Using a PSone screen with ANY A/V device! 56K warning

[Wshakspear]

Welcome!
Many of you may have just bought a cheap PSone screen (or combo) from TRU, and this quick guide will show you what you need in order to enjoy nice stereo sound and great picture quality from any A/V source.

First thing you need is a PSone screen

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/5818/p10100151vf.jpg

That is a back shot, which shows you the various inputs. From top to bottom, Left to right you have A/V IN (black hole), Headphone jack (green hole), A/V out (when hooked up to PSone system) and DC Inpue (Power. Yellow hole).

Next, you need a few certain connectors and cables.

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/357/p10100141ng.jpg

Camcorder Cable:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=16-3686
Goes from 3 RCA(Yellow, Red, White) connectors to a A/V headphone jack (3 black rings instead of 2).

RCA to RCA connector:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CT LG%5F007%5F002%5F001%5F003&product%5Fid=274%2D898

EDIT: see end of post for some cheaper e-bay deals!

Use the connector to hook up ANY A/V source with RCA to the Camcorder cable. (Yellow to Yellow, Red to Red, White to White)

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/8241/p10100162gz.jpg

Now plug the Camcorder Cable into the back of the PSone screen, as well as the power cord.

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/8393/p10100187nw.jpg

Also, plug in your System/DVD Player/ A/V source with both power and A/V cables. In this case, i used a Gamecube. The screen is held up with a frame holder.

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/1944/p10100211sq.jpg

Now power on your A/V source. The PSone screen is on already, as it is powered up the moment you plug in the AC adapter.

Enjoy!

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/8504/p10100193kn.jpg

Thanks go to me, WShakSpear for actually typing all that, and taking pictures! :)

P.S. any spelling errors or mistakes, please tell me and i'll update it. Thanks!

EDIT:
Saturn - Christmas NiGHTS
http://img102.exs.cx/img102/8396/p10100295gt.jpg

Xbox - Halo 2
http://img102.exs.cx/img102/6751/p10100265lg.jpg

PS2 - Katamari Damacy
http://img102.exs.cx/img102/5292/p10100281jt.jpg

EDIT:
neonglow has found this E-bayer who apparently is quite helpful and has the various cables for this project. Make sure you read the listings as always!

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsassZrazernQ QssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

[Wshakspear]

BTW, you can also use some cheaper cords and connectors to do it in Mono. Same basic elements, just one less RCA cord.

[Scorch]

I wanna see pics of someone hooking it up to an XBox..

[vanlandw]

that is pretty slick..i will keep my eyes pealed for a cheap screen...thanks for the info!

[gamefan1686]

Nice, very nice :applause:

[arsenalgear]

Thanks!

[Wshakspear]

added to original post

[Pylis]

Nice! Too bad I missed out on the screen...

[CrimsonGeist]

Neat.

[Wshakspear]

Also, you can plug your VCR up to it, you just need to use the VCR's remote to switch channels

[m_d_amore]

ok next we need the how to ' install these in your headrests in the car

[Mojimbo]

great guide. around how much were these at TRU again? I remember the thread and my TRU had a few so I might pick another screen up(I already have the LCD combo, but the screen has lost its firmness from repeated closing and opening).

[Wshakspear]

great guide. around how much were these at TRU again? I remember the thread and my TRU had a few so I might pick another screen up(I already have the LCD combo, but the screen has lost its firmness from repeated closing and opening).

15-40. i got mine for 35

[Wshakspear]

ok next we need the how to ' install these in your headrests in the car

To be quite honest, im gonna try and attach one to my cube, in a way that will look nice too. So yeah, if anyone has links to electronics quides, feel free to post'em :)

[m_d_amore]

http://www.palmpsone.com/index.html
edit- 2 more
http://www.benheck.com/
http://www.classicgaming.com/vcsp/News.htm

[jimbodan]

I was just wondering, is there an easy way to power a gamecube/ps2/xbox without using a wall power socket? IE: I'd like to make it portable. Do they have any sort of battery pack or anything for those systems?

[m_d_amore]

I was just wondering, is there an easy way to power a gamecube/ps2/xbox without using a wall power socket? IE: I'd like to make it portable. Do they have any sort of battery pack or anything for those systems?

gamecube
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000945KE/103-3166641-3177453?v=glance

dont see any others yet
Edit- Ps1
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&CategoryID=cat08166&id=10776242627 08&skuId=6369805&type=product

[Socheata]

Wow, that's awesome. I think I'm gonna go buy the necessary cables and try that out.

[ValkyrieVF-1S]

Wow, that's awesome. I think I'm gonna go buy the necessary cables and try that out.

If you want something more cheaper and don't want extra cables, go buy this one:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=274-883

and just hook it up like this:
http://theinfamousj.dreamhost.com/archives/000110.html

Got that link from the TRU thread.

Nice pics Wshakspear.

[Wshakspear]

Wow, that's awesome. I think I'm gonna go buy the necessary cables and try that out.

If you want something more cheaper and don't want extra cables, go buy this one:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=274-883

and just hook it up like this:
http://theinfamousj.dreamhost.com/archives/000110.html

Got that link from the TRU thread.

Nice pics Wshakspear.

