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General Category => Amstrad CPC hardware => Topic started by: Bryce on 19:54, 03 April 13

Title: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 19:54, 03 April 13
Hi all,
     you may remember the S-Video adapter that I did a while back, if not, take a look here: RGB SVideo - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/RGB_SVideo) . Well I was asked to make a small batch (for an Amiga user) and decided to make a few more than required for the obvious economic reasons. As some of you may also know, I like hardware to be small, but this time I out-did myself. The new version is almost half the size of the old one (which wasn't very big to start with anyway) and is a mere 25mm x 32mm, so it can fit almost anywhere you might care to put it. It's also done on a professionally manufactured PCB this time around. I'll be building some of these over the next few weeks and I'll have a (very) limited few spare ones, so if you didn't get one first time around and want one, then now is probably the time to let me know (send me a PM). They cost €38 + €5 postage.

Here's a few pictures of the first one for your viewing pleasure:

[attach=2]

[attach=3]

[attach=4]

Bryce.

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Devilmarkus on 14:40, 04 April 13
Ordered... :P ;)

Nice work!
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: redbox on 21:04, 04 April 13
Can you do any connector cables for them (6128 Plus 5v end, not S-video of course)...?

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 21:18, 04 April 13
I hadn't intended offering cables, because there are so many variations and most people in the past wanted to install them internally. The connections are all on the Wiki page. The new version is pin compatible with the old one.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: redbox on 21:24, 04 April 13
Thought you might say that, but totally understandable.

My soldering iron makes me cry.  I need some bell wire, old ICs, about 3 days and P R A C T I C E.  :D
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 21:27, 04 April 13
Soldering a cable isn't that difficult, I'm sure you'll manage it :)

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: sigh on 12:19, 05 April 13
I advise to anyone who hasn't got one to pick one up asap!

Quote from: Bryce on 21:27, 04 April 13
Soldering a cable isn't that difficult, I'm sure you'll manage it :)

Admittedly ,I've yet to install it on my Plus 6128. Is there a little youtube vid to see how your doing it as paper instructions can be my downfall :-[ .
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: redbox on 12:27, 05 April 13
Quote from: sigh on 12:19, 05 April 13
Admittedly ,I've yet to install it on my Plus 6128. Is there a little youtube vid to see how your doing it as paper instructions can be my downfall :-[ .

I was worried about fecking up the ICs in my Plus by soldering directly to the pins.  Hence wanting to make a cable.

You need a DIN connector and a 5v through connector.  Anyone got any ideas where I can buy these from?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 13:32, 05 April 13
It's not a video, but the pictures here should be enough for anyone to wire it up internally or externally: RGB SVideo - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/RGB_SVideo#Connecting_to_the_CPC)
The points you need to solder to are far enough from any sensitive parts that it is almost impossible to damage anything no matter how ham-fisted your soldering skills are.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: HAL6128 on 18:28, 19 April 13
I received mine yesterday. Wow, that a nice part of Hardware and so small!! :D
Thanks Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: TFM on 22:10, 19 April 13
Which monitor did you connect to it? Do you like the picture? Can you suggest a good monitor?


.... just asking ;)
Title: Re: suggest a good monitor?
Post by: OCT on 12:46, 20 April 13
Run through an S-Video to VGA converter such as the Pollin (http://pollin.de) classic 721 190 "Video zu VGA Konverter-Box PREMIUMBLUE V2V" or its tuner-equipped sibling known as the "Geniatech LCD TV BOX Supera Color", pretty much any TFT or even CRT will do.
As suggested for the earlier version (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/who%27s-interested-in-having-an-s-video-modulator/195/) (much recommended, though trying&soldering differing capacitors was needed back than), I'd propose to move the red wire to pin 2 (different from the Wiki schematic below) so the modulator won't be always-on:
(http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/2/26/S-VHS_Internal_Plus.PNG)
Title: Re: Plus cable
Post by: OCT on 13:04, 20 April 13
Quote from: redbox on 12:27, 05 April 13I was worried about fecking up the ICs in my Plus by soldering directly to the pins.  Hence wanting to make a cable.

