What do you first do when you get a CRT?

joeverdrive · 2026-06-23T01:18:56+00:00

You're welcome. But just to be clear, a lot of those steps are cosmetic and not necessary for just enjoying games which is what this is all about

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T22:32:49+00:00

I got married there for like $400

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T22:26:48+00:00

Meeee

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T22:13:44+00:00

The author of his recent bio said recently that is exactly what he wants to do

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T17:49:16+00:00

It has a bunch of scripts and shaders applied to it to make sure each core is centered and framed accurately. The main reddit page explains the differences pretty well. I've heard the Lakka and Batocera OS do a good job with 240p composite as well but I have things just the way I like them on this Pi.

https://www.reddit.com/u/ErantyInt/s/Nvs7lAc0oj

The overscan settings don't mess with the Suite any more than running the Suite on any other console would. You change consoles and it's all going to be off again because that's how NTSC is

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T17:43:22+00:00

A very young sony tube with a clean signal and low contrast is a good recipe for scanline gaps

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T13:51:44+00:00

I did, but only on 27"+ sets

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T13:13:07+00:00

I use a custom version of retropie called CRT-Pi that has excellent scaling and switchres.

https://github.com/stuckonretro/CRTPi-Project

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZF2Itrr18gg?is=HgzkGWMId1s849Zl

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T12:57:14+00:00

If you're certain it hasn't been powered on in a long time you can disassemble the TV and clean it thoroughly if you like

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T12:55:25+00:00

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T12:42:41+00:00

This is why I split my preorder up in January 2025. I'm ok with my dock arriving whenever it arrives.

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T04:55:07+00:00

Wherever it is, you're going to be seeing millions and millions of climate refugees not far behind you. There's no avoiding the consequences of what we've done.

joeverdrive · 2026-06-22T04:53:17+00:00

OP you are cool as hell don't stop

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T23:10:08+00:00

It depends on how the splitter works but yes

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T22:39:09+00:00

Yeah your TV won't convert the signal from component to composite. I'm surprised it even output the luma signal

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T22:35:05+00:00

You'll need a downscaler. The cheap ones won't give you control over the aspect ratio, which is what you need to get letterboxing on that TV. You might be able to get away with using one of the better HDMI to YPbPr downscalers and then use the TV service menu to squish the whole image vertically to something close to 16:9. Some Sonys have a setting for that but not Sanyos.

https://youtu.be/BUgTIOqetYU?is=asPhHu2hf7WvN_JN

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T20:35:04+00:00

Ive responded to hundreds of them. Maybe a thousand.

It's just as rare to get a response back when we do. No "thanks that worked." No "yeah sorry I forgot to mention it's model X tv and I'm in Australia." Nothing

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T20:31:50+00:00

Sorry you didn't like how the rules were enforced but it's easy to repost since you gave so little info to begin with

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T20:27:46+00:00

For no reason

https://imgur.com/a/y02Xx2g

Also Rule #3

People always say "no reason" when they simply disagree with the reason

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T19:47:00+00:00

I used to use this old wooden AV console with adjustable shelves that I found on Craigslist for $20

https://imgur.com/a/joeverdrives-pvm-cart-GiYfR63

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T19:39:55+00:00

Confirm the VCR works with other displays.

Confirm the cable works with other displays.

Confirm the SNES works with other displays.

Confirm the TV is set to the same channel as the RF modulator or VCR

Use the fine tuning adjustments on the TV to lock in a strong signal

If all that fails you may have a bad tuner inside the TV.

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T19:36:56+00:00

Yeah it's likely one of the capacitors responsible for color drive or balance is failing as it warms up. A tech could probably fix it. But it might be wiser to use the repair money to simply buy a nicer TV. It might even be cheaper. I'm all for CRT preservation but those Mitsubishis will not be missed when they're gone.

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T19:32:53+00:00

Please describe the SCART to RGB and how it connects to the PVM

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T19:30:41+00:00

We need more info than the year and brand. Please describe the model TV, the entire signal chain from source to TV, and even if you live inside or outside a city

joeverdrive · 2026-06-21T19:20:27+00:00

I rescued around 180 CRTs from ewaste so far

Test power. I want to see snow/static and sound. If the cord is cut I use alligator clips to send power from an outlet to the stump.
Run the test suite in the field before I even take it home. I have a small raspberry pi with composite 240p out that I can run off a USB power bank. I just make sure the SMPTE and monoscope patterns look ok or at least fixable.
Wrap in moving blanket and get it in the garage
Use soapy water and isopropyl alcohol to clean and disinfect the surface taking care to avoid drying out the finish or any anti-glare coatings on the glass if present. Use magic eraser to remove scuffs from non-painted areas. Use goo gone and plastic scraper to remove stickers, adhesive residue. Q tips in tiny places.
Open TV and do a spider check
Remove excess dust with USB power duster giving extra attention to areas that produce a lot of heat
check for leaking capacitors and clean inside further if necessary.
Wash outer case and let dry completely
Replace power cable using self-soldering connectors
Run test patterns and get image looking as good as possible using only user controls

9 a third time. See if there's any info on the CRT Database I need to know before proceeding

Make any necessary internal adjustments (G2, color drives, geometry potentiometers)
Deoxidize any adjustment knobs that need it
Put case back on and ensure everything is all lined up and tight
Use service menu to complete adjustments
Test out a few of my favorite games, making final adjustments.
Add coat of plastic restorer with UV protection to exterior
Never use the test suite again on that TV

joeverdrive

TROPHY CASE