Questions that do not deserve a thread

[SuperDeadite]

Excellent, as otherwise I wouldnt have much use for it lol. Was only 5,000 boxed and complete, so I picked it up.

[horaceappleton]

Question about USB controllers.

I do most of my playing on MAME currently, and I do best with handheld USB controllers. I did well for a while with a Gamestop-branded xbox 360 controller, but it abruptly shat the bed after 7 months. I'm not inclined to pick up a second one, but I'd like to replace it with something. If you use USB controllers, which ones do you prefer?

[Jademalo]

Quick question about the 240p test suite - Is it at all possible to get this running through a Wii?

I've tried injecting the rom into a wad, but even though I used an NTSC WAD and the Wii is forced to display in 480i it seems to display in 576i. Other games seem to display correctly.

[Artemio]

I don't have a hacked wii to test, i should get one and develop a native version for it.

I guess you are using the Genesis version. Do you know the version number? Later releases show the resolution the ROM is running in.

[screamingtrees]

I'm looking for a tweak similar to the extron vsc + rgb interface 240p conversion, but outputting component or s-video instead. I want to go from PC VGA > VSC 100 > RGB interface > non-rgb sony wega/fd trini, but what I am now realizing is obvious, there are no rgb interfaces that output component.

[beatsgo]

I'm looking for a tweak similar to the extron vsc + rgb interface 240p conversion, but outputting component or s-video instead. I want to go from PC VGA > VSC 100 > RGB interface > non-rgb sony wega/fd trini, but what I am now realizing is obvious, there are no rgb interfaces that output component.

JROK RGB to component should do the trick, but you have to create a coupler/adapter for a VGA/BNC to 5 pin header connector.

[Jademalo]

I don't have a hacked wii to test, i should get one and develop a native version for it.

I guess you are using the Genesis version. Do you know the version number? Later releases show the resolution the ROM is running in.

1.11, though I haven't seen anything saying that anywhere.

[screamingtrees]

I'm looking for a tweak similar to the extron vsc + rgb interface 240p conversion, but outputting component or s-video instead. I want to go from PC VGA > VSC 100 > RGB interface > non-rgb sony wega/fd trini, but what I am now realizing is obvious, there are no rgb interfaces that output component.

JROK RGB to component should do the trick, but you have to create a coupler/adapter for a VGA/BNC to 5 pin header connector.

Are there any threads you can link me to of people making these?

[Retro Access]

This does not deserve a thread because it's not even game related but would any of you guys know where I can get good lead free solder from?

I seem to have developed an allergy to the flux in the solder I've been using. I tried buying some off amazon and it's really not great, it melts fine but it dries opaque looking like a dry solder joint. But it isn't making my eyes hurt and my nose run like the other stuff.

I don't want to keep buying various brands til I hit the right one because it's not exactly a cheap endevour. Any recommendations?

[Ed Oscuro]

Do you have a fan / hood for your soldering station? That rosin stuff is all natural, but that doesn't make it less toxic.

Interested in comments on this as well. I have tentatively identified water-soluble flux cores as the likely choice but I'd like to hear from somebody with experience before buying something.

Sorry to hear about the problems - that's what I've always been worried about.

tbh, I think best practices in soldering / rework are definitely worth their own thread, if any newbie can post a "didn't read the BVM topics / didn't read the Framemeister topics" thread of no real importance. (But then again, my thread on best practices has been dead for a while now.)

Best bet may well be to sign up for an account at a place like the EEVBlog.

[Retro Access]

Yeah I have an extractor fan but:

It doesn't change the fact it's right under my face and it's not going to get everything.

Like I say the older stuff seems to be causing an actual immediate reaction and the new stuff - not. It is a complete pain in the ass because the new stuff isn't as good.

[beatsgo]

I'm looking for a tweak similar to the extron vsc + rgb interface 240p conversion, but outputting component or s-video instead. I want to go from PC VGA > VSC 100 > RGB interface > non-rgb sony wega/fd trini, but what I am now realizing is obvious, there are no rgb interfaces that output component.

JROK RGB to component should do the trick, but you have to create a coupler/adapter for a VGA/BNC to 5 pin header connector.

Are there any threads you can link me to of people making these?

This but I haven't found any threads indicating a "word by word, picture by picture" guide of making it, but I can provide some parts and schematics you'll definitely be needing in order to build your own converter. It's a straight through connection and requires little to no skill other than cutting and soldering wires. I don't think impedance should be an issue since the T-line is short.

Parts:
BNC to wire connector (assuming whatever RGB interface outputs through coxial cables)
5 pin harness (typically comes with a JROK converter)

JROK pinouts

I should note that the JROK converter only takes RGBS, no RGBHV (VGA).

[Artemio]

Quick question about the 240p test suite - Is it at all possible to get this running through a Wii?

