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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Damiga on March 21, 2011, 09:04:45 PM

Title: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 21, 2011, 09:04:45 PM
Hi,
 
I've spent last two days following these instructions: http://members.iinet.net.au/~davem2/overclock/a520.html
 
Is there someone else here that has done it?
I need some assistance because I cant get it to work.
 
I've lost count on how many times I've gone through the instructions and checking that I've followed all the steps.
 
Help? :(
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Franko on March 21, 2011, 09:11:36 PM
Had a look and it seems pretty straight forward enough, though I didn't think anyone would actually be using an old a520 these days... :)

Not sure why your using it or needing to convert it to an S-Video signal (RGB is much better) but if you do need S-Video it may be simpler to buy a ready made Composite to S-Video converter box... :)
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 21, 2011, 09:22:00 PM
Quote from: Franko;623558
Had a look and it seems pretty straight forward enough, though I didn't think anyone would actually be using an old a520 these days... :)
 
Not sure why your using it or needing to convert it to an S-Video signal (RGB is much better) but if you do need S-Video it may be simpler to buy a ready made Composite to S-Video converter box... :)

Well I wasn't using it and I wanted something to do =)
 
Normally I use an old CRT with SCART connector, but I also have a projector that hasn't got SCART. The projector has Y-U-V connections so about a week ago I bought a second hand SCART->Y-U-V converter so I could hook it up.
 
It gives a nice sharp image but unfortunately there are som slight vertical "ghosting" of the colors.
 
So since I had an A520 that was of no use to me I decided to give it a try and see if the converted A520 would produce a better image than my scart-yuv converter
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 21, 2011, 09:24:51 PM
And by the way...
 
You should know better than to ask a geek why he tries to do something.
The answer is as always, "because I can" =)
 
Although in this case, I couldn't :/
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: magnetic on March 21, 2011, 09:31:13 PM
As far as a520 svideo hack thats a nice project, too bad it wont work for NTSC a520s according to the doc? or can it..

@ op when you say "not working" what exactly do you mean? just a black screen? are there scanlines or color?
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Franko on March 21, 2011, 10:13:30 PM
Quote from: magnetic;623566
Franko

completely useless post as usual why bother posting on every thread. And what kind of moron tells somebody to run a composite to svideo adaptor that ruins the whole point of having y/c.. wake up. Every time you post a stupid post like this I will be there to tell you to stop the insanity. You are growing tiresome to productive amigans.

As far as a520 svideo hack thats a nice project, too bad it wont work for NTSC a520s according to the doc? or can it..

@ op when you say "not working" what exactly do you mean? just a black screen? are there scanlines or color?


Go take a run :D
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Franko on March 21, 2011, 10:18:45 PM
Quote from: Damiga;623563
And by the way...
 
You should know better than to ask a geek why he tries to do something.
The answer is as always, "because I can" =)
 
Although in this case, I couldn't :/


True... but it would be simpler to buy a Composite to S-Video convertor to use with a projector or better still an RGB to S-Video convertor for a really clean picture... :)

As for the hack, one of my mates did a similar hack years ago on his old A520 as at the time he didn't have a monitor and the TV he was using only had composite & S-Video connectors, I recall though that the picture quality was quite poor though... :(
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 21, 2011, 10:30:41 PM
Quote from: magnetic;623566
Franko
 
completely useless post as usual why bother posting on every thread. And what kind of moron tells somebody to run a composite to svideo adaptor that ruins the whole point of having y/c.. wake up. Every time you post a stupid post like this I will be there to tell you to stop the insanity. You are growing tiresome to productive amigans.
 
As far as a520 svideo hack thats a nice project, too bad it wont work for NTSC a520s according to the doc? or can it..
 
@ op when you say "not working" what exactly do you mean? just a black screen? are there scanlines or color?

Just a black screen and the projector displays "no signal".
I tried flipping the C and Y connectors just in case I wired them wrong, but then the projector goes crazy, fans spinning up =)
 
I was thinking that maybe there are som crucial points on the circuit board that I should measure and compare with someone that has a working s-video hacked A520
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 21, 2011, 10:34:25 PM
Quote from: Franko;623583
True... but it would be simpler to buy a Composite to S-Video convertor to use with a projector or better still an RGB to S-Video convertor for a really clean picture... :)
 
As for the hack, one of my mates did a similar hack years ago on his old A520 as at the time he didn't have a monitor and the TV he was using only had composite & S-Video connectors, I recall though that the picture quality was quite poor though... :(