Just to note thats only Mono sound. It works perfectly fine that way, im just a stickler for stereo :)

[Socheata]

Actually, I have that Y-adapter. It came with the surround sound speakers I bought awhile back. It allows me to hook up my speakers to my PC.

Thanks for the info! That should save me money. :D

[peteyrose]

Slightly off-topic, but I have a GameCube screen, which looks quite a bit better than the PS1 one. But can I hook that up to the Xbox also, anybody know?

[MCalvert1]

I knew you could hook the screen up to something else, but I never knew you could do it without the PSOne attached! I just assumed that because there was no power switch, it needed to be powered on by the PSOne. This is great!

MjC

[Wshakspear]

Slightly off-topic, but I have a GameCube screen, which looks quite a bit better than the PS1 one. But can I hook that up to the Xbox also, anybody know? All depends on what kind of A/V inputs your screen has. And im sorry, but no other screen touches the PSone

[ValkyrieVF-1S]

Just to note thats only Mono sound. It works perfectly fine that way, im just a stickler for stereo :)

haha, well I said if you wanted to with something cheaper, not better. :wink:

Anyways, I would like to say is that this screen kicks ass. Thanks to all the CAGers who showed the deals for the screen and showing me how to hook it up with other systems.

[$hady]

now i wish i'd have at least looked for one of these screens that looks cool as hell, I want one!


BEST SCREEN EVAR!!!!!

[MrSneis]

GREAT... I picked up a PSOne combo at TRU today (last one), some asshat decided to steal the LCD and controller from the box, they must have used the hairdryer technique on the seal because it's still intact but I can tell it's been tampered with. I'm so mad I can't sleep. Today was pretty much my worst CAG day EVER.

[XboxMaster]

So it doesn't matter if you have mono or stereo?

[m_d_amore]

nope

Works either way.

or add this to the mono plug and get stereo mono
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=42-2536
but be better off getting the single stereo piece
if that makes sense

[Wshakspear]

nope

Works either way.

or add this to the mono plug and get stereo mono
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=42-2536
but be better off getting the single stereo piece
if that makes sense

Thats what i did at first. I had all those parts, and it made both speakers work.

[m_d_amore]

I love this thing!!! Im so tempted to snatch the remaing screens to just mess around with. Also they are such a great value. I got it for 25. If i find it cheaper for sure I ll get the lot of them

[CaptainObviousXl]

i have an old intec one that i bought for 100 when psone first came out. It has the 3 female imput red rellow and white thingies already on it.

[Wshakspear]

I love this thing!!! Im so tempted to snatch the remaing screens to just mess around with. Also they are such a great value. I got it for 25. If i find it cheaper for sure I ll get the lot of them

PC case mod = http://bit-tech.net/article/136/

[zewone]

I love this thing!!! Im so tempted to snatch the remaing screens to just mess around with. Also they are such a great value. I got it for 25. If i find it cheaper for sure I ll get the lot of them

PC case mod = http://bit-tech.net/article/136/

That is one of the reasons I want one. To try that PC mod.

[XboxMaster]

OK, so what's the difference between mono and stereo? Which one should I get? Where's the cheapest place to get the one I should get?

[swetooth9]

great guide OP

i like it when they have step by step pics along with the instructions :D

[Wshakspear]

Thanks :) It killed photobuckets bandwith limit...but ill fix that soon.

And xbox master.. Mono is one speaker, stereo is two speakers. Stero will have things going from left to right, while mono will just be there. Its like GBA (mono speaker) vs DS (stero speakers).

If that was the DUH answer, the other answer is "Quality". I prefer stero sound on everything, and this fits the bill. The parts will be found cheapest at Radioshack. The $15 piece i have listed nomally goes for $25-40 with any other brand/store

[XboxMaster]

Thanks :) It killed photobuckets bandwith limit...but ill fix that soon.

And xbox master.. Mono is one speaker, stereo is two speakers. Stero will have things going from left to right, while mono will just be there. Its like GBA (mono speaker) vs DS (stero speakers).

If that was the DUH answer, the other answer is "Quality". I prefer stero sound on everything, and this fits the bill. The parts will be found cheapest at Radioshack. The $15 piece i have listed nomally goes for $25-40 with any other brand/store


Damn, $15? I might have to sell some things on CAG...

[Wshakspear]

I'll fix the pictures in a bit...they were apparently popular

[MrFriday18]

the mono method did not work for me

[Wshakspear]

the mono method did not work for me

if the adapter bits are color coded, switch the plugs around a bit to see if the video works in a different hole.

[XboxMaster]

So is $15 the cheapest anyone's found on these stereo adapters?

[MrFriday18]

do u need the psone console for this to work, or can you use just the screen.

[bone_matrix]

No, you don't need the PS1 for this to work. You can just use the cables.

And for the mono method, don't follow the colors. Use the red audio in the white spot, and the yellow video in the red spot.

[topplehat]

Will this show in high resolution, like progressive scan and stuff?

[Saurus]

Is the LCD supposed to stay on even though there's no signal going to it?