You need a DIN connector and a 5v through connector.  Anyone got any ideas where I can buy these from?
The DIN connector is documented in detail at How to connect a CPC+ to the CTM 644? (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/how-to-connect-a-cpc-to-the-ctm-644/msg22277/#msg22277) &
How to connect a CPC+ to the CTM 644? (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/how-to-connect-a-cpc-to-the-ctm-644/15/) (for the few screens/projectors that will work without a modulator).

For the power Y adapter, Pollin's 561 880 won't fit (at least without drilling it out quite a bit) on the thick inner pin of the 5V supply on the Plus (might be a 5.5/2.5mm rather than the more conventional 5.5/2.1mm connector).

The solder points are on the bottom/underside (yes, actually an English word too ;)) of the Plus circuit board, i.e. rather accessible though.
Title: Re: suggest a good monitor?
Post by: Bryce on 20:30, 20 April 13
Quote from: OCT on 12:46, 20 April 13
As suggested for the earlier version (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/who%27s-interested-in-having-an-s-video-modulator/195/) (much recommended, though trying&soldering differing capacitors was needed back than), I'd propose to move the red wire to pin 2 (different from the Wiki schematic below) so the modulator won't be always-on:

Actually, there's a good reason why I suggest taking the power from that point. The S-Video won't be always on, because most people will turn off their power supply / Monitor when they aren't using the CPC. More importantly, it ensures that the modulator has booted before the CPC, so it has time to initialise and stabilise the picture before the CPC starts sending data, otherwise you get an ugly flickering black and white stripes for the first second after you turn the CPC on.

Regarding the capacitor: That bug has been removed in this version. I've also made some other improvements, which improve the picture in some circumstances. There's also a further mod you can do, to improve the picture on the Plus (remove the vertical striping). I can upload the details here if anyone needs them.

Bryce.
Title: Mod-mods
Post by: OCT on 10:46, 21 April 13
Quote from: Bryce on 20:30, 20 April 13
Actually, there's a good reason why I suggest taking the power from that point. The S-Video won't be always on, because most people will turn off their power supply / Monitor when they aren't using the CPC. More importantly, it ensures that the modulator has booted before the CPC, so it has time to initialise and stabilise the picture
I was thinking many people using a modulator won't have the original monitor including PSU anymore (my Plus at least can't drive both a plugged RGB and the modulator at the same time anyway) but rather use some PC or external switching PSU that stays on longer for other reasons outside the CPC anyway.

No harm except for the first flicker expected from using Pin 2 after the cartridge lock/power switch though I hope?

Additionally of course I had the situation that more frequent power cycles wouldn't hurt on the older IC which wouldn't always get the proper sync.

QuoteRegarding the capacitor: That bug has been removed in this version.
I wouldn't have doubted, :) and clearly referred to the earlier model lest there be any misunderstanding among prospective customers of yours.
QuoteI've also made some other improvements, which improve the picture in some circumstances. There's also a further mod you can do, to improve the picture on the Plus (remove the vertical striping). I can upload the details here if anyone needs them.
By "vertical striping" you mean a "prison bar"-like effect of approximately MODE 1 character width, and especially shadowing on blue edges?
Very interested in any improvements I can make as I have to reseat the connector anyway.
Title: Re: Installing AD724 Modulator into 6128 Plus
Post by: OCT on 11:52, 21 April 13
Quote from: sigh on 12:19, 05 April 13
Admittedly ,I've yet to install it on my Plus 6128. Is there a little youtube vid to see how your doing it
Thought I'd already uploaded some pictures like these (anybody know where they were?), also showing the "mechanical" details:
Title: Re: Installing AD724 Modulator into 6128 Plus
Post by: OCT on 11:58, 21 April 13
N.B. the above is a somewhat larger earlier model, and Master Bryce on the Wiki and previous page recommends using the unswitched side of the power plug instead of Pin 2.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 12:15, 21 April 13
No, there's no other negative effects to switching the S-Video with the CPC, just the visual flicker.

