22 May
2015
22 May
'15
9:45 p.m.
What are you doing for the PSU
(the computer ran off the SMPSU in the monitor IIRC)?
The cable "kit" came with a stand-alone PSU. This works fine.
Yes, I don't know what the problem is. It could be the cheap "no-brand"
SCART <--> composite video/s-video converter (the signal can go either
way). Anyway, it's better to have the genuine screen, so I'm glad I'm
getting that.
Terry (Tez)
On Sat, May 23, 2015 at 4:32 PM, tony duell <ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
Yes, video is
tricky. I've just had an experience which emphasizes the
topic under discussion.
The main problems stem from the fact that these computers output anything
but broadcast-standard video. In some cases it was because they were built
to a price and it was 'what can we get away with'. In others it was more a
case
of getting extra features (like colour) almost for free.
Just recently I got hold of an Amstrad CPC 464.
http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/collection/amstradcpc464.htm
Incidentally, one of the better things (for me) about Amstrad machines
is that service manuals existed for them. Said manuals are essentially
a schematic and a parts list, but that is all that is normally needed.
Certainly
for the older machines (all the CPCs and PCWs and the earlier PCs) they are
not just boardswapper guides.
It didn't come with its screen though
(dedicated screens were sold with
the
machine). However British enthusiasts had
developed an RGB to SCART cable
What are you doing for the PSU (the computer ran off the SMPSU in the
monitor
IIRC)?
for this very problem. Problem for me was that
although SCART is a common
video interface in Europe, it's rare in New Zealand. However I noted
there
One problem with SCART (and I don't think it's the cause of your problems)
is that
it is several interfaces on one connector. In particular there is
composite video,
RGB video (using the composite pin for sync) and later S-video (using the
composite pin for Y and IIRC the 'red' pin for C). Not all devices
implement all
parts of the interface. In particular UK TVs almost always have the RGB
inputs,
VCRs did not.
The CPC output is RGB video, and AFAIK the CPC-SCART cable is a simple
cable
with perhaps level-shifting resistors inside. So it will use the RGB pins
on the
SCART connector.
-tony