Repair & Schematics
Amiga CD32

CleanRGB Install (Amiga CD32)

7min

The Amiga CD32 doesn't output RGB natively. It has Composite, S-Video and RF.

The internal ICs have RGB inside we can tap into.

Most people make RGB mods using custom RGB cables with AC coupling capacitors and resistors. This is ok, but it's far from perfect. It introduces all problems that AC capacitors add (field droop, tilt, common mode noise coupling from the receiver side and more.

All the RGB mods I personally make are called the CleanRGB. It aims at correctly fixing the console itself to output IRE correct voltage level and signals, and the cable is then a pure DC cable with direct connections, no hidden capacitors, sync strippers, resistor or other magic.

The benefits of this are pure, perfect RGB signals not affected by your cable, receiver, or noise.

Overview

This install will involve:

  • Getting RGB and Sync inputs from CXA1145 to CleanRGB
  • Removing S-Video port and epoxy in Master System RGB port
  • Wiring RGB and Sync outputs from CleanRGB back to AV Port
  • Tuning the CleanRGB for perfect IRE levels
  • Open out the AV port hole with hole drill.

Fitting AV Port

Start by removing the old S-Video connector (I like to use hot air).

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Secure the Master System RGB AV Port upside down in its place with epoxy or similar.

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Next, stick the CleanRGB board on top of the RF connector.

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Wiring RGBs Inputs

On the CleanRGB board, wire up the GND, 5V, RGB In and Sync In to the CXA1145 chip.

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Connect CleanRGB Output

Now wire up the RGB and Sync outputs to the AV port pins, along with GND, 5V and Audio.

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Tuning CleanRGB

Checkout the setup guide for tuning the CleanRGB, or for quickness set your dials to the following positions and then tune by eye.

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Hole Widening

Until I design a Sega Saturn / Mini Din 10 sized connector, the shell will need slightly widening to fit the Master System cable through. I use a hole drill bit for that.

Results

Using our CleanRGB SCART cable, here are the results on an Amiga CD32.

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