PC Engine DUO-R RGB mod - incomplete?

[FM-77]

I've been following this guide and I'm clueless of what to do after soldering the wires. I want to connect the thing to my TV, but without a plug, that's not going to happen anytime soon. The guide seems to end, showing me some finished modifications, but it doesn't describe what I should do.

So I ask, could anybody help me here? What am I supposed to do after soldering the wires in the console? I want an rgb-plug ready in the console so that I can connect it to my PAL TV.

Thanks in advance.

[kendrick]

If you're working in the EU region and have a PAL TV, then most likely you have an SCART connector on the back of the thing. Make sure that your TV supports input on the RGB pins and accepts a separate sync signal, then you should wire everything up directly. The guide you're citing assumes that you'll follow an existing RGB standard when creating a socket on the console, or that you have a preferred method. The most popular solution seems to be the nine-pin D-housing plug documented here:

http://www.gamesx.com/misctech/mypin.htm

To answer your question directly? You need to create a custom cable now, with an SCART connector at one end, and your chosen connector type at the other to make use of the output you've created. Please have a look at the RGB primer at the front of the website if you need a refresher.

-KKC, drowning in paperwork.

[FM-77]

If you're working in the EU region and have a PAL TV, then most likely you have an SCART connector on the back of the thing. Make sure that your TV supports input on the RGB pins and accepts a separate sync signal, then you should wire everything up directly. The guide you're citing assumes that you'll follow an existing RGB standard when creating a socket on the console, or that you have a preferred method. The most popular solution seems to be the nine-pin D-housing plug documented here:

http://www.gamesx.com/misctech/mypin.htm

To answer your question directly? You need to create a custom cable now, with an SCART connector at one end, and your chosen connector type at the other to make use of the output you've created. Please have a look at the RGB primer at the front of the website if you need a refresher.

-KKC, drowning in paperwork.

I'm in Europe and I have a PAL TV, yes. It has two SCART connectors and one S-video connector on the back. I don't know how I'm supposed to find out whether or not it accepts a seperate sync signal. RGB (and 60Hz) works with a Saturn, a PS2 and a Gamecube. If that helps.

If it would be possible, could I somehow mod the Duo so that I can use an existing RGB cable instead of making my own? At least, on one end of the cable (the SCART end - not the one that I will plug into the Duo). I have been checking out this guide on how to making a Sega Mega Drive RGB cable and it seems fairly complicated, at least when not following a guide (which I guess I will be doing in this case).

Anyway, it seems like I'll have to make one of these. It seems to be the easiest way.

However, I can't find any guide that describes where to get  "8 Luma ( Y )"
and "9 Chroma ( C )". Aren't they used?

Also, should I use Composite Video, Composite Sync, or both?

Thanks a bunch!

[kendrick]

Briefly, Luma and Chroma are descriptive of the two wires that carry signal in an S-video cable. Since you're producing RGB output (and since the PC-Engine doesn't natively output S-video) you may safely disregard those two pins. Also, Composite Video refers to the combined single wire that carries all video information, whereas Composite Sync is the single carrier signal that tells the TV how to synchronize the three separate RGB inputs.

Lawrence is about a handsbreadth away from screaming at me for posting basic video info on his board. I'll conclude by telling you that there is no standard for RGB connectors, and it's a perfectly good idea to construct a plug for an existing cable if you have one. Also, if you haven't already please have a look at Lawrence's video primer here:

http://atarilabs.com/meat/2000/1201_videoprimer.shtml

-KKC

[FM-77]

Okay, I think I'll be able to do this. Just a few more questions though:

I'm going to use a Saturn RGB cable and just use the SCART end on the TV and directly connect the wires on the other end to the PC Engine DUO-R, do you think this'll work?

Another question: is this all I will need?

Composite Sync
Green
Red
Blue
Left Audio Channel
Right Audio Channel
Ground

Is +5v ground? Or what is it? Do I need it for the PCE?

[Endymion]

Separate sync? The Duo uses composite sync, I think you guys mean to say "find out if your TV takes sync and not video." I understand typically SCART takes video but you will probably find out pretty quickly either by connecting it or when viletim or someone else in PAL areas chimes in. If you can take composite sync then you can tap it from the chip, if you need composite video then you can take it from the board. Other than that the list you gave is exactly what you need to make a cable. I would urge you to make a plug and wire a cable properly though. You will have a fast track to RGB if you permanently attach your cable but you don't want that dangling around from your console if you can help it.

+5v is five volts, that is, electricity. It is used to power chips that are useful for certain things, like the LM1881 to strip sync. Since you can get sync or video you don't really need that for your purposes here. It definitely isn't ground. Ground will be almost any largish metal point on the board, just make a connection there.