New Gamecube HDMI adapter

[romeoteknik]

I just saw the video myself. Shouldn't the solution be focused on "not frying" any system? Even if the cables get pulled? What kind of design is that? I'm also reading this dude was warned about this prior. The solution described in the video doesn't sound like a proper solution to me, just a hold over.

[+KeeperofLindblum]

I don't blame him for saying minority because it makes you come out looking less awful about missing something so obvious and it's likely true at this rate a minority have done it. Clearly someone had to run into the thing or knock it off a shelf to dislodge it with the power on to cross the pins(streams?) and fry the system, because we know it's a bad thing to cross the streams. It's a half truth wrapped around a cover up of a shoddy ass jack design.

 

I'm sticking with it, since he's been properly and publicly shamed by MJR with the public warning he's stopped what he's doing and fixing it before shipping and no one will get the v2 other than those reviewer ones in the wild now, so everyone will get v3.0 which won't nuke the fridge on your system basically. A win win all around, one public gaming figure with a fried cube fixes the issue. It's probably even a fair statement to say the designer being a lone gun on this probably didn't think of people being tipsy dumb butts and running into their cube or jerking it off the wall doing an impact enough to wobble his adapter and blow the thing up hadn't thought it could happen.

 

I'm going to have to disagree with this a bit.

 

I remember finding forum posts were several people were telling him that his designs were flawed and he needed to redo them. This was back at his original version. He released an "improved" V2 that looked better and within the suggestions.

 

Now he's onto a V3 because the "minority" had issues. Granted, consoles don't generally move so it's not a consistent issue, but most people also wouldn't accept this excuse. He should have tested it more and accepted the criticism he was given. I think it's even more damning because he's charging $100+ for this thing, and it's not really the most professional looking or built device. You shouldn't have to worry about the slightest movement destroying something unless it's a proximity mine...

 

The GameCube is probably one of the stronger consoles in sturdiness. I remember when X-Play did some random tests and like dropped all three consoles at the time (PS2, GCN, Xbox) from ladders and dropped weights on them. The Gamecube got physically damaged, but it still powered on and played just fine. Accidentally dropping it from a short height might ruin the game, but it shouldn't completely fry the console.

 

X-Play video I mentioned is below. It might be a silly skit, but they actually did what they did.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioWnoOjP9IA

[Great Hierophant]

I have some criticism for both MJR and Kinsey here for behaving in such a dangerous way with vintage gaming equipment. Even if the GCVideo adapter was not plugged in, his Gamecube could easily have been broken, a controller cable may have snapped or ripped away. This stuff doesn't grow on trees anymore and a working vintage console is priceless.

[Jess Ragan]

Is it? Maybe they will be in ten or twenty years, but right now GameCubes aren't tough to find (and Wiis, for that matter). I bought my last one from a Goodwill for $5.

[keepdreamin]

I don't get why this thing needs to be hanging off the back of the gamecube like a tumor. Make an actual HDMI cable with a proper plug end for the GC with the converter built in further downstream.

 

See HD retrovision's cable design. The rgb to component circuitry is in that box.

 

[Greg2600]

I don't get why this thing needs to be hanging off the back of the gamecube like a tumor. Make an actual HDMI cable with a proper plug end for the GC with the converter built in further downstream.

 

See HD retrovision's cable design. The rgb to component circuitry is in that box.

 

A large amount of work and money went into HDR's cables. Recall they had a kickstarter?

[keepdreamin]

 

A large amount of work and money went into HDR's cables. Recall they had a kickstarter?

 

 

Yeah, because they're slickly put together and a commercial product. But you're missing the point. I mentioned them because of the design. Are you telling me it would be super complicated for the guy who's doing these gamecube converters to get the connector off the box and attach it with a cable? I'm no electronics engineer, but I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron. I could probably modify one of these without much fuss and insert a cable between the connector and board.

Edited August 26, 2017 by keepdreamin

[+H454]

 

 

Yeah, because they're slickly put together and a commercial product. But you're missing the point. I mentioned them because of the design. Are you telling me it would be super complicated for the guy who's doing these gamecube converters to get the connector off the box and attach it with a cable? I'm no electronics engineer, but I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron. I could probably modify one of these without much fuss and insert a cable between the connector and board.

Yes, it is super complicated. Nintendo used there own proprietary connector AND digital converter chip for the component cable.

Retrovison HD just converts RGB to component.

 

Retro cables uk invested like $10,000 for a mold for the SNES/n64 to have high quality ends.

China makes connectors for the SNES, NOBODY does for the digital port of a GameCube.

[spacecadet]

You shouldn't have to worry about the slightest movement destroying something unless it's a proximity mine...

