MSX problem!

[blue lander]

If it's scrolling really fast that usually means either it isn't getting a vertical sync signal ( maybe the monitor needs composite sync and your MSX is outputting seperate HV sync or vice versa), or the computer is trying to sync the screen at a frequency the monitor doesn't support.

[AB Positive]

Well just a note, just so things are more difficult - Japan and Europe have different SCART pinouts. If you are using a European scart cable, that's probably why it's scrolling.

[Arkhan]

Did you buy the cable from Bas? (bas-ditta.info)?

If so, give him an email directly. He is *very* knowledgeable about MSX hardware. He's given me straight solutions to my problems in the past, often with quick replies also

If you DIDN'T buy from Bas, give him an email anyways and explain things to him.

How does the computer work if you use composite instead of the RGB, or do you live in PAL land where that is not an option? It should still be a "kind of" option. You can hook up composite and get a B&W video signal I believe, and at least see if the screen rolls that way.

If it works composite-style, and not RGB style, that means you either have a bad cable, or a bad RGB port on the MSX itself.

also, the MSX din outputs a composite sync signal on .... pin 4 IIRC. So its possible the cable you have is not the right one.

Which cable did you buy exactly?

http://bas-ditta.info/verkoopenlinks...s%20engels.htm one from here??

EDIT: also, how is the FDD in it? They usually come complete with broken belts that require replacement!

The belts are cheap to replace (from Bas!), and simple as hell to replace as well. If you happen to have to do that, feel free to PM me. I've done it like 4 times

[ave]

I live in PAL-land (Germany) and my TV/monitor supports NTSC, 60Hz and RGB input. I've tested them with several other devices such as JP Sega Saturn, GameCube, PS2, Mega Drive...

@ab positive
Mh, I bought that cable from Bas in the Netherlands, so it's probably made for any MSX with 8-pole din out. Didn't knew there were difficulties with jap and pal RGB cables?! I use European RGB cables for all my jp. consoles and had no problems what so ever.

@Arkhan
Yes, as mentioned on top, I bought the cable from Bas. I'm in contact with him and he offers me to sent a new cable.

I've also tested the MSX with a simple cinch cable (they call it RCA jack in the states?! I mean the yellow/red/white one...) and it delivers a flawless composite picture. So the source of my pain is the RGB cable, I can be sure about that, right?

I bought a cable from the website you referred to, the forth counting from the top:
Scart ---> 8-pin DIN (1,5 m) Sony, Turbo-R 12€

The FDD should be fine but I don't have a game to test it. According to the seller he replaced the belt just a couple of weeks before the sale.

[AB Positive]

No, I messed up - there is a difference but only in the cable. If you have an EU scart cable it'd work regardless of machine. I'm a fool, no one pay attention to me

[Arkhan]

yeah we call those RCA cables here, .

Well if Bas is the one you got it from, you should have a solution real soon.

It IS possible however that the problem isn't the cable (which btw, that cable is the right cable)..so, It COULD be the DIN itself on the computer has a dodgy connection. The only way to do that would be to open the computer and look and see if a pin is off the board.

It isn't hard at all to open one of those. You just take all the screws out of the bottom and carefully lift the top off. Carefully because, the LEDs / turbo & rensha sliders on the top piece are connected via wires to the board on the bottom piece.

You could just hold the top off, and look down and see the DIN. or you can disconnect the wires. Placing them back in is simple. There are 3 different sized jacks, and the wires only fit one way, so its a matter of matching the size + direction of the bumpy part. Very painless.

Also, try this: Plug the cable in and go to the prompt where you have a rolling image.

Type

VDP(10)=2 and see what happens. That changes the signal of the VDP to 50hz

For the time being you should just enjoy your MSX with composite connection until you get the RGB straightened out.

[ave]

Update:

Bas sent me a new cable and it arrived yesterday. I'm quite sure, however, that the cable is not the problem: the problem comes up with both of his RGB cables and they look very tidily soldered.

I then proceeded by opening the MSX as you suggested @Arkhan.
It's indeed not that hard to open, at least not as tricky as accessing the mainboard of a GameCube console (;_. I had to remove the FDD and could take a look at the RGB DIN-in, here's a photo :

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5946/img3754.jpg

Can you infer something from that picture?

Also, try this: Plug the cable in and go to the prompt where you have a rolling image.

Type

VDP(10)=2 and see what happens. That changes the signal of the VDP to 50hz

Yeah, someone on msx.org told me to do that as well but it didn't work out. I'm also 100% certain that my TV is capable of anything necessary (NTSC/RGB/60Hz). I've yet to connect a gaming system that wouldn't work... as said, I've never had any issues with my jpn RGB 60Hz consoles on that TV, such as GC, MD, Saturn, DC, PS2, ...

For the time being you should just enjoy your MSX with composite connection until you get the RGB straightened out.

That's what I do... but that can't be it, can it? There must be a way. :-|