Yes, it's the "prison bars" I was referring to. If you compare the classic CPCs RGB lines (just before the monitor socket), you'll see that there were 3 colour buffering capacitors.  Amstrad in their infinite wisdom decided to leave these out on the Plus. This isn't a problem on the original monitor, but on modern TVs it causes these "prison bars". Add the capacitors back in and the problem will be greatly reduced.

Bryce.

[attach=2]
Title: Re: "Prison Bars"
Post by: OCT on 18:04, 21 April 13
Capacity "220" in picofarads?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 08:25, 22 April 13
Yep, 220pF ceramic disk type.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 16:34, 04 March 14
Interest in one.
PM Sent. ;D
Cheers

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 00:17, 05 March 14
Payment sent.
Waiting for the SVideo adapter....  :P

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 09:57, 10 March 14
The adapter will be sent today. Here's the connection diagram you asked for. The adapter can be powered directly from the video port. It uses around 60mA at most, well below the 100mA limit of the port.

Bryce.

(Yes guys, I know this is a CPC Forum, move it to Other Retro if you like :D )

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: beaker on 22:21, 10 March 14
Oh dear. Is the Wiki community getting that tetchy these days? Lol. Shame, I used to enjoy it here :(
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 13:04, 11 March 14
Hey Bryce, thanks for the diagram.


You are the best..


Cheers

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 17:06, 14 March 14
Hello Bryce, item arrived, fantastic, you made me a very happy man.


Thank you very much


;D

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 21:10, 14 March 14
Glad you like it. Have you tried it out yet?

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 23:37, 14 March 14
Yes Bryce, its fantastic, my dream finally come true, because of you.


Once again, thank you very much.



Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 17:52, 15 March 14
The Amiga has a very clean RGBS signal that strictly adheres to the standard, so the S-Video picture is really good/sharp with my adapter. The ST gives great results too. The Spectrums aren't good at all. The CPC sometimes gives a slight shadow on the text.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Gryzor on 19:25, 15 March 14
Ooh, how do you work it with the ST?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 15:14, 16 March 14
By connecting it to the appropriate signals?? :)

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Gryzor on 16:47, 16 March 14
Reeeeeally? How didn't I think of that :D


Now, looking at the ST pinout I can see the R/G/B, H/VSync, but 12V (and, interestingly, the 520 has no GND?). Do you do it internally?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 23:21, 16 March 14
Hy Bryce, I've got a slight shadow on the text in the WorkBench , but nothing that really matters. :D



In the games we don't see it.


Cheers



Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 16:44, 18 March 14
Yup, on the ST it's easier to do internally, but possible externally with a regulator. No GND? Really? How about Pin 13 :)

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Gryzor on 16:49, 18 March 14
Er... wtf, I swear when I was looking at them 13 wasn't there :D


And actually the 520STF also has GND on pin 8, too.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 19:38, 18 March 14
Yup, but if you want your expansion to work on all STs use 13.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: atomicburner on 16:11, 19 March 14
Hi Bryce, it is possible to connect my dreamcast to this video adapter? Or other consoles?


If so, can you make a diagram?


Cheers

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 20:20, 19 March 14
Anything that has a half decent RGBS output and a 5V source will work with it.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: TotO on 20:27, 19 March 14
But... The Dreamcast already allow to out Composite. What is the interest?  :-\
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Gryzor on 19:32, 20 March 14
I was going to post this. Doesn't it come with SCART by default?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: TotO on 21:01, 20 March 14
RGB Scart by default in France.
May be Composite RCA in other countries?
And VGA for me.  ;D

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 09:42, 21 March 14
Quote from: TotO on 20:27, 19 March 14
But... The Dreamcast already allow to out Composite. What is the interest?  :-\

S-Video is slightly sharper than Composite, but I'm not sure I'd go to the bother of adding S-Video to a device that already has composite.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: TotO on 10:03, 21 March 14
The Dreamcast can out S-Video too.
It natively output all the analog video standard from its AV connector, w/o need of any electronic.
Composite, S-Video, RGB, VGA (640x480p).
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 13:01, 21 February 15
Hi,
     sorry for digging up a relatively old thread, but I've been asked quite often why my S-Video adapter (or any RGB to S-Video / VGA etc) doesn't work on the Spectrum +2/+3 although they also offer RGBS just like the CPC. My answer up to now was "I dunno", so it's been on my to-do list for quite some time and today I finally got around to checking it out. For those who haven't tried it, this is what you usually get on the screen if you try to connect the Spectrum via RGB to an adapter:

