CPCWiki forum

General Category => Amstrad CPC hardware => Topic started by: MacDeath on 04:28, 24 January 14

Title: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: MacDeath on 04:28, 24 January 14
hi, I just tried to use my MP-3 and it failed miserably.

at CPCwiki's dedicated page, the link to the service manual with schematics seems to have 404ed...

can anyone help ?

details :
I know I won't recieve TV, because I have no antenna, but I wanted to use it as peritel adapter for other machines.
the tuning potentiometer seems to be useless and I failed to get anything with an Amstrad 6128PLUS with my 6128PLUS peritel cable (homemade).

I tested this cable on a real CRT TV and it worked quite well indeed... just the mode2 texts are quite blurry (ouch) but that is normal IMO.

So anyone with info on this MP-3 ? so I may try to fix it...


Post Edit :
Ok, found the proper link and fixed the page.
[http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Amendment%20Service%20Manual.zip Amstrad CPC464-6128-GT65-CTM644-MP3-CT1 Amendment Service Manual]

sadly it doesn't seems to be the version with Peritel... anyway will check my hardware soon.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 09:32, 24 January 14
What are you getting on the screen when it's all connected and powered as it should be?

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: ralferoo on 09:59, 24 January 14
Quote from: MacDeath on 04:28, 24 January 14
sadly it doesn't seems to be the version with Peritel... anyway will check my hardware soon.
Assuming by peritel, you just mean the SCART connector.

The MP-3 is designed to convert from broadcast RF TV to RGB suitable for use with the CTM monitor. Obviously, this signal is RGB and can be converted to SCART exactly like a regular CPC->SCART cable.

If you're trying to feed RGB input the MP3 via the SCART socket and hoping that will be converted to the monitor signal then that won't work. On the other hand, you should just be able to use a simple cable for this.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: MacDeath on 12:25, 24 January 14
QuoteWhat are you getting on the screen when it's all connected and powered as it should be?
"snow" and a vertical slightly diagonal scrolling of the picture.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Token on 13:35, 24 January 14
I was about to buy one, it was like 10€ on ebay, but I read before that it won't work as expected if I try to use other computer or console.

So it's a RF to RGB scart input? Is it possible to connect a very old console like Intellivision, VCS or pong with the MP-3 (6128 kbps ;) )



I bought a cable for my CTM644-2, I should have it soon.
Amstrad CTM 644 RGB Colour Monitor Scart Adapter Cable | eBay (http://www.ebay.fr/itm/AMSTRAD-CTM-644-RGB-COLOUR-MONITOR-SCART-ADAPTER-CABLE-/390344578694?pt=UK_VintageComputing_RL&hash=item5ae2599686)
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: MacDeath on 12:48, 25 January 14
Some don't have issue to do so, depends about Secam / Pal and so on of course, I guess.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Token on 16:17, 25 January 14
It's just matter of PAL/SECAM? I don't get it with the RF/RGB modulator by the SCART input.
The link for the manual doesn't work here.  :-[


Edit:
MP-3 - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/MP-3)


This was NOT an MP3 player by Amstrad :o ;D
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 16:24, 25 January 14
If I remember correctly the french mp-3 with peritel/scart, needs solder four o five wirins in the motherboard to support rbg signal in the scart socket.

Basically connect rgb signals from scart directly in the rgb socket out.

Is in a french page, buy i don't remember the name of the web page now...

Edit: I found it: http://forum.system-cfg.com/viewtopic.php?t=1077 (http://forum.system-cfg.com/viewtopic.php?t=1077)

"Relier les broche 1,2,3 RVB aux fiches 7,9,11 de la péritel."

(http://system-cfg.com/photosforum/autres/Tuner%20Amstrad.JPG)
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: MacDeath on 02:57, 26 January 14
will check this then.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 01:20, 27 January 14
If work i think is good idea add the modification to the wiki.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: ralferoo on 13:47, 27 January 14
That is a total waste of an MP-3 though. All you're using is the 2 connectors (well, and the common ground too).  :o Just build a straight through connector yourself!

Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 14:13, 27 January 14
Quote from: ralferoo on 13:47, 27 January 14
That is a total waste of an MP-3 though. All you're using is the 2 connectors (well, and the common ground too).  :o Just build a straight through connector yourself!

My thoughts exactly!

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 14:22, 27 January 14
Well, the advantaje of use a mp-3 with rgb, is you have sound speaker integrated, yeah is mono, buy you don't need use pc external speakers.They occupy more space, and you have to feed them separately.

Quote from: ralferoo on 13:47, 27 January 14
That is a total waste of an MP-3 though. All you're using is the 2 connectors (well, and the common ground too).  :o Just build a straight through connector yourself!


Quote from: Bryce on 14:13, 27 January 14
My thoughts exactly!

Bryce.

o.k so they connet  Red, Green, Blue to blue, green, and green mass?. Is very strange, but they said it work :S.

