but has rolling distortions though it that make it unplayable. This is the best I can get.
NES - Won't work using a Composite to SCART. I'm not sure if the cable is bad or I need to enable a different setting to do composite via SCART. Tried other consoles with it but no luck.
Master System - Works but only with sync mode off. Stable at Sync setting 15.

On top of that, the HDMI seems to re-handshake constantly when the XRGB loses sync. I noticed this most with Saturn. The screen would change and the HDMI would need to re-handshake.

I'm stuck because I don't have a consistent problem between the consoles so I'm not sure where to start tweaking. Any advice would be appreciated. This forum has been an immense help for me researching issues so far. Thanks!

[brentsg]

I'm using a JPN21 cable with my Saturn, along with the included adapter. I didn't have to do anything except turn it on and it's rock solid. I'd be looking to find another approach for the cabling.

[nova1313]

I'll try that out with the Saturn tonight and see if that is the case. If it works flawless then my understanding is I just need to swap the sync on that cable.

I'm still at a loss for the 32x and NES problems. I've got a sync stripper on the way to see if that helps but any suggestions are welcome. I plan to upload a video of the 32x behavior when I get home.

[Fudoh]

Your NES doesn't work, because the RGB input on the Mini is just that - a RGB input. You cannot connect composite sources to it.

[nova1313]

Just to document I've narrowed the Saturn down to just losing sync when screen goes bright white. If the game doesn't do that it's fine. I notice this the most in Daytona USA. From what I've read, adding resistors into the SCART cable will reduce the signal and stop the issues on a white screen. I may just have to bump up the brightness a bit.

The Master System is a sync issue. I found a mod that lets me try using a different sync source so I plan to try that.

The 32x issue I'm still not sure about. This is the issue with the video the same effect occurs on 32X, Sega CD and Genesis games when the 32x is attached. 32x looks fine plugged directly into the television via composite. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZJNVH4emL0

Thanks for the tip on the NES. I wasn't aware that it wouldn't try to upscale the composite pins coming over the SCART connection. It looks great over the XRGB composite input anyhow.

[BuckoA51]

The screen going white and causing a dropout could be cured on the XRGB3 by tapping raw sync from the console (rather than composite video for sync). However, that was such a common problem on the XRGB3 that it was one of the first things lots of us tested on the mini and never had any issues with. Still, worth a try if you have a cable you can easily mod.

If I had to guess I'd say it's some cable issue or another, what model is your Saturn and your Genesis?

[sparksterz]

Just to document I've narrowed the Saturn down to just losing sync when screen goes bright white. If the game doesn't do that it's fine. I notice this the most in Daytona USA. From what I've read, adding resistors into the SCART cable will reduce the signal and stop the issues on a white screen. I may just have to bump up the brightness a bit.

The Master System is a sync issue. I found a mod that lets me try using a different sync source so I plan to try that.

The 32x issue I'm still not sure about. This is the issue with the video the same effect occurs on 32X, Sega CD and Genesis games when the 32x is attached. 32x looks fine plugged directly into the television via composite. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZJNVH4emL0

Thanks for the tip on the NES. I wasn't aware that it wouldn't try to upscale the composite pins coming over the SCART connection. It looks great over the XRGB composite input anyhow.

I actually get the same exact problem outputting through my 32X to my TV. I'm wondering if I'll have to remove it and go back to the standard Genesis output :/

[nova1313]

The 32X is fixed! I grabbed a sync stripper SCART->Framemeister cable from retro gaming cables. This completely fixed the weird video problem. Everything is awesome and crystal clear now! I'm so excited. I noticed that on some games the signal will drop between the SEGA screen and the start of the game. I noticed this trying Sonic CD. Sonic & Knuckles, Knuckles Chaotix (32x) and Shining Force 2 do not have this issue.

Master system - No longer need to manually adjust sync with the sync stripper. Everything just works!

