gscartsw / gscartsw_lite / gcompsw switches support thread

[RaphM]

I would also like to have some info about the built-in video amplifier (got a lite and there is no toggle for it so I assume its always active).

* What was the motivation for including it, doesn't it boost colors of some consoles to "incorrect" levels?
* What is the effect if you now have multiple amps in your chain? (for example my SNES uses a THS7374 based RGB bypass - the perceived colors look fine, but don't I have double amplification when connecting it via the gscartsw_lite?)

[FBX]

I would also like to have some info about the built-in video amplifier (got a lite and there is no toggle for it so I assume its always active).

* What was the motivation for including it, doesn't it boost colors of some consoles to "incorrect" levels?
* What is the effect if you now have multiple amps in your chain? (for example my SNES uses a THS7374 based RGB bypass - the perceived colors look fine, but don't I have double amplification when connecting it via the gscartsw_lite?)

The 'amp' referred to with the toggle switch is actually just a low pass filter that you can turn on or off. The lite does not have the filter, hence why there's no switch for it.

The low pass filter removes subtle background noise in the image, but at the slight loss of sharpness, in case you were wondering.

[RaphM]

I'm confused then, the page for the gscartsw_lite explicitely lists:

7. Integrated video amplifier;

- what is it used for then?

[FBX]

I'm confused then, the page for the gscartsw_lite explicitely lists:

7. Integrated video amplifier;

- what is it used for then?

My mistake. I think a toggle switch was being 'considered' for the low pass filter ability of the 7374 chip. I think it was "on" by default in the 3.4 version, whereas it's off by default in the lite version (superG will of course correct me if I'm wrong on that).

As for the video amp, I 'think' it's used to allow for 2 different outputs at the same time. It doesn't mess with colors or brightness levels if that's what you were concerned about. I've run side-by-side tests of a straight RGB feed versus one that goes into the gscartsw-lite, and I could see no difference in the images whatsoever.

[superg]

Ok, so it looks like everybody got their unit, I will be assembling and testing extras this week.
Hope to have everything ready early next week. I will post here a few days before about the day and time when I'll open the orders.

Is this just gscartsw_lite or will you have some gcompsw as well?

Only gscartsw_lite units.

I'm confused then, the page for the gscartsw_lite explicitely lists:

7. Integrated video amplifier;

- what is it used for then?

There is an amplifier but it's not THS7374.

[zak]

Watching this thread obsessively now The gscart unit is last puzzle piece for my setup

[GunstarSilver]

Watching this thread obsessively now The gscart unit is last puzzle piece for my setup

Me too!

[RaphM]

There is an amplifier but it's not THS7374.

So what exactly is amplified?

[superg]

There is an amplifier but it's not THS7374.

So what exactly is amplified?

RGBS

[FBX]

There is an amplifier but it's not THS7374.

So what exactly is amplified?

RGBS

He want to be assured about this:


* What was the motivation for including it, doesn't it boost colors of some consoles to "incorrect" levels?

[RGB0b]

He want to be assured about this:
* What was the motivation for including it, doesn't it boost colors of some consoles to "incorrect" levels?

In short, you can't run dual-outputs properly without an amp.

[FBX]

He want to be assured about this:
* What was the motivation for including it, doesn't it boost colors of some consoles to "incorrect" levels?

In short, you can't run dual-outputs properly without an amp.

Yeah that was my original hypothesis. I wasn't entirely sure though. Cool.

[GQDang]

Hi, sorry new guy. Pretty sure there is a rule don't ask of when the gscart lite will be back up for preorder, but I have to ask when will it will be back? I've been almost checking the page every day since mid-June.

[Dopefish]

Hi, sorry new guy. Pretty sure there is a rule don't ask of when the gscart lite will be back up for preorder, but I have to ask when will it will be back? I've been almost checking the page every day since mid-June.

