New V3.0 RGB to PAL/NTSC adapters in stock soon

1985BMWK75 · 05-29-2010, 06:13 AM

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for supporting my previous RGB adapters, and your kind words. Thanks also to those that have taken the time to e-mail me and let me know that they want an RGB adapter when they are back in stock. All those people are on my list, and will be contacted as soon as I have the V3.0 RGB adapters in stock. Others, please free to contact me via my website (www.amigamaniac.com) if you would like to secure a V3.0 RGB to PAL/NTSC adapter.

I have started designing the PCB for the V3.0 RGB adapter, and have already begun ordering components, so it shouldn’t be long until I have them in stock :-D I’m hoping to have the new V3.0 PCB design off to the manufacturer in about a week, or less. This time, I will order 100 PCBs, rather than my usual 50, as I think I underestimated demand with previous versions :-S

The V3.0 RGB to PAL/NTSC adapter PCB will be the smallest version yet, making it easy to find a suitable case for it. I will stock panel mount S-Video and RCA (composite) sockets for this purpose, and perhaps cases also. The V3.0 RGB to PAL/NTSC adapter will retain the handy 8-way polarised header (i.e., you can’t plug a cable in the wrong way) of the V2.0 adapter, for using the adapter with Amigas or other machines that get along with the AD724 converter IC.

One will be able to use the adapter as a bare PCB, like versions 1 & 2, or put it in a nice case. I have 23 pin D-Subs which can be used to make a cable to plug into the 8-way header, or soldered directly to the PCB (better for the signal quality). I also have the correct sized back shells for the 23 pin D-Subs.

Besides being smaller, the new V3.0 RGB adapter will have a voltage regulator onboard, so that the adapter can be powered from any source which outputs 9-12V – handy for those retro machines we all love!. Thus, unlike previous versions of my RGB adapter, the power supply need not be +5V DC!

Sorry for taking much longer with this project than previous ones. I have been juggling university commitments, the odd order or two, and trying to spend time with my family as well :-S Obviously it is getting more difficult to squeeze my little Amiga hobby into this new schedule of mine :-(

Nathan

P.S. For those that may have been wondering where I have been - I haven’t died, or abandoned the Amiga :-P

Vulture · 05-29-2010, 10:10 AM

Well done Nathan!

**XDelusion** · 05-29-2010, 12:31 PM

Exciting!!!

yssing · 05-29-2010, 04:11 PM

that looks really clean and good..

haywirepc · 05-29-2010, 06:26 PM

I got one of these rgb-svideo adapters and it works fantastic.

I was using that along with an svideo to vga adapter from asia, but that died... so I need a new one...

Before that died... the two in combo made a nice scandoubling solution for cheap. I'm going to look into just getting an svideo capable lcd tv...
I hear many people are using this with those with great results...

Steven

Tenacious · 05-30-2010, 10:12 AM

Hi Nathan

I'm very interested. I would have e-mailed but your web site does not simply list your e-mail address (there is an automated e-mail linky that doesn't work for me). I guess you are trying to avoid spam - understandable.

I sent you a PM.

stefcep2 · 05-30-2010, 05:48 PM

just wondering if component output is a future possibility as my LCD TV doesn't have s-video and s-video input seems to be less common these days?

mfilos · 05-31-2010, 10:58 PM

Excellent new Nathan my friend! I was waiting forward for this

You da man :P

TheGoose · 06-01-2010, 09:48 AM

Great news. Are you going to update the website Nathan? And can we / should we order through the site?

1985BMWK75 · 06-07-2010, 06:25 PM

Hi All,

I finished the V3.0 RGB adapter design the other day :-D I just need to double, triple, and quadruple check the design for errors. It's possible that I could have the design sent to the PCB manufacturer tonight, but more likely some time tomorrow.

The V3.0 RGB to PAL/NTSC adapter is smaller than previous versions. Its dimensions are 60.5 x 43.4mm, yet it has more features than before. There is the voltage regulator, and a bank of 6 dip switches now controls all functions - so no more slide switch or jumpers. Also, there is EMI filtering at both the inputs and outputs.

As the PCB is much smaller, cases that will fit it are easy to find. As I said before, one may choose the bare PCB plugged straight into the back of the Amiga solution (PCB mount S-Video and RCA/Composite sockets on board), or put it into a case. I will stock panel mount S-Video and RCA/composite sockets for this, probably cases also. Again, I also have the 23 pin D-Subs and back shells to suit.

To answer those questions...

I will update my website with photos etc, once I have them in stock :-) It is best to order from there, when the time comes ;-)

I have no plans to make an RGB to component adapter for now. I will be having 100pcs of the V3.0 PCB made. After (if :-S) they all sell, I will decide what form my next adapter will take, i.e., perhaps move away from the AD724 IC to something completely different.

I'll keep updating my progress on here as there is news. Please let others know that may be interested in one of these adapters :-D

Nathan

1985BMWK75 · 06-11-2010, 04:06 AM

Bugger. I still haven't submitted the file(s) to the PCB manufacturer. Damn study keeps getting in the way :-S It will be done in the next few days though!

Oh, and I've decided on a black soldermask, and red silkscreen. Should look very cool :-D

Nathan

1985BMWK75 · 06-13-2010, 01:08 AM

Hi All,

I've 100% completed the V3.0 RGB to PAL/NTSC adapter design, having corrected some small mistakes etc. I will be submitting the files to the PCB manufacturer tomorrow (Monday 14/6/2010), and should then have them in about two weeks! :-D Weeee!