Saturn - Didn't have a chance to retest with the new sync stripper. Both my Saturns are model 2 and showed the same issue. I only noticed it when playing Daytona USA. I hope to test tomorrow with the sync stripper.

N64 - Modded with the amp chip. The site I used didn't recommend resistors on each line. The picture is super bright and I found most other mod sites recommending 75 ohm resistors being added in line. I plan to go back and do this.

I really appreciate all the help you have given!

[sparksterz]

The 32X is fixed! I grabbed a sync stripper SCART->Framemeister cable from retro gaming cables. This completely fixed the weird video problem. Everything is awesome and crystal clear now! I'm so excited. I noticed that on some games the signal will drop between the SEGA screen and the start of the game. I noticed this trying Sonic CD. Sonic & Knuckles, Knuckles Chaotix (32x) and Shining Force 2 do not have this issue.

Master system - No longer need to manually adjust sync with the sync stripper. Everything just works!

Saturn - Didn't have a chance to retest with the new sync stripper. Both my Saturns are model 2 and showed the same issue. I only noticed it when playing Daytona USA. I hope to test tomorrow with the sync stripper.

N64 - Modded with the amp chip. The site I used didn't recommend resistors on each line. The picture is super bright and I found most other mod sites recommending 75 ohm resistors being added in line. I plan to go back and do this.

I really appreciate all the help you have given!

Hmm...that's interesting. I can't seem to use a sync mode of auto on my TV without it barfing at me every time. I've tried all my sync options but no dice. Where did you get your 32x cable from?

[nova1313]

My setup is all US/NTSC systems. Sega CD Model2, Gen Model 2 and 32x. The cable between the 32x and Genesis is aftermarket. I'm not sure where I got it. Retro gaming cables sells one here:
http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sega-3 ... cable.html

The SCART from the 32x goes to XRGB Mini. Before the sync stripper anything the Mini outputted to had the weird issue shown in the video.

32x to SCART -
http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sega-m ... -lead.html

SCART to XRGB mini with sync stripper -
http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/mico ... ipper.html

Hope that helps!

[sparksterz]

My setup is all US/NTSC systems. Sega CD Model2, Gen Model 2 and 32x. The cable between the 32x and Genesis is aftermarket. I'm not sure where I got it. Retro gaming cables sells one here:
http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sega-3 ... cable.html

The SCART from the 32x goes to XRGB Mini. Before the sync stripper anything the Mini outputted to had the weird issue shown in the video.

32x to SCART -
http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sega-m ... -lead.html

SCART to XRGB mini with sync stripper -
http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/mico ... ipper.html

Hope that helps!

Hmm....I'm using that same 32x cable. I do have a SCART to XRGB mini cable. I'm not sure if it has a sync stripper in it though. It does work with all my other consoles however. Maybe I'll try picking it up, I could always go back sans 32x I suppose. I only ever played 2 32X games as it is.

[nova1313]

If you got it from Retrogaming cables then the sync stripper cable should be labled with a sticker that says it needs 5-? volts for the internal circuit to function. My cable without the sync stripper just says retrogamingcables.

If you don't have Knuckles Chaotix or Kolibri on the 32x definitely pick them up. I find I play those and Star Wars arcade regularly. I'm almost at a full set of 32x games and most of the others are generally not worth your time.

[sparksterz]

If you got it from Retrogaming cables then the sync stripper cable should be labled with a sticker that says it needs 5-? volts for the internal circuit to function. My cable without the sync stripper just says retrogamingcables.

If you don't have Knuckles Chaotix or Kolibri on the 32x definitely pick them up. I find I play those and Star Wars arcade regularly. I'm almost at a full set of 32x games and most of the others are generally not worth your time.

Can't say I've done Kolibri. I'll have to look into that. You should play Tempo though :p

I don't have that on mine I got it from VT on the Neo Geo forums I believe. I'll grab the Retrogaming cable I suppose before I call it quits. I certainly wouldn't have an issue re-selling if it doesn't resolve my issue.