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GBP30 Scan Converters?

cj7hawkcj7hawk
in Hardware
Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone else has tried those new scan converters? They cost around US$45 and just under $60 here in Australia, so I assume they cost around GBP30 including postage.

They have a HDMI output and take raw RGB in 15KHz, 25KHz and 32 KHz and some others... so CGA, EGA, VGA. run of 5v, so seem like a great way to get a spectrum RGB output to a modern HDMI TV set.

I ordered some, but they are weeks away. Has anyone else tried them out?

David.

Comments

  • cj7hawkcj7hawk
    Answered my own question... Also found a few for around GBP17 each on Amazon, which seemed really cheap.

    Links to them in case anyone else was using them ( though these are old, so maybe it's already common knowledge ).

    - Someone using to run a 128+2 to a VGA monitor.


    https://cygnus.speccy.cz/popis_propojeni_zxs128kplus2_a_gbs8220.php - All the wiring information.


    - Connected to a 128+3

    I'd still be interested to know what issues anyone hit if anyone on the forum has tried one -

    Thanks
    David.
  • PobbitPobbit
    There's a modification with a replacement firmware and an esp8266 that makes them way better and brings the latency right down.
    I have all the parts, but haven't built it yet.

    https://github.com/ramapcsx2/gbs-control/wiki/Build-the-Hardware
  • 1024MAK1024MAK
    Yes, some also known as GBS-8200. I’ve used them with Atari ST and BBC Micros. See here for and here for example.

    That was some time ago. I did mean to try and get one working with a Speccy, but never did.

    Mark
    Sinclair FAQ Wiki
    Repair Guides. Spanish Hardware site.
    WoS - can't download? Info here...
    former Meulie Spectrum Archive but no longer available :-(
    Spectranet: the TNFS directory thread

    ! Standby alert !
    “There are four lights!”
    Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb!
    Looking forward to summer in Somerset later in the year :)
  • cj7hawkcj7hawk
    So I got the HDMI converter and here's what I noted.

    The HDMI version takes external 5v, but since HDMI is powered, that was sufficient to run it. It takes about 0.6A at 5v. Sometimes, with a cheaper cable, or if the cable is too long, it can be problematic.

    The quality of the image is very good, and can be adjusted. It support 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 and 1366x768. You can choose the overscan rate. Higher levels give better pixel quality as it seems to convert a full frame at a time, which means a little lag, but should be OK on a speccy.

    The cable that comes with it solders right up to a connector.
    2 Gnd
    4 Csync
    5 Vsync
    6 Green
    7 Red
    8 Blue

    It works with the +3 and the grey +2, so that probably covers all 128 models.

    They come with the menu in chinese, so you need to switch it to english to read ( unless you read chinese ). The last menu option is the correct one,and once there, you'll see an option with "English". Select this and the menu switches to english.

    Hope this is helpful to anyone looking to try these.

    David
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