[Mojimbo]

So is $15 the cheapest anyone's found on these stereo adapters?I found one on ebay for ~$8 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20333&item=3866036 480&tc=photo

regarding the mono method:

if I hook it up with just this piece:

http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/274/274-883.jpg

will I get mono as in one audio channel on just the left speaker or is it one audio channel distributed over both speakers?

if I also buy the second part:

http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/42/42-2536.jpg

will I get true stereo?

thanks.

[Wshakspear]

you will get mono from one speaker with the first bit, the other bit you will get two speaker mono

[The Don]

In the picture, is that the power cord that you get when you buy a PS1? Is there a separate power cord that you get when you buy the LCD screen?

[Missingdata]

Can't c pix....

[Wshakspear]

Shit...my bad. I new i forgot something yesterday... they will be fixed shortly (again...)

[Wshakspear]

FIXED!

[Missingdata]

where did u get the power plug? how many volt is that?

[Wshakspear]

Power plug came with the screen. 7.5 voltz

[The Don]

Power plug came with the screen. 7.5 voltzAm I able to use the power plug from the PSone?

[ryosnk]

Thanks OP.

[Wshakspear]

Power plug came with the screen. 7.5 voltzAm I able to use the power plug from the PSone?

Somebody else has mentiones that the PSone plug and the screen plug are different...i'm gonna take thier word, considering i dont have an actual PSone at the moment

[neonglow]

This ebay seller sells the AV RCA wire for pretty cheap. $3.75 + $1.95 shipping.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsassZrazernQ QssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

Make sure to buy the ones marked $3.75. He also lists them as PSone wire but is charging $5 for those. As far as I can tell, they are the same wire.

BTW, where can I buy that easel frame for the LCD screen and how much does one of those cost?

[Wshakspear]

lol..the easel was from a local craft shop and cost maybe $3. I also use it for "Now Playing" movies and games. Yep, im a dork :)

Good find on the Ebay auctions. He also has the couplers. Just to note, the 3.75 ones have a 6 ft. cord, while they have Gold Plated, 6ft ones for 4.95 and Gold Plated with 12 ft. cord for 7.95. Not bad deals at all.

And to answer it right off the bat, "Who would need 12 ft. of cords?". Cube owners with a Wavebird in another room :)

[guessed]

This ebay seller sells the AV RCA wire for pretty cheap. $3.75 + $1.95 shipping.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsassZrazernQ QssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

Make sure to buy the ones marked $3.75. He also lists them as PSone wire but is charging $5 for those. As far as I can tell, they are the same wire.

BTW, where can I buy that easel frame for the LCD screen and how much does one of those cost?

I bought from him, and got my cables and coupler pretty quickly. I haven't yet tried them, but they look good. Also, he combines shipping, so even though it would have been $1.95 shipping for just the cable, it was only $2.20 shipping for the coupler and the cable together. He has a combined shipping calculator that lets you put in the item numbers to determine total shipping. Very professional.

One caveat: I ordered the $3.35 coupler that shows red/green/blue connectors instead of the $3.45 coupler that has yellow/white/red. I received the yellow/white/red. I don't expect that there is any difference in performance (anyone know otherwise?), so I didn't bother sending him an email about it, but if you want the exact product pictured, I'd recommend including a note with your payment.

Ok, I just tested them, they work fine. I'll eventually try modding, but for now, it is good to have it working with the cables.

[Wshakspear]

No difference with the colors...same inner workings and use. They just make it easier to distinguish when you've got 100 cords behind a tv :)

[munch]

In case anyone hasn't seen my post i can get access to a couple of these if anybody would like one. It is the official Sony hardware, and the price is coming out to about $35 shipped (less for some).

PM if interested.

[slidecage]

I was just wondering, is there an easy way to power a gamecube/ps2/xbox without using a wall power socket? IE: I'd like to make it portable. Do they have any sort of battery pack or anything for those systems?

gamecube
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000945KE/103-3166641-3177453?v=glance

dont see any others yet
Edit- Ps1
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&CategoryID=cat08166&id=10776242627 08&skuId=6369805&type=product


they got those gamecube batteries here for 15 bucks at TRU (I think 15) whatever 70% off 40 is :)

[Wshakspear]

The batteries will only power the cube itself, you'd still need to plug the screen in. They do have car adapters for the screen.

[TheGreat2nd]

ok next we need the how to ' install these in your headrests in the car
That would be awesome!
Just have to put power source to car adapter and then a bunch of other stuff like some cutting of the cushion.
...Anybody up for it?

[The Don]

Okay so let me get this straight. In the end there will be two power cords coming out. One coming out of the LCD screen and one coming out of the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, etc. Right? Also does the power cord that you have look like this http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/web/viewItemDetail.do?operation=getItemDetail&itemID=5 04077&category=9&categoryName=PlayStation

[scdoanintendo]

Okay so let me get this straight. In the end there will be two power cords coming out. One coming out of the LCD screen and one coming out of the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, etc. Right? Also does the power cord that you have look like this http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/web/viewItemDetail.do?operation=getItemDetail&itemID=5 04077&category=9&categoryName=PlayStation

That would be the one that comes with the LCD.

[The Don]

Okay so let me get this straight. In the end there will be two power cords coming out. One coming out of the LCD screen and one coming out of the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, etc. Right? Also does the power cord that you have look like this http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/web/viewItemDetail.do?operation=getItemDetail&itemID=5 04077&category=9&categoryName=PlayStation

That would be the one that comes with the LCD.Do you have a picture of the one that comes with the PSone?

