Multi input SCART adapters

[Darkman]

Hello,

I was wondering if any of you would be using one of these boxes. They usually have from 3 to 5 inputs and 1 output. Since I currently use three consoles with one TV such a box would be very convenient. But there is one thing that bothers me - these adapters are not shielded, so the RGB signal would be degraded, right? The cable that goes from the adapter to the TV is very short though. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Darkman

[Zaarin]

I had one of these with two inputs and one output. It didn't even work with RGB and it had S-Video on only one of the inputs. I ended up giving it away
If you buy one, make sure all the inputs have RGB/S-video or whatever you need.

[Schweino]

They sell them here for dirt cheap, I have a few myself too. The RGB quality is good on them, they are fully wired, the only problem is they aren't switched, which means you will get interference from the other consoles hooked up to it.  It even transports some of the voltage on the scart pins to the other consoles, so expect to see some of em light up when you power on one of them . If you want one you can get one at Play (free shipping) -> http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=title...EC&title=172089

I would recommend a switchable scart adapter, either manually or automatic.
The one I have is a BigBen (http://www.bigben-interactive.de/Basis/Produkte/produkte_detail1.asp?ID=838) costed me 20 euros and works like a charm. No clue where to get it online though.
If money isn't a problem, get a slick remote controlled one like this (http://www.play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=ELEC&title=171031), also available in pimpy shiny silver.

[Darkman]

Wow :blink: ! That Joytech one sure is cool. But they only sell simple non-switching ones over here. Is it possible to make a switching one from a simple adapter? I get along with the soldering iron very well .

[Zaarin]

This is just speculation. But I think a switchable one uses a chip(s) to switch between the SCART inputs since a mechanic switch would have to switch from 21 pins to another 21 pins.

[Aidan]

Actually, the switch can connect all the grounds together quite happily. That knocks the number of wires needing to be switched down by a good 6-7 pins. There's only really about 10 or so pins that need switching, so it's entirely possible to do it with a passive switch.

I want an autoswitching one with 8 inputs or so. I've not seen any, so I guess I'm going to have to look into building one of my own. There's a few chips that will do the majority of the switching for you, which makes life easier.