Zez Retro / Cathode Ray Podcast
By Louis Zezeran
Zez Retro / Cathode Ray PodcastOct 23, 2023
The PSIO "Litemenu" Story
In this episode I speak to developer Danhans42 who was the programmer of the PSIO homebrew custom menu "Litemenu" which was never released after legal action from the PSIO maker.
PSIO is a plug in dongle for the original grey Playstation 1 which allows you to run games from an SD card. While it was one of the first "Optical Drive Emulator" type mods for PS1, it has experienced a difficult history with a slow pace of updates and negative online behaviour from the creator
After feeling frustrated with the lack of updates, Dan used public information and his own debugging of the PSIO to develop his own menu which was faster and had more features.
Dan offered to give this code to the creator without publicly releasing it, however after a deadline had passed, the offer was not taken up and Dan was on the end of legal threats. While Dan and the community in general were quite confident that these legal threats were baseless, Dan decided to fold the project and not release the code.
There is also MUCH MORE to the story. In this episode we learn a little about Dan's background and how he came into PS1 coding as a young person, hacking up his own Net Yaroze style PS1 dev console. We then jump forward to how he obtained a PSIO clone, what led to his frustration with the development and how we went about coding his own menu.
Dan is quite open in this talk about the part he played and steps along the way he could have handled better.
We try and answer the most controversial points about PSIO and Litemenu
* Does Litemenu enable PSIO piracy?
* Does Litemenu include any PSIO code
Follow Dan
Blog http://psx0.wordpress.com
Github http://www.github.com/danhans42
PSX.dev Discord - http://psx.dev/
0:00:00 - Start
0:04:11 - Typing in code from the user manual back in the day
0:11:08 - Using Net Yaroze for PlayStation Programming
0:12:05 - Net Yaroze SDK and PlayStation Boot Disk
0:18:12 - Dan wanted to make a a Chuckie Egg-Inspired PlayStation Game
0:21:49 - Discussion on the PSIO and Clones
0:34:32 - Which chips are inside the PSIO? How did Dan create the menu?
0:39:32 - Could I make any ISO the menu.sys??
0:43:08 - Discovering PlayStation CD Commands via the PSIO debug out
0:56:51 - Does Litemenu infringe on any copyright??
1:04:33 - Technical discussion on PlayStation coding
1:16:28 - Online Drama and PSIO Development
1:25:32 - Litemenu adds Game List Retrieval and faster loading
1:31:44 - Exploring Future PlayStation Hacking Opportunities
----------------------
Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
"CRTs created our whole scientific culture!" - Cathode Ray Podcast #59
"CRTs created our whole scientific culture!" - Steve Nutter, during one of his megalomaniacal rants in this episode
Listen in as we kick off with an exploration of Steve's tech tinkering, where he restores a Sony CRT and adds an S-video mod. He discusses how the S video connector was run from three lines on the board and how the chroma and luma inputs were tapped. In another segment, we take a look at the RF device created by PorkChop Express from MisterAddons, comparing RF and Composite Video Signals and how similar they really are.
Shifting gears, the boys talk about health and fitness as a middle aged content creator. Steve opens up about his effort over the past six months and shares some of his secrets for staying consistent with his fitness routine. We explore the power of positive thinking, and Steve gives us a personal perspective on overcoming struggles and changing perspectives after his brother's visit in June.
Lastly, we share some insights into the world of YouTube content creation and the challenges that come with it. From finding the right balance between work and rest, to dealing with the constant pressure of success, we discuss how maintaining focus and motivation can be achieved. Plus, we do question time at the end with a detailed discussion about the challenges of remaking CRT Tubes and what an ideal BVM setup would look like.
(0:00:02) - Start
(0:00:02) - Sony CRT mod for S-Video
(0:08:51) - RF vs Composite Video Signals - Quality Difference?
(0:22:48) - Steve has been working out!
(0:31:22) - Changing Perspectives as a creator
(0:43:03) - Navigating Work Goals and Finding Support
(0:47:33) - Mental health for content creators on YouTube
(0:59:47) - Listener Question: Why can't we remake CRT tubes?
