Sanity check: going purist but paying for it...

[Anubis_au]

After finally landing my hands on a TV here in Oz with SCART inputs that accepts RGB, I've just had my hopes dashed as it couldn't sync to the signal outputting from my ArcadeVGA. At this stage I think I've no options left other than a genuine arcade monitor... or go LCD.

I want to go purist, but if I went LCD pc monitor, things would be over and sorted.

Am I crazy for wanting to go purist?

[Carlito]

Have you tried the TV without the ArcadeVGA card and just a normal PC video card?

[ahofle]

Am I crazy for wanting to go purist?

No

[siastbill1]

Once you go purist, you never go back.

I assume that you have checked, and rechecked the wiring on the scart connector. That aside here are some things to think about:

- Does the Arcadevga not output separate syncs, while the scart connector requires a composite sync? If so, the syncs from the Arcadevga would need to be twisted together.
- Does the Arcadevga put out a strong enough signal for your TV to see/sync to? Could a video amp be required.
- Do you have any RGB equiptment (aka real Arcade games, DVD players......), that you can try out as well and see if they work?

Hopefully something works out for you.

[Anubis_au]

Have you tried the TV without the ArcadeVGA card and just a normal PC video card?

No, but I think I will try that... use the 15kHz app that's on these forums... good point... I didn't think to try that.

Am I crazy for wanting to go purist?

No

Thanks ahofle.... it's not insanity if other people also want purity

Once you go purist, you never go back.

I assume that you have checked, and rechecked the wiring on the scart connector. That aside here are some things to think about:

- Does the Arcadevga not output separate syncs, while the scart connector requires a composite sync? If so, the syncs from the Arcadevga would need to be twisted together.
- Does the Arcadevga put out a strong enough signal for your TV to see/sync to? Could a video amp be required.
- Do you have any RGB equiptment (aka real Arcade games, DVD players......), that you can try out as well and see if they work?

Hopefully something works out for you.

1. Syncs were wired together. SCART connection was checked, rechecked, and rechecked again (over and over, I may add). We had the old CRO out checking waveforms on each pin to confirm the connector was good.
2. Yes, the ArcadeVGA signal is strong enough for the TV to pick up. We saw a picture but it was in five bands, which means we were 250Hz out....
3. Sadly, no, no other RGB equipment to test the tv with.

At this stage, I am going to try the tv with the on-board VGA port with the software to drive it down to 15kHz... will post results on here shortly enough.

Thanks for the input guys!

[Zebidee]

Anubis

I've done RGB to many different kinds of SCART TVs before.  I think I can help you get an RGB signal to your TV, but I need some more info. 

- What kind of TV is it?
- Precisely how have you wired your cable?
- photos of your cable?
- Are you sure that you have the TV in AV mode?

My best guess is that you need 12v present on pin 8, or you aren't setting the TV to AV mode, or both.

I've made cables for other people before, and I'm local so PM me if you are interested in that option

[Level42]

Since Australia uses PAL, the TV you're using could be refusing the 60 Hz coming from the ArcadeVGA. However, this is mostly only the case with pretty old TV's. Most modern TV's (say 10 years or younger) should accept the 60Hz without a problem.

You could try to find if there's some adjustment on the TV PCB's (pot or set-up screen). In theory it should be possible to let the ArcadeVGA run at 50Hz, but display problems may occur then because the game draws the screen 60 times per second.

Running a TV through SCART is exactly the same as using a "real" arcade monitor. I've succesfully installed a TV (chassis and CRT) in my Galaxian cab and it looks great.(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62784.0)
Cost me only €30,- for the used TV (compare that to arcade monitor prices in places like Europe (where I live) and Australia.

[Zebidee]

Since Australia uses PAL, the TV you're using could be refusing the 60 Hz coming from the ArcadeVGA. However, this is mostly only the case with pretty old TV's.

I reckon that this is pretty unlikely to be the problem, although the TV could possibly require some menu option setting.  Most SCART TVs accept both NTSC & PAL at 50 or 60 hz and will auto-switch.

Anubis, if you still have a problem with your TV then post your cable pinout   I'm pretty sure that this is where the problem is.