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Hello friends,

When I run my SMS, I have a standard MK-3092 switch box plugging into the tv with a composite video/RCA cable running from the switch box to the SMS. It has a very fuzzy picture though - is this because I'm using a composite cable rather than a proper coax RF cable?

Sorry if this doesn't make sense.

If it's the sort of composite cable that's packed with a new DVD player, it probably won't be proper 75ohm coax, which can make a difference. Have you tried other cables? It's possible the switchbox is also noisy.

No, that's why I was asking... was going to go out and try and find one in a Dick Smith's or something, but thought I'd check here first if it would make a difference. Or yeah, it could be the switchbox.

I guess I could probably buy something off eBay...

Thanks! :)

I think if you're going to use RF, the best option is a bit of chunky 75 ohm coax with an RCA plug on the end. But if you're going that route, why not go a bit further and mod for RGB or composite (if SMS2) or get an AV cable (SMS1)?

It's an SMS II. How hard is it to mod? Could be a fun little project...

It's a pretty easy thing to do if you can use a dremel-like tool to install RCA jacks, and can solder. One wire between an RCA and an IC for audio, and a resistor, capacitor and wire for composite video.

Holes for RCA jacks can also be made with a hot knife (ghetto) or a suitably-sized drill bit (less so).

Author	Message
gregglesaurus Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Sydney, Australia	RF cable vs Composite cable Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 3:41 am
	Hello friends, When I run my SMS, I have a standard MK-3092 switch box plugging into the tv with a composite video/RCA cable running from the switch box to the SMS. It has a very fuzzy picture though - is this because I'm using a composite cable rather than a proper coax RF cable? Sorry if this doesn't make sense.

albino_vulpix Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 247 Location: Melbourne, Australia	Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 4:46 am
	If it's the sort of composite cable that's packed with a new DVD player, it probably won't be proper 75ohm coax, which can make a difference. Have you tried other cables? It's possible the switchbox is also noisy.

gregglesaurus Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Sydney, Australia	Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 9:56 am
	No, that's why I was asking... was going to go out and try and find one in a Dick Smith's or something, but thought I'd check here first if it would make a difference. Or yeah, it could be the switchbox. I guess I could probably buy something off eBay... Thanks! :)

Maxim Site Admin Joined: 19 Oct 1999 Posts: 8982 Location: London	Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 11:17 am
	I think if you're going to use RF, the best option is a bit of chunky 75 ohm coax with an RCA plug on the end. But if you're going that route, why not go a bit further and mod for RGB or composite (if SMS2) or get an AV cable (SMS1)?

gregglesaurus Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Sydney, Australia	Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 2:32 pm
	It's an SMS II. How hard is it to mod? Could be a fun little project...

albino_vulpix Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 247 Location: Melbourne, Australia	Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 7:42 am
	It's a pretty easy thing to do if you can use a dremel-like tool to install RCA jacks, and can solder. One wire between an RCA and an IC for audio, and a resistor, capacitor and wire for composite video.

Maxim Site Admin Joined: 19 Oct 1999 Posts: 8982 Location: London	Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:02 am
	Holes for RCA jacks can also be made with a hot knife (ghetto) or a suitably-sized drill bit (less so).

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