The GBSC is a true view-based upscaler and video converter board designed for retro gaming hardware. It serves as an improved GBS8200 RGB to VGA converter board and offers an alternative firmware for Tvia Trueview5725-based upscalers and video converters. This device is engineered to enhance the visual experience of classic video games by providing advanced video processing capabilities.
Function Description
The primary function of the GBSC is to convert and upscale video signals from various retro gaming consoles to modern display standards, such as 1080p. It achieves this with almost zero latency, ensuring a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. The device supports a wide array of input signals, including RGBS, RGSB, RGBS SCART, RGBHV, Component (YPbPr), and VGA. This broad compatibility makes it suitable for use with most retro video game consoles, allowing users to connect their vintage systems to contemporary monitors and TVs.
For output, the GBSC provides RGBS, VGA, Component, and HDMI signals. This versatility in output options means it can interface with a variety of displays, from older VGA monitors to modern HDMI televisions. A notable feature is its ability to output lower resolutions like 240p/288p specifically through the Saturn AV Connector, catering to enthusiasts who prefer authentic retro display modes.
The GBSC incorporates a built-in Si5351 stable clock generator, which contributes to its reliable performance and stable signal processing. It also offers high-fidelity audio output, ensuring that the sound quality matches the improved video.
Usage Features
The GBSC is designed with user convenience in mind, offering multiple ways to configure settings and manage inputs.
The device features several physical switches and connectors for managing video inputs and outputs.
- RGBS Sync Self-Locking Button: When pressed, this button activates the LM1881 chip to "strip" sync information from composite video, ensuring a clean sync signal for RGBS inputs. When not pressed, it bypasses the composite signal.
- Sync on Green Self-Locking Button: Pressing this button enables the device to accept VGA, RGBHV, and RGsB signals. When released, it accepts RGBS and Component (YPbPr) signals. For RGsB signals from progressive scan retro consoles, both the "Sync on Green" and "RGBS Sync" buttons must be pressed simultaneously to extract and use the sync on green signal.
- HDMI Slide Switch: This switch toggles the HDMI signal output on and off. It must be set to "OFF" if you intend to output RGBS/Component signals through the Saturn AV Connector or VGA signals through the VGA output.
- RGBHV/RGBS Slide Switch: To output an RGBS signal via the Saturn AV connector, this switch must be slid to the "RGBS" side. Otherwise, it defaults to RGBHV. This function is also used for RGBHV (VGA) to RGBS signal output.
- Compatibility Mode Slide Switch: This switch toggles compatibility mode on and off. Certain consoles, such as the Sega 32x/Neo Geo AES, require this mode to be turned ON for optimal performance. A restart of the GBSC is recommended after changing this setting.
- RGB Knob: This rotary knob allows for the adjustment of the red, green, and blue signal intensity of the output images, providing fine-tuning control over color balance.
Configuration Interfaces:
The GBSC offers two primary interfaces for configuration: an OLED screen menu and a web-based graphical user interface (GUI).
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OLED Screen Menu: A small OLED screen on the device displays various menu options, including resolutions, presets, and miscellaneous settings.
- Resolutions: Users can select output resolutions such as 1920x1080, 1280x1024, 1920x720, and 1280x960.
- Presets: The menu allows saving and loading up to seven custom presets, along with an option to return to the previous menu.
- MISC: This section includes options to restart the GBSC, restore factory settings, and navigate back.
- Current Settings: Displays information about output resolutions, frequency, and input signal.
- Rotary Encoder: A control knob is used to navigate through menu items and confirm selections by pressing it down.
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Web GUI: For more comprehensive control, the GBSC provides a web-based GUI accessible via Wi-Fi.
- Access: Users connect to the GBSC's Wi-Fi network ("gbscontrol" with password "qqqqqqqq") and then navigate to its IP address (192.168.4.1) or URL (http://gbscontrol) in a web browser.
- First Page (Resolution & Presets):
- Resolution: Allows selection of output resolutions, with 1280x960 recommended for NTSC sources and 1280x1024 for PAL. The "Matched Presets" option can automatically switch between these.
- Presets: Users can save and load custom configurations into different slots, and selecting a slot makes it the new startup preset.
- Second Page (ADC Gain & Picture Control):
- ADC Gain (Brightness): Adjusts the gain for the currently loaded preset.
- Picture Control: Allows adjustment of screen position, scale, and borders.
- Third Page (Filters):
- Scanlines: Works with 240p sources and looks best with the Line Filter enabled.
- Peaking and Step Response: Subtle sharpening filters that are generally recommended.
- Fourth Page (Settings):
- Matched Presets: If enabled, defaults to 1280x960 for NTSC 60 and 1280x1024 for PAL 50 (not applicable for 720p/1080p presets).
- Full Height: Scales presets to fill more of the screen height, particularly affecting 1920x1080.
- Low Res: Use Upscaling: Allows low-resolution VGA inputs to be passed through or upscaled. Upscaling may introduce minor border/scaling issues but improves display compatibility.
- RGBHV/Component Toggle: Switches the default output mode between RGBHV (for VGA cables or HDMI converters) and an experimental YPbPr mode.
- Output Frame Rate: Force PAL 50Hz to 60Hz: Useful if the TV does not support 50Hz sources. A reboot is suggested if the frame rate is not smooth.
- ADC Calibration: Calibrates ADC offsets on startup. Can be disabled to address color shift problems.
- Active Frame Time Lock: Aligns input and output timings to prevent horizontal tear lines. Offers two methods to try if the display goes blank.
- Deinterlace Method: Automatically detects interlaced content.
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Bob Method: Provides no deinterlacing, no added lag, but some flickering.
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Motion Adaptive: Removes flicker, adds one frame of lag, and may show artifacts in moving details. Motion Adaptive is recommended if progressive output from the source is not possible.
- Developer Mode: Enables a developer menu with debugging tools. This mode is intended for professionals, and non-professionals are advised not to alter its parameters.
- Custom Slot Filters: When enabled, saved slots will recall their filter preferences. When disabled, saved slots will retain current filter settings.
Maintenance Features
The GBSC includes features to facilitate firmware updates and system management.
- Firmware Updates: The device supports firmware updates via its Micro-USB port. The process involves downloading the NodeMCU-pyFlasher and the GBS Control Firmware, connecting the GBSC to a computer, selecting the correct COM port, and flashing the firmware. The Micro-USB port is solely for firmware updates and does not supply power to the device.
- System Management (Web GUI - Fifth Page):
- System:
- Enable OTA (Over The Air): Allows for wireless firmware updates.
- Restart GBS Control: Reboots the device.
- Initialize all settings: Resets all settings of the GBS Control board.
- Backup:
- Backup / Restore of configuration files: Users can back up and restore their configuration settings. This backup is valid only for the current device.
- Wi-Fi:
- Search for nearby wireless networks: Allows the GBSC to connect to the internet, potentially for OTA updates or other network-dependent features.
The GBSC is a comprehensive solution for retro gaming enthusiasts, providing robust video processing, extensive compatibility, and flexible configuration options to modernize the retro gaming experience.
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