PC Engine GT - Video Out Mod - How to get the Video signal out of the housing

[ltpitt]

Hi all!

I finally had enough courage to mod my Pc Engine GT and get a new screen.

Thanks to FANTASTIC board made by Vimtoman now I have not only a shiny new screen but also a super cool composite video output.

Do you guy have any suggestion about how to put a connector for Composite?

Sure I could dremel the case but I'd prefer a more subtle and delicate mod that doesn't involve destroying my case and keep the Pc Engine as original as possible.

[Xtrasmiley]

Hi all!

I finally had enough courage to mod my Pc Engine GT and get a new screen.

Thanks to FANTASTIC board made by Vimtoman now I have not only a shiny new screen but also a super cool composite video output.

Do you guy have any suggestion about how to put a connector for Composite?

Sure I could dremel the case but I'd prefer a more subtle and delicate mod that doesn't involve destroying my case and keep the Pc Engine as original as possible.

I can't help with your question, but can you post about where you got a screen? Every modded I've asked says there haven't been useable screens in years so they won't mod my Turbo Express.

[Keith Courage]

most people cut the traces to the comport at the bottom of the system and wire it up to that.


another option would be to get rid of the tv tuner port and put a S-Video Jack there and install S-Video for the system.

[thesteve]

actually i always add a contact to the headphone jack, so it can use a 3 or 4 pin jack

[ltpitt]

<snip> where you got a screen? <snip>

Hi there!

I am not sure but I think that the main issue is that everyone is trying to get RGB signal out of their GT and this is why (I suppose) high quality screens are hard to find.

It is quite simple, on the other hand, to find standard lcd tv that accept a component input.

Clearly the quality is poorer but the comparision with the original screen is...

NO MATCH

I am also a maniac so I made sure that my mod is fully reversible in case one day I go crazy and decide to go back.
From what I see this is NEVER going to happen

I bought mine here: www.good-display.com

Be sure to ask for th 5v version!
Doris should already know about this (if she's still working there) because other users bought it.

Quite costy (50 bucks) including the shipping price.
Totally worth it, if you ask me.

Keep in mind you'll also need the Pc Engine to Composite adapter but I think that Vimtoman sold all of them.
Ask him

[ltpitt]

most people cut the traces to the comport at the bottom of the system and wire it up to that.

Very clean and simple solution.
Only issue would be a separated cable for the Audio but...

I like it, thanks!

another option would be to get rid of the tv tuner port and put a S-Video Jack there and install S-Video for the system.

This is too risky for me...
And I think that in this case I'd need to find a specific monitor.
But thanks for the idea

[ltpitt]

actually i always add a contact to the headphone jack, so it can use a 3 or 4 pin jack

I <3 this!

What do you do, you buy a new headphone jack for 4 pins?

[thesteve]

actually i always add a contact to the headphone jack, so it can use a 3 or 4 pin jack

I <3 this!

What do you do, you buy a new headphone jack for 4 pins?

I remove an inductor from the board, hook video to the existing ground pin and add a contact to the existing Jack for ground

[Xtrasmiley]

<snip> where you got a screen? <snip>

Hi there!

I am not sure but I think that the main issue is that everyone is trying to get RGB signal out of their GT and this is why (I suppose) high quality screens are hard to find.

It is quite simple, on the other hand, to find standard lcd tv that accept a component input.

Clearly the quality is poorer but the comparision with the original screen is...

NO MATCH

I am also a maniac so I made sure that my mod is fully reversible in case one day I go crazy and decide to go back.
From what I see this is NEVER going to happen

I bought mine here: www.good-display.com

Be sure to ask for th 5v version!
Doris should already know about this (if she's still working there) because other users bought it.

Quite costy (50 bucks) including the shipping price.
Totally worth it, if you ask me.

Keep in mind you'll also need the Pc Engine to Composite adapter but I think that Vimtoman sold all of them.
Ask him

Awesome, thank you for the reply! Can you post a comparison video of the new screen? $50 is expensive, but I'd like to see if it's worth it!

[ltpitt]

Hello there!

For me it was totally worth it.

For starters I can read text on screen (just this is worth the change).
Colors vivid and brighter, no "ghost" blinding me.

If you look on YouTube you will find many many videos like this:

but I don't think they can show how beautiful the mod is.

I personally love it

Have fun!

[thesteve]

actually the issue has been in finding composite screens that sync properly to the sync signal
it hasnt been a price thing either, as we have had good screens as low as $15 and $35 ones that didnt work