I installed Mubuntu-MME4CRT-desktop-amd64-v1.iso on my Core2Quad PC
and it seems great.
I'm using it with a CRT 19" Trinitron PC Monitor (VGA)
So I launched the "31K install" from the "start menu" and "games", and then rebooted and launched Retroarch.
Once inside if I try loading a rom it works but does not switch to low resolutions.
Myabe I connect the monitor at the wrong timing?
or I need a tool similar to VMM for Linux to generate resolutions first??
I have an Intel Skull Canyon NUC which is decent powerful, however it has just an HDMI out. I tried to look for examples if this works but didnt find much. Does MME4CRT output 15KHZ through HDMI which can be converted using HDMI to VGA convertor?
There is a built in option within MME4CRT that allows you to choose only one monitor for CRT switching and keep you LCD monitor untouched.
Some times this can be hard to get right.
Simple steps are to choose your monitor index from within retroarch settings. Change this from auto to either 1, 2 or 3 depending which output you want to use. That was the easy bit!
To actually get this you work you need to enable extend display and not have mirrored displays. this can be done via the Linux display settings or using an application like Arandr. With Arandr and some display setting managers these settings aren't saved on reboot. In this case use Arandr, make your changes then save the layout. open the layout file and copy the line into either your .xprofile or Openbox autostart file.
Note that when you extend your display you need to do them in the order that the display output appears. Otherwise this will not work properly. type
Code:
xrandr | grep " connected" | awk '{print$1}'
in terminal to find the order of you displays. remember that MME4CRT does not count disconnected outputs. So, this command only shows connected outputs. If your CRT is connected to VGA and this comes before the output for your LCD you need to ensure that when you extend your displays, you put the CRT on the left. Otherwise make sure its on the right.
I have been asked by a couple of people about adding csync support for ATI cards. This uses a single VGA output for a true csync value. There will be no been to combine your sync signals anymore.
Would adding this functionality be of a benefit to you?
I'd like to propose a project for an official cable for a MME4CRT setup.
I've been working on quite a few PCB projects in EAGLE in the last decade and would like to contribute to MME4CRT with this.
(If everything works out, maybe the final thing could be sold here, we'll see...)
There are quite a few options to connect your PC to a CRT Television or Monitor, but my personal opinion is that none of them is really able to perform a seamless transformation from a PC to a videogame console... either you need a separate PSU or you end up with bulky scart-to-scart leads (or at least monstrous cable-beasts that carry video signals, sound and power in separate leads). Last but not least I think none of the available options are cost-efficient for the end-user.
In the past I came up with an idea - I integrated a small PCB inside a SCART connector which can hold many different parts depending on whatever the purpose may be.
I will design 2 circuit boards that will feature everything to get the best possible visuals, audio and all the voltages that your TV requires to switch into RGB mode and enable 4x3 non-letterboxed format. The first PCB will go inside a little case and has inputs for USB, VGA and Audio. The second PCB will be situated in the SCART connector to ensure an easy assembly.
Setup could be like this:
PC -> (short cables) -> little box with inputs -> (Scart or BNC cable) -> [TV or Monitor]
Here's my feature list:
Open-Source Design: Build your own or buy one, whatever suits your budget without losing any features
Properly shielded cables
H/V Sync-combiner-circuit for true C-Sync output
0.7 Vpp @75 Ohms within specs of what any TV expects to receive
Separate Audio-Ground for noise-free sound
StepUp-Converter to provide 12V for switching to 4:3 mode (Scart-Pin#16)
Optional proper Stereo/Mono conversion, switchable (nice2have if your TV only has mono)
Inputs:
VGA -> Video
USB -> 5V Power
3.5mm Headphone -> Stereo Audio
Outputs:
9-Pin MiniDIN to Scart
-> R, G, B, C-Sync, Audio-L, Audio-R, Audio-GND, 5V Power, GND
VGA Connector with switchable SYNC (H/V or C-SYNC)
-> to be used with a VGA-to-BNC cable (for professional studio monitors like Sony PVM etc.)
Extra Audio connectors via CINCH
15KHz Lock Mode (disables the output if the signal is out of range)
So, this is it. I'd like your feedback about the feature list and any other ideas and wishes are welcome.
There's no release schedule or masterplan until I start working on it and report some progress.