I'm not looking for the easiest way :laughing:
 
I have composite on the projector but the image quality is not so good, and my A500 only gives b/w on composite so it's not really an option for me.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Franko on March 21, 2011, 10:47:14 PM
The hack my mate done years ago wasn't as complicated as the one you posted the link for he basically traced the RGB inputs on the A520 and followed them through to where they were combined on board the A520 to feed the signal to the RF output... :)

From there he simply tapped the connections via a couple of resistors & caps to get the Chroma & Luma signals, as I say it worked but the picture quality was no that great (it had some ghosting that he could never quite get rid off)... :)

He's not at home just now but I've emailed him to see if he can recall exactly how he done the mod, doubt he'll remember though cos he's been out of the Amiga scene to about 10 years now but you never know... :)
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: desiv on March 21, 2011, 10:56:07 PM
Quote from: Damiga;623563
The answer is as always, "because I can" =)
 .....
Although in this case, I couldn't :/

Well said, and I had unfortunately similar results when I tried an NTSC variant I found on the web...
I did get some picture, but no color and it wasn't even good b/w...  :-)
It was fun trying, but I eventually picked up an s-video adapter...

It's great to succeed, but it's fun even when it doesn't work..

desiv
p.s.  I was able to save face (to myself, I believe in lying to myself) because when I opened the NTSC 520, it was obvious someone before me had done some major work..  Replaced chips, etc..  So I was able to blame the previous tinkerer..  ;-)
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: magnetic on March 21, 2011, 11:40:56 PM
@ OP

Try with a regular tv or monitor not the projector.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Retro_71 on March 22, 2011, 01:57:49 AM
I have built one of these about 4 - 5 years ago when i didn't have that many monitors.

It was painful but it worked.
I know it sounds silly but have you followed all the instructions properly?
I would check to make sure all your cut and hacks were right.
Have you tried this on another TV (could be the projector doesn't like the A520?)
I will have to dig through my boxes to see if i can find again (if you want me too).

This is actually a nice mod to do if you only have TV (without SCART) to work with much better picture than a stock A520.

P.S.
I assume you double check all your orientation of your resistors with the colour image?
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: magnetic on March 22, 2011, 03:02:39 AM
@ op

Most good projectors have a vga or rgb input as well (or component) maybe something along those lines?
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Retro_71 on March 22, 2011, 03:10:17 AM
You don't remember you turd? i guess that you wouldn't since it must be part of how you are let just say a certain 060 for a A1200...

As for staying at home and typing LOL that funny well if you ever get to Sydney come over I will more than happy to have you spend the rest of your stay here in hospital.

Don't assume just because i am a nerd that you know what I can or can't do or have done.

Anyway enough with the Hijacking of the thread.

The Mod works you just have to be extra careful, maybe because i am not that good (back then) with the soldering Iron i was always triple checking what i was doing. Then again maybe that projector doesn't like the A520 or some component is broken/burnt?
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: magnetic on March 22, 2011, 06:11:53 AM
Retro you must live in a fantasy world. Really. Quite sad little person you are.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Retro_71 on March 22, 2011, 06:17:15 AM
Really?? must remember to tell my Anime friends i am in their world too much.
should let go of my robotic armour.....

Anyway numbnut say what you will but my invite still stands.. :D

@ thread sorry can't stand this git but no more off topic from me.

Damiga if you want me to look for my modded A520 let me know (mind you god know where it is... LOL)
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: kd7ota on March 22, 2011, 07:31:17 AM
Quote from: magnetic;623566
Franko

completely useless post as usual why bother posting on every thread. And what kind of moron tells somebody to run a composite to svideo adaptor that ruins the whole point of having y/c.. wake up. Every time you post a stupid post like this I will be there to tell you to stop the insanity. You are growing tiresome to productive amigans.

As far as a520 svideo hack thats a nice project, too bad it wont work for NTSC a520s according to the doc? or can it..

@ op when you say "not working" what exactly do you mean? just a black screen? are there scanlines or color?


Ur not the only one. Me thinks Franko is a wee bit of an ass clown.  Glad to know others think his posts are pretty much annoying. Plus his avatar is a wee bit douche. :D
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 22, 2011, 08:16:26 AM
Quote from: magnetic;623605
Franko
I'm tired of you polluting and hijacking threads why dont you try to GO OUTSIDE and at least TOUCH A GIRL
 
@ OP
 
Try with a regular tv or monitor not the projector.