(1:06:42) - Listener Question: What's in your prefect PVM?
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Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
What is the yoke in a CRT?? - Cathode Ray Podcast #58
An eclectic episode this week. Steve gives us an excellent explanation about what the yoke does in a CRT. It's the magnetic part which attaches around the pointy end of the tube and helps to guide the electrons on their short journey from the gun to the phosphors of the screen.
We also talk more about the Chinese CRTs and the individual parts and circuit boards which you can buy on AliExpress. The overall feeling is that these are still low quality parts and any set you can find locally will be better. I think the point with these parts is the long game. Right now the balance of quality of these parts vs availability of sets is still in favour of getting another set. However I think over the next few years this balance might shift as sets become impossible to find. If the Chinese products can improve in quality this will also help push the balance too.
(0:00:00) Start
(0:01:00) Steve's CRT workout plan!
(0:06:44) First thoughts on the MARS FPGA platform
(0:19:42) Thoughts on the new Chinese CRT parts - are they useful?
(0:28:49) Steve explains what the yoke does in a CRT
(0:39:48) Louis wants to build a low power NAS
(0:54:49) Steve is getting in trouble in his college town
(1:03:47) The time Steve had to repel down a building in college
(1:10:54) Louis' dad enjoyed shooting guns in Eastern Europe
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Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Retro Community Drama - PSIO & Morph
Controversy in the retro community. Who doesn't love a bit of it?
Ok fine, but lets talk about it
* That BANGING Bang & Olufsen CRT Steve has been working on from 1989
* Update on the Chinese CRTs (we found someone buying them!)
* Should Louis buy a 100hz Widescreen Trinitron which only has SCART inputs?
* Hilarious PSIO drama
* Our thoughts on the release of the Morph switch from Pixel FX.
(0:00:00) - Start
(0:01:30) - Steve is loving the Bourbon and Yoga
(0:03:30) - Steve's Birthday and Retro World Expo
(0:11:33) - B&O MX 5000 CRT TV
(0:19:07) - B&O TV Quality and how it connects to other B&O home theater gear
(0:32:50) - PSIO and upcoming "Scaler Wars"
(0:41:58) - Morph & Tink 4K: Longterm support is what counts
(0:53:35) - Retrocastle update on the Chinese CRTs
(1:02:09) - How are they matching the old tubes to the electronics??
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
When Comedy Goes Wrong - PixelFX
In this special episode, Steve and I break down the recent promo video from PixelFX for their new "Retro GEM" product. The promo opens with a very devisive comedy sketch which we attempt to break down the same way I would analyse a comedian's Stand Up routine.
We both like the product, the PixelFX team have a very strong track record in our community and we respect the work.
That sketch tho.
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/GWmyPw6gh4U
(0:00:00) - Start
(0:06:00) - Lets talk about the product
(0:13:00) - Pixel FX's Upgrade and Business Model
(0:36:00) - Let's break down the sketch
(0:40:03) - Are they mocking Digital Foundry?
(0:55:00) - Louis and Steve finally work out the Digital Infidelity joke
(1:02:19) - Are marketing stunts worth it?
