SNES RGB Problem

[MattyD]

The jagginess is probably what the image is supposed to look like; remember that the picture your machine puts out at 50hz not only has more vertical lines (pal is 576 rather than 480) but the image is filling less of the screen. When you run it in NTSC you're spreading an image with a lower vertical resolution over the entire screen, and because RGB is so lossless it's not getting softened up by the poor signal. So what you're seeing is caused by the gaps in between scan lines.

I'm pretty sure that's what it is; for what it's worth the scanlines are clearly noticeable on my TV in 60hz but not at 50hz and the effect is very similar. Also notice how the jagginess effects vertical or slanted lines but not horizontal ones like the tops of the letters.

any ideas on the (dead?) converter? The JP/US cart goes in the back and the PAL cart in front?

If you haven't tried both ways around it's worth a go, otherwise it's probably just dead.

[honeymustard]

Nope, it definitely is not supposed to look like that. Just play any SNES game in an emulator and you'll see.

Also, just for the record:

Sonic 1 at 50Hz:


Sonic 1 at 60Hz:

[kernow]

If you haven't tried both ways around it's worth a go, otherwise it's probably just dead.

Yeah, tried both ways, I guess its dead then, surely there can't be much in it, ah well, I guess I'll rip it open and take a look, I only have one JP cart anyway. thanks fella.

[honeymustard]

Yeah, tried both ways, I guess its dead then, surely there can't be much in it, ah well, I guess I'll rip it open and take a look, I only have one JP cart anyway. thanks fella.

Can you not just use the JP cart by itself? I think my SNES plays all my JP games in 50Hz (though I know some will only boot in 60Hz).

Edit: I just bought a Gamecube RGB cable (for use with NTSC SNES's), so I'll try that and see if it works... otherwise I guess I'll move over to a NTSC SNES.

[MattyD]

Most modded machines will do Super Fami carts, yeah. Depends on how it was modded but most either have two switches (one for region one for hz like mine) or one switch that flicks between 50hz / pal and 60hz / ntsc.

[S3M]

maybe I should just get a US snes. heh, do they even do RGB? I'd be quite happy with mine, well I am actually, I guess I need to do more testing really.

An original US SNES will output an RGB picture fine, later models like the JR don't however I believe.

honeymustard, My copies of Fire Emblem & Earthbound don't look like that at 60hz. None of my machines are moded however.

[kernow]

hmm, *tries jp cart straight in machine*, never thought of that before. I only have one switch as a mate did it , for 50/60

[kernow]

nah, jp cart doesn't work.

oh my god I give up, on 50Hz theres a border down one side of the screen with certain games, like its not centred or something, then on 60hz its on the other side. I'm pretty sure if you want the real deal, i.e a 60Hz RGB snes, a modded PAL one isn't the way to go at all. I guess I'll look at picking up a US one in future, or .. a super famicom I suppose. although theres hardly any nostalgia in that, plus I don't want to play mario world in jp (even though it has hardly any text). blech

[honeymustard]

If you've got a 50/60Hz switch then there isn't a problem with playing any JP carts... no need for a converter at all - you can widen the cartridge slot for American carts.

I think once I get everything SNES related working I might make a definitive guide to full compatibility and modding

Edit: seeing your above post, it sounds like the cart itself doesn't work...

Edit: one other thing... when the moving around, the jagged edges don't show up. Only when graphics are stationary do they show up :P

[Pilotwings]

This thread is getting confusing. So you guys have dodgy rgb leads? or does pal 50 whacked into 60 cause jaggies fact?

[honeymustard]

I'm THINKING it's the latter. When I get the SNES NTSC cable I'll try that. I've heard that the NTSC cables don't work with the PAL system, but I don't know if that's in 50Hz or 60Hz (or both..). We shall see though.

What I do know is the NTSC cable on an NTSC system does not produce any jagged edges

[MattyD]

I'm pretty sure if you want the real deal, i.e a 60Hz RGB snes, a modded PAL one isn't the way to go at all.

If you got someone to do it properly you wouldn't be saying that There are guides aplenty on the internets on how to add the region-free switch, perhaps your friend could splice that into your machine?

Here's a good guide to get you started:

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/snes-switches-1.htm

Having said that, unless your friend is some kind of techno-mage electronics god it's probably just going to be less hassle to buy a Super Famicom.

[honeymustard]

I probably shouldn't post this as it'll just add more confusion... but I have a region switch installed and it doesn't seem to do anything. NTSC-U games boot with it switched one way, but not the other, and when switching mid-game, the screen just goes black. PAL and JP games boot with the switch either way, and when the switch is switched one way during gameplay, nothing happens, but when switched the other way, the screen goes black. So... I really don't see what it's supposed to do!

[kernow]

I think my head is going to explode.

lol techno-mage electronics god.

I'm going to open this jp cart up, then the converter, then throw the converter away

YES!

[Pilotwings]

Maybe your not supposed to switch it during the game?