Super retro trio tear down - Taking apart the SR3.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ace

It's not the first time RetroBit has had problems with NOACs containing bad APUs in them. Prior to this, both versions of the RetroDuo Portable have had the same problem in the bundled RetroPort Adapter, and I've been told by YouTube user Satoshi Matrix that his standalone RetroPort Adapter has the same problem. My RetroDuo Portable v2.0's RetroPort Adapter has an NOAC with a bad APU and my standalone RetroPort Adapter does not. I do think, however, the worst offender for shoving clones out the door is Hyperkin. The RetroN3 Version 1 was released with a worse NOAC than what was promised, the SupaBoy Version 1 had serious noise issues with the audio output that took a long time to correct to the point where buyers shipping their consoles back were still getting SupaBoys with noisy audio, and the biggest of all is the RetroN2, which had unusable Super NES S-Video when it was first released and it looks like they deliberately tried to hide this problem by not including an S-Video cable, and I remember my first RetroN2 having decent Composite, but horribly desynced S-Video. And now, they managed to screw up the RetroN5's launch, piss people off and have others jacking the price to insane levels whenever they have a RetroN5 to sell.

---

The retron 5 is not a clone console, it is an emulator for android clone sold as console. The retron 5 is crap.

While you are correct as to what the RetroN5 is and you can say a similar thing regarding AtGames clones as those are also running software emulation, albeit a custom (and horrible) emulator on a totally different chipset with no reliance on Android, you absolutely CANNOT jump to the conclusion that the system is crap unless you have the chance to extensively test the console or witness someone testing as thoroughly as someone like myself would. I am currently testing the RetroN5 and while it's not perfect just like all the hardware clones released so far, the system is FAR from crap, and in the case of the NES, its accuracy surpasses all legal hardware clones released to date. As I said, you can't just jump to the conclusion that a clone console, no matter whether it relies on reverse-engineered hardware, software emulation or an FPGA, is crap unless you actually try the thing for youself or see someone thoroughly going over the system and comparing it side-by-side to the original consoles. There have been clones released that sounded good on paper, but the end result was sometimes utter garbage, and then you end up with clones that sound stupid, but with a suprisingly good end result that surpasses most or all your expectations. Take it from someone who's been around legal clone consoles for almost 7 years; research the clones yourself or find someone who is willing to go as in-depth as you would do (or even more in-depth if you're not all that tech-savvy) if you can't get a hold of a particular clone. Most people who "review" clones just blindly say x clone is the awesome without actually delving deeper into their shortcomings, so when you see "reviews" like that, just leave. They're misinformed reviews.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ace

While you are correct as to what the RetroN5 is and you can say a similar thing regarding AtGames clones as those are also running software emulation, albeit a custom (and horrible) emulator on a totally different chipset with no reliance on Android, you absolutely CANNOT jump to the conclusion that the system is crap unless you have the chance to extensively test the console or witness someone testing as thoroughly as someone like myself would. I am currently testing the RetroN5 and while it's not perfect just like all the hardware clones released so far, the system is FAR from crap, and in the case of the NES, its accuracy surpasses all legal hardware clones released to date. As I said, you can't just jump to the conclusion that a clone console, no matter whether it relies on reverse-engineered hardware, software emulation or an FPGA, is crap unless you actually try the thing for youself or see someone thoroughly going over the system and comparing it side-by-side to the original consoles. There have been clones released that sounded good on paper, but the end result was sometimes utter garbage, and then you end up with clones that sound stupid, but with a suprisingly good end result that surpasses most or all your expectations. Take it from someone who's been around legal clone consoles for almost 7 years; research the clones yourself or find someone who is willing to go as in-depth as you would do (or even more in-depth if you're not all that tech-savvy) if you can't get a hold of a particular clone. Most people who "review" clones just blindly say x clone is the awesome without actually delving deeper into their shortcomings, so when you see "reviews" like that, just leave. They're misinformed reviews.

---

You're right, I can not comment on myself, because no console not tested in person. But if I can say that Hyperkin us fooled everyone by promising a console (like super retro trio) and then it is an emulator for android, which will also erase items from your original cartridges because of a bug.

I really hope to see a console from Ace. Because i know it is going to be great. I havent been on this site for a long time but is there a review of the Retron 5 from you Ace?

Not yet, I'm working on a dual review of the RetroN5 and Super Retro Trio + Super Retro Advance Adapter combination as I have a RetroN5 now and I have a Super Retro Trio of my own with a good APU in its NOAC and a Super Retro Advance Adapter on the way. I will have a full writeup of both consoles at once in their own specific thread.

And regarding a clone console from me... that's not too far off. Hint hint.

Say what!? :eek:
http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/up.../lightwave.jpg
Keep me informed!