 

Well, my point was that after watching the video, it's clear that this wasn't "the slightest movement". This was a console being yanked off a 3 foot high shelf onto the floor. *Hopefully* it won't break if that happens, but saying "you shouldn't worry about" that is a little optimistic. Most systems would break in some fashion if subjected to that treatment. Not many are designed for that kind of abuse.

 

I'm not saying that the cable shouldn't be redesigned. Whatever you can reasonably do to protect against problems like this should be done. But heck, given the price of a GameCube these days combined with the way I personally use mine, I'd buy one of the V2's if it came at a discount to the V3, or if it meant I'd get it faster. My GameCube has been sitting on the same shelf immobile for years now, and if it ever fell off, I'd expect it to break anyway.

[+remowilliams]

Okay, that was some Niagara Falls level 'slight bumping' ...

[keepdreamin]

Yes, it is super complicated. Nintendo used there own proprietary connector AND digital converter chip for the component cable.

Retrovison HD just converts RGB to component.

 

Retro cables uk invested like $10,000 for a mold for the SNES/n64 to have high quality ends.

China makes connectors for the SNES, NOBODY does for the digital port of a GameCube.

 

....... there's a connector on this video adapter, correct? Don't answer, that was a rhetorical question. It's currently supporting the whole weight of the dongle. What if you *gasp*, unsoldered it from the board. Get yourself some cable with enough separate conductors (those exist right now). Cut to length, soldered one end to the board, and the other end to the plug that was just removed. A plastic enclosure is already being produced for the board, can't see it being that hard to design a simple two piece end to clamp around the connector. Maybe similar in function to the plastic around a SCART end.

[Rick Dangerous]

I don't get why this thing needs to be hanging off the back of the gamecube like a tumor. Make an actual HDMI cable with a proper plug end for the GC with the converter built in further downstream.

 

See HD retrovision's cable design. The rgb to component circuitry is in that box.

 

 

Who bumps a gamecube at a party?

 

Anyway..bummer to see the developments on this thread. Whats up with the above cable, did they only do a limited run of them? Why not make more if so?

[keepdreamin]

Whats up with the above cable, did they only do a limited run of them? Why not make more if so?

 

You could try visiting their website....

[+KeeperofLindblum]

 

Well, my point was that after watching the video, it's clear that this wasn't "the slightest movement". This was a console being yanked off a 3 foot high shelf onto the floor. *Hopefully* it won't break if that happens, but saying "you shouldn't worry about" that is a little optimistic. Most systems would break in some fashion if subjected to that treatment. Not many are designed for that kind of abuse.

 

I'm not saying that the cable shouldn't be redesigned. Whatever you can reasonably do to protect against problems like this should be done. But heck, given the price of a GameCube these days combined with the way I personally use mine, I'd buy one of the V2's if it came at a discount to the V3, or if it meant I'd get it faster. My GameCube has been sitting on the same shelf immobile for years now, and if it ever fell off, I'd expect it to break anyway.

 

You are right, but there was a comment or two on the Youtube video that mentioned only slightly moving the console (to change the disc) was enough to cause the connector to send its Death Jolt to the console. This could have been exaggerating though.

 

What they did in Metal Jesus's version was indeed overkill and would have damaged about any specialty cable or connector, but I'd argue the movement involved could either come from the system moving or the HDMI cable moving. The HDMI cable could easily move the connector around and cause it to do what it does. It shouldn't have enough looseness that it moves whether by console or by cable.

 

 

Who bumps a gamecube at a party?

 

Anyway..bummer to see the developments on this thread. Whats up with the above cable, did they only do a limited run of them? Why not make more if so?

 

HDRetrovision has done like 2-3 batches of their cable at this point, but they're only releasing them in groups as they can get them made. They do generally stay in stock for a day or two after it runs, and the Genesis one is generally in stock for up to a week or more.

 

Unfortunately they just got done with a batch a few weeks ago, so there's no telling when they're next one drops...

[spacecadet]

What they did in Metal Jesus's version was indeed overkill and would have damaged about any specialty cable or connector, but I'd argue the movement involved could either come from the system moving or the HDMI cable moving.

 

Well that's true, and I hadn't really considered that. I do often go back behind my A/V equipment and move stuff around, and sometimes that does involve pulling various cables that might be bound up with other cables. I guess it's more of a problem if just doing that is enough to get it out of position so it sends its death jolt.

[Punisher5.0]

 

You are right, but there was a comment or two on the Youtube video that mentioned only slightly moving the console (to change the disc) was enough to cause the connector to send its Death Jolt to the console. This could have been exaggerating though.

 

What they did in Metal Jesus's version was indeed overkill and would have damaged about any specialty cable or connector, but I'd argue the movement involved could either come from the system moving or the HDMI cable moving. The HDMI cable could easily move the connector around and cause it to do what it does. It shouldn't have enough looseness that it moves whether by console or by cable.

