External scandoubler for 15KHZ RGB Amiga

[stefcep2]

Looks good. Will definitely look if buying more for more monitors. As I've said, I'm waiting on an US$87 box I bought (link in earlier post).
Looking at the youtube link I'm wondering why people are wiring up a VGA connection. Couldn't you buy a DB23 RGB to VGA cable like are on Ebay and use that?

Thats not how it works...the VGA is output from the board.  The amiga video comes To the scandoubler through those 6  colored wires.  You have to solder each one of those to the DB23.  This then plugs into the amiga video out.  The other end of the wires is plugged in to the scan doubler board.  Its done this way because this scan doubler is also used for numerous analogue consoles that have their own custom video out connectors, the idea being you solder those 6 colored wires to the matching input connector(in the Amiga's case its the Db23)

http://amigamodblog.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/amiga-500-scan-doubler-vga-converter.html?m=1

[rshimada]

I'm using this:

https://www.amazon.com/Scart-Video-Converter-Scaler-Coaxial/dp/B00MUNIVRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506887503&sr=1-1&keywords=Scart+Hdmi+to+Hdmi+Video+Converter+Box+1080p+Scaler+3.5mm+Coaxial+Audio+Out

VERY nice quality from Amiga RGB

Yeah, agreed - for HDMI output. Those of us in the Americas have to wait patiently for our SCART cables to arrive.

The HDMI/SCART upscaler also takes composite input, which I've needed on the low quality 4:3 LCDs monitors currently available. (The composite input on these monitors often have trouble with vertical sync.)

[guest20923]

Thats not how it works...the VGA is output from the board.  The amiga video comes To the scandoubler through those 6  colored wires.  You have to solder each one of those to the DB23.  This then plugs into the amiga video out.  The other end of the wires is plugged in to the scan doubler board.  Its done this way because this scan doubler is also used for numerous analogue consoles that have their own custom video out connectors, the idea being you solder those 6 colored wires to the matching input connector(in the Amiga's case its the Db23)

http://amigamodblog.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/amiga-500-scan-doubler-vga-converter.html?m=1

I was wondering because the coloured wires plug in behind a VGA input connector. Would a DB23 to VGA Amiga custom cable be able to plug from Amiga out into VGA input socket? Otherwise what's the Input VGA connector on the board for?

[guest20923]

There is a guy selling a 3D printed case for that bare board on Ebay.  It looks fairly decent.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Case-for-GBS8200-Commodore-Amiga-scandoubler-warm-gray/172890457509?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D46657%26meid%3D18b2bbc3c2834b0c881f636f1d695eb9%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D13%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D112585627831&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%253Ae46dddb5-a907-11e7-a074-74dbd180c26e%257Cparentrq%253Ae792a8ec15e0a9c178efc711fffc2892%257Ciid%253A1

or, print it yourself:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2301666

Nice Amiga style case. I didn't realise that GBS 8200 was the name of the cheap board. I've heard it mentioned before but cased ones sell for around AUD$120 on Ebay. Would be a bargain to get a board and case instead.

[guest20923]

Yeah, agreed - for HDMI output. Those of us in the Americas have to wait patiently for our SCART cables to arrive.

The HDMI/SCART upscaler also takes composite input, which I've needed on the low quality 4:3 LCDs monitors currently available. (The composite input on these monitors often have trouble with vertical sync.)

Well; I've learnt a few things about Amigas since focussing on VGA. One thing is the authenticity of the 4:3 screen ratio. I really believe in the "spirit" and Amigaesq feedback of the Amiga and,  in keeping with it's manufacture (factory Commodore) , doesn't present well with a 16:9 widescreen.
Although I've tried HDMI without  success, it seems VGA is as far as I should go. I'm not a fan of Escom as they didn't keep the original Amiga framework and followed in worldly PCifying the Amiga.(In my opinion) PCs' are anybodys business and not far from dwelling in crap. (In my opinion). Steve Jobs from Apple said "NO" to investing in Commodore and I think that to be a value rather than a detraction.
I guess for my interest in the Amiga it's about being workable and relevant without losing the presence the Amigas came out with in 1985. (I feel better now)

[kolla]

To make things worse, if you pretend that PAL (interlaced) has 1:1 pixels, you get a 5:4 display ratio, but PAL is also 4:3 and the "pixels" are not 1:1

There are, however, quite a few native 1280x1024 LCD/TFT monitors that indeed are 5:4.
I always found it a bit strange that Indivision and other flicker fixers cannot just double 640x512 to a native 1280x1024 :p

[guest20923]

To make things worse, if you pretend that PAL (interlaced) has 1:1 pixels, you get a 5:4 display ratio, but PAL is also 4:3 and the "pixels" are not 1:1

There are, however, quite a few native 1280x1024 LCD/TFT monitors that indeed are 5:4.
I always found it a bit strange that Indivision and other flicker fixers cannot just double 640x512 to a native 1280x1024 :p

In 1986 I had an A1000 with a 1081 monitor (scart connector and green screen opt). I have a 1084S now but think I'd prefer TFT (despite my previous rant) as these days the CRT looks a little "fish-eyed" for want of a better word.
Is the 1081/84(s) series 4:3 or 5:4? I assumed 4:3 was the standard.