   Someone understand?

http://www.silicium.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5421 (http://www.silicium.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5421)

I think Hey confused with the pins, in the picture the soldered points in scart are 15,11,7 red green blue, so is o.k
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Munchausen on 14:26, 27 January 14
Quote from: Token on 13:35, 24 January 14
So it's a RF to RGB scart input? Is it possible to connect a very old console like Intellivision, VCS or pong with the MP-3 (6128 kbps ;) )


Yep. I used to use it for years to play megadrive on my CTM644 :D
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Token on 21:11, 27 January 14
Cool  ;)
I might found a MP-3 now :P I like that it require only the 12V and mainly that it makes sound... "use less space on the table™" (c)MacDeath  :D




I liked to try my Intellivision then, I wonder how it works when you tune for the RF signal.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 23:45, 27 January 14
I like one french to :). but practically imposible, french vendors not sell/send to spain :(.

In my pal rf the qualiy is good.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Munchausen on 13:29, 28 January 14
Quote from: Token on 21:11, 27 January 14
Cool  ;)
I might found a MP-3 now :P I like that it require only the 12V and mainly that it makes sound... "use less space on the table™" (c)MacDeath  :D

I liked to try my Intellivision then, I wonder how it works when you tune for the RF signal.


Yeah, actually it never occurred to me that it will be a good way to play old consoles when TVs no longer have RF inputs (which is already happening). Although, it's nice to have one with digital presets, you can get these on ebay IIRC. Or you can always mod the console to bypass the RF modulator and produce composite instead.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: MacDeath on 00:14, 29 January 14
well, if sound is important, I then just should do cables for the Amstrad PLUS monitors I have...

Quote"use less space on the table™" (c)MacDeath
I fail to understand... oh wait, ok, nod to my rent about the 6128 being superior to everything :laugh:
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Token on 18:53, 29 January 14


Quote from: Munchausen on 13:29, 28 January 14
Or you can always mod the console to bypass the RF modulator and produce composite instead.
Yep, I saw that for the Mattel, so it's seems that basically you have to take the input from the RF which should be the composite. But from this site I feel a bit lost  ???   (edit :I cant put that link, zonadepruebas.org/deepfb/ordenadores/ti99/vc.htm)

I got my cable and tested it. Like they wrote on ebay, it doesn't work with the C64. (I own the PAL and SECAM rose)
My test: It didn't work with the 800XL. PSX 1 and Atari 1040 STe work.
tested on a CTM644-2 english, and ... for the fun, GT64 english, GT65 french. I didn't expect any with the green, but look, real time pencil fx  ;D

Goldrunner ST  :)
(http://i60.tinypic.com/vcz7n4.jpg)

Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Gryzor on 10:09, 03 February 14
Ooh the green!


Thanks, MacDeath, for fixing the link :)
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 21:33, 06 May 17
Three years later. With a very very  Lucky.i win a french mp-3  only for 12e.

Now taking apart the rgb, today someone manufacture a cheap pal/secam converter for composite ?.

I search and search over the web options . And i only found two basic things.

One is these, that appear so expensive big and old wtf.

http://www.priceminister.com/offer/buy/2438987/Sony-VMC-2102F-Transcodeur-Pal-Secam-SFR-1000K-cordons-Camescope.html


And this homemade  project that was out of my scope manufacture It.




http://kudelsko.free.fr/index.htm


Every time i search Google change secam yo ntsc Magic!








Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 21:50, 06 May 17
What exactly are you trying to achieve?

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 21:55, 06 May 17
Connect my nes clone in the best quality possible to the ctm 644.


It have rf and rca, so i want connect It  using rca instead rf.


Thats because the only crt i have left was the amstrad monitor. So is the only site  where i can use the nes clone gun.

Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 22:13, 06 May 17
Why don't you just mod your NES to give it an RGB output and connect it directly to the CTM. That will definitely give you the best result and cost the least.

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 09:22, 07 May 17
I have no idea of how modify my nes clon to RGB :D




Anyway talking about strange and impossible  options.


The pal versión is based in the an5620x chip + an5612


The secam uses a an5630x +an5612. The An5630x have switch to support pal/secam automatically. But i think he need the  an5622 to decode de pal colour between an5612 and an5630x


I really don't know why amstrad made diferent tv turners boards. He can be manufacture easily a pal/secam compatible mp-3.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 20:15, 07 May 17
Quote from: dragon on 09:22, 07 May 17
I really don't know why amstrad made diferent tv turners boards. He can be manufacture easily a pal/secam compatible mp-3.

It was a UK computer that was aimed at Europe with notions of conquering the US and came with its own monitor anyway. PAL was used by 95% of Europe and the US was 100% NTSC, why would they spend even a cent on expanding the design to include something as obscure as secam?

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Token on 01:33, 13 September 17
Quote from: dragon on 09:22, 07 May 17
I have no idea of how modify my nes clon to RGB :D




Anyway talking about strange and impossible  options.


