Topics

1

Hardware and Tech / Dreamcast: Low power to controllers

« on: February 02, 2016, 04:32:16 am »

I can use a VMU in either slot with only P1 controller connected. If I connect a controller to P2, the P1 VMU screen dims and it starts beeping every few seconds. It throws an error during gameplay (observed in SoulCalibur) and during any attempt to save. P1 and P2 controllers function as intended and the error(s) vanish when the VMU is removed (although I can't save without one).

If I unplug P2, I can save and play all I want. I don't see any obvious issues with the controller ports/board. Everything checks out with my multimeter. I'd like to rock some SoulCalibur with my friends, but I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure this issue out.

2

Hardware and Tech / N64 - No video output

« on: November 05, 2015, 02:09:45 am »

I had an N64 handed to me and it worked for the first 2 hours it was in my possession. Now I get a black screen no matter what video cable I use or what game I have in it.

I don't have much experience with N64 issues and this one is driving me insane! Any ideas?

3

Hardware and Tech / Looking for solid HDMI upconverters

« on: March 13, 2014, 03:21:01 pm »

I'm trying to find a good, budget-priced S-Video/Composite to HDMI and a Component to HDMI converter.  Every unit I've considered and/or tried does not preserve the 4:3 aspect ratio and I can't seem to find an HDMI converter/upscaler in my price range that will.  What do you guys use?

4

Marketplace / Odds and ends for sale or trade

« on: January 08, 2014, 12:07:34 am »

I've got some stuff that needs to find a new home and I thought I'd give VGC first crack at it before slogging through ebay. Everything is in good, working condition unless otherwise stated. PM me with any questions, what you would like and make me an offer. I can only accept PayPal.

Dreamcast
7 non-working consoles for parts
12 working consoles -repaired them myself to working condition
1 composite cable
3 power cables

Sega Genesis
1 working model 2 console -made in Indonesia
1 MK-2103 power adapter
1 MK-2103 power adapter
1 model 1650 3-button controller
1 composite cable
1 Sega Activator controller

Game Boy Color
1 yellow handheld console
2 Japanese Pokemon Gold carts -properly replaced save batteries myself
2 Japanese Pokemon Silver carts -properly replaced save batteries myself

Gamecube
1 official power brick
1 Pokemon XD game case only -no manual, has some wear

Nintendo DS
1 Pokemon White CIB -in acceptable shape with rental wear to the case and manual

Xbox 360
1 Perfect Dark Zero game CIB -minor wear, price sticker and sticker residue, no scratches on disc

Playstation 2
1 Simpsons Road Rage Greatest Hits IB -no manual, case insert has been wet and warped, scratched but playable only on a system with a strong laser
1 Spongebob Squarepants Movie Greatest Hits IB -no manual, disk is scratched and playable only on a system with a strong laser
1 Katamari Damacy Black Label -disc only, no scratches
5 S-video A/V cables
1 Interact RFU adapter
1 Performance RFU adapter
1 Official 8MB memory card
1 cleaned and working console model SCPH-75001
1 Official power adapter model SCPH-70100 -with AC 2-prong wall plug
1 Final Fantasy X-2 game guide -wear and creases (not terrible... but still worn)

Playstation
1 Crash Bash Greatest Hits CIB -no scratches to disc, wear on the case, manual in great shape
1 Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets Black Label CIB -no scratches to disc, wear on the case, manual in great shape
1 WWF Smackdown! 2 Greatest Hits CIB -no scratches to disc, wear on the case, manual in great shape, holographic WWF sticker still on case
1 working Playstation console model SCPH-9001
1 power cord
1 controller model SCPH-1080 (the model without analogue sticks)

Playstation 3
1 Samsung Holiday Bluetooth headset CIB -never used

If you've got a console you would like repaired or modified, I'm sure we could work something out. 

5

Hardware and Tech / Sega Master System Mystery Issue

« on: January 02, 2014, 04:12:15 pm »

I just picked up a SMS from GoodWill today. It didn't have the RF, A/V or power supply, but I have a spare 9V, 1.2A wall-wart that fits. I have cleaned the hell out of the console and the games, but each time I power on the system, I get the boot screen, then a screen saying

WELCOME TO THE SEGA
MASTER SYSTEM.

TO PLAY, FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. TURN OFF POWER ON POWER BASE.

2. INSERT CARD/CARTRIDGE INTO SYSTEM.

3. TURN POWER BACK ON,AND....
ENJOY!!!

...and I can't get it to read a game. Every few power cycles I get a different error screen, but nearly every time it's the above screen.

I can't find any shorts or open connections on the motherboard and the cart slot seems to grip the cart pretty well.

I can usually find the source of the problem, but this one has me banging my head on my workbench. 

6

Hardware and Tech / Building a Dreamcast VGA box vs. Internal VGA mod

« on: December 02, 2013, 11:54:49 pm »

S-video is serving me decently at the moment, but I know the Dreamcast video quality can be much better with VGA. I made the mistake of buying a Hong Kong Special VGA cable and it's complete crap. They omitted the resistors and capacitors necessary for a clean, acceptable picture and were kind enough to leave out the pins I would need to connect to in order to make a solid VGA box. After chopping up the cable in hopes that I might be able to salvage it for a VGA/scanliner box I'm starting to think that an internal VGA mod might be the way to go.

I guess the entire point of this post is to gather some opinions before I do something to my Dreamcast that I might regret in the future. Thoughts?

7

Hardware and Tech / SD Game Consoles on HDTV Screens

« on: November 17, 2013, 06:46:10 pm »

I have been combing the net for information on scanliners, video signal conversions and upscaling. I currently have a Philips CRT TV manufactured around 1998 that has been used to play our myriad of retro consoles, but has started to show signs of a bad tube. I don't want to search out another CRT out of a need to conserve space and longevity concerns. I have ordered all the parts I could ever need to build a VGA scanliner for cheap and have ordered an S-Video/Composite to VGA converter. After I placed that order, however, I found an S-video/Composite to HDMI converter and upscaler for a reasonable price.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-S-Video-Composite-Converter-DA-PCSH/dp/B00EP9V9TS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1384727425&sr=8-3&keywords=s-video+converter

Would the upscaler be a better solution than the VGA converter as far as frame lag?
Is it worth it to hassle with tapping to the RGB signals and doing something with RGB to VGA conversion?
Should I scrap the whole thing and search for another CRT that I will eventually have to pay the recyclers to take?

Thanks in advance!