[Senaz28]

Okay so let me get this straight. In the end there will be two power cords coming out. One coming out of the LCD screen and one coming out of the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, etc. Right? Also does the power cord that you have look like this http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/web/viewItemDetail.do?operation=getItemDetail&itemID=5 04077&category=9&categoryName=PlayStation

That would be the one that comes with the LCD.

The pack-in ac adapter's cord is way short. Is there any alternive to extend the cable? I want to plumb this into my car in a really clean way but the length of this adapter cable is jamming me up.

-Brian P

[jngx80]

I was wondering why everyone wanted to get the PS1 screens.

It looks pretty neat, but do you guys use it? Why not play on a regular tv? or is everyone using it for the portability?

I was just wondering how games look on it, is it big enough that you could play something like dynasty warriors or a shooter like r-type on it? I'll have to check if they're still available.

[Negative]

My TRU has them for that 29.99 sticker price. Saw 4 in stock. Maybe it's worthwile now that I know it can do this.

[UncleBob]

I'm *very* happy with my PSone combo unit I picked up for $50...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/TheUncleBob/Picture012.jpg

(Sorry about the crappy picture, it was taken with a camera phone)...

Forget the GBASP - I've got a backlit 5" screen, stereo sound and I can play Gamecube and PS1 games! Whoo!

Although it doesn't quite fit in my pocket as well...

BTW, anyone who's TRU sold out of the screens/combo units - you might be slightly interested in this... http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=47426

Wal-Mart let me price match with TRU... :)

[Wshakspear]

I was wondering why everyone wanted to get the PS1 screens.

It looks pretty neat, but do you guys use it? Why not play on a regular tv? or is everyone using it for the portability?

I was just wondering how games look on it, is it big enough that you could play something like dynasty warriors or a shooter like r-type on it? I'll have to check if they're still available.

Yep. I play everything from Wind Waker to Ikaruga, NiGHTS to Halo. Works fine with all of them. I actually use the screen in bed while the GF is either watching TV or reading her books.

[SOSTrooper]

Off topic, but any chance some place is selling the PSOne LCD cheap? Think TRU is still selling this under $30? This thread got me hooked. :)

[DV8]

Does anyone know how to hook 2 screens up to one system?

[Wshakspear]

a Simple Y adapter....and if Radioshack was working, id give you a pic...and i dont feel like looking elsewhere

[oper00]

a Simple Y adapter....and if Radioshack was working, id give you a pic...and i dont feel like looking elsewhere

I didn't read the middle pages of the thread, but is there a way to make the Y-adpater more secure? the 1/8" hole seems to be a slightly bigger than the gold-plated jack. I push it all the way in but its like if I bump or move the wires, the LCD screen goes out and I have to re-adjust it. Or do I have a faulty screen? :shock:

[Wshakspear]

...im pretty sure that would be just the wires. mine all fit snug...so...um.. start bending some metal?

[guessed]

Off topic, but any chance some place is selling the PSOne LCD cheap? Think TRU is still selling this under $30? This thread got me hooked. :)

If your TRU still has them, odds are they are cheap ($10 to $35). Very few TRUs still have them for more than that.

[SOSTrooper]

Thanks for the thread, Wshakspear. Look what I found at my TRU for $22...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/sostrooper/stuff/psonelcd2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/sostrooper/stuff/psonelcd1.jpg

:wink:

[Wshakspear]

Isnt it sweet :)

[govegan]

I'm *very* happy with my PSone combo unit I picked up for $50...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/TheUncleBob/Picture012.jpg

(Sorry about the crappy picture, it was taken with a camera phone)...

Forget the GBASP - I've got a backlit 5" screen, stereo sound and I can play Gamecube and PS1 games! Whoo!
I'd like to see what GBA games would look like on that screen through the Gameboy Player.

[UncleBob]

Umm... well, the picture I posted was of "The Minish Cap" via a Gamecube/GameBoy Player... Unfortunatly, again, it was taken with my picture phone, so the shot sucks... :(

It looks pretty good on the LCD screen though... :)

[Wshakspear]

Kinda blurry, but nice pic. Kinda looked like WW for a second :) Isnt this fun? :)

[govegan]

Umm... well, the picture I posted was of "The Minish Cap" via a Gamecube/GameBoy Player... Unfortunatly, again, it was taken with my picture phone, so the shot sucks... :(

It looks pretty good on the LCD screen though... :)Oops. I quoted you, but I hadn't actually clicked on the picture link. From what I can tell, it looks pretty good. Unfortunately I don't have a Gameboy Player or one of the screens, but I'll probably get the Player at least. Thanks for pointing out the pic.

