Bob

CDi 220 RGB Board

Posted on by Bob

Frank Strasser has just posted pictures of his CDi RGB board, created to make RGB installation easy and cleaner in all Philips CDi front-loading units.

All North American front-loading CDi units I’ve tested use the Sony CXA 1645 chip to generate composite video.  This is the same chip used in many consoles, such as the Sega Genesis and outputs RGB.  Frank has taken all the components required to complete the circuit and placed them all on a PCB that mounts directly where the RF modulator sits.  While removing the RF modulator can be a pain (unless you have a good delsoldering gun!), once it’s gone, this board solders right in, requiring only basic wire connections from the CXA to the board.  That makes this a clean and easy no-cut mod that works with existing cables!

(Reminder: Tips are pre-soldered, please allow a few minutes for the element to heat up prior to use) The vacuum desoldering station is especially designed for lead free desoldering. The unit provides rapid heating and high power, allowing the user t...
Pro Digital Vacuum Desoldering Station, Anesty Professional Removal Rework Station ZD-915 Iron Gun Built-in Vacuum Pump
4.3 out of 5 stars (320)
$149.99
(Reminder: Tips are pre-soldered, please allow a few minutes for the element to heat up prior to use) The vacuum desoldering station is especially designed for lead free desoldering. The unit provides rapid heating and high power, allowing the user t... read more
(as of March 29, 2023 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Country Of Origin: Taiwan, Province Of China Model Number: J-045-DS Item Package Dimension: 12.5" L x 5.25" W x 1.5" H Item Package Weight: 0.512 lb
ECG J-045-DS Electric Corded De-Soldering Iron, 420 Degree C Tip Temperature, 45W
4.5 out of 5 stars (738)
Country Of Origin: Taiwan, Province Of China Model Number: J-045-DS Item Package Dimension: 12.5" L x 5.25" W x 1.5" H Item Package Weight: 0.512 lb
(as of March 29, 2023 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

CDi 200 RGB Mod (basic, no custom board):  https://www.retrorgb.com/cdi.html

I recommend that everyone use the design for the 8-Pin MiniDIN, as that can be used with any passthrough cable for an easy, high-quality solution:

8-Pin MiniDIN Version (recommended):  https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/Qo06iAx8
RGB SCART Cable:  Retro Gaming Cables  /  Retro-Access

Frank also uploaded a version (pictured) that uses a Genesis 2 cable, for people who plan on using the HD Retrovision cables.  Please keep in mind this is a completely unsupported console, so your results may vary:

9-Pin MiniDIN (Genesis 2 style):  https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/VeQlMK83
HDRetrovision Cables:  US Reseller  /  Canada Reseller

 

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