Is it normal for games to not stretch full screen. Did they do this on a factory monitor? Right now I am using a Gbs controle with a Samsung crt monitor and I'm unable to games to full screen 4/3. Every monitor resolution option is varying degrees of not centerered, too narrow, or too small. I'm unable to enlarge enough with the monitors digital adjustments and if I adjust too much with the Gbs control I start getting screen glitches. The best I can seem to get is an inch boarder around most games with some appearing like a 14 inch image on a 19 inch crt. My retrotink 4k may be able to do it but I rather leave that connected to my tv. I have a retrotink 5x but that doesn't have rgbhv inputs. What is the best option? Part of me thinks my monitor is also scaling the image and fighting the Gbs control scaling.
Short answer: Yes, it happens on a factory monitor. The standard resolution options on the x68000 were all strange resolutions rarely if ever used anywhere else. When game developers ported stuff to the system, the necessary resolution wasn't available so they chose a higher one and rendered the game smaller than full screen.
The retrotink 4k can indeed handle your scaling needs. The 5x can't handle the x68's sync so it likely won't work at all without something like a modded extron RGB between it and the x68k.
The original x68000 monitors have manual adjustments and a wide switch to accommodate games to use as much screen real estate as possible. Not sure what you are using but an overscan/underscan setting may get you similar results.
For modern scalers I recommend the ossc pro or the retrotink 4K - I have a zip file with custom input modes for x68k I'll attach here if you'd like to try them out.
Quote from: z964 on November 11, 2025, 06:02:56 AMShort answer: Yes, it happens on a factory monitor. The standard resolution options on the x68000 were all strange resolutions rarely if ever used anywhere else. When game developers ported stuff to the system, the necessary resolution wasn't available so they chose a higher one and rendered the game smaller than full screen.
The retrotink 4k can indeed handle your scaling needs. The 5x can't handle the x68's sync so it likely won't work at all without something like a modded extron RGB between it and the x68k.
I am going to try to rig something together later today so I can attempt use my no longer in use Retrotink 5x pro. I found a schematic to convert rgbhv to rgbs and it will output it on a 15 pin vga connector. Then, I will use the Retrotink vga to scart adapter. Also it seems somebody made this which adds rgbhv vga to a retrotink 5k https://www.retrorgb.com/retrotink-5x-tower-of-power-vga-scart-adapter-us-seller.html. That would probably do exactly want.
Quote from: incrediblehark on November 11, 2025, 12:33:27 PMThe original x68000 monitors have manual adjustments and a wide switch to accommodate games to use as much screen real estate as possible. Not sure what you are using but an overscan/underscan setting may get you similar results.
For modern scalers I recommend the ossc pro or the retrotink 4K - I have a zip file with custom input modes for x68k I'll attach here if you'd like to try them out.
I would love to try them out. Thank you for your work on the hard drive image. I have been really enjoying it. I have tons of retro game consoles but but the Sharp X68000 seems to be one of the best. I'm amazed at how much good content it has.
Glad you're enjoying the X68000! its really a great system.
Keep us updated on your test with the Retrotink 5X - I have an adapter to convert the output to scart rgb with no luck from the rt5x - it didn't like the signal and odd resolutions. Hopefully you'll have more luck.
I also think the rt5x doesn't like TTL so keep that in mind too.
Quote from: incrediblehark on November 12, 2025, 07:42:05 AMGlad you're enjoying the X68000! its really a great system.
Keep us updated on your test with the Retrotink 5X - I have an adapter to convert the output to scart rgb with no luck from the rt5x - it didn't like the signal and odd resolutions. Hopefully you'll have more luck.
I also think the rt5x doesn't like TTL so keep that in mind too.
This is the cable I have https://www.retrotink.com/shop/hd15-to-scart-cable. I think it says it makes it safe to use 5v TTL but I am no expert at this stuff.
This is the other thing I was looking at https://www.retrorgb.com/retrotink-5x-tower-of-power-vga-scart-adapter-us-seller.html I just don't want to buy it if it won't work.
I'm using the hd15-2-Scart here:
https://rondoproducts.com/products/rondo-products-hd15-2-scart
I can confirm it does not work with X68000 on the retrotink 5x.
Quote from: aapuzzo on November 12, 2025, 01:45:00 PMThis is the cable I have https://www.retrotink.com/shop/hd15-to-scart-cable. I think it says it makes it safe to use 5v TTL but I am no expert at this stuff.
This is the other thing I was looking at https://www.retrorgb.com/retrotink-5x-tower-of-power-vga-scart-adapter-us-seller.html I just don't want to buy it if it won't work.
That cable from RetroTink won't work for this. See the following disclaimer:
"The cable does not have a sync combiner - a valid composite sync signal must be present on HD15 Pin 13"
A sync combiner is necessary for the X68000 to convert to SCART. incrediblehark linked the same adapter I use for this purpose, but I was unable to get the X68000 working with the RetroTink 5x at all.
If you want to scale the X68000 I recommend either the OSSC Pro, or the RetroTink 4K CE/Pro (either works).
I personally use a RT4K Pro.
Quote from: rezb1t on November 13, 2025, 05:59:34 AMThat cable from RetroTink won't work for this. See the following disclaimer:
"The cable does not have a sync combiner - a valid composite sync signal must be present on HD15 Pin 13"
A sync combiner is necessary for the X68000 to convert to SCART. incrediblehark linked the same adapter I use for this purpose, but I was unable to get the X68000 working with the RetroTink 5x at all.
If you want to scale the X68000 I recommend either the OSSC Pro, or the RetroTink 4K CE/Pro (either works).
I personally use a RT4K Pro.
I was going to try making this adapter which I think is a sync combiner. https://www.cathoderayblog.com/converting-rgbhv-to-rgbs-for-the-gbs-control/ and place it before the retrotink vga to scart cable. I understand the retrotink 5x needs RGBs. I was just saying the cable will solve the TTL 5v voltage input that I believe the adapter may not and bring it down to safe levels.
Would the less expensive retorink 4k ce work for my needs regarding the Sharp X68000 and FM Towns PCs? I already have a full Retrotink 4k but hate disconnecting stuff to use it. Worst case I rather not have to buy another $700 device.
Nice! That'll work. Yeah the 4K CE should work perfectly. The FM Towns and X68000 shouldn't require any of the pro specific features.