Ok, so it looks like everybody got their unit, I will be assembling and testing extras this week.
Hope to have everything ready early next week. I will post here a few days before about the day and time when I'll open the orders.

[coderkind]

Hi @superg.

I've had delivery of a few packapunch cables from https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/ today, but notice a problem with the first I've tried (the Sega Saturn CSYNC cable). The picture from my model one Japanese Saturn is wavy either with sync regeneration on or off. I can post a video if it helps. I've tried the cable direct into the OSSC rather than routed via the gscartsw_lite, and that eliminates the problem.

Going to try the other cables soon (Genesis model 1 CSYNC, PlayStation 1 Sync on Luma and PlayStation 2 Sync on Luma). Will follow-up with my experiences.

To clarify, I don't experience any problems when using a HD Retrovision Genesis component cable with Saturn adapter running direct to my monitor or via my OSSC either.

[superg]

Hi @superg.

I've had delivery of a few packapunch cables from https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/ today, but notice a problem with the first I've tried (the Sega Saturn CSYNC cable). The picture from my model one Japanese Saturn is wavy either with sync regeneration on or off. I can post a video if it helps. I've tried the cable direct into the OSSC rather than routed via the gscartsw_lite, and that eliminates the problem.

Going to try the other cables soon (Genesis model 1 CSYNC, PlayStation 1 Sync on Luma and PlayStation 2 Sync on Luma). Will follow-up with my experiences.

To clarify, I don't experience any problems when using a HD Retrovision Genesis component cable with Saturn adapter running direct to my monitor or via my OSSC either.

Some Saturns are problematic, use normal composite sync SCART cable.

[coderkind]

Hi @superg.

I've had delivery of a few packapunch cables from https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/ today, but notice a problem with the first I've tried (the Sega Saturn CSYNC cable). The picture from my model one Japanese Saturn is wavy either with sync regeneration on or off. I can post a video if it helps. I've tried the cable direct into the OSSC rather than routed via the gscartsw_lite, and that eliminates the problem.

Going to try the other cables soon (Genesis model 1 CSYNC, PlayStation 1 Sync on Luma and PlayStation 2 Sync on Luma). Will follow-up with my experiences.

To clarify, I don't experience any problems when using a HD Retrovision Genesis component cable with Saturn adapter running direct to my monitor or via my OSSC either.

Some Saturns are problematic, use normal composite sync SCART cable.

I've since randomly tried the same cable on each different SCART connection on the gscartsw_lite, and experienced differing results - 3 out of the 8 work fine, but 5 of them display a wavy picture. That would suggest an issue with the gscartsw_lite potentially?

I don't have a composite sync SCART cable to try with, but will be running through the other consoles/cables I have and paying attention to the problematic ports noticed with the Saturn.

If it helps, the ports that don't seem to work as well are 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7.

[coderkind]

What I'm seeing on those 5 ports: https://youtu.be/Z5Sx1M0Ln5s

[superg]

What I'm seeing on those 5 ports: https://youtu.be/Z5Sx1M0Ln5s

It doesn't necessarily mean that the switch is faulty, as I've said - saturn csync is problematic for some people.
Try other consoles first, see if it behaves differently on different inputs.
Although if it is the switch problem I'll surely look into your unit.

[coderkind]

What I'm seeing on those 5 ports: https://youtu.be/Z5Sx1M0Ln5s

It doesn't necessarily mean that the switch is faulty, as I've said - saturn csync is problematic for some people.
Try other consoles first, see if it behaves differently on different inputs.
Although if it is the switch problem I'll surely look into your unit.

Thanks for the quick feedback and offer to help.

So... I think the issue might be down to the component Pelican HD System Selector I've got integrated into my setup (the one here: https://youtu.be/998tBzpJhVo?t=26m05s).