The pal versión is based in the an5620x chip + an5612


The secam uses a an5630x +an5612. The An5630x have switch to support pal/secam automatically. But i think he need the  an5622 to decode de pal colour between an5612 and an5630x


I really don't know why amstrad made diferent tv turners boards. He can be manufacture easily a pal/secam compatible mp-3.

I've seen that the pins are different 16 vs 24, but would it be possible to swap the an5630x with a an5620x in the french MP-3? All pins are needed?..

What I want is to use the C64.
Strangely the boot works very well, all in color on the CTM644 & french MP-3, but it turn b&w when running games. So I'm using the PAL MP-3 with RF, it's not too bad with small cable. It's a bit annoying to tune sometime..
I used a 9V battery for b&w composite, but maybe the C64 have it, or it is possible to find it somewhere on the MP-3 PCB to make an AV mod with a little AV/RF switch?

Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 10:32, 13 September 17
In priceminister at times is  possible buy a sony pal/secam adapter only for video. Is a crappy solutiom anyway.

http://www.priceminister.com/offer/buy/2438987/Sony-VMC-2102F-Transcodeur-Pal-Secam-SFR-1000K-cordons-Camescope.html


I think amstrad use the reference desing for the ics. I not sure if is easy as swap chips, The expert in hardware was bryce, maybe he know if can be transformed in pal,make a switch of something obscure alternative modification. :)





Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 11:23, 13 September 17
Quote from: dragon on 10:32, 13 September 17
In priceminister at times is  possible buy a sony pal/secam adapter only for video. Is a crappy solutiom anyway.

http://www.priceminister.com/offer/buy/2438987/Sony-VMC-2102F-Transcodeur-Pal-Secam-SFR-1000K-cordons-Camescope.html (http://www.priceminister.com/offer/buy/2438987/Sony-VMC-2102F-Transcodeur-Pal-Secam-SFR-1000K-cordons-Camescope.html)


I think amstrad use the reference desing for the ics. I not sure if is easy as swap chips, The expert in hardware was bryce, maybe he know if can be transformed in pal,make a switch of something obscure alternative modification. :)

Point me to the schematics and I'll tell you what's possible.

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 12:55, 13 September 17
Quote from: Bryce on 11:23, 13 September 17
Point me to the schematics and I'll tell you what's possible.

Bryce.

Not exist schematic for french version, only the pal in the admnent service manual.

The observations i made i these day, was comparing pal schematics with ic reference desing from manufacturer and little look in live  french mp-3.

http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Amendment%20Service%20Manual.zip

But hey, if you want take the hardware project of made a mp-3 french accept pal/secam signals in the scart and rgb. I can send my french mp-3 to you. So you can work with the hardware and document it.

Only please tries to return me it alive after modify it,i only have one :).

Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: Bryce on 13:36, 13 September 17
Remind me about this again when my workload is less (around December).

Bryce.
Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 14:43, 10 August 20
Resurrecting...


I have these in standby because  monitor die.


I was lucky and find one sfr-1000 for 5e. It not appears activate av mode in the french mp-3. I have try the converter in a lcd and appear work. So I now wait for the 9v kit to patch scart scart wire.


I'n the mean time I have read such a interesting thing about the french mp-3. The scart socket appears bidirectional. It can recieve, and he can emit secam? composite from the rf signal.


https://forum.system-cfg.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=10216 (https://forum.system-cfg.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=10216)

Title: Re: MP-3 TV tuner
Post by: dragon on 12:58, 21 August 20
Finally I have tested the french mp-3+ the sony sfr-1000 (pal secam trascodeur). Only need make a modification  to scart cable to add 150mh resistance+9v battery in pin 8 to force select av in the mp-3.I have tested with the gx4000(the gx4000 activate av signal in the mp-3)..and one  nes clone with only rca. It work very well. There is no lag appreciably when play and the image was very good. https://www.amazon.es/photos/share/PmI3yeZIvn4RGju0H18bMF8gbWkJdJaX8UhtkLgEdgA

Picture was from nevir mastergames nvr-vi(pal nes clone) connected with rca though the Sony. And the Sony connected to the mp-3 with scart cable with the 9v battery.

The Sony only trascode if he  detects  the pal signal, it ignored any other format. If signal is  pal he trascode it to secam, if not it resend the signal thought scart out connector as it recieve it. Ntsc for example.

I'n the other hand he don't touch the sound. It output it thought the exit scart as he recieve it even if the power supply is not connected to the Sony. So is posible connect the rgb directly to the ctm and only sound to the sony.


It not appear resend the rgb thought scart out. I have tested with the snes rgb in the led tv(he read the secam signal  from the  Sony) and it output black & white image.(same as the mp-3)but the mp-3 don't have rgb enable in the mp-3 phisycally. And the led have it.

Another thing, after much search I have found a manufacturer that today made these trascorders.



https://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A01J30/Globalmediapro-F-209PS-PAL-to-SECAM-Converter/


Its safe the rgb modification of the three wires  at electronic level?. I mean there is not conflict between the rgb signal though scart  and the rgb signal generated by the mp-3 from composite?.
Powered by SMFPacks Menu Editor Mod