I've tried injecting the rom into a wad, but even though I used an NTSC WAD and the Wii is forced to display in 480i it seems to display in 576i. Other games seem to display correctly.

Sorry about the delay, but I had to check by myself. Yes, the latest public version is 1.11, I did release a few more versions where the VDP mode and region are shown, but they are not yet release. However you can test it here https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/140 ... 3-beta.zip

The version number is shown inside credits, I should probably move that out to the title screen.

Now to the question you had. I hacked my wii, and installed the Genesis PLUS GX emulator in the homebrew channel. I then placed the 240p suite rom in the sdcard, and used the emulator's load menu after setting the video options.

I set them as such:

Display:ORIGINAL
TV Mode: 60Hz (following VDP mode under system)
VSYNC: AUTO
GX Bilinear Filter: OFF
VI Trap Filter: OFF
VI Gamma Correction: 1.0
NTSC Filter: OFF
Borders: ALL
GG Screen: Original
Aspect Ratio: ORIGINAL (4:3)
Screen Position: 0, 0

This worked perfectly fine, the emulator changes the resolution so the one you have in the wii menu doesn't matter. Set like this, and through an XRGB Mini everything looks just as close to Genesis via RGB as possible. (well, colors are brighter)

Hope that helps you out.

[Jademalo]

That seemed to work perfectly, thank you!

It did however highlight how terrible my Component cable for the Wii was... And also how terrified I am of something suddenly attempting to run 480p through my BVM. How bad exactly would it be if that was fed to the bvm accidentally? Thankfully I'm paranoid and It's been fine so far, but I am concerned.

Also, my wii seems to have sync issues with two lines near the bottom, it's strange. I've checked other sources and they all seem fine. Weird.

[22point8]

That seemed to work perfectly, thank you!

It did however highlight how terrible my Component cable for the Wii was... And also how terrified I am of something suddenly attempting to run 480p through my BVM. How bad exactly would it be if that was fed to the bvm accidentally? Thankfully I'm paranoid and It's been fine so far, but I am concerned.

Also, my wii seems to have sync issues with two lines near the bottom, it's strange. I've checked other sources and they all seem fine. Weird.

You'd get 2 side by side quarter sized images in the centre of the screen if you accidentally used 480p.

[Jademalo]

Oh, thanks. Would it cause any permanent damage if it was like that for 10-15 seconds due to an accident?

[Ed Oscuro]

Oh, thanks. Would it cause any permanent damage if it was like that for 10-15 seconds due to an accident?

You have a BVM-20F1E, correct?

It doesn't cover your specific issue, but did you get your monitor's manual yet? link

(Edited because I was determined to read this as "D20F1E" earlier - this doesn't say multiformat on it, correct?)

[Jademalo]

Oh, thanks. Would it cause any permanent damage if it was like that for 10-15 seconds due to an accident?

You have a BVM-20F1E, correct?

Doesn't this monitor say "multiformat" on the bezel?

Did you download the manual online yet? (It's no service manual, but here is a link)

It looks like it supports 480p to me, and even 720p.

It's not a multiformat monitor. You've linked the D series, which is the later revision that is multiformat.
Because of that, I'm extremely cautious when trying to use a console like the Wii that I've got hooked up with Component cables, as some apps like to try and force 480p if it can. I tried using an RGB scart cable to prevent that, however the Wii doesn't like to output NTSC through RGB and instead outputs S-Video on those pins.

Because of that, I'm curious what would happen if something accidentally was displayed on there that was 480p, mainly if it would damage the monitor at all or if it would be alright in the event of an accident.

[Ed Oscuro]

Didn't catch my mistake in time. I think somebody else will chime in - personally though I would be very surprised if it caused any problems.

To drive higher scan rates requires higher voltages, from what I've read. Now, your set physically does not support this higher scan rate. Nothing will burn out if it tries.

Also, I don't think RGB cables support 480p at all. The system switching to S-Video will likewise not allow a 480p signal, because S-Video doesn't support this data rate.

[Jademalo]

Also, I don't think RGB cables support 480p at all. The system switching to S-Video will likewise not allow a 480p signal, because S-Video doesn't support this data rate.

Sorry - What I meant by that is that the Wii doesn't support RGB cables in NTSC mode so I have no choice but to use YUV cables. I'd rather use an RGB cable if I was able to, since I would never have to worry about the Wii attempting to output 480p. When you attempt to use RGB mode in NTSC, it instead outputs S-Video on those pins.

Also thanks for clearing that up, I've been extremely concerned that something will randomly set to that and break the monitor, I'm a little less concerned now.

[spaceape]

Does the sync type matter with PC Engine? Im thinking of getting a RGB modded PCE Duo-R. My monitor will be a Sony Trinitron BVM-A.

[Fudoh]

Does the sync type matter with PC Engine? Im thinking of getting a RGB modded PCE Duo-R. My monitor will be a Sony Trinitron BVM-A.

no, doesn't matter.