The only other TV i have with s-video is my LCD in the living room but I'm afraid it might get fried, the projector was acting up when I tried the A520 on it.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 22, 2011, 08:25:12 AM
Quote from: Retro_71;623646
Ahhhhhhhhh Good old Magnetic why is it every time i see your name or a post from you i want to break every bone in your body?? hmmm but i digress..
I have built one of these about 4 - 5 years ago when i didn't have that many monitors.
 
It was painful but it worked.
I know it sounds silly but have you followed all the instructions properly?
I would check to make sure all your cut and hacks were right.
Have you tried this on another TV (could be the projector doesn't like the A520?)
I will have to dig through my boxes to see if i can find again (if you want me too).
 
This is actually a nice mod to do if you only have TV (without SCART) to work with much better picture than a stock A520.
 
P.S.
I assume you double check all your orientation of your resistors with the colour image?

I will go through the instructions again, I've done it about 5 times so far so one more time won't hurt :lol:
 
It would be great if you have the time to look for it and check if it's made the same way as in the instructions I posted. I'm very interested in how you connected the cable, that's the one thing I'm a bit unsure of.
 
Resistors don't have wrong/right orientation.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Franko on March 22, 2011, 01:49:37 PM
@ magnetic
Quote
Franko
I'm tired of you polluting and hijacking threads why dont you try to GO OUTSIDE and at least TOUCH A GIRL


The only pollution going on round here round here is the wind that comes out of you a-hole everytime you speak, go back to Amibay where you were much happier ripping people off instead of queue jumping round here and driveling shit all over the place... ;)

PS: not into touching wee girls like yourself, prefer an actual woman myself, weirdo...


Quote from: kd7ota;623684
Ur not the only one. Me thinks Franko is a wee bit of an ass clown.  Glad to know others think his posts are pretty much annoying. Plus his avatar is a wee bit douche. :D


Ahh... another blatant dickhead...

Odd how you haven't realised just how much my posts have effected you, using "Me Thinks" and "wee" must have gotten deep into you very subconscious now that your copying the way I post methinks...

PS:Thanks both of you for letting me know that my posts annoy you, mission accomplished and it's even better to know that your both too dumb to use the ignore feature on this site... whahoos... :D
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Zac67 on March 22, 2011, 02:40:30 PM
magnetic - though being quite impolite - does have a point. Using a composite-to-S-Video adapter serves absolutely no point. Once the image signal is f**ked up there's no way to recover it.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 22, 2011, 02:40:45 PM
Ok, enough off-topic!
 
Don't make me call Arnold and make him go kindergarten cop on all your asses!
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: magnetic on March 22, 2011, 10:32:25 PM
zac

Not being impolite. Just tired of this ego maniac "franko" and his stupid ass posts. Most of the time (70%) he is either plain wrong, is just plain silly, or useless advice.

Just a typical interenet tosser with no life and just trying to get his post count up, and be "popular" with other users.  Who is this fcking guy aorg was way better without him.

@ op

Yeah, you have to try it on another vid monitor.. if you have a 1084 it has y/c so you can test on that...
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Franko on March 22, 2011, 10:44:49 PM
Quote from: magnetic;623908
zac

Not being impolite. Just tired of this ego maniac "franko" and his stupid ass posts. Most of the time (70%) he is either plain wrong, is just plain silly, or useless advice.

Just a typical interenet tosser with no life and just trying to get his post count up, and be "popular" with other users.  Who is this fcking guy aorg was way better without him.


My you are a tenacious little badgers arse aren't you... :lol:

What's the matter sonny, not been able to buy stuff cheap on AmiBay and then double the price when you try to re-sell eating away at your wee brain cell... :)

Oh yeah, Im really doing my best to be popular dumbass, I'm on more peoples ignore lists than that you had hot dinners you brainless wonder... :lol:

This fcking guy is your worst nightmare and will continue to be until you disappear up you own jacksie you knobhead, get over it and try peddling your wares on street corners as everyone else round here is onto you, you greetin faced wee piece of blatant gobshite... :D
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: ognix on March 22, 2011, 11:09:09 PM
Quote from: Damiga;623562
Well I wasn't using it and I wanted something to do =)

Normally I use an old CRT with SCART connector, but I also have a projector that hasn't got SCART. The projector has Y-U-V connections so about a week ago I bought a second hand SCART->Y-U-V converter so I could hook it up.
 
It gives a nice sharp image but unfortunately there are som slight vertical "ghosting" of the colors.
 
