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GreenAntz RGB to component transcoder
Zebidee:
--- Quote from: emphatic on May 30, 2021, 03:00:06 pm ---Very nice work! :cheers:
--- End quote ---
Thanks Emphatic!
Many people ask "Can I use GreenAntz to turn a component TV into a monitor for an arcade cabinet?"
The answer is YES and I'll give a brief overview.
Firstly, you'll need some 500R (500 ohm) potentiometers in series on the RGB inputs to GreenAntz. This is to bring the higher voltage arcade RGB signals down to typical SDTV levels ~0.7vpp. I chose cermet multiturn pots for this as they are much better quality and easier to adjust than the standard cheap carbon film trimpots, which are very fiddly and break easily.
You can then run the RGBS+Ground signals through the pots and into the GreenAntz using a VGA (male) header with screw terminals. You won't need any resistors or pots on the sync signal when using the VGA version of GreenAntz.
You can do similar thing with the SCART version of GreenAntz, but you will need to put a resistor (~500 to 1000 ohms) on the sync input.
Secondly, depending on your GreenAntz power supply, you may see significant interference as the ground loop is shared with the JAMMA. Better power supplies minimise this issue, but the simplest solution is to take the 5v directly from the DC PSU instead! You can do this with a simple cable made from 2 wires with female spade crimps on the PSU end, and tinned wire at the GreenAntz end. Alternatively, you could use fork/U connectors instead of female crimps or a 4-pin molex header if using an ATX type power supply.
Pop a standard 5.08mm pitch 2-post screw terminal onto the GreenAntz (using the pads/holes that are already on the PCB), or even solder directly to the PCB. Make sure to mark the ground terminal with a permanent marker so you don't get the wires mixed up (I marked the terminal after taking the photos below, but you can see it marked in the middle pic above).
Finally, most arcade PCBs output composite sync, so you will need to enable composite sync input on the GreenAntz. In current versions you just flick a switch. However if you have a very early build of GreenAntz that doesn't support composite sync directly already, please refer to the FAQ above for info on how to make it work. You can also contact me directly and I'll help you.
If you have a SCART GreenAntz unit it supports composite sync already automatically (except you will need to add a resistor to sync input as noted above).
Here are a few gratuitous screenshots to keep you happy. for more information and screenshots check out my post on making the supergun with GreenAntz to test PCBs. Please contact me directly if you want to get a GreenAntz unit.
bobbyb13:
A-ha!
Brilliant.
I remember you saying this was possible but I have been too busy to have time to try it.
Maybe soon I hope?
marcelinho1979:
Great converter! :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: I need one! ;D
pixelss:
finally found a solution to my upcoming cabinet that i will like to use my CRT tv with my desktop.
mamenewb100:
Cool to see such creativy. Doing things others haven't.