I've got it plugged into my OSSC, and been using a couple of the channels to switch to RCA audio sources on those channels. However, I think that component switch leaks on some sort of video or sync signal to the OSSC aside from audio I've only got plugged into those channels, as when I completely disconnect the unit from the OSSC I no longer experience any issues. I returned to the previous problematic SCART connectors and they no longer displayed a wavy picture.

I was noticing a different display problem with my PS1 however - in that the picture wasn't wavy like the Saturn, but the colours were quite different to what I was seeing on a CRT (outputted from the second output on the gscartsw_lite). Again; disconnecting the Pelican switcher sorted the issue out.

I would've thought the OSSC would completely ignore any/all signals from other connections while dealing with whatever it's currently switched to and displaying on your monitor/TV, but seemingly not.

Anyway; it has me looking forward to the next gcompsw even more now, as I don't have any faith in the Pelican box.

I assume you do, but do/will you run your equipment tests through popular devices like the OSSC & Framemeister? I hadn't heard about potential interference on the OSSC's component channel before anywhere, so it's perhaps something worth noting.

Thanks once again for your help

[DirkSwizzler]

What I'm seeing on those 5 ports: https://youtu.be/Z5Sx1M0Ln5s

It doesn't necessarily mean that the switch is faulty, as I've said - saturn csync is problematic for some people.
Try other consoles first, see if it behaves differently on different inputs.
Although if it is the switch problem I'll surely look into your unit.

Relevant "Saturn CSync is problematic" link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSMgOcY6KGQ&t=14m44s

[ChuChu Flamingo]

IIRC some Model 2 Sega Saturns output TTL level CSYNC instead of 75 Ohm CSYNC?

In any case I would make sure you have a 470ohm resistor and 220uF cap on that scart cable if you are getting wavy lines as it might just be that. But it seems the pelican switch seems to be the problem as you stated.

http://retrorgb.com/saturn.html

[superg]

What I'm seeing on those 5 ports: https://youtu.be/Z5Sx1M0Ln5s

It doesn't necessarily mean that the switch is faulty, as I've said - saturn csync is problematic for some people.
Try other consoles first, see if it behaves differently on different inputs.
Although if it is the switch problem I'll surely look into your unit.

Thanks for the quick feedback and offer to help.

So... I think the issue might be down to the component Pelican HD System Selector I've got integrated into my setup (the one here: https://youtu.be/998tBzpJhVo?t=26m05s).

I've got it plugged into my OSSC, and been using a couple of the channels to switch to RCA audio sources on those channels. However, I think that component switch leaks on some sort of video or sync signal to the OSSC aside from audio I've only got plugged into those channels, as when I completely disconnect the unit from the OSSC I no longer experience any issues. I returned to the previous problematic SCART connectors and they no longer displayed a wavy picture.

I was noticing a different display problem with my PS1 however - in that the picture wasn't wavy like the Saturn, but the colours were quite different to what I was seeing on a CRT (outputted from the second output on the gscartsw_lite). Again; disconnecting the Pelican switcher sorted the issue out.

I would've thought the OSSC would completely ignore any/all signals from other connections while dealing with whatever it's currently switched to and displaying on your monitor/TV, but seemingly not.

Anyway; it has me looking forward to the next gcompsw even more now, as I don't have any faith in the Pelican box.

I assume you do, but do/will you run your equipment tests through popular devices like the OSSC & Framemeister? I hadn't heard about potential interference on the OSSC's component channel before anywhere, so it's perhaps something worth noting.

Thanks once again for your help

Glad that you localized the problem!
I test gscartsw on XRGB-Mini and Sony BVM monitors, I don't own OSSC, might get it at some point though.
gcompsw is tested on same BVM's in component mode and on Sony 3D monitor native component input.

[Dopefish]

I test gscartsw on XRGB-Mini and Sony BVM monitors, I don't own OSSC, might get it at some point though.

If you order one now, you should be in batch 2 that ships from the manufacturer around 13th of October.
https://www.videogameperfection.com/pro ... converter/

[DirkSwizzler]

... but do/will you run your equipment tests through popular devices like the OSSC & Framemeister? ...

