RGB cables for N64/Gamecube

[l0whit07]

Does anyone know where I can find RGB cables for a Nintendo 64. I know you can use GC cables on it, but I can't find RGB cables for those either. All I can find are scart cables I have nothing with a scart input. I live in the states if that changes anything. Please help, I've wasted tons of hours looking and I know they exist! Thank you tons in advance.

[BetaWolf47]

I know you can use GC cables on it
Actually, you can't. Gamecube uses a different port for RGB. Nintendo 64 doesn't natively output anything better than s-video.

http://davidsgizmos.com/images/gamecube_back.jpg
The port labeled 1 is for component. The cables for it are really rare.

[l0whit07]

disappointment.... Thank you a ton for that info, I was unaware of that. So is the only way to use RGB on N64 with a scart cable? (I'm aware the N64 needs to be modded first).

[aclbandit]

Actually, you can't. Gamecube uses a different port for RGB. Nintendo 64 doesn't natively output anything better than s-video.

http://davidsgizmos.com/images/gamecube_back.jpg
The port labeled 1 is for component. The cables for it are really rare.

And expensive. It's also component cables for the 'cube, not RGB. Easy to get 'em mixed up, though...

[izarate]

disappointment.... Thank you a ton for that info, I was unaware of that. So is the only way to use RGB on N64 with a scart cable? (I'm aware the N64 needs to be modded first).

Take in mind that RGB is different from YPbPr (red, green, blue RCA plugs), which is what most people refer to with "component". Modding the N64 will give you an RGB signal not a YPbPr signal.

And yes, Gamecube RGB SCART cables can be used on the SNES and N64 with a little modification.

There are SCART RGB to YPbPr converters, though. Do not confuse them with SCART to component adapters. Those are for devices that output YPbPr through the RGB lines.

Converters:
http://www.keene.co.uk/electronics/multi.php?mycode=apt1
http://www.cypeurope.com/Synergy/Other-converter-products/CSY-2100-Scart-RGB-to-Component-Converter.html

[tomwaits]

gamesx.com is loaded with info on RGB mods. This thread has a lot of N64 info:
http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3231

There's also this page that shows which resistor/capacitor values are need for each Nintendo console & region:
http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:nintendomultiav

For US N64s, it looks like it's best to mod an early release console and the mod involves lifting pins on the graphics chip. There are alternate mods in other threads there, but you need to build amp circuits.

US Gamecubes don't natively output RGB either. I'm using an old Gamecube with the digital A/V out and an official component cable. Then, running the component cable into an XCM 'VGA box' component->RGB converter. Probably not quite as good as pure RGB but it supports progressive scan which you can't get via SCART.

[l0whit07]

Ok, wow thank you all. That really helped me out and made me feel stupid too. I was unaware of the difference in RGB and Componenet (YPbPr). Can you only get RGB thru a scart cable? My TV has the YPbPr (they are colored red, green, and blue which I guess what always led me to believe it was the same as RGB).

So does this mean to hook my N64 up with RGB I would need a TV or monitor with a scart input? And there aren't converters for scart rgb to YPbPr (probably doesn't make any sense)?

[izarate]

And there aren't converters for scart rgb to YPbPr (probably doesn't make any sense)?

Yes. See my previous post.

[BetaWolf47]

I read somewhere that the Nintendo component cables have a built in DAC. Since the component output is pure digital, would it even be possible to wire Gamecube into an HDMI port?

[izarate]

I read somewhere that the Nintendo component cables have a built in DAC. Since the component output is pure digital, would it even be possible to wire Gamecube into an HDMI port?

The Cube outputs YCrCb (digital "component") which the DAC converts to YPrPb (analog "component") but I don't know if the HDMI port will accept an YCrCb signal without conversion.