I recently found a cheap oscilloscope that’s perfect for retro gamers looking to verify that their arcade boards (via superguns) and RGB SCART cables are safe to use! This scope won’t replace something like a Rigol for development use, but it’s small, battery-powered and works well for testing! Cheap Scope*: https://amzn.to/3TJQ5O4 *Links to alternatives that […]
Retro computer hardware expert Eric Schlaepfer aka Tube Time just released the full schematics of a Vectrex motherboard replica. The Scopetrex, as he calls it, plugs right into an analog oscilloscope and takes advantage of its vector-based monitor to accurately display Vectrex games. Tube Time designed the Scopetrex PCB layout from scratch after carefully studying […]
This video will show you how to use an oscilloscope to test the voltage of an audio signal, with a focus on arcade board safety. In the past few years, so much equipment has been destroyed by superguns without audio protection and this video will show you how to prevent that from happening in your […]
Qwertymodo designed an all-purpose multi video input device for interfacing video devices with oscilloscopes, and received so much attention that he decided to put the product up for sale. It will be useful for developers and video product designers who want a clean, easy to use interface for testing video signals on a scope. RGBench […]
This page is a reference for basic retro-gaming and arcade related oscilloscope information. I’ve made some videos that should help both as a tutorial and reference…and some day I’d like to create written guides for people to have an easier time referencing the basics. Videos are below and here’s some of the equipment I’ve been recommending: […]
UPDATE Nov 2022: If you’re looking for a cheaper scope for retro gaming, this one might be better: https://www.retrorgb.com/30-oscilloscope-for-retro-and-arcade-gamers.html Now that we’ve tested the VDS1022I and can confirm it’s suitable for retro console and arcade use, I wanted to make a video showing everyone exactly how it’s used. Below are links to download the software, as well […]
Here’s a continuation of Ste teaching us how to use an oscilloscope. This time we focus on testing component video testing, as well as brush up on our scope skills: Here’s the full formula Ste used to calculate expected voltage differences: The below only applies to standard defintion and enhanced definition resolutions.i.e. 240p/288p/480i/576i/480p/576p ==================================== […]
Artemio recently recommended a video that goes into technical details of the “basics” of using an Oscilloscope. While still a fairly technical video, it seems like a great start for people who want to know why you’re using a scope and not just what to do:
Video Game Perfection is now selling the awesome 8×2 SCART switch from Gamescare. I reviewed it last year and found it performed really well. They’re also hoping to carry Gamescare’s component video switch too, but those aren’t in stock yet. The price is about $150 plus shipping and for more info on it, please check […]
Arthrimus, creator of the PSX to DB15 adapter circuit used in the Behar Bros’ Hayabusa supergun, has just released a new firmware that should lower the controller latency to 0-16ms*. The original firmware that the Behar Bros shipped with the Hayabusa added up to two frames of lag, averaging out to about 26ms just from […]
