Improved video converter module for Yamaha MSX computers

Guardian (3608)

09-04-2016, 05:38

Our group has developed a protorype of the improved video converter module for Yamaha MSX computers. This module should fit all YIS503II, YIS503III, CX5MII and similar models. The output signals are: RGB (as before), improved composite video (color) and high quality s-video. We are currently checking the design for possible errors and then a test batch will be ordered.

By NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6067)

09-04-2016, 06:18

OMG you are doing a great job!

That said I'm happy with the RGB output of Yamaha and I personally don't have use for this, but I still respect your fine work very much.

How hard would it be to change this board so that it could fit between V9958 and motherboard? or is there still lot of stuff on the main board? I would bet that people who have done MSX2+ mod for computers that don't have RGB output at all would be super happy with something like this (ie. people who have updated SVI-738). Naturally it would mean that they should attach the video connectors (or VDP socket) with cables inside computer, but anyway I think such a board would be great board to have.

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

09-04-2016, 22:50

Well, the board needs just 4 signals (5 with audio) to work - those can be extracted near or at the VDP and channeled to the board. The board has the amplifier for the RGB signals and CSYNC coming from the VDP, so theoretically it should work with any MSX computer. Just need to find the necessary signals and connect them to the board. I don't think it's a good idea to place the board between VDP and motherboard die to non-standard pin gaps of the VDP.

The bad news is that my board manufacturer doubles the price when the board is larger than 100mm. So the production cost of these boards is around 3-4 euros. Taking into account shipment and taxes I won't be able to sell the boards with my usual 4-5 euro price...

By NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6067)

10-04-2016, 04:28

Indeed if there is just few wires to connect then this is already a perfect solution. Thinking again I'm just a bit afraid that computers that actually have enough space inside already have RGB... Well this adds other possibilities as well, but RGB is the thing that I personally value most. I know things tend to be different on some other parts of world.

By alexito

Paladin (761)

10-04-2016, 16:36

I'm in put me in the reserved list with 2 boards.

By o.geerdink

Hero (588)

10-04-2016, 20:04

I like 2 boards too!

By cklayman

Champion (294)

10-04-2016, 22:44

I am interested in a board (possibly two) as well.

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

12-04-2016, 17:15

Noted, will announce once the boards arrive.

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

29-04-2016, 11:27

The boards have arrived. I still need to wait until all components come from China. Will update on the result when I get this board assembled and tested.

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

11-05-2016, 12:30

The board has been assembled (DIN8 still missing though) and is undergoing testing. Only one minor issue so far - can be fixed with just a wire. Corrected for the future boards already.

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

14-05-2016, 23:46

The board has been installed into the housing, it fit almost perfectly. I had to drill a hole for s-video connector - it was a bit of a challenge because you can't easily locate the center where the hole should be drilled. So here's the board inside my Yamaha 503III:

And here's the video how the composite video (in the beginning) and s-video (later on) look like - this is a 100mb file:

http://www.podrezov.com/temp/assembled.mp4

Note that there were almost no interference on composite video. However it may appear periodically and we have to figure out why this happens.