ubeswitch - video adapter.

Various other hardware solutions.
ube
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ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by ube »

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ubeswitch is a semi-smart solution for your Atari STFM/E/MEGA ST which adds:
* VGA connector
* Button for switching video mode and configuration (see blelow).
* 3.5mm A/V connector
* Volume control.
* Automatic detection and switching of resolution (requires software implementation).

Button functions:
* Short press (0.25-1.999[..] seconds): Switch resolution.
* Long press (+2 seconds): Save current resolution as default at cold boot.

Please note:
15KHz H-Sync capable monitor is required. Such as the one reviewed here https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... f=30&t=309
Early ST models does not have 12V output on video port and thus cannot power the adapter.



Code, schematics and PCB-layout available at GitHub

Store link

Glamour shot
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master of the bare pcb
Methanoid
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by Methanoid »

Automatic detection and switching of resolution (requires software implementation).

What does this mean exactly? ST software needed? Or what... I can find no info anywhere... Thanks
ube
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by ube »

Yepp. Software is under development, don’t know the status or who, except Troed, might be working on a driver.

Small demo:

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troed
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by troed »

Yeah it's still on my todo ... :/ It is a bit tricky.

For demo developers, no driver is necessary. It's common to edit in high res, then disable VBL, switch to low - run the demo - switch back and enable VBL again. Works perfectly fine with the auto switching adapter :)
Methanoid
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by Methanoid »

Q: Would this work still with the original 520 ST (not STFM)
troed
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by troed »

Methanoid wrote: Thu Jun 07, 2018 11:04 am Q: Would this work still with the original 520 ST (not STFM)
Yes, I use it with one.
Methanoid
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by Methanoid »

Q: does this pass all signals from STE video port to pins on VGA? I am wondering if it would be possible to plug the VGA output into a GBS8220 scan doubler... and whether that device then would double LO/MED but not HI ?? Curious
ube
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by ube »

Methanoid wrote: Wed Jun 27, 2018 12:36 pm Q: does this pass all signals from STE video port to pins on VGA? I am wondering if it would be possible to plug the VGA output into a GBS8220 scan doubler... and whether that device then would double LO/MED but not HI ?? Curious
Can’t really see why it shouldn’t work. As long as the scan doubler can handle 15khz signal over its vga port.
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IngoQ
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by IngoQ »

Don't know about the GBS8220, but the framemeister will accept the 15kHz-Signal and convert/scale it. When provided with ST-High it will either produce a distorted image or none at all, since it's inputs are not designed for VGA (or similar) timings. I think the GBS8220 will pretty much behave the same way.

That's actually how I use it currently, while the ubeswitch is on it's way: Having a DIN to SCART cable for Lo/Med which is connected to the framemeister, and a DIN to VGA cable connected directly to the display.

Having the ubeswitch in between that would in my mind defy a little the purpose of the switch, since I see it's main advantage in not having to change the connection, when switching from Lo/Med to Hi. Provided your display can handle 15KHz.

Or am I missing something?
Ingo :geek:

| Atari 1040STE@32MHz | Amiga 1200 (ACA1220) | Atari 800XL (U1MB, SIDE2) | Atari 130XL (Sophia DVI) | C64 (1541 Ultimate II, Rev3 RFMod Replacement) | TI 99/4A (F18A, 32k, FlashROM 99) | Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128 (Stereo, DivMMC) | Amstrad CPC664 (512k, M4 Wifi) | ... |
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stween
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Re: ubeswitch - video adapter.

Post by stween »

So today I received one of these (thanks to exxos's store!), and it's immediately great: I've discovered at least one of my screens handles a low/med res picture over VGA. ACER G276HL, if you're interested!

Audio question though: the 3.5mm jack should "just work" for audio out, right? I've tried on two STs and I get nothing (I've twiddled the knob plenty) :(
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