[SOSTrooper]

I managed to open the plastic casing (not an easy task) and I'm now planning on framing it like what some people are doing. Oh and look what I found working...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/sostrooper/stuff/psonelcd13.jpg

[Birbo]

Wshakspear, thanks a bunch for this thread. Already have a combo, but felt the need to pick up another screen on the cheap at TRU to hook my other systems to and play in bed or at work. :)

Would love to see more pics of the mod work people are doing with these. May need to get a few more screens! :)

[Miranda]

http://s87031157.onlinehome.us/gallery/albums/PSOneLCDscreen/113_1348_IMG.jpg

http://s87031157.onlinehome.us/gallery/albums/PSOneLCDscreen/113_1350_IMG.jpg

The protective plastic cover was still on because I just took it out of the box to test it out. :P Now I just need to figure out where I'm going to put it. :)

[jackoman]

nice, now I gotta find one of these

[MorPhiend]

Awesome stuff, WShakespear! Now I'm really upset that my TRU only has the screens alone, and they are full priced...

[jimbodan]

I just got a screen today (Thanks to Munch for hooking me up!), I hooked it up to my old NES and played Metroid for awhile to test it out, works like a charm! I just bought a couple of those gold plated connectors from that ebay seller, total came to around 15$ shipped for a 12 foot gold plated camcorder cable and a gold plated female connector.

[Wshakspear]

Awesome stuff, WShakespear! Now I'm really upset that my TRU only has the screens alone, and they are full priced...

keep a good eye on them then. They will get clearanced, it will probably be a very sudden and drastic drop.

[GuilewasNK]

I need to get one of theses screens...

[alfonsosoriano]

Wow, that is SWEET.

[supadupacheap]

This ebay seller sells the AV RCA wire for pretty cheap. $3.75 + $1.95 shipping.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsassZrazernQ QssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

Make sure to buy the ones marked $3.75. He also lists them as PSone wire but is charging $5 for those. As far as I can tell, they are the same wire.

BTW, where can I buy that easel frame for the LCD screen and how much does one of those cost?

Id just like to add for anybody out there looking for the hookups, the Razern guy on ebay is awesome. Not only was he helpful as heck with my special request, he even helped me out with some other non related AV questions I asked on a whim. Id buy from him again without hesitation.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsassZrazernQ QssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

[zewone]

Yeah, I got my cables from Razern and he was kind enough to answer my questions, combine shipping, and have great prices.

[Wshakspear]

Just added that e-bay info to the OP. Thanks for the tip!

[JAMMR]

So I'm trying to figure out how to hook up multiple screens to one source. What Y-adapter do I need and how will it work?

(I wouldn't ask this question if I weren't seriously lost in all this stuff :))

[LV-426RS]

So I'm trying to figure out how to hook up multiple screens to one source. What Y-adapter do I need and how will it work?

(I wouldn't ask this question if I weren't seriously lost in all this stuff :))
I thought about this myself. I'm not sure if it would work because I don't really feel like redoing all my wires.

but, if you take a system selector (pelican system selector) and hook the screens to the inputs and connect the gaming device to the output you may be able to push in all the buttons at once to get a signal to them all. By hooking it up this way you will be able to turn off certain screens that you don't want the signal to go to.

[Wshakspear]

http://img202.exs.cx/img202/4690/2745115xr.jpg

You would plug in the system on the single im put end, and then hook up a monitor to each input on the other. This is the quick and easy and garunteed to work kind of way, but you would need three off those plugs to get stereo, just one for video.

[supadupacheap]

First and foremost I would like to thank Wshakspear for this thread. Its awesome and I can only hope my info is half as helpful to someone else as his was to me..

Hit the road jack...

Taking your Ps2 Xbox GameCube or DVD to go. :D

Ok, a lucky few of us now have PsOne screens. And while its awesome at home, the possibility of taking it on the road is just too tempting not to persue. And doing it is actually much easier, and probably cheaper than youd think.

First you need to determine the amount of power you will need, or the Watts. This is usually found on the device(s) or in the owners manual. Since most of us will be using our screens and a game system, I will list them here. (I also ask anyone who has one of these systems to PM me with that info so I may add it here. Thanks.)

PsOne Screen:
PsOne:
Ps2:
PsTwo:
Xbox: 100W
Gamecube:
Dreamcast:
N64:
Snes:

**Please note** These numbers should only be used as a GUIDE. If you are unable to check your owners manual, I highly suggest you leave yourself plenty of "cushion" when it comes to wattage. (i.e. If the estimates add up to 150w, buy at least a 200w or more inverter)

Also THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO IMPORT SYSTEMS!!! Im sure most of you who own them know how to adjust for power differences but for those who dont, PLEASE do your homework. Using Import systems off DC power is an explaination Im not quite ready to tackle here just yet. Also, Im not sure how many CAGers would really benefit. (If you need some help though, feel free to PM me)

[supadupacheap]

1.21 gigawatts? 1.21 gigawatts! Great Scott!...

Finding all the power you need :idea:

The next step in our project is converting our cars DC power (battery) into the AC power we need. For this, we need something called an Inverter (http://www.dcacpowerinverters.com/inverterguide.htm#24)
Odds are youve seen or even have an inverter but didnt know it. They come in many configurations but here are some common ones.