As soon as I receive the Super Retro Trio and Super Retro Advance Adapter (plus an HDMI splitter because my Roxio GameCap HD Pro's audio capture sucks and the HDMI passthrough's audio output is destroyed by this thing's severe clipping and high-pass filtering, which means abnormal distortion and lack of bass - I will use a Toshiba 26HL37 LCD TV as an audio DAC to record the audio separately via a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 sound card on my Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop PC), I will let you know and once I have completed testing and video capture of the RetroN5 and Super Retro Trio + Super Retro Advance Adapter combination (actually, I will record the Super Retro Advance Adapter standalone on a Super NES as the Super Retro Trio is likely to alter the video and audio quality from the cartridge), I will inform you as well as that will indicate the dual review is not too far off.

I wanted to do more tests and mods on the SRA but have not gotten around to it yet. I have done extensive modding on the AD adapter though, which is the same thing inside.
There are various board revisions though and am not sure what differences there are between them.

Here is all the work I did with the AD adapter. I did a mod to have picture and sound pass through a regular SNES too but it is very gimmicky so I do not recommend it.
Those GBA clones might be better used on clone consoles.

http://www.assemblergames.com/forums...NES-AD-Adapter

If you have a copy of MegaMan Zero 2 on hand, I'd like to hear what the sound is like on your modded AD Adapter. I would need a sample of Departure, the song that plays during the intro stage, which can be easily recorded.

Sorry I do not have MegaMan Zero 2.
But if you look at the link I just posted in the last post you can download a comparison package. A shame I did not record the AD adapter before the modding but believe me when I say the thing was atrocious.
I brought it to a point where I consider it sounds better than the original GBA and the GameCube attachment. The gamecube Attachment has too much lowpass for me. I know the GC adapter can be modded but then I also prefer the video on the AD adapter, this thing scales very well and looks great on a CRT so it is my device of choice to play GBA.

If you have a way of loading homebrew on the GameCube, you can actually force the GameBoy Player to output at 240p with Swiss. Apparently, this gives much cleaner video than either 480i or 480p, but I have yet to test this out. Personally, I'd like to try this on an XRGB-Mini, which I do plan on getting so 60FPS capture is easier for me as none of my analog capture devices can record at 60FPS, only 30FPS progressive or interlaced. My upcoming RetroN5 comparison will be recorded at 60FPS and the best way for me to do so as of right now is to get an XRGB-Mini and run the video through that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ace

As soon as I receive the Super Retro Trio and Super Retro Advance Adapter (plus an HDMI splitter because my Roxio GameCap HD Pro's audio capture sucks and the HDMI passthrough's audio output is destroyed by this thing's severe clipping and high-pass filtering, which means abnormal distortion and lack of bass - I will use a Toshiba 26HL37 LCD TV as an audio DAC to record the audio separately via a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 sound card on my Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop PC), I will let you know and once I have completed testing and video capture of the RetroN5 and Super Retro Trio + Super Retro Advance Adapter combination (actually, I will record the Super Retro Advance Adapter standalone on a Super NES as the Super Retro Trio is likely to alter the video and audio quality from the cartridge), I will inform you as well as that will indicate the dual review is not too far off.

---

Thank you :love: Good luck with the testing. :)

Well I can tell you what original hardware the RetroN5 and Super Retro Trio + Super Retro Advance Adapter combination will be compared to:

-NES: Front-Loader NES (will be recorded using Composite)
-Famicom: Audio and video-modded AV Famicom (these mods involve a rebuilt audio amp to fix the AV Famicom's expansion audio balance problems and a tweak to the video amp to better match that of the HVC-CPU-08 and older Famicoms - this will again be recorded using Composite)
-Genesis: VA3 Genesis Model 1 (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-MegaDrive (NTSC): Japanese VA5 MegaDrive Model 1 (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-MegaDrive (PAL): European VA6 MegaDrive Model 1 (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-Master System (PSG): 1986 Master System with v1.3 BIOS (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-Master System (FM): 1988 Master System with an additional YM2413 (audio circuit made to match the Japanese Master System - will be recorded using RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware - I don't have a Master System converter with a YM2413 so I can't test this setup on the Super Retro Trio)
-Super NES: SHVC-CPU-01 Super NES (will be recorded using S-Video for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware - this system will also be used for the Super GameBoy)
-Super Famicom: SHVC-CPU-01 Super Famicom (will be recorded using S-Video for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-GameBoy: SNS-CPU-1CHIP-01 with an underclocked Super GameBoy (recorded in RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware only)
-GameBoy Color & GameBoy Advance: GameCube with GameBoy Player forced to output at 240p (will either be recorded in RGB or Component for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware and Super Retro Advance Adapter vs. Original Hardware (GameBoy Advance only) - the GameBoy Player also has an audio bypass mod to get around the extremely muffled output from the GameCube and the audio will be modified in post-production to match the virtually bass-less output of the GameBoy Color and the unusual filtering of the GameBoy Advance)

On the clones, obviously with the RetroN5, I can only record in HDMI, but for the Super Retro Trio and Super Retro Advance Adapter, I'll record the Super Retro Trio using both Composite and S-Video (Composite for NES, S-Video for Genesis and Super NES) and record the Super Retro Advance Adapter using its Composite output from the 3.5mm plug.

