Updated CD32 Expansion adapter, Scart, VGA, Keyboard

I want one! Still available?

[Amiga1992]

I got mine! So excited!
Worked great with the 23 pin video port to RGB adapter I have, didn't test SCART because I don't have a SCART-SCART cable currently, neither do I have a PS/2 keyboard to test the keyboard port. Will report more, but so far, great!

I have to say though, I am very impressed with the S-Video output of the CD32, I was doing an A/B comparison with RGB and I really can't tell the difference and I also think the contrast with S-Video might be better, darker blacks than on RGB. Don't know if I''ll be using RGB because this is the only S-Video device I have and it fits perfectly in its own input on y TV, but looking forward to use the keyboard and here's hoping Stedy's expansion comes out some time soon!

This thing looks awesome; RGB output on a CD32 without having to mod? I'd love one of these!

[xArtx]

Hi Where do you get the expansion card slot connector?
I think adding the real CIAs would be a great mod. Much potential for the rest of the ports.
I think from there, the only hard work left would be the HDD controller.

[kipper2k]

Hi all,

you can send me an email at kipper2k@shaw.ca i won't be able to build anything for at least the next 10 days as i have had surgery on my good hand which is now totally bandaged up so everything is all on hold

[wmsteele]

Hope this wasn't a soldering accident All the best for a speedy recovery.

[Amiga1992]

Yeah man, take care! Hope you recover quickly.

[Amiga1992]

A little update as I manage to get out of moving haste and settling down to test things!
Here are some pics of my CD32 with kipper's adapter, connecting it to a 1084 monitor and a Mitsumi AT keyboard.



The keyboard works great! Now I can play games like Time Lock and others that required keyboard input.

I had been looking for an Amiga-feeling keyboard for a while and thanks to Jope I managed to find one. One sad Amiga 600 now has WINDOWS KEYS on it though, I think it's funny so I am keeping it this way haha!


A little suggestion, don't know if it is possible because I see circuitboard lines beneath this area, but if you could revise the design so those get relocated, perhaps you can add a hole in the area shown in red in the photo so we can put a screw and a spacer to secure the board in position? It's rather wobbly and it makes me nervous a bit, especially since the video port has no screws either and the video cable tends to snap out if I happen to move the unit.



Anyway, LOVE this unit, thanks so much kipper for making it a reality!
Now I hope Stedy can finish Hermes so my CD32 becomes a monster Amiga games console!

[Riempie]

Akira: So you got it working with a 1084 monitor? I have the previous adapter (without scart) and the monitor isn't showing anything (screen totally screwed up). Connecting my monitor to an A1200 or A600 is no problem.

I've tried it with 2 different 1084 monitors and no luck. Did you do something in particular?

[kipper2k]

the adapter puts out all necessary signals for the monitors so any RGB connection shoud be possible (although untried by myself)

For securing the board i do have a couple of ideas on how to clamp it in place, once i get my hand back to normal i will test them out, Space is at a premium (due to trying to keep height of adapter as low as possible so it was tough trying to get traces away from the top

Remember... for scart you will need a 1:1 cable (no crossed wires)


for the securing option i am thinking of a "bridge" type connection, a 2 part plastic connector, 1 part is secured by the CD32 screw, 2nd part hooks on over the adapter and will also screw into first part thereby holding it tight.


mabbe if i do an update (and possible) i will add a native Playstation controller connector plug and play ready

[Amiga1992]

I did nothing at all to make this work with the 1084. Do you have the DIN plug or DSUB plug model? Mine has a DSUB connector.
Could it be your cable?

[Riempie]

Is there a difference in cables for 1084 monitors? I use the ones that came along with the monitors..

[Amiga1992]

Well as I said there are two types, one with a DIN connector and one with a DSUB connector.
But yeah if you use the one that came with the monitor it should be fine, as long as the cable is proved working.

[edit]
With that said, I just tested the SCART port of my unit and it doesn't work. I get a black screen. TV Switched to SCART input when CD32 was turned on, but shows no image. Using video port to SCART converter works.
Any idea, kipper? Is my adapter faulty?
The cable is a straight through, I use it with my Amstrad GX4000.

[thgill]

Originally Posted by kipper2k

Remember... for scart you will need a 1:1 cable (no crossed wires)

You should consider changing that as no standard scart cable will work then. The scart standard calls for the crossed wires.

[Amiga1992]

Originally Posted by thgill

You should consider changing that as no standard scart cable will work then. The scart standard calls for the crossed wires.

Oh is that so? Then I guess my SCART cable isn't really what is needed.

Kipper, is there any way we can modify our boards to support standard SCART cables?

[Amigajay]

Hi, can someone advise me on a cable if i buy one of Kippers boards, i have RGB component on my TV, so do i need Amiga RGB with audio cables to RGG component? I've looked around, i cant find any cables like this, help appreciated!

Edit: found the scart on my TV is also RGB which makes things easier, there's a cable on ebay here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Commodore-...4AAOxywh1TFtvr

It says not for CD32, but i assume thats only because its not a standard socket on the stock machine rather than the CD32 being incompatible?

[Amiga1992]

That cable works fine, but if kipper fixes the SCART socket's implementation with,standard wiring, you can get a much cheaper standard SCART RGB cable.



Also if all boards create the problem I had with audio I would also wait for kipper to fix that.



Kipper, any news on this? I feel bad not using the adapter :/

[Amigajay]

Ok thanks for the info, i dont mind paying its only £11 if the quality is better, would rgb scart be the same quality?

Also has anyone else had the sound problem with the kipper board plugged in?

[Amiga1992]

Originally Posted by Amigajay

Ok thanks for the info, i dont mind paying its only £11 if the quality is better, would rgb scart be the same quality?

The quality is the same. They're both RGB.
Actually, I have to say, if your TV has the ability to take the S-Video output of the CD32, I noticed pretty much no difference with RGB. The contrast was actually better on S-Video (blacker blacks).

RGB is the best option if you want to connect it to a display with no S-Video, or if you have a PAL unit and NTSC RGB display (which would display S-Video in black & white) or NTSC unit trying to connect to a PAL display..

Also has anyone else had the sound problem with the kipper board plugged in?

Seems like so far, at last here in EAB, I might be the only one that got this new version of the board, but kipper could say better. I am at least, so far, the only one posting here with this new version and the sound issues.

Kipper2k id like to buy cd32 board with 23pin scart and keyboard sockets, do you have them in stock or should I just order version 1 board now with 23pin and keyboard,
Regards, Brian