Compact, aka "mini" inverter
http://img223.exs.cx/img223/7703/acdcinvert1yw.th.jpg (http://img223.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img223&image=acdcinvert1yw.jpg)
Used when power needs are low or compact size is required.
Many companies make these with specific power "ends' on them for their respective device. They then call them "official" and charge you a small fortune. :evil:

http://img210.exs.cx/img210/3523/sonycar2xp.jpg

Please Note: There are devices that look similar but are NOT inverters. They are more like outlet multipliers (they simply turn one cig lighter into 2 or 3 or whatever) *see here: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=270-1525 * They will work in a system but that system requires you have car kits for EVERY item you wish to use. I much prefer having one inverter, and being able to plug in any two or three pronged home electrical device I wish.

Standard Inverter
http://img236.exs.cx/img236/2211/brohmsonlinesales183117270908r.jpg

The standard inverter is a workhorse. Its bigger but can usually handle more devices and more power hungry devices. It tends to be cheaper per watt than a mini as well.

So SDC, which one should I buy?

The choice,my friend,is up to you. If space is an issue and your power needs are low enough, feel free to buy the mini. I, however, much prefer the standard for a few reasons:

#1 More power which allows me more devices and a wider range of devices
#2 Cheaper for the same wattage
#3 Replaceable fuses mean if a surge happens I only need to replace a fuse, not the whole unit
#4 Dont it look so much more badass? :wink:

Ok SDC, Ive decided what type I want now how do I decide which wattage to buy.

Ok, take our earlier power calculation of all the stuff you want to hook up. Add to that 25w (I add 50w but Im paranoid by nature) That number is roughly what you ll need wattage wise.

Dont rush off to buy one yet. Lets be smart about this. While thats all we *need* maybe there are other applications we can use an inverter for or we can give ourselves a cushion for future uses/devices. There is,however, one important thing to consider when making our decision:
Car manufacturers limit the output of their cig lighters. You need to find out what the AMP rating is of your cig lighter to find out your limit (see owners manual) Here are the 3 most common:

10 AMP - no more than 120W
15 AMP - no more than 180W
20 AMP - no more than 240W

So as you can see, you can have a 400w inverter but youre not going to get more than 120w,180w,or 240w out of it (depending on your cig lighters AMP rating) unless you hardwire it into the battery.

For the majority of us, a 175w or 200w inverter should be more than enough and pretty much all we can handle AMP wise.

[supadupacheap]

Ring of Fire

Keeping everything cool :cool:

One of the most overlooked aspects of our project is heat buildup. At home keeping things cool isnt too hard but on the road it can be a challenge. You are in a much more confined space with a lot of power being used so a lot of heat is displaced. So how do we keep things cool? Simple:

#1 Placement - Make sure you put your machine somewhere that doesnt prevent it from properly ventalating. Yes, while the ladies may LOVE your 85 Trans Am with the plush sheepskin covers, they're murder to your xbox. DONT put your machine on sheets, pillows, clothes, or any place else that will contribute to heat. Also, while in use, I suggest not shoving it under a seat. Not sure it could hurt it but why take the chance?

#2 Ventilate your space - Every so often open a window or kick up the AC (through the floor vents if you can) Just as you need fresh air, so does your machine. Of course, if its raining or otherwise precipitating, dont let the unit get wet.

#3 Turn it off every once in awhile - Not only is it good for your machine, its good for you. Go ahead. Get out, stretch those legs, take a pee, buy some junk food, whatever. Just make sure when you do, you shut the machine down instead of leaving it on pause.

I know these things seem pretty common sense but honestly I think most of us dont really think too much about this kinda stuff at home. On the road its a much bigger issue so I thought it was worth a mention.

[supadupacheap]

I wanna rock!!! :twisted:

Getting everything going

Ok,now that we've placed everything, its just a matter of hooking things up and turning things on. As far as connecting things, do just as WShakspear suggested. And do make sure you have all your AV connections made before you apply ANY power. (a precaution but one thats smart to get in the habit of doing)

Now for the power. This is step by step how I do things. You may do otherwise and it will possibly work but Id advise against it.

#1 - Turn on your car and let it get good and warmed up before plugging anything into the lighter. Your poor car has a hard enough life as is, we dont need to add to its problems by forcing it to overcome not only starting power needs but the load youve added as well. Id even suggest geting on the road before you do anything but thats only a precaution, not really a neccesity.

#2 Hookup everything to the inverter that needs power. Things plug in just like do at home except its not a wall, but an inverter.

#3 Plug inverter into Cig lighter

#4 Turn on your devices and get to gaming.

And that,my friends, is it. You are now able to game in your car with just about any system god has ever put on the face of the earth. Not only that, youve done it in the cheapest, safest way possible and have given yourself the option to use many other devices you have at home in the car. Margaritas anyone? :D

[supadupacheap]

Caveat emptor :!:

I tell you because I love you

While all my directions and advice are solidly based in logic, they are still theory. "Wait a minute...so why the hell did you waste my time SDC?" Relax friend, I didnt.

The reason everything is YMMV is simple, we are doing things the creators of these machines never intended. (except in the case of the PsOne) This is not to say this is impossible or even improbable, Im just saying to take this into consideration. The only way I can say for certain a device will work is if I can try it. Each system is different and has different power needs. Its my belief that none of the US gaming machines we use is fickle enough to need a very constant non-fluxuating power supply. Things like digital clocks and some of the current high end notebooks do (and require special Pure Sine Wave inverters to function properly (pure sine wave = $$$ f.y.i.) As I said, everything I know makes me believe every US gaming console should work fine if you follow my steps. However, everying is a bit YMMV until we test it so keep this in mind.