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
New CRTs from CHINA?? - The Cathode Ray Podcast #55
The summer reunion episode! Steve and Louis get back together after a long break. The guys discuss Steve's recent PVM repair work and how frustrating it can be to work with electronics where the smallest thing can cause you days of frustration. The episode gets into these "new" CRTs which have been listed for sale on Alibaba (the wholesale version of AliExpress). How are they making new CRTs?? Who's making the tubes?? The guys have some answers. PLUS they stir up a lively debate on the Dr. Wham controversy and why it is not a knockoff of Dr. Pepper. Understand the complex history of soft drink brands, the interpretation of light beer in different countries, and the impact of wildfires in Canada on air quality in Virginia, far across the map. Once the Chinese CRT discussion is done, it's classic Steve & Louis talk. (0:00:00) - Steve has been buying and restoring CRTs (0:06:18) - What happens when you use the wrong capacitor in a PVM repair? (0:18:40) - New CRTs From China?? (0:22:13) - What's up with AliExpress and AliBaba (0:46:33) - Just what is an "arborist" anyway? (0:58:14) - Louis was in a Finnish Sitcom (1:01:01) - Steve LOVES the Dr Wham (1:08:32) - Exploring the origins of Dr Pepper (1:22:56) - Light Beer's Meaning in Different Countries Here are some of the AliBaba CRT listings https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/14-CRT-XFLAT-New-14-crt_1600823047480.html https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/21-CRT-XFLAT-New-21-inch_1600353483326.html https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/21-R2-MK2S-New-21-inch_1600383086583.html -------------------------------- Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/zez https://twitter.com/usa_retro We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog" https://www.cathoderayblog.com You can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast app https://anchor.fm/zezretro For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Hip Hop Steve, Leadership Louis & buying a Widescreen Trinitron - The Cathode Ray Podcast #54
We did some technical work too. Steve is looking at his clear prison CRT and wondering if it needs the same reactive RGB mode which Shank put into a portable Wii. He has a client supplied Sony Trinitron FW900 to work on and we talk about the elusive "WinDAS" software which allows you to connect to the CRT and access hidden setup features. I built 2 USB controller adapters, a simple SNES to USB using a PCB from Robert Dale Smith and a Famicom to USB so I can play use those classic Famicom sticks I have.
We also have a CRT buying discussion: A widescreen Sony Trinitron CRT has come up in my area for 25 bucks.... but it only does 15khz. Worth the pickup? (if you can pickup such a heavy thing)
0:01:06 - Modding a Prison TV
0:05:52 - Steve is working on a FW900 and learning WinDAS
0:09:03 - Louis constructed 2 retro controller adapters
0:13:12 - Robert Dale Smith is doing adding retro support to GP2020-CE
0:20:31 - Steve does the Daddy Dance!
0:23:25 - Please pressure Steve into showing the footage
0:29:21 - CRT buying discussion: Widescreen 15khz Trinitron
0:42:38 - Louis tells the stories of his new outdoor leadership training
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
twitter.com/zez
twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
VGA Trinitron repair & game hunting in The Netherlands - The Cathode Ray Podcast #53
Steve and I are back at the podcast this week
* Looking back at our childhoods when we first played the TMNT arcade game
* What to look for when repairing a Sony VGA CRT monitor
* Louis' adventures game hunting in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities
* Will Steve do a Hip Hop dance number soon?? WE NEED VIDEO!
(0:00:00) - Start
(0:00:04) - Looking back at TMNT in the arcades
(0:08:44) - Troubleshooting Trinitron Monitors and WINDAS Software
(0:21:10) - Convergence and CRTs
(0:26:45) - Toshiba TV Coil Dangers - Why is it most dangerous??
(0:46:47) - Amsterdam Adventures and Game Hunting
(1:00:32) - Lookig dodgy when you are trading in some old stuff
(1:14:22) - Hip Hop Steve?
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The Challenges of Arcade Collecting w/ Scarlet Sprites - Cathode Ray Podcast #52
In this podcast episode, Joe, AKA Scarlet Sprites, discusses his passion for retro arcade gaming and his extensive collection of arcade machines. The conversation touches on the challenges of fitting multiple machines into limited living spaces, the evolution of the Neo-Geo gaming market, and the impact of the MiSTer FPGA platform on arcade collecting. Joe also shares his experiences in restoring arcade machines and the philosophical question of authenticity when rebuilding and preserving original components.
Follow Scarlet Sprites YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/scarletsprites Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScarletSprites
(0:00:00) - Arcade Collecting and Retro Gaming
(0:08:27) - The Benefits of Arcade Games
(0:13:15) - DIY Home Renovations
(0:16:48) - The Existential Crisis of Arcade Collecting
(0:24:13) - Benefits of Mister System
(0:31:15) - Rebuilding a Beastorizer Cabinet
(0:38:59) - Rebuilding an Arcade Machine
(0:45:46) - What Makes Something Original?