[attach=2]

I was hoping that this was just a slightly off frequency sync signal, maybe just the negative pulse not going low enough or the pulse length too short/long. So first off, what does a proper sync signal look like. Here's the CPCs sync signal:

[attach=3]

Mmmmm, nice clean sharp signal there with all the correct parameters. Let's take a look at the Spectrums sync:

[attach=4]

Bloody hell, it's extrememly noisy, but the frequency, length and levels are near enough not to bother my adapter, which is quite forgiving on most parameters. For those who've noticed: The positive level is slightly higher than it should be in this screenshot because I was measuring on the ASIC side of R34. I could reduce that noise easily by adding a 1nf capacitor between Sync and GND, but that noise shouldn't cause a problem.
Then I took a look at "the big picture" and what the hell! There's a sync dropout every 20ms! ie: The sync is going low and staying there for 250µs (a normal sync pulse is around 4µs). This is what the dropout looks like:

[attach=5]

The normal sync signals can be seen on the left and you can see how long the dropout is in relation to them.
Unfortunately, this dropout is coming directly out of the ASIC, so there's no easy fix to this. The ASIC designer must have seriously messed something up on his timing. This is causing the mess on the screen, so without recreating a completely new sync signal from scratch, the Spectrum is just going to have to stay on CRTs for now.

A possible solution would be to create a sync signal from a seperate clock, but it would have to be pretty accurate and would have to be triggered from one of the "good" syncs from the ASIC, otherwise it would be out of phase. Any other suggestions are welcome?

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: pelrun on 16:17, 21 February 15
Every 20ms? That's 50Hz. Perhaps this is the old-style 'block sync' type signal with the VSync and HSync ORed together instead of XORed. That would explain why a CRT can handle it.


http://what-when-how.com/display-interfaces/standards-for-analog-video-part-ii-the-personal-computer-display-interfaces-part-2/ (http://what-when-how.com/display-interfaces/standards-for-analog-video-part-ii-the-personal-computer-display-interfaces-part-2/)
Chapter 3. Building Blocks of a Video Format (http://techpubs.sgi.com/library/dynaweb_docs/0640/SGI_Developer/books/VFC_PG/sgi_html/ch03.html#id64902)

Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 17:49, 21 February 15


I've had a sod of a time trying to capture the RGB from any of my three 128k Spectrums (two +3's, one Plus 2). Either get a rolling picture or a black screen with a very very faint black and white picture on it. That's why with ChinnyVision I've been stuck on composite from a 48k Speccy.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 17:53, 21 February 15
@Pelrun: No, it's not quite block-sync, if it was, it would return to 5V at the normal sync intervals, but it doesn't do that, it stays low completely:

[attach=2]

As you can see from the following screenshot, the TEA2000 used to produce the TV Out isn't happy with the signal either. The blue channel is the composite output taken where it goes into the modulator:

[attach=3]

Here as a comparison is the CPC blanking signal which is a proper block sync:

[attach=4]

@Chinnyhill: If I come up with a hack I'll send you one for testing.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: pelrun on 18:15, 21 February 15
You've obviously got a very different idea of what 'block sync' means; the links I posted (look at Figure 9-7a in the first link, Figure 3-8 in the second) define it exactly the same as the spectrum signal - the hsync pulses are blocked by the vsync pulse.


The waveform you call 'block sync' in your image is what I would call 'serrated sync', and the SGI document calls 'commercial sync'.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 18:25, 21 February 15
Ah sorry, first off, I mis-read your first post and yes, I have always considered serrated sync to be block sync (learn something new every day). I didn't realise that the was a sync that permanently stayed low (TV signals aren't my strongest point :)). Either way, digital equipment and modern adapters don't seem to be happy with a block sync, but I haven't found a way inside the Spectrum to get it back to serrated as they are being ORed inside the ASIC.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: pelrun on 18:37, 21 February 15
Yeah, all the video processor datasheets I just read had text similar to "some video sources have this non-standard sync pattern which will cause problems but we just send it through unaltered".