So since I had an A520 that was of no use to me I decided to give it a try and see if the converted A520 would produce a better image than my scart-yuv converter


Hello!
I didn't try the A520 mod for Y/C output, but since you speak about the YUV input of your projector, remember that YUV is DIFFERENT from Y/C.
Y/C means separated luma (brightness) and chroma (color) signals
YUV (also YCbCr) means luma signal (Y), U blue color minus luma signal (B-Y), V red color minus luma signal (R-Y)

So Y/C output is not compatible with YUV.
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Stedy on March 23, 2011, 12:17:05 AM
@Damiga

Not tried the A520 hack but are you sure you are matching a PAL A520 to a PAL Amiga?

You also mentioned a SCART to YUV converter that had some Ghosting issues. The Amigas CSYNC signal is not compatible with modern video devices un-modified. You need to attentuate the output using a 330 ohm resistor. My SCART cable diagram is shown here:

http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=47281

What Amiga do you have?
There are easily made hacks to add S-Video to the A600/A1200 or you can purchase an RGB to S-Video adaptor from Amigamaniac.com, though this is not as fun as hacking something together yourself :)

Ian
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: kd7ota on March 23, 2011, 05:41:39 AM
Quote from: Franko;623912
My you are a tenacious little badgers arse aren't you... :lol:

What's the matter sonny, not been able to buy stuff cheap on AmiBay and then double the price when you try to re-sell eating away at your wee brain cell... :)

Oh yeah, Im really doing my best to be popular dumbass, I'm on more peoples ignore lists than that you had hot dinners you brainless wonder... :lol:

This fcking guy is your worst nightmare and will continue to be until you disappear up you own jacksie you knobhead, get over it and try peddling your wares on street corners as everyone else round here is onto you, you greetin faced wee piece of blatant gobshite... :D


You really remind me of those annoying individuals who will not shut up on Xbox Live. Guess thats a "mickeysoft" product for you.  Do us all a favor and just shut yer pie hole. :lol:
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: kd7ota on March 23, 2011, 05:47:22 AM
Don't bother replying, I added you to the ignore list. Have a good life ass clown. :)
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 23, 2011, 09:29:08 PM
Quote from: Stedy;623951
@Damiga

Not tried the A520 hack but are you sure you are matching a PAL A520 to a PAL Amiga?

You also mentioned a SCART to YUV converter that had some Ghosting issues. The Amigas CSYNC signal is not compatible with modern video devices un-modified. You need to attentuate the output using a 330 ohm resistor. My SCART cable diagram is shown here:

http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=47281

What Amiga do you have?
There are easily made hacks to add S-Video to the A600/A1200 or you can purchase an RGB to S-Video adaptor from Amigamaniac.com, though this is not as fun as hacking something together yourself :)

Ian

Hi Ian,

I've actually modified cable using your instructions earlier, it works great with my old CRT TV, so thanks for that =)

I also bought an amiga->scart cable that I've been using with the projector and the scart/yuv converter. The one I made myself with your instructions didn't work with the scart/yuv converter but the one I bought did.
And the cable I bought don't work on my CRT TV, The picture "rolls".

I actually had the same problem with the homemade cable on the CRT before I modified it with your instructions. The only modification was actually changing a resistor(I think it was a 180ohm that I changed to a 330ohm) so I guess that the cable I recently bought has a resistor lower than 330ohm and for some reason that makes it work with my projector. I haven't bothered to investigate that further since I could piece together a working combination of cables and CRT/projector.

On to the a520...
I'm pretty sure it's a PAL A520, The NTSC "jumper" on the circuit board is open(looks clean so I doubt that it's ever been closed) and the crystal is 4,something MHz and I understand that a NTSC version should have 3,something.

I've tried the A520 on my Amiga 500+ and on my A600, I don't dare to try it on my A1200s before I got it working on the a500 or a600.

I know there are other options for me than modifying the A520, but I'm not doing it out of necessity, I'm doing it for fun and it's a challenge :)
Title: Re: help with a520 s-video hack
Post by: Damiga on March 23, 2011, 09:32:57 PM
Quote from: ognix;623926
Hello!
I didn't try the A520 mod for Y/C output, but since you speak about the YUV input of your projector, remember that YUV is DIFFERENT from Y/C.
Y/C means separated luma (brightness) and chroma (color) signals
YUV (also YCbCr) means luma signal (Y), U blue color minus luma signal (B-Y), V red color minus luma signal (R-Y)
 
So Y/C output is not compatible with YUV.

Yes I know, and I'm NOT trying to connect it(modified A520) to the YUV/YCbCr ports on the projector.
:)