(0:53:54) - Playing Arcade Games
(1:06:45) - Public Domain & Copyright
(1:15:00) - American Sports and Online Streaming
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Pat the NES Punk Controversy & Bowser pays Nintendo for Life - CRP Live #51
Originally streamed live on 19th April 2023 to the Retro Tech USA YouTube channel.
Welcome to the Cathode Ray Podcast LIVE! with @ZezRetro Today we will look at some news in the Retro Community involving @PatTheNESpunk and The Nintendo hacking lawsuit. We will be referring to this video from @Jenovi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwGlRJN8h8o We will also refer to this publication on the Nintendo Story htthttps://torrentfreak.com/nintendo-hacker-gary-bowser-released-from-federal-prison-230417/
50th Episode! - Looking back at 50 episodes - The Cathode Ray Podcast
Steve and I have made it to 50 episodes and we look back at our time making this podcast over the last 2 years. 0:00 Start 0:30 Thank you to everyone for joining us for 50 episodes 5:07 What was our first episode? The first Zezcast was a prologue? 7:00 What has changed in 50 episodes? 13:30 Perspective from Louis' acquaintance with ~1.6m subs 25:00 Steve's thoughts on running a VERY niche YouTube channel 33:00 Looking back at Steve's unwitting viral health update videos - poking the tiger of attention 36:00 How our discussion and interview style has changed 53:00 Louis' work giving leadership training 1:02:00 Why don't Steve's kids like junk food?? 1:05:00 What Steve learnt from Ray Kroc 1:09:00 Louis tells us the story of how Pepsi came to the Soviet Union -------------------------------- Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/zez https://twitter.com/usa_retro We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog" https://www.cathoderayblog.com You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app https://anchor.fm/zezretro For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Hacking Fisher Price toys into real USB controllers w/ Robert Dale Smith - Cathode Ray Podcast #49
This week Steve and I had Robert Dale Smith on the podcast, a man who knows a thing or two about controllers. His twitter is filled with his exploits, most recently hacking a Fischer Price "toy" controller into a real low lag USB controller using a small embedded board.
You can find his controller adapter products at the aptly named
https://controlleradapter.com
He currently has a preorder on the USB-2-PCE. Use (almost) any USB controller on a real PC Engine.
https://controlleradapter.com/products/usb-2-pce
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertDaleSmith
** Episode timecodes coming soon **
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Hacking the N64 using a Pi Pico w/ Konrad Beckmann - Zezcast
In today's episode I am talking to Swedish homebrew hacker Konrad Beckmann. Around summer last year Konrad announced a project to create a Nintendo 64 flash cart by using nothing more complex than a Raspberry Pi Pico. Recently Konrad made big progress on his project to use a Pico to get a digital HDMI-like signal from the N64. His ethos is to find ways to hack these devices as cheaply as possible.
Konrad explains both projects to us in good technical detail. I do my best to keep up with such clever talk.
0:00 Start
2:00 Konrad's background
5:00 Why the Raspberry Pi Pico is excellent for embedded hcking
9:55 Using the Pico vs the raw RP2040 chip
14:30 The 2 versions of the PicoCart64: Easy and complex
20:00 Konrad's view on open source
22:00 When to announce an open source project?
24:00 Konrad's first computer
31:00 Sweden was rocking home internet in '95
35:00 Pico N64 digital HDMI mod
43:00 Konrad explains how 7-bit RGB works
51:00 HDMI via the Pico now has a real HDMI port
55:00 Is a external scaler the future of HDMI projects?
1:01:15 Do we need a generic N64 flex cable for other hackers?
PicoCart64 Github: https://github.com/kbeckmann/PicoCart64
N64 digital video mod work: https://github.com/kbeckmann/PicoDVI
Konrad's Discord: https://discord.gg/B8n57fGd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbeckmann
----------------------
Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The future of digial mods & Steve's trip to Florida - Cathode Ray Podcast #48
The Cathode Ray Podcast with Steve Nutter from RetroTechUSA and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro.
We talk about the future of digital HDMI-like mods and what we did in the last week.
0:00 Start
1:00 Reflecting back on the last episode with John Linnemann
6:00 PicoCart64 discussion with Konrad Beckmann
14:00 Are cheap HDMI mods the future?
