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General Category => Amstrad CPC hardware => Topic started by: Novabug on 20:26, 25 April 15

Title: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 20:26, 25 April 15
This has probably been answered before, but here goes.


I want to capture footage from the 464 using a DVR. I have tested this method successfully using a Super Nintendo. Hooking up the CPC with a 464 RGB Scart cable from The Sinclair Shop I get a black and white picture when plugged into the DVR or directly into the TV. I can change the input setting on the DVR to RGB, but this has no effect. I cannot force the Scart input of the TV to RGB, but as it's a modern set I know it can run RGB.


I'm assuming I have to add a 1.5v supply to the cable, but I'm not sure how to do this. Can anyone advise, in a simple way.


For info, My TV is a Toshiba Regza 37RV636D, and the recorder is a Pioneer DVR-220. I'm using the power supply from a GT65


Many thanks
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Guy0me on 21:46, 25 April 15
If it helps for some reason i don't understand i have seeing this kind of problems too ! I use a scart cable to plug a 6128 Old or PLUS and i have black and white picture.. and the problem was .. THE TV ..
In 4 different LCD screen i have 3 with black and white picture and 1 good ..
I have finally took a 16/9 LCD who was tested before by users of Amstrad machine .. so i was sure it works !

I guess the RGB signal is not send by the CPC and the TV need to make it by itself ..
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 21:47, 25 April 15
To make it even more odd, a freind of mine had his 6128 running in colour fine on a Bang and Olsen TV. But after looking at the connections, they all appear connected wrong, mostly.


Pin 1 goes to 15
Pin 2 goes to 11
Pin 3 goes to 7
Pin 4 goes to 16
Pin 5 goes to 17 (and Audio ground goes here too!)
Pin 6 goes to 20


Audio R goes to 2
Audio L goes to 6.


Confused!
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 22:53, 25 April 15
Been looking around, my cable layout is this.. http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/a/a8/Alt_Scart_Connect.PNG (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/a/a8/Alt_Scart_Connect.PNG)


but still gives a black and white output

Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 23:29, 25 April 15
Quote from: Novabug on 20:26, 25 April 15
This has probably been answered before, but here goes.


I want to capture footage from the 464 using a DVR. I have tested this method successfully using a Super Nintendo.


What works for one machine doesn't work for another. I have to change setups between the different machines I capture from and what works for a CPC doesn't work for a SNES. The CPC does indeed produce a black and white picture on some setups. In fact my Spectrum +2a produces no picture at all on any of the equipment combinations I use but a grey +2 is fine. Go figure!


The only solution I've found was different selections of kit for different bits of hardware. Which is expensive and time consuming but at least I now get the results I wanted. In the case of the CPC I have to pass the RGB through a Panasonic DVD recorder before it gets to the capture card (DVD recorder isn't recording, it just converts it to component for me to capture).
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: remax on 00:02, 26 April 15
Quote from: chinnyhill10 on 23:29, 25 April 15
The only solution I've found was different selections of kit for different bits of hardware. Which is expensive and time consuming but at least I now get the results I wanted. In the case of the CPC I have to pass the RGB through a Panasonic DVD recorder before it gets to the capture card (DVD recorder isn't recording, it just converts it to component for me to capture).

You wouldn't imagine everything i use to get the TV on my MP3 Tuner for the CTM :D
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Guy0me on 06:03, 26 April 15
Amstrad - Retro Gaming, Electronics and Novelty Gifts (http://www.coolnovelties.co.uk/stores/en/29-amstrad-cables-and-accessories)
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Munchausen on 07:55, 26 April 15
The alternative wiring you posted is what I use, and it works everywhere I've tried (on 3 LCD TVs and a Sony CRT TV). I originally used a different connection, and could not get it to work.

Also - this wiring set up should not need a 1.5V supply anywhere (because of the capacitor).
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 09:05, 26 April 15
Quote from: chinnyhill10 on 23:29, 25 April 15

What works for one machine doesn't work for another. I have to change setups between the different machines I capture from and what works for a CPC doesn't work for a SNES. The CPC does indeed produce a black and white picture on some setups. In fact my Spectrum +2a produces no picture at all on any of the equipment combinations I use but a grey +2 is fine. Go figure!


The only solution I've found was different selections of kit for different bits of hardware. Which is expensive and time consuming but at least I now get the results I wanted. In the case of the CPC I have to pass the RGB through a Panasonic DVD recorder before it gets to the capture card (DVD recorder isn't recording, it just converts it to component for me to capture).


Yeah, messed around a bit myself with connections. Was sure this would work.

Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 09:06, 26 April 15
Quote from: Munchausen on 07:55, 26 April 15
The alternative wiring you posted is what I use, and it works everywhere I've tried (on 3 LCD TVs and a Sony CRT TV). I originally used a different connection, and could not get it to work.

Also - this wiring set up should not need a 1.5V supply anywhere (because of the capacitor).


Opened up my cable. There is no capacitor in the plug....

Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: kevin.c on 10:22, 26 April 15
The problem is with right voltage on SCART pin 16.  Voltage on this pin selects the tv or monitor electronics to RGB:  2-3Volts or Composite Video (PAL): 0 volts.
CPCwiki mod with electrolityc capacitor on pins 18/16 works but not in every tv/monitor.  In some cases voltave developed on capacitor is not enough to switch tv to RGB mode. It is a matter of RGB tv chipset threshold voltage.
For fast test try to  use two AA type 1,5V batteries connected in series, with minus to pin 18 and plus to pin 16.
When you are going to apply external voltage to pin 16, the wire connecting pin 4 of amstrad video out and SCART pin 16 must be removed.
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Bryce on 12:06, 26 April 15
Quote from: Novabug on 09:06, 26 April 15

Opened up my cable. There is no capacitor in the plug....

Add the capacitor and you should get a coloured picture.

Bryce.
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Munchausen on 15:21, 26 April 15
Quote from: Bryce on 12:06, 26 April 15
Add the capacitor and you should get a coloured picture.

Bryce.

+1 this has always worked for me.
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 21:23, 26 April 15
Quote from: Bryce on 12:06, 26 April 15
Add the capacitor and you should get a coloured picture.

Bryce.


Will do. Just need to get hold of the right Cap. a 100uF, voltage?
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 21:24, 26 April 15
Quote from: kevin.c on 10:22, 26 April 15
The problem is with right voltage on SCART pin 16.  Voltage on this pin selects the tv or monitor electronics to RGB:  2-3Volts or Composite Video (PAL): 0 volts.
CPCwiki mod with electrolityc capacitor on pins 18/16 works but not in every tv/monitor.  In some cases voltave developed on capacitor is not enough to switch tv to RGB mode. It is a matter of RGB tv chipset threshold voltage.
For fast test try to  use two AA type 1,5V batteries connected in series, with minus to pin 18 and plus to pin 16.
When you are going to apply external voltage to pin 16, the wire connecting pin 4 of amstrad video out and SCART pin 16 must be removed.


I take it this wire can remain if I put the cap in place? Where does pin 4 go if I do put a battery in? to nowhere?
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Bryce on 21:27, 26 April 15
Quote from: Novabug on 21:23, 26 April 15

Will do. Just need to get hold of the right Cap. a 100uF, voltage?

A 10 or 16V capacitor will do.

Bryce.
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 21:38, 26 April 15
Would these do?


Electrolytic Radial Capacitors Various Values / Voltage | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electrolytic-Radial-Capacitors-Various-Values-Voltage-/120953923082?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item1c296a660a)
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 00:30, 27 April 15
After loads of messing around with cables, and settings and such like, before I mod anything. It turns out the DVR is the troublermaker. I hope adding the capacitor will solve this.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t-wzYhn_mk&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t-wzYhn_mk#ws)
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Bryce on 09:52, 27 April 15
Quote from: Novabug on 21:38, 26 April 15
Would these do?


Electrolytic Radial Capacitors Various Values / Voltage | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electrolytic-Radial-Capacitors-Various-Values-Voltage-/120953923082?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item1c296a660a)

Yep, they're the ones.

Bryce.
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: seanb on 19:38, 03 May 15
Quote from: chinnyhill10 on 23:29, 25 April 15
The only solution I've found was different selections of kit for different bits of hardware. Which is expensive and time consuming but at least I now get the results I wanted. In the case of the CPC I have to pass the RGB through a Panasonic DVD recorder before it gets to the capture card (DVD recorder isn't recording, it just converts it to component for me to capture).

What type of capture card do you use?
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: MacDeath on 20:44, 03 May 15
What type of capture card do you use?

Card Captor Sakura OST ( Card Captured Theme ) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PB9T23zfeg#)

:D
sorry for the troll...
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: seanb on 21:15, 03 May 15
 >:(
I was so happy I might've had an answer  :-[

:D
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 22:21, 30 May 15
Quote from: seanb on 19:38, 03 May 15
What type of capture card do you use?


Trying to use a DVR 220.
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 22:23, 30 May 15
Right, done this... hopefully will cure the problem?


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152979901540028&set=a.10150799570320028.404241.643075027&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152979901540028&set=a.10150799570320028.404241.643075027&type=1)
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: Novabug on 22:42, 30 May 15
Didn't work..... :(

Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: seanb on 03:18, 31 May 15
Quote from: Novabug on 22:21, 30 May 15

Trying to use a DVR 220.

I ended up buying a dvd recorder with component output and a hd pvr 2.
Cost £30 in total :D
Title: Re: RGB Cable/Black & White picture?
Post by: simulant on 14:56, 01 April 18
Hi sorry to reply to such an old thread. I am also getting a black and white (and quite weak) picture after trying to make up a scart lead.

I used this schematic: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/File:Cpc_to_scart.png

Should the wiki page be updated to take this off or does it still work for anyone? Does anyone know which is the *best* all-round schematic that tends to work for most tvs/monitors. I tried 3 different ones and non worked with the one I tried...

Does adding voltage or capacitor work with this one or am I just better using one of the other ones instead?

Thanks for any help :)
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