I also ask that anyone who does successfully or unsuccessfully connect any device using my method PM me. If it worked, great, Ill add it to the list and share that with the community. If not, I will exhaust every possibilty to get it working for you.

Next up, skipping. Since these things werent design to go automobiling, they tend not to have skip protection. No matter, most of them should perform admirably in most situations if placed properly. However, dont expect you can Dreamcast while your car mate is driving in the demolition derby.

Extra outlets/sockets - Ok, if your inverter didnt come with enough you CAN use a multiplug with it.I highly suggest against it though. But if you must, you may, just make sure you use something of high quality. That means buy the midpriced adapters at Home Depot not the clearence bin crap at the dollar store. Starting a fire or just melting plastic and/or power cords really ruins youre day. Got me?

Special circumstances - If your vehicle of choice runs off a 24v battery, you need to make some adjustments. Since most of the time these vehicles fall under the heavy machinery or farm use catagories, I wasnt too worried about one of you running into this. However, if youd like to play Lunar while working the south 40 with the combine, it can be done. Pm me and Ill help you with it.

Lastly, have fun. Thats what it's all about. If you run into a problem, PM me. If youre just psyched it all worked out, PM me too. The whole point of this is to get CAGers gaming on the road. Anything you can contribute big or small is very worthwhile.

Id like to thank the following people for their contributions:

Wshakspear - for starting what has become my favorite CAG thread ever.
Organicow - for hooking me up with a screen without gouging me.
Trakan,MorPhiend - for power info that's help me complete my systems chart

And every CAGer that bothered to read these posts of mine.

Thanks again all. It's been fun. :)

M

[Wshakspear]

Now we need to work on modifying the screens to fit on the systems. Im gonna check out some of the cheap/crappy Gamecube screens, and seeing if i can fit the PS1 screen innards in thier.

Then i'll start on shortening the wires...

[supadupacheap]

Now we need to work on modifying the screens to fit on the systems. Im gonna check out some of the cheap/crappy Gamecube screens, and seeing if i can fit the PS1 screen innards in thier.

Then i'll start on shortening the wires...

You say it like Im not already working on it. :wink:

On that subject though, Im not so sure thats the best thing. Sure, seemless intergration is cool as hell LOOKING, but in the case of this systems, not totally fuctional (not to me anyway) I prefer having my unit on the floor and dealing only with the screen. Once I figure out a good hanging solution for it ( Im not convinced the LCD doesnt get too hot to be used IN a headrest) Ill be pretty set. I am toying with the idea of going wireless on the controller tho. Anybody know if those things draw their power from the unit itself? And if so... Ill need to figure out how to add that into the wattage equation. Hmm...

[m_d_amore]

bump

[jlarlee]

posting so I can find this later

[MorPhiend]

posting so I can find this later

Next time just go to the bottom of the page and click the link that says "Watch this topic for replies." Nobody likes a post-whore!!! j/k :wink:


*waits for zion to reply...*

[Lizard Axe]

Question. Does the Y adapter have to be gold plated? I have a silver one. I'd test it myself, but my PSone screen hasn't arrived yet.

[Wshakspear]

Question. Does the Y adapter have to be gold plated? I have a silver one. I'd test it myself, but my PSone screen hasn't arrived yet.
doesnt matter. Gold apparently is a better connection, but the silver wont make that much of a difference, and will still work fine.

[MorPhiend]

Question. Does the Y adapter have to be gold plated? I have a silver one. I'd test it myself, but my PSone screen hasn't arrived yet.

Your sig is creepy...

[jylee507]

OP, thanks a heckuva lot for your pictures and instructions. They made everything extremely easy. I even ordered from the EBAY link, and that person is definitely a standup guy who has great products. I'm looking forward to playing my PS2 on the sweet $30 LCD screen!

[DT778]

Has anyone modded their screens? Like painted it or something?

[DreamSymphony]

I am having a problem with my LCD screen. I have the camcorder cable with the 3 rca jacks and a coupler, yet when I plug in the screen to another source all I get is static with little to no picture and a little bit of the sound from the other source. Is there something wrong with my cable or a/v jack? The screen works great otherwise on my psone....

[DT778]

Make sure everything is connected snugly. I was having that problem at first but I just connected everything tight and it worked.

[DreamSymphony]

Well I was thinking that maybe the cable I have is only one way and only transfers video/audio from the stereo jack end to the rca jacks and not the other way around? Everything is tight... not sure what the problem is...

[LV-426RS]

All cables are bi-directional.

[DreamSymphony]

Got it working, it was the cable I was using.... DOA from a seller on ebay :-(

[munch]

Got it working, it was the cable I was using.... DOA from a seller on ebay :-(

it wasn't razern was it?

[DreamSymphony]

No, it was valley-ent. But he was very helpful and just offered to give me a replacement.

[munch]

No, it was valley-ent. But he was very helpful and just offered to give me a replacement.

that's awesome. considering the type of people that are on ebay, you got lucky.