19:55 Steve's trip to Florida
29:55 Everyone in the Florida condo is a bananas
34:00 70 year old New York man does not take any sh*t in Florida condo
45:00 Louis' story about Ukrainians arguing at a comedy show
55:00 In Estonia you can go meet the "founding fathers"
1:00:00 Steve & Louis ramble for the rest of the episode
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Tinting BVMs & filming CRTs with John Linneman - Cathode Ray Podcast #47
In this episode Steve and I are joined by John Linneman from Digital Foundry to discuss CRTs. A few weeks ago John posted a picture of his project to apply tinting (like a car window) to the screen of his BVM to reduce glare. John tells us the story behind this mission and we find out this latest successful effort has only come after years of trial and error. We talk about issues involving European CRTs: just what is an 100hz CRT anyway and how living in the East or West back in the day very much determined what TV you were watching.
0:00 Start
1:30 John's journey to get into CRTs - did he ever leave?
10:01 Applying tint to a BVM
24:55 Visiting the German CRT wizard for maintenance
29:30 CRTs back in the day in West Germany vs East Germany
38:30 John explains what 100hz sets in Europe
47:00 What is scan velocity modulation (SVM) in a CRT?
57:00 Whats that PCMCIA looking card slot on some BVMs?
1:00:30 John explains his process for recording a CRT screen
Follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dark1x
Follow his work on Digital Foundry: https://youtu.be/bEw2szyHZNQ
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Talking CRTs & Wrestling with RetroTechUSA & 8BitEsquire
Live stream with Steve & Roger taken from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VUZ36IA3Ug
Latest MiSTer S-Video & Composite Update w/ Lu's Retro Source
Big news this week that the S-Video MiSTer FPGA framework from Mike Simone has been integrated into the main MiSTer core. This means you can access EXCELLENT S-Video and Composite analog output using a fairly inexpensive adapter.
In this video I talk with Lu from Lu's Retro Source and I have a long form discussion about the framework and explain the ins and outs. Lu is also producing his own short, sharp, only-the-facts video coming very soon if you need to understand quickly.
Topics include
* Background on the S-Video MiSTer project
* Do you NEED an adapter at all?
* Explanation of the new vga_mode setting in the mister.ini
* Difference between Active and Passive YC adapters
* Whats up PAL / NTSC?
* Vendors selling adapters (full list below)
Follow Lu's weekly MiSTer updates on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LusRetroSource
Lu on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lu_source
Note: In this video and text we use the terms "YC" and "S-Video" interchangeably.
Also note: This YC topic is VERY new. If we got something wrong or could explain a topic better, please let us know in the comments
0:00 Start
2:30 Summary of the S-Video & Composite updates to MiSTer
3:30 Background of the YC project by Mike Simone
8:00 Getting good YC without any adapter is possible
10:30 Explanation of the new video framework and the vga_mode=svideo ini setting
18:30 What about cores/systems which never originally output 15khz?
21:40 vga_mode=cvbs is a beta of composite output without needing an adapter
23:00 Buy an adapter or make your own with cables?
25:30 Active and Passive YC adapters, what is the difference?
31:00 Neither of us have done testing on direct video yet
33:00 Why do some adapters have a PAL / NTSC switch?
41:00 Why are vendors selling their own slightly different versions of the adapter?
44:00 Just how good is the YC & composite? Pretty f**ken good!
