CV64 3D using non CV64 3D scan doubler - Is it possible?

[RMK305]

I'm wondering if it is possible to use a non CV63 3D scan doublerr with the CV64 3D? I have one of the cards and want a scan doubler but can't find a CV63 3D scn doubler anywhere.

Thanks

[Zac67]

The CV's scan doubler is actually just a (clever) way to pipe the RGB output into the VESA feature connector of the S3 chip and then use a digital overlay to show it through the VGA output. It uses an A/D converter and some circuitry to adapt the signal - definitely quite a bit of work to rebuild, but probably possible. Since there's nothing comparable, there's little chance of replacing it with something else, sorry.

But: you can use any other scandoubler independently of the CV, but you'll need a 2nd monitor or an external switch.

[rkauer]

 If you don't mind in make a hack, buy/steal/rent an external FF/SD and route the Cyber Vision output to it.

 Yes, you'll need to make an adaptor to take the 15 pin of CV to 23 pin of SD/FF, and hack the missing +12V & +5V from somewhere.

[RMK305]

I love the speed of replies on here.

The idea was to get away from the 2 monitor situation as it's just a little tidier.

rkauer wrote:
 If you don't mind in make a hack, buy/steal/rent an external FF/SD and route the Cyber Vision output to it.

 Yes, you'll need to make an adaptor to take the 15 pin of CV to 23 pin of SD/FF, and hack the missing +12V & +5V from somewhere.

Basically 2 outputs routing into 1 monitor connector? That seems relatively straight forward as if I remember correctly only the native or gfx card output is output at any one time. Finding what pin output does what would be the hardest part. Anyone know this?

Thanks,

Robert

[rkauer]

 Look at here

[sandpiper]

I use a CV643D in an A3000. The outputs of the CV643D and the A3000 internal flicker fixer both feed an ATEN VS291 external monitor switch that I got for about $30 (new) on EBay. Works very well. You should be able to use a Commodore A2320 Display Enhancer or Microway Flicker Fixer much the same way with the CV643D in other big box Amigas.

[Jope]

Zac67 wrote:
The CV's scan doubler is actually just a (clever) way to pipe the RGB output into the VESA feature connector of the S3 chip and then use a digital overlay to show it through the VGA output.

Nope.

The CV3D outputs a VGA signal to the pin header you plug the SD's flat cable into.

The SD is a normal standalone scandoubler with an added video switcher.. The switcher is controlled by a signal from the CV3D, via the same header connector.

When you have a CV3D+SD combo, the monitor cable is plugged into the SD, not the CV3D.

BTW, feature connectors in ancient SVGA boards normally only allow direct access to the video RAM on the card.

[RMK305]

sandpiper wrote:
I use a CV643D in an A3000. The outputs of the CV643D and the A3000 internal flicker fixer both feed an ATEN VS291 external monitor switch that I got for about $30 (new) on EBay.

Sandpiper,

Does the Aten VS291 havve it's own external power supply?


I have also been looking at the VS201 which seems to be an automatic switcher.

See here

There is a manual on there and I've had a look at it but I'm not 100% sure this would work for me. Can anyone confirm? I'd like it  to be able to switch between the GFX card and scan doubler automatically, if this is possible.

Many thanks for the help.

Robert

[Zac67]

@Jope

You're right - got that mixed up with the Picasso IV which is built that way, sorry.

[sandpiper]

@RMK305

Does the Aten VS291 havve it's own external power supply?

Yes, it is an electronic switch.

I have also been looking at the VS201 which seems to be an automatic switcher.

I originally intended to buy this one because I wanted automatic switching too but I ended up selecting the VS291 on price. It was less than half the price of the VS201 and I thought I would give it a try. So far I am happy with it.

The VS201 also has a priority switch to select the primary input so that may help when the Amiga opens both a native and a RTG screen at the same time. The way I read their manual, the VS-201 would automatically select the primary input if a signal is present there.