...
I test gscartsw on XRGB-Mini and Sony BVM monitors, I don't own OSSC, might get it at some point though.
gcompsw is tested on same BVM's in component mode and on Sony 3D monitor native component input.

The more I explore hardware in my setup. The more I realize it's completely unrealistic to get good test coverage of "popular" devices. They all kind of head down their own niches with varying levels of availability.

I've been trying to get an OSSC since February
The framemeister is crazy expensive and took months to get as well.
I now own 4 devices (technically 5 since one of them requires a tandem device) to try converting component to SCART. And I'm still not happy with the result. This doesn't seem like it should be so hard.
Several different mods for devices that don't have native RGB. And quite a few for devices that already do.

Luckily all my SuperG equipment is top notch

[Krissyme1]

Had a quick question.

I'm having trouble getting my component consoles to work going through a garro into my gscart lite and then into my framemeister and PVM. Someone in the PVM/BVM collectors group on facebook warned me about this and i was wondering if there are any solutions?

[Fudoh]

I now own 4 devices (technically 5 since one of them requires a tandem device) to try converting component to SCART. And I'm still not happy with the result. This doesn't seem like it should be so hard.

component to Scart is weird. Who needs this ?

If your target display (or target processor) handles RGB and component you can route component through any RGB switch just fine. To transcode the signal just for that would be silly. If you want to route component through an automatic switch like the GScartSW for example all you need is a power source to mark the input as active. The switch won't care if it's RGB or component.

[Guspaz]

Getting a separate power source that can stand in as a composite video feed to trigger the automatic switching logic is easier said than done. You'd need to buy some sort of power adapter that is an appropriate voltage to stand in for composite video, and solder an RCA connector on the end.

[clintkolodziej]

I now own 4 devices (technically 5 since one of them requires a tandem device) to try converting component to SCART. And I'm still not happy with the result. This doesn't seem like it should be so hard.

component to Scart is weird. Who needs this ?

If your target display (or target processor) handles RGB and component you can route component through any RGB switch just fine. To transcode the signal just for that would be silly. If you want to route component through an automatic switch like the GScartSW for example all you need is a power source to mark the input as active. The switch won't care if it's RGB or component.

I think I'm doing something similar to DirkSwizzler, trying to get all of my consoles to SCART RGB and into the gscartsw to take advantage of automatic switching and eliminate the need to change inputs on the upscaler or TV. For me, I'm trying to make everything kid friendly so my son can just turn on the TV/OSSC and then power on whatever console he wants to play and it will show up on the TV. I'm using an LCD, not a BVM/PVM, and I'm in the US so our TVs don't have SCART natively, and don't know anything about RGB without an upscaler to convert to HDMI.

Anyway, hopefully that explains it, here is my rough setup:

Component Consoles (Xbox/PS2/Wii) -> gcompsw -> Garo (convert to RGB SCART) -> gscartsw v3.4 -> OSSC -> TV
RGB SCART Consoles (SNES/Genesis/Saturn/N64/etc) -> gscartsw v3.4 -> OSSC -> TV

[superg]

I now own 4 devices (technically 5 since one of them requires a tandem device) to try converting component to SCART. And I'm still not happy with the result. This doesn't seem like it should be so hard.

component to Scart is weird. Who needs this ?

If your target display (or target processor) handles RGB and component you can route component through any RGB switch just fine. To transcode the signal just for that would be silly. If you want to route component through an automatic switch like the GScartSW for example all you need is a power source to mark the input as active. The switch won't care if it's RGB or component.

Just a small remark, SCART pin 8 / pin 16 is not used for the detection anymore. That was the case for v1.4 and earlier. Now it intelligently detects sync pulses on SCART composite pin. Component signal carries sync on Y line so if it'll be forwarded using composite - it will be detected just fine.