50:00 Overview of YC adapter vendors
Vendor list
(that we know of, pls contact me if you find another)
Antonio Vilena
Active YC Adapter
https://antoniovillena.es/store/product/mikes1-vga-composite-adapter/
Direct Video switch: No
PAL / NTSC switch: Yes
USB-C power: No (draws power only from 5v on pin 9)
Location: EU
Mister Addons
Active YC Adapter - $35
https://misteraddons.com/collections/parts/products/yc-active-encoder-board
Direct Video switch: Yes
PAL / NTSC switch: No
USB-C power option: Yes
Location: US
Ultimate Mister
Passive YC Adapter - 16,90€
https://ultimatemister.com/product/mikes1-yc-passive-board/
Direct Video switch: Yes
PAL / NTSC switch: Yes
USB-C power option: No (Not required for passive)
Location: EU
eBay seller 7407chrisl
Passive YC Adapter - $19.99 https://www.ebay.com/itm/325263425946
Active YC Adapter - $29.99 https://www.ebay.com/itm/325527354295
Direct Video switch: Yes
PAL / NTSC switch: Yes
USB-C power option: Yes
Location: US
----------------------
Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
DONE selling on eBay! - The Cathode Ray Podcast #46
In this episode the boys talk through the ups and downs of selling retro items online. eBay and it's buyer protections are good but the fees and legal requirements for that platform are starting to add up. Is another platform the answer or should we look to our retro community instead?
0:00 Start
3:00 Thoughts on the new YC framework for MiSTer
5:25 What console do you use to test the best composite signal?
12:20 PLEASE SOMEONE MAKE A SECAM CORE. PLEASE.
18:00 A HDMI BVM input card could be huge for pro monitor owners
21:00 What is the most common kind of PVM/BVM input card?
25:00 Steve is done with selling on eBay
34:00 The sellers fees are getting stupid
40:00 Comparison to how tickets for live events are sold
43:00 The new $600 US tax threshold is a huge setback
53:00 Part of the eBay fees is buying TRUST between buyer and seller
1:00:05 Buyer protection is something which is needed
1:07:10 Will Steve start selling on AliExpres???
1:09:00 Building a community is another way to build TRUST
1:12:00 Steve helps his patreons find pro monitor deals
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Cathode Ray Podcast - LIVE Edition
Trial and Error - Live Episode 1
Taken from the RetroTechUSA YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xyfTrd0m5E
Shipping TVs from Japan & CRT auction postmortem - Cathode Ray Podcast #45
The theme of this episode is buying CRTs and how the market is going. Steve gives us a breakdown of his experiences buying CRTs from Japan. Our friend the 8BitEsquire also just got 2 sets from Buyee.com and they were both in good condition. However something is still weird about the experience, Steve will explain it.
0:00 Start
3:37 25 x CRT auction end breakdown
13:00 CRT preservation means publicizing CRTs
18:40 Louis REALLY wants a consumer 16:9 Trinitron
23:30 The golden age of available CRTs in Estonia is DONE
34:00 Breakdown on buying CRTs from Japan - Good but weird
46:00 Podcast with FG_Software - PVM on the Tokyo subway
50:00 Paying taxes on CRT sales is annoying
53:00 Steve's adventures watching college Basketball
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
twitter.com/zez
twitter.com/usa_retro
We encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
PVM on the Tokyo Subway w/ Antoine Fantys aka FG Software
I am flying solo for a Zezcast episode where I talk to Antoine Fantys AKA FG Software/Vectrex28. Antoine has Czech heritage, grew up in Switzerland and now lives an works in Tokyo Japan. By day he is a software developer for a large company and by night is an NES / PC Engine homebrew hacker with a great collection of games and demos to his name.
I came to know Antoine over Twitter when I posted photos of a PVM / DV Player combo for sale in a Tokyo Hard Off store. Antoine has previously seen that exact set and noticed from my photo it was now at a discount. He had to get the PVM, take a taxi to the train station, take the 14 inch on the Tokyo subway and then another taxi home, It's a a great tale.
I didn't know Antoine before this talk and we hear about retro consoles available in Switzerland in the 90s, his work as an NES homebrew dev and what the CRT scene is like in Japan right now.
0:00 Start
0:30 Antoine's background & first consoles
10:30 Japan shipping options - post or extra bags?
18:00 Starting off as an NES homebew hacker
28:00 Should Comp Sci courses teach low level languages?
32:00 You can meet OG Famicom devs in Japan
42:00 How does NES code detect NTSC/PAL?
48:00 Whats the homebrew scene like in Japan?
50:00 14" PVM story - bringing it home on the train!