You'd need a PLL and some assorted logic to rebuild a good sync signal from the block sync, which could probably be implemented in a CPLD.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 19:34, 21 February 15
Quote from: Bryce on 17:53, 21 February 15

@Chinnyhill: If I come up with a hack I'll send you one for testing.

Bryce.


That's good of you. It would be gratefully received. I've managed to get the Master System and SNES playing nicely but the Speccy still eludes me so I'm stuck with my 48k (and as you may have noticed I have a issue 4s with all that lovely PAL dot crawl!).
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Munchausen on 20:22, 21 February 15
I know this thread is old, but seeing up here now I wanted to ask - Bryce, have you got any more S-Video adapters left? I could use one for a project...

EDIT:
I noticed that talrek made some, hopefully he has one left :)
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: ralferoo on 20:28, 21 February 15
Quote from: pelrun on 16:17, 21 February 15
Standards for Analog Video -Part II: The Personal Computer (Display Interfaces) (http://what-when-how.com/display-interfaces/standards-for-analog-video-part-ii-the-personal-computer-display-interfaces-part-2/)
Chapter 3. Building Blocks of a Video Format (http://techpubs.sgi.com/library/dynaweb_docs/0640/SGI_Developer/books/VFC_PG/sgi_html/ch03.html#id64902)
Wow, I thought I knew a reasonable amount about video stuff, but this site has so much good stuff, I've learned an absolute ton in the last hour or so! Thanks for sharing... :)

For those who've not read it yet, it might be better to start here and work forwards rather than from pelrun's link backwards (as I did): Standards for Analog Video -Part I: Television (Display Interfaces) Part 1 (http://what-when-how.com/display-interfaces/standards-for-analog-video-part-i-television-display-interfaces-part-1/)
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 21:34, 21 February 15
Quote from: ralferoo on 20:28, 21 February 15
Wow, I thought I knew a reasonable amount about video stuff, but this site has so much good stuff, I've learned an absolute ton in the last hour or so! Thanks for sharing... :)

For those who've not read it yet, it might be better to start here and work forwards rather than from pelrun's link backwards (as I did): Standards for Analog Video -Part I: Television (Display Interfaces) Part 1 (http://what-when-how.com/display-interfaces/standards-for-analog-video-part-i-television-display-interfaces-part-1/)

Yes, TV signal standards are a minefield, there were so many different versions back then it's ridiculous. I only skimmed over them back then. When I was in University (showing my age now), the main concentration was on the differences between B&W and colour TV :D . I intend reading from the start too. It's very interesting reading.

@Munchausen (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=792): Yes, I probably still have a few PCBs left over. I'll check and send you a PM.

Quote from: pelrun on 18:37, 21 February 15
You'd need a PLL and some assorted logic to rebuild a good sync signal from the block sync, which could probably be implemented in a CPLD.

That's the difference between modern electronics and old-school solutions. I'd bet it's possible to bung something together using a 555 to bridge the gap without having to resort to CPLDs or PLL circuitry. (ignoring the fact that you said a "good sync signal" :D )

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: MaV on 02:31, 22 February 15
@pelrun (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1106), ralferoo: Thanks for the links!
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 21:48, 25 October 15
So today I decided to take a closer look at the Spectrum Video signal problem. I've put together a small circuit that re-inserts the HSync pulses during the VSync pulse. It looks good on the scope, but I need to test this on an LCD to see if the screen is happy with the signal. I'll build a proper prototype during the week and give it a proper test. If it works well and reliably, then I'll run off a small batch of these.

The attachment: The top trace (yellow) is the output from the spectrum monitor port (on a +3), the bottom trace (dark blue) is the output from my circuit.

Bryce.


Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 22:21, 25 October 15
Quote from: Bryce on 21:48, 25 October 15
So today I decided to take a closer look at the Spectrum Video signal problem. I've put together a small circuit that re-inserts the HSync pulses during the VSync pulse. It looks good on the scope, but I need to test this on an LCD to see if the screen is happy with the signal. I'll build a proper prototype during the week and give it a proper test. If it works well and reliably, then I'll run off a small batch of these.