[stefcep2]

I was wondering because the coloured wires plug in behind a VGA input connector. Would a DB23 to VGA Amiga custom cable be able to plug from Amiga out into VGA input socket? Otherwise what's the Input VGA connector on the board for?

Good point!

I assumed it was duel VGA output- why have a VGA input if your source is already VGA?  The manual says the VGA input is RGBHV if that makes any difference.

https://www.mikesarcade.com/estore/datasheets/GBS-8200-booklet.pdf

http://retroactivearcade.ca/content/GBS-8200%20VGA-CGA%20Manual.pdf


All the amiga examples I have seen use the colored ribbon cable soldered to an amiga db23.  They also draw power from the RGB port to power the scan doubler-this is apparently risky to the amiga.

I actually ordered one of the scan doublers myself and a DB23 connector, but I also have an amiga DB23 to VGA kicking around at home and if it works yippee no soldering, and a spare DB23.

[QuikSanz]

I was wondering because the coloured wires plug in behind a VGA input connector. Would a DB23 to VGA Amiga custom cable be able to plug from Amiga out into VGA input socket? Otherwise what's the Input VGA connector on the board for?

I agree, That should work The adapter just converts the wiring but no scan doubling happens there. you would need a 15Khz capable monitor, Hard to find so still needs to be doubled.
However you will have a lot of stuff sticking out the back and would be cleaner to just solder on your own connector.

[guest20923]

I agree, That should work The adapter just converts the wiring but no scan doubling happens there. you would need a 15Khz capable monitor, Hard to find so still needs to be doubled.
However you will have a lot of stuff sticking out the back and would be cleaner to just solder on your own connector.

I was thinking of say, Amiga RGB-DB23/VGA adaptor-VGA cable-GBS8200-VGA cable-VGA TFT monitor.
I know you can connect without a doubler board but the monitor would have to be 15KHZ capable like an LG 1717a etc.

[guest20923]

Good point!

I assumed it was duel VGA output- why have a VGA input if your source is already VGA?  The manual says the VGA input is RGBHV if that makes any difference.

https://www.mikesarcade.com/estore/datasheets/GBS-8200-booklet.pdf

http://retroactivearcade.ca/content/GBS-8200%20VGA-CGA%20Manual.pdf


All the amiga examples I have seen use the colored ribbon cable soldered to an amiga db23.  They also draw power from the RGB port to power the scan doubler-this is apparently risky to the amiga.

I actually ordered one of the scan doublers myself and a DB23 connector, but I also have an amiga DB23 to VGA kicking around at home and if it works yippee no soldering, and a spare DB23.

I'd be interested to know how you go. The USD$89 doubler box I bought; it's listing mentions a separate 5v supply and normal VGA ports in and out so that's what I was going to do (with a DB23 adaptor).

[guest20923]

Good point!

I assumed it was duel VGA output- why have a VGA input if your source is already VGA?  The manual says the VGA input is RGBHV if that makes any difference.

https://www.mikesarcade.com/estore/datasheets/GBS-8200-booklet.pdf

http://retroactivearcade.ca/content/GBS-8200%20VGA-CGA%20Manual.pdf


All the amiga examples I have seen use the colored ribbon cable soldered to an amiga db23.  They also draw power from the RGB port to power the scan doubler-this is apparently risky to the amiga.

I actually ordered one of the scan doublers myself and a DB23 connector, but I also have an amiga DB23 to VGA kicking around at home and if it works yippee no soldering, and a spare DB23.

booklet also says CGA/EGA autoscan 15KHZ/...
Should be fine with a normal cable unless it ALSO drains power. Wouldn't think so though - it has a separate power supply point.

[guest20923]

Thought I'd post a link for a neat external scandoubler I've just ordered. Mentions Amiga compatibility on the Ebay listing. Allows use of any VGA monitor which is great.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15Khz-RGsB-RGBS-YUV-CGA-480i-Component-Video-to-VGA-Converter-Scaler-/350244621369?epid=689720387&hash=item518c34cc39:g:JlIAAOSwBLlU-mfS

Well, it arrived. It's an Ambery AV-1M and all I had to do was set it to RGB (Has also YpBr) and switch it to XGA output(has VGA, XGA and QXGA). I'm using an Acer AL1717 monitor which cost me all of $9 so the bit of vertical banding I see isn't a worry. That's the monitor not the signal. Anyway works a treat and is in a nice compact case that's easily placed under or behind the monitor.
http://www.ambery.com/rgbcgatovgac.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au
Thanks everyone.

[stefcep2]

Well received the GBS board.  Mine is a Version 5 with VGA in and VGA out.

On PAL A1200 with Db23-VGA adaptor I get a rolling PAL high res screen.  Same with any games.

 The component input->VGA out works perfectly as tested with DVD players, Bluray player and a Gamecube with component out.

So no go with DB23-VGA adaptor.

[rshimada]

Well received the GBS board.  ... no go with DB23-VGA adaptor.

The sync level may be too high. See https://ianstedman.wordpress.com/gbs-82xx-experiments/

[guest20923]

Well received the GBS board.  Mine is a Version 5 with VGA in and VGA out.

On PAL A1200 with Db23-VGA adaptor I get a rolling PAL high res screen.  Same with any games.

 The component input->VGA out works perfectly as tested with DVD players, Bluray player and a Gamecube with component out.

So no go with DB23-VGA adaptor.

Bummer. Oh well..