MiSTer FPGA Forum

Hi all,

New here and have a Mister almost ready to use and I am very excited.

Back in the day I only had a scart type TV but recently acquired 2x Sony PVM units, different sizes as not sure what I will be using on my desk yet,
I have attached a photo.

Can anyone please help me with the video lead I will need please. I have the analog board installed and know the output from that is VGA but it is what it goes into I am confused with. I think I am right in saying RGB/Component will give me the best looking option? I have been watching some youtube videos and reading but am confused about the sync leads (if needed?) or can I just get a VGA-RGB component cable and all should be ok?

Many thanks,

Not sure but hope video clues can do the trick too


I´m pretty sure a VGA-RGB component cable and some mister ini settings adjusted is all that is needed.
But only use mister on hdmi screens myself so not absolutely sure tough.

You need this cable:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/vga-cables/1828827

r/g/b go to their respective inputs on your pvm. hsync goes to ext sync in.

See also https://www.retrorgb.com/vgaconnector.html

You can also use a vga-component cable of course, and then toggle the small SoG (sync-on-green) switch on your MiSTer board.

A basic cable like this one will do: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-HD-15- ... B001UJMGZC

Then stick Red, Green and Blue cables into corresponding R-G-B (In) in Component/RGB inputs and White (usually) into Ext Sync (In).

The only change in default mister.ini is to make sure composite_sync=1

If the image is scrambled you can try the Yellow/Black into Ext Sync (In) and/or look into SETUP >> RGB/COMPONENT settings in your PVMs OSD - these should be ok by default but you never know.

If the image is still scrambled it might be a rare case when your PVM might need a special sync cable.

Much appreciated and that makes sense, will order now - thank you.

Also, whilst slightly on topic (and I promise I have been reading/watching guides as much as possible - I something come away with more questions) - I really like the multi-display setups I've seen which the Mister allows (HD screen, next to monitor etc.). I'd like to do similar, presumably I would use the HD out on the DE10 board for this? If so, what is the point of the Digital addon board (multiple HD displays?). What was the reason the DE10 mainboard did not come with a vga out?

You can use only one kind of output signal at the same time. So it's either HDMI, or VGA, or RGBs. If you want to use both your pvm's, all you have to do is use the r/g/b+sync outputs on your 14" one and connect those to the 9" monitor. These pvm's do passthrough.

Great looking setup

Ahh I see , it's impressive what these old monitors were capable of (I did'nt know about passthrough) that makes sense. I'm sure i've seen a big HD flat screen type monitor running next to a PVM though. Although thinking about it i;m guessing there would be a RGB - HD lead? (or possibly the HD monitor may even have had RGB inputs too.

mist-rich wrote: ↑Mon Sep 19, 2022 7:01 pm Great looking setup

Thnx

Ahh I see , it's impressive what these old monitors were capable of (I did'nt know about passthrough) that makes sense. I'm sure i've seen a big HD flat screen type monitor running next to a PVM though. Although thinking about it i;m guessing there would be a RGB - HD lead? (or possibly the HD monitor may even have had RGB inputs too.

Most likely the setup you saw had one of these monitors : http://15khz.wikidot.com OR they used a scanconverter like the OSSC. - which would work, but kind of redundant in a MiSTer setup..

fierman wrote: ↑Sat Sep 24, 2022 11:50 am
Most likely the setup you saw had one of these monitors : http://15khz.wikidot.com OR they used a scanconverter like the OSSC. - which would work, but kind of redundant in a MiSTer setup..

Yep that was probs it
What are you using for audio when using your PVM's? I have mine setup nicely now (only 1 so far) but no audio yet, need to get suitable lead and undecided if I should use the monitor sound of connect to a speaker.

It's not something I've tried myself but I've heard many times it is possible to display both HDMI and VGA CRT simultaneously. Eg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vXuxRc2faE HDMI - DVI
https://www.reddit.com/r/MiSTerFPGA/com ... _a_couple/

As for the sound, most PVMs have rather puny speakers (and mono, IIRC) so it's much better to connect some better option directly to analogue board. Problem is its native sound via normal mini jack isn't the greatest so it's recommended to get it out via mini TOS link. It's a little extra expense and creates additional wiring mess but supposedly sounds much better.
https://www.reddit.com/r/fpgagaming/com ... dac_setup/

Thank you Akeley