Scan converter -> Scart RGB -> Arcade Monitor Question

[Anonymously]

Hi I everyone.  I have a Averkey 300 Gold Scan Converter and I want to use it in my Arcade Monitor.  The thing is I'm a bit confused on how to connect a Scart RGB cable to my arcade Monitor.  Do I really need a SCART RGB cable(then hack it) or can I just use those VGA to RGB cable hack?  Do I also need to buy video amplifier (the one that is use in J-pac) for this.  

BTW, I know about the upcoming video card from Andy and I will be buying that also, but I just want to work around this scan converter since I already have it.  Thanks for the reply.

here is a picture of RGB connection of my Arcade Monitor.


here is a picture of the Scart RGB out of my scan converter.

[Dave_K.]

Do you have any documentation on the scan converter?  Why do you say its SCART out?  The picture shows a 15-pin vga type port.  Scart connectors look totally different than that.

If you are lucky, that port is wired like a VGA port.  If thats the case, then just splice a vga cord to your monitor input.  You can either order that connector (for the monitor) from Digikey, or try to find a local electronic (technical) store (I doubt radioshack will have it).

[Anonymously]

It does look like a VGA out but it does say to SCART RGB.  I have some documentation from the manual here is one.


I also find this documentation on the internet about the VGA to RGB output on the net here is the link
http://stepmania.com/stepmania/cabinet/averkey.htm
http://stepmania.com/stepmania/cabinet/vga.htm

Oh and here is another one I find


Thanks again.

[Dave_K.]

Great, looks like you all the info you need right there.  Just buy a VGA extension cable, cut off one end, and wire the documented red/green/blue/hsyn/vsync/gnd from the converter to your monitor.

[Anonymously]

  Thanks Dave_k.  Well I tried it and it works.

I first tried it on a TV with S-video out (just to make sure that the scan converter is working) and I was actually disappointed.  Too flickery and some colors bleed.  Then I went ahead and tried it in my Arcade monitor and was actually impress with the result.  It was too bright at first, but after few adjustment from the monitor, I was satiesfied.  

Now do I still need to order the Video Amplifier from Ultimarc?  It say something that it ampliefies the video signal to the arcade monitor.  I'm thinking maybe set it up like this:

PC -> Scan converter -> SCART RGB -> Video Amplier -> Arcade Monitor.

Do you think I need it?

[SNAAAKE]

hey,
any problems?
like minor flickry and anoying lines moving in the screen once in a while?

Mine is working and all but still disappointing .
Sorry i am not helping you much here but any major problem with the screen because i think this scan converter i got sort of messed up(it works perfect with TV though ).

[mhoward211]

If I remember correctly the video amp for the Jpac is made just for older Jpacs that don't have the video amp built in.  I don't think you would be able to us it independently.

[Anonymously]

If I remember correctly the video amp for the Jpac is made just for older Jpacs that don't have the video amp built in.  I don't think you would be able to us it independently.

This is an insert from the Ultimarc Page.

/*****************************************************

 This is a standalone video amplifier which converts the 1 Volt output from a VGA card into 4 Volts required by most arcade monitors.

The circuitry is exactly the same as that used on the J-PAC and uses a high-bandwidth video amplifier chip. It provides an easy way of fixing a "dim" arcade monitor installation by boosting the signal input to the same level as a "real" game board.

*****************************************************/
//end


It does say that it amplifies the video signal from the VGA card from 1v to 4v.  From my understanding the reason that the display on the arcade is slightly dim is due to This.  I willing to try this as soon as I get a hold of one.  I wonder on what's the worst harm that it can do to my monitor, if I screw up.  Maybe Andy can fill us in with this or anybody with some info.

I'm also experimenting about whether the 3deep software can also improve my setting.  Maybe the gamma correction might help with the appearance.  

As for flickring, I was actually impress with the result of it than on my TV.  Not much flickring and the text was actually readable and not to harmfull on the eye (at 800 x 600).  It's just that it was a bit bright/dim at the same time.  I was playing with it for few hours and actually satisfied with the preliminary result.  But of course beauty is on the eye of the beholder.

What ever my venture will result on, I will certainly let everyone know, and will provide some picture of my result.

BTW I dont know anything about monitors, frequency, etc.  I dont even work in the computer field, so please correct me or give information in regards to this matter.

[generousben]

the over brightness is down to the gamma thats what makes ur eyes and head hurt if its too bright.

you can easly reduce this in the mame32 settings i use about  .75 when using an arcade monitor.

3deep helps reduce the gamma on the desktop as well as in game the results are very slight but noticable and makes it far more easy on the eyes but only once you have every thing set up right .(there is loads of software that can change the gamma even photoshop)

how do u think the video amp can harm ur monitor?
what do you think its for...........

[Anonymously]

how do u think the video amp can harm ur monitor?
what do you think its for...........

Thanks Ben for clearing something up in regards to Gamma setting.  About the Video amplifier, does it increase the refresh rate at all?  Anyway I am ordering one right now to see what the  result is.  

[Dave_K.]

Sweet!  Glad you got it working.  I'm curious about the video amplifier too...I've never understood what it actually does (just brighten up the picture)?  I've been able to brighten the picture on my arcade monitor by adding some small capictors in the RGB lines.  Let us know how it turns out.

[Cowboy Mac]

dave k: "This is a standalone video amplifier which converts the 1 Volt output from a VGA card into 4 Volts required by most arcade monitors." click here for more information. i assume this is what is already built into the J-PAC.

[Dave_K.]

Ahh thanks!