Now if I can just sell off my unnecessary x to HDMI or x to VGA converters so I can get enough funds for an XRGB-Mini... like this, I can get proper 60FPS capture from not just the RetroN5, but everything else as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ace

Well I can tell you what original hardware the RetroN5 and Super Retro Trio + Super Retro Advance Adapter combination will be compared to:

-NES: Front-Loader NES (will be recorded using Composite)
-Famicom: Audio and video-modded AV Famicom (these mods involve a rebuilt audio amp to fix the AV Famicom's expansion audio balance problems and a tweak to the video amp to better match that of the HVC-CPU-08 and older Famicoms - this will again be recorded using Composite)
-Genesis: VA3 Genesis Model 1 (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-MegaDrive (NTSC): Japanese VA5 MegaDrive Model 1 (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-MegaDrive (PAL): European VA6 MegaDrive Model 1 (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-Master System (PSG): 1986 Master System with v1.3 BIOS (will be recorded using Composite for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-Master System (FM): 1988 Master System with an additional YM2413 (audio circuit made to match the Japanese Master System - will be recorded using RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware - I don't have a Master System converter with a YM2413 so I can't test this setup on the Super Retro Trio)
-Super NES: SHVC-CPU-01 Super NES (will be recorded using S-Video for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware - this system will also be used for the Super GameBoy)
-Super Famicom: SHVC-CPU-01 Super Famicom (will be recorded using S-Video for Super Retro Trio vs. Original Hardware and RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware)
-GameBoy: SNS-CPU-1CHIP-01 with an underclocked Super GameBoy (recorded in RGB for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware only)
-GameBoy Color & GameBoy Advance: GameCube with GameBoy Player forced to output at 240p (will either be recorded in RGB or Component for RetroN5 vs. Original Hardware and Super Retro Advance Adapter vs. Original Hardware (GameBoy Advance only) - the GameBoy Player also has an audio bypass mod to get around the extremely muffled output from the GameCube and the audio will be modified in post-production to match the virtually bass-less output of the GameBoy Color and the unusual filtering of the GameBoy Advance)

On the clones, obviously with the RetroN5, I can only record in HDMI, but for the Super Retro Trio and Super Retro Advance Adapter, I'll record the Super Retro Trio using both Composite and S-Video (Composite for NES, S-Video for Genesis and Super NES) and record the Super Retro Advance Adapter using its Composite output from the 3.5mm plug.

Now if I can just sell off my unnecessary x to HDMI or x to VGA converters so I can get enough funds for an XRGB-Mini... like this, I can get proper 60FPS capture from not just the RetroN5, but everything else as well.

---

Hello. How about work? ;)

Super Retro Advance Adapter received and I'm already questioning if I got a defective one or not. Reason: I get MAJOR noise only on the left audio channel. The right audio channel is fine, but the left channel is super noisy. I need to confirm if this is normal or not. Seems to me this thing has Stereo output unlike the AD Adapter if this uneven noise is anything to go by.

EDIT: Just tried the Super Retro Advance Adapter on the Super Retro Trio... WTF is with the audio circuit on this cartridge? On a Super NES, the audio is VERY weak and has zero bass, but when used on the Super Retro Trio, the bass is normal! However, using the audio out of the Super Retro Trio instead of the Super Retro Advance Adapter itself seems to result in a loss of clarity due to the low-pass filter in the console's audio amp. At the same time, the uneven video noise is now on the RIGHT channel, which, to be honest, isn't all that surprising considering the audio output usually has weird noise on the right channel on Super Famiclones. Seems to me this issue is not normal. MaxWar? Do you get this same problem with your Super Retro Advance Adapter?

EDIT 2: Well wouldn't you know it? The buzz is a problem carried over from the AD Adapter, but unlike the AD Adapter, only the left audio channel has major noise. I added a 5600pF capacitor to the Super Retro Advance Adapter in the same way MaxWar added a capacitor to his AD Adapter, the noise is gone. Remove the cap, the noise returns. You'll hear what I'm talking about when the Super Retro Trio + Super Retro Advance Adapter and RetroN5 dual review is ready. I'm actually going to use a Super Famiclone when recording Super Retro Advance Adapter vs. Original Hardware as it's clear the capacitors at the audio output of the Super Retro Advance Adapter are really small and create a MASSIVE high-pass filter with the 200ohm pull-down resistors inside an authentic Super NES. Super Famiclones don't have these pull-down resistors, so the audio does not get mangled like it does on a Super NES.

There is still one last thing to get before I can do the dual review: get my own Super Retro Trio. I currently still have Satoshi Matrix's console which has an NOAC with a bad APU in it and the one I'm due to get is one with a good APU in the NOAC, so that's a whole other set of tests.