*edit* just realized this is my 400th post! yippee! *edit*

[dpatel]

Great thread. Just recieved my ps1 moniter from the EB sale. Not sure what I want to use it for yet. I like the PC mod but my pc is kind of hidden so it would be useless to put it in the case. I'll probably have it as a secondary screen and just leave it seperate.

Anyone doing the PC mod? I am wondering how exactly the 2 screens would work. I have seen pics of it but don't really understand how it works. I was thinking of having it as a web browser if I am playing games or simply a winamp display. Will I be able to use my mouse move from one screen to the PS1 LCD screen and change the song or switch websites?

[SOSTrooper]

I said I would do a simple mod and put the LCD screen on a picture frame, but I guess I didn't get around to do that. In fact the bump reminded me I that I actually got an LCD lying around...

[urzishra14]

Thanks :) It killed photobuckets bandwith limit...but ill fix that soon.

And xbox master.. Mono is one speaker, stereo is two speakers. Stero will have things going from left to right, while mono will just be there. Its like GBA (mono speaker) vs DS (stero speakers).

If that was the DUH answer, the other answer is "Quality". I prefer stero sound on everything, and this fits the bill. The parts will be found cheapest at Radioshack. The $15 piece i have listed nomally goes for $25-40 with any other brand/store
didn't read the rest..

if i'm hooking this up to my xbox.. it better have surround.. heh.

[The VGM]

Damn man. The interact screen my friend used to have let you do taht right off the bat. I think the one I have upstairs lets you do it too.


...Yes it does.

[SpottedNigel]

Damn man. The interact screen my friend used to have let you do taht right off the bat. I think the one I have upstairs lets you do it too.


...Yes it does.

Yeah, but there's a BIG difference in quality.

On a side note, i finnaly bought the perfect screen stand: a PSone :) Not just a stand, but a CD player!

[Kerig]

Bump, for those of us who find this at K-mart recently for $26! :)

[Genocidal]

Bump so I can track this thread -- the subscribe button doesn't seem to be working for me :cry:

[LV-426RS]

Bump so I can track this thread -- the subscribe button doesn't seem to be working for me :cry:
Didn't work for me either. So here's my tag.

[ch3zyp00fs]

This totally rocks! Thanks man. First thing I tried to hook it up to was my snes. Haha. Now.. where do I get a stand?

[Trakan]

Finally picked up the cables I needed to make this work. Played some God of War and it looked a lot better than I thought it would. Watching The Fast and the Furious on it now, and it also looks pretty damn good. Thanks shakspear/Nigel.

[DT778]

This totally rocks! Thanks man. First thing I tried to hook it up to was my snes. Haha. Now.. where do I get a stand?
99 cent store

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4046/stand4mx.th.jpg (http://img355.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stand4mx.jpg)http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/2117/standfront8nw.th.jpg (http://img355.imageshack.us/my.php?image=standfront8nw.jpg)http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/2413/standback5vm.th.jpg (http://img385.imageshack.us/my.php?image=standback5vm.jpg)

[assassinX]

whooot go ps1 lcd screen!

[Spades22]

FREAKING SWEET! Now my mom will pay for 100 bucks for a new PS2 for me!!! YES!! I love this! Thanks

How much can you buy LCD screens for, cause I missed the deal and I live in Canada T_T

[SOSTrooper]

Cool.

[SpottedNigel]

FREAKING SWEET! Now my mom will pay for 100 bucks for a new PS2 for me!!! YES!! I love this! Thanks

How much can you buy LCD screens for, cause I missed the deal and I live in Canada T_T

Multiple stores have had them on clearance at different times, so i wouldnt doubt that the same thing happends up there. Just keep a good eye out, or watch some of the EB deals since they have cheap ones used every once in a while

[Jimmy T]

this thread has been dead for some time, but......

im using a monster tv link cable
http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/lbox/810011b.jpg

into an rca video coupler and then a separate rca audio coupler (they didn't have the 3 rca coupler but it should work the same)

im trying to hook up literally ANY device to it and i cant get a picture. ive tried xbox, ps2, a camcorder, and a 360. nothing shows a picture. i dont even get sound. however, the headphone jack works great and the screen itself works great on the psone. what am i doing wrong? any idea why i cant get a picture to show up? ive read through this entire thread to find an answer and it seems nobody had a problem.

[XxSmityxX]

Ban +1

[Chacrana]

Man, PS1 screens were ghangsta like... 3 or 4 years ago. Now they make you look like a bitch.

[Jimmy T]

did i miss the memo?

[Jimmy T]

yeah i guess so? either way, that was totally not conducive to my post at all. thanks CAG forum!

[Chacrana]

You're welcome. Feel free to bump a 3-year-old thread whenever you want.

[Jimmy T]

i searched on google and it came up. what's wrong with bringing back an old thread? stop fighting over your forum and supply some answers!

[SpottedNigel]

Only thing I can possibly think of is that the...well..
hmmm...
OK. Maybe the yellow jack isnt working for video, but the white or the red is. Try just testing for video exclusively first. That's all I can think of as far as an answer other than "try a different connector"

[greyzieoriental]

i have all the plugs that work with a ps1 lcd screen, i actually got 2 pairs of the plugs and only one of the screens now, still in the original box sealed, pretty useless, oh well