 

 

HDRetrovision has done like 2-3 batches of their cable at this point, but they're only releasing them in groups as they can get them made. They do generally stay in stock for a day or two after it runs, and the Genesis one is generally in stock for up to a week or more.

 

Unfortunately they just got done with a batch a few weeks ago, so there's no telling when they're next one drops...

Their premium cable bundle is hilarious.

 

I added myself to the mailing list. I'd like to get a cable for the SNES.

[+KeeperofLindblum]

Their premium cable bundle is hilarious.

 

I added myself to the mailing list. I'd like to get a cable for the SNES.

 

I just now saw the Premium Cable Bundle... WHAT A STEAL!

[Atariboy]

It's easy to move the GameCube around a bit just by ejecting a game out of the Game Boy Player.

 

I'd hate to feel like I had to use kid gloves just to enjoy the system, making sure that the plug is secure and not out of position each time before I start the system and being extremely careful that the system isn't moved in the slightest as I insert and remove cartridges or swap out a controller.

Edited August 27, 2017 by Atariboy

[Tanooki]

He says he's fixing it and been shamed due to the accident so before totally damning him (not that some isn't deserved due to warnings) if 3.0 doesn't turn your gamecube into a blunt force object weapon with a handle (or a doorstop) then it's fine. If 3rd time isn't the charm he should be shunned Amsih style, totally ignored, never to work with, never to buy from, at best some glares and covert snark and let it be finished. It's not like someone else can't take the data out there from what I've read and mass produce their own too.

[+KeeperofLindblum]

I think the problem with the main two people working on the adapters is that they announced and started selling earlier than they should have.

 

Zeldaxpro will has probably hit his sweet spot and going to lose a lot of press with what happened to Metal Jesus (incredibly stupid situation or not).

 

Badassconsoles isn't doing much better. He opened up a preorder for this internal board and then decided like a year later (having delivered very little) to change to an external adapter instead. Now he's lost a lot of his steam and people aren't happy with him. Unfortunately, on top of that, Badassconsoles is incredibly shitty at responding to anyone or making announcements. Hell, if you check his site currently, it just links you to a video done by Bob w/ RetroRGB.

 

In the end, we're all excited for a great new way to hook up our Gamecubes... but a lot of these people should have held back and fully completed the product then tested before offering to preorder. Yes, I realize the preorder is to help them get money to actually get the items produced and started, but they could have easily had their revised working prototype that's been tested by a dozen people or something like that. Granted, I could be wrong and they did all these steps and crap still went down.

[Tanooki]

I think you're probably at least partly right if not mostly. If I remember right when Saint did the NGPC kit he was very public yet pretty fast about it relatively speaking. Open dialog, open videos, pictures, showing progress. As it got going he had a list of interested parties with nothing down. Only once it was completed did that list then start sending mails back in order asking those still interested to pony up the price for it. That was the right way about it. I know he had to eat it a bit up front as he did probably a half dozen or a few more protos then finalized units for people with the various region/styles (there are 3) of the NGP/NGPC systems to make sure no bugs happened on any version or as dumb as the 3D printed mold not fitting the cart slot properly.

 

Clearly not everyone afford that or can or woudl want to risk floating a loan. Kickstarters suck too but people do like to blow their money on that, so there would be funding or pre-funding options if help is needed. But to just test alone and blindly make stuff without thinking of the consequences of random bugs to a bbw lumbering dolt kicking a gamecube onto a hard floor the fact is crap happens and you can't always alone think of all the stupid stuff. If the kid/adult was doing this on their own, easily a few units could have been made, or even just a couple and loan it out to a few local buddies with cubes and say, 'get crazy, get violent, find me the problems and you get a free one as soon as I make them.' as that's one way to do it.

[Punisher5.0]

Anyone else getting emails from other people in the order queue? They have been sending out everyone's email address (through batch emails) and now people are making comments about the product. It's like a little forum in my inbox.

[Tanooki]

Mine has a BCC on it so no.

[keepdreamin]

I still don't understand why this design is insistent on hanging the circuitry directly off the back of the GC. Can anyone explain how this is beneficial?

 

Comparing it to the design of say an AC/DC adapter. this thing is comparable to a wall wart:

 

 

Wouldn't a design like this make more sense? :

 

[+-^CrossBow^-]

here is another thought though I know it would add to the cost and bulk. Is there a way to get the power to the converter externally so that they can disable that pin on the adapter and not risk shorting the 'Cube? Again I know additional expense and more bulk, but maybe a small USB like power cable to power the adapter separately? I'm just tossing out ideas as I don't know the specifics for this, but if voltage on the pins and them getting shorted is the issue, then a way to prevent that is needed. And if the voltage is only needed to power the adapter, then using an external power source and removing that pin off the connector would seem like the quickest solution?

 

Using an external power source for a converter isn't anything new. Hell pretty much all the converters I use require their own power source as is.

Edited October 20, 2017 by -^Cro§Bow^-