59:00 The recent resurgance of CRT sales in Japan
1:05:00 Japanese online sellers are generally pretty good
Follow Antoine Fantys AKA FG Software/Vectrex28
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FG_Software
Itch for his games: https://vectrex28.itch.io
----------------------
Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The business case for buying 25 HUGE CRTs - Cathode Ray Podcast #44
Last week a lot of 25 x new old stock 27" JVC CRTs went up for gov auction in DC. This sounds like a great chance to pickup a rare find, however dealing with TWENTY FIVE, VERY BIG screens is more work than it seems.
In this podcast Steve breaks down the total cost of picking up this lot including everything from transport, storage, inspection and buyers fees. The final cost will surprise you!
We also have a talk about official video cables. Are first party officially licenced original cables always the best? Did any console vendors ever pack in crappy cables? Tell us in the comments!
0:00 Start
1:30 Steve got an MRI
8:30 Shipping CRTs is a nightmare!
9:30 Louis sold that rare GameCube controller
17:30 Do you like the N64 controller?
20:30 Are official video cables always the gold standard??
38:30 CRT lot business cost breakdown
1:06:00 Need a CRT in NYC? Just go to Brooklyn Video Games!
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Laserdisc primer, N64 emotions & PVM spare parts - Cathode Ray Podcast #43
Steve is back after his trip to the hospital!
0:00 Start
02:00 Basketball and Jordan were huge when we were kids
06:00 Laserdisc - how does it look?
18:00 Steve weighs in on the N64
29:00 Story of Steve's first PVM
32:00 A HUGE collection of PVM parts for the shop
42:00 Steve opens up about his health
46:00 Visit to Brooklyn Video Games!
52:00 Quick room tour from Steve
53:00 CRT delivery horror stories
56:00 Louis will rebuild his 14 inch PVM
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
https://twitter.com/8bitesquire
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Has Japan Been Picked Clean? w/ Jim aka KidShoryuken
On my recent trip to Tokyo I sat down with my mate Jim (aka KidShoryuken aka Mad Panic Gaming) to ask the big question "Are there any good games and pickups left in Japan??"
Has everything been sold already? Are pickups, games and systems still available at a good price? We discuss a variety of systems ranging from original systems such as Famicom and N64 right up to current gen systems like Switch and PS4.
Sorry about the audio in this episode. Jim even offered to record it and I was like "no no this recorder is great, everything will be fine...". After punishing the audio through seven layers of hell it is ok to listen to now.
As well as running the KidShoryuken YouTube channel Jim also has a Patreon where you can sign up for monthly "loot box" style packages of retro games direct from Japan. Jim's knowledge of Japanese games is top notch and if you are keen to own a selection which has been personally curated by him, go and sign up on his Patreon.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kidshoryuken
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KidShoryuken
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KidShoryuken
----------------------
Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The N64 sucks! (or does it?), MSX, Japanese toilets w/ 8-Bit Esquire - Cathode Ray Podcast #42
Steve took a trip to the hospital this week so Roger, the 8BitEsquire joins Louis again for the Cathode Ray Podcast.
Despite what Louis says at the start, this is Cathode Ray Podcast #42
0:00 Start
1:00 Steve in hospital
6:30 Roger's upcoming first video
8:00 Would you bankrupt yourself in Japan?
11:00 The AV Famicom is too EASY. Bring on RF!
18:00 Louis reviews the N64
28:00 Japanese vs Western toilets
39:00 Roger explains the MSX Personal Computer
55:00 Emulation - how much is too much?
1:02:00 N64 racing games are better with a modern pad
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
https://twitter.com/8bitesquire
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
A fair look at DKOldies and Steve’s streaming setup - Cathode Ray Podcast #41
We start the episode with a discussion of how Steve is updating his workshop with a streaming setup. Soon we will be able to watch CRT repair.
In the latter section we discuss the recent controversy with DKOldies. We try and look it from two sides: Are high prices wrong? & Are DKOldies delivering low quality products?
0:00 Start
03:00 Steve explains the new streaming setup
08:40 Components in his new stream pc
21:43 The multi-camera setup
31:00 Louis dragged a Extron Crosspoint ISS 108 home from Japan. Now what?