The attachment: The top trace (yellow) is the output from the spectrum monitor port (on a +3), the bottom trace (dark blue) is the output from my circuit.

Bryce.


Looks exciting. Think the Speccy lot will be falling over themselves to buy these as there's been problems with the +2a and +3 for a long time and people have been putting up with bad pictures. Personally I've just been telling people just to buy grey +2's instead!
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 14:24, 21 November 15
Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but @dodogildo (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1547) asked me to make a custom external version of my S-Video adapter and as the Forums PM system doesn't allow attachments, I thought I'd upload the pictures here...

The device is in a small (50x50x30) box with a power throughput to avoid cable clutter, ie: The CPC 5V PSU plugs into the box and the box into the CPC. It's made for Classic CPC only. These boxes are pretty cool for CPC by the way. They are two tone and can be used either way up. One side is pretty close to CPC Grey and the other is close to CPC+ biege :)
The power lead is deliberately "crossed" and a bit longer to make it possible to disconnect without having to remove the monitor connector. The matrix PCB under the S-Video is so that I didn't have to have any external screws to mount the S-Video PCB.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 14:49, 21 November 15
This is actually very very nice. Have you considered to make one for the Plus? I would be really interested in experimenting with it  :D :D
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 14:59, 21 November 15
I have my own multi-system one which has connections for CPC, CPC+, Spectrum, BBC and Atari. It is of course much bigger though.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: dodogildo on 15:52, 21 November 15
That's awesome! Just as I dreamed. Congrats @bryce for the very fine job here, and thank you! ;)
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: robcfg on 16:26, 21 November 15
Damn fine piece of work!

You're a hardware artist ;)
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Gryzor on 19:05, 21 November 15
This is just lovely! Considering a batch run?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 19:08, 21 November 15
Quote from: Bryce on 14:59, 21 November 15
I have my own multi-system one which has connections for CPC, CPC+, Spectrum, BBC and Atari. It is of course much bigger though.

Bryce.

If you plan to make one to sell it, count with me!  :D
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 13:04, 22 November 15
I won't be making a batch of these. I still sell the RGB to S-Video PCB, but you'll have to make the rest yourself.

Bryce.

Edit: On a related note, @dodgildo asked me what I think of these: AV S-Video zu VGA Wandler Konverter Adapter VGA Monitor,Video to VGA Converter | (http://www.ebay.de/itm/AV-S-Video-zu-VGA-Wandler-Konverter-Adapter-VGA-Monitor-Video-to-VGA-Converter-/161576457166?hash=item259eb513ce:g:iXoAAOSwBLlVf9k0)
A picture tells a thousand words, or in this case, four words... Steaming pile of shite:

[attach=2]

Compared to the V2V which cost €29 or there abouts, no competition...

[attach=3]
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: dodogildo on 22:08, 22 November 15
Oh god. I don't get it, why having a decent picture out of cpc on a flat panel is so hard.
The picture on my Sony crt is way beautiful but it takes so much space in the room.

Thanks Bryce, again, for the test pictures.
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: MacDeath on 08:27, 23 November 15
just to ask.

If I remember correctly the GX4000 has a slot for a TV output.

(http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/thumb/2/29/GX4000_PCB_Top.jpg/318px-GX4000_PCB_Top.jpg)
the thing on the upper left of picture that is missing on the next picture...
(http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/thumb/a/a2/GX4000_12.jpg/320px-GX4000_12.jpg)

would it be possible to have a replacement for this to solder/fix on board that would give a more modern "flat screen friendly" video output ?
does it already exist ?
Title: Re: Limited batch of new S-Video Adapters.
Post by: Bryce on 09:31, 23 November 15
I assume you mean the metal box. That's the VHF Modulator. Even at their best they give a really shit picture because the signal is being mixed and modulated so often. The best picture will always be the RGB directly, and then converting this to the best format that the TV can take (which definitely isn't VHF) :)

Bryce.
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