[spaceape]

Does the sync type matter with PC Engine? Im thinking of getting a RGB modded PCE Duo-R. My monitor will be a Sony Trinitron BVM-A.

no, doesn't matter.

Okay. Explains why doujindance on ebay doesn't care to do raw sync then. Thanks again Tobias.

[CkRtech]

Do any of you guys know if the lengths of the 4.5mm gamebit screws used in NES, SNES, and N64 are the same length across all of the consoles? I seem to have misplaced my NES's external screws, and I think I may have a donor SNES system (cracked shell) somewhere at home.

[Traveller]

Hey.

I have only recently bought a Sony PVM-M4A, I have been playing around with the image size etc in the service menu to try and get it displaying the whole image etc.

Anyway, I am going to use my Wii to load up the Genesis 240p test pattern grid later. Just wondering though, if I get the screen set using the 240p grid, will this impact say 480i/p signals? Or once the geometry is set, it wont really matter?

Does the grid pattern need to be set with the underscan button on? Thats what the red squares are for right?

I think I will record myself doing the various adjustments too, it'd be great if someone can ensure I am setting things correctly.

Thanks again.

[Artemio]

Anyway, I am going to use my Wii to load up the Genesis 240p test pattern grid later.

I'm almost finished coding a native version of the 240p suite for Wii. If you don't have a dreamcast, this will be better for your needs. It will be almost identical to the dc version in its first release.

Just wondering though, if I get the screen set using the 240p grid, will this impact say 480i/p signals? Or once the geometry is set, it wont really matter?

As far as I've seen, that depends on the monitor. Hence the resolution switching in the wii and dc version of the suite.


I don't have a pvm, just arcade monitors, a regular crt and a few upscalers. So I can't respond your questions directly.

You'll be able to tell by yourself soon enough.

[Traveller]

Awesome, maybe i'll wait for the Wii version, although I'd probably use the 240p test to set it anyway. Ive got a GameCube hooked up through the component inputs at the moment, but eventually I'll use it for an NTSC N64.

I've eyeballed the picture dimensions just using Mario Kart Double Dash, looks pretty good.

Edit: Ok so I have attempted to set the picture. It looks mostly ok I think. I had to go a bit wider on the horizontal so that any overscan in say Sonic is completely hidden.

I do have a bit of a curve in the middle and towards the edges of the picture. The vertical lines on the grid look pretty straight, but it is looking slightly off in games. Should I only use the grid overlay in the Linerity test patten to judge the vertical straightness and not judge it from the square grid?

I also noticed that on the 50hz setting that when I shrink the horizontal the curve is quite apparent. If I fix it there it seems to throw off the 60hz.

I'm probably not explaining myself right. I've been using the various pin and bow settings to try and get it straight.

Also I have used the H-Frequency and also the Video Phase to centre the image. Should I only use one?

Here's some pictures.

Grid
http://i.imgur.com/l2ciOH4.jpg

Mario
http://i.imgur.com/czUG9xF.jpg

MK:DD
http://i.imgur.com/ZKLgZMW.jpg

Goemon (S-Video, PAL N64)
http://i.imgur.com/UGDK1hJ.jpg

Sorry for the lengthy post. Thanks in advance.

[Artemio]

Awesome, maybe i'll wait for the Wii version, although I'd probably use the 240p test to set it anyway.

You can test the beta of the Native Wii version here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/140 ... iiBeta.zip

I will add a bunch more stuff, but right now it has almost the same features than teh DC version, it only misses the LED Zone test, audio test and all the help.

I added a safety feature for 480p, so you cannot turn it on accidentaly.

[Jademalo]

Awesome, maybe i'll wait for the Wii version, although I'd probably use the 240p test to set it anyway.

You can test the beta of the Native Wii version here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/140 ... iiBeta.zip

I will add a bunch more stuff, but right now it has almost the same features than teh DC version, it only misses the LED Zone test, audio test and all the help.

I added a safety feature for 480p, so you cannot turn it on accidentaly.

Oooh sweet, thank you!
EDIT: Is it also possible to make a bit of a request for the Wii version? I'd really appreciate some SMPTE colour bars as a test pattern if that's not too difficult.

[Artemio]

Awesome, maybe i'll wait for the Wii version, although I'd probably use the 240p test to set it anyway.

You can test the beta of the Native Wii version here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/140 ... iiBeta.zip

I will add a bunch more stuff, but right now it has almost the same features than teh DC version, it only misses the LED Zone test, audio test and all the help.

I added a safety feature for 480p, so you cannot turn it on accidentaly.

Oooh sweet, thank you!
EDIT: Is it also possible to make a bit of a request for the Wii version? I'd really appreciate some SMPTE colour bars as a test pattern if that's not too difficult.

Sure thing, any other suggestions can be made at the 240p test suite thread http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... &start=120.

Will add the SMPTE color bars to all versions as well.