47:10 RetroGamingCables.co.uk SCART to BNC discussed
49:00 Genuine Nintendo SNES JP21 cable
54:00 FujiWork PS3 cables are LEGIT!
58:25 DKOldies
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Getting Hard In Japan & The Future of CRTs in Museums - Cathode Ray Podcast #40
Louis is back from Japan and we start the episode with a recap of the adventures along with a summary of the state of CRT sales in the land of the rising sun.
Steve discusses his work in museums and wonders how can we produce a LCD which completely replicated the physical and image quality of a professional monitor.
0:00 Start
02:30 Hunting for Retro at Hard Off
06:00 Louis was on an Japanese TV show "Why Did You Come to Japan?"
11:30 Christmas Eve metal gig in Tokyo
13:20 Louis' technique for filming in stores
16:00 There were good amounts of CRTs!
26:00 How is each Hard Off store different?
33:30 Louis found a rare "Tales of Symphonia" GameCube controller for cheap
40:00 How do you transport all this crap home?
48:00 Steve's latest work restoring pro CRTs for museums
49:30 Why the PVM-2530 is SO HARD to repair
56:00 Steve's dream for the ultimate "modern LCD" CRT
1:00:00 Shank's INSANE Wii inside of a PVM
1:11:00 How to make a small PVM/BVM portable?
--------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Japanese Culture and Stand Up w/ Japanese Comedian Meshida
Today I talked with Japanese comedian Meshida. This isn't a talk about retro gaming but rather about Japanese culture and Stand Up comedy. Meshida does his act in English and is helping to introduce that authentic style of Stand Up to Japan, much in the same way I helped to bring it to Estonia. We focus on the Japanese culture side of things and I figure this will be still be interesting to y'all.
Like all comedians during the pandemic Meshida was bored not being able to get on stage so he started to grow his YouTube channel, creating great skits explaining Japanese culture. He is now at 138K subs and you should check out his stuff!
https://www.youtube.com/@Meshida
I really had a good time recording this podcast with Meshida, it has been so long since I did an episode with an actual live person (I still love you Steve) and it's facinating to hear about Japan from a Japanese comedian.
Follow my daily adventures as I live tweet the interesting, rare and weird stuff I find in each store
https://twitter.com/zez
----------------------
Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8qx667CpJ4
USB etiquette & is it our duty to rescue EVERY CRT??- Cathode Ray Podcast #39
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
00:00 Start
0:10 It's impolite to just plug a USB into someone's computer
5:02 I want more of that Steve lovin'
7:40 Steve is gunna coach his son's backetball team
16:21 Managing a comedian on tour is nuts
19:50 Louis picked up a sweet xbox 360 wheel
22:38 What happens to those who are holding expensive retro items?
29:12 Are professional sellers seeing high end slow down?
30:35 Louis' theory on why every retro based collectable will go through a big ass price correction at some stage
41:11 Steve teaches us to edge the YouTube algorithm
49:50 Should Steve do more shorter or longer videos?
54:50 Feeling good about this podcast
57:53 Louis is going to Japan in December
1:03:35 Japanese Hard Off stores often have their own workshop table to test "junk"
1:13:00 Is it our duty to rescue EVERY CRT?
Our next episode will be a live stream, sometime in the morning on Tuesday the 25th eastern time. We will be taking your questions so please tweet to us or email
podcast@cathoderayblog.com
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
CRT video hate, VHS subs & Coffee in Finland - The Cathode Ray Podcast #38
0:00 Start
02:15 Updates on the BVM A series BKM 68x replacement cards from Martin Hejnfelt
07:20 Great sellers like Ryan at Castlemania games are good for our community
14:32 The parts shortage is a technology shortage
18:40 Are subs on a VHS stored in the overscan like broadcast TV or just burnt in?
26:15 Louis feelings on what consoles to buy for? FPGA vs OG
34:40 Console collecting vs game collecting
39:45 Our reactions to the viewer reactions to Steve's eBay video
52:00 MC Steve the rapper is in the house
53:47 Louis' theory on why some CRT videos get hate
58:00 When is the right time for us to do a live CRP??
01:05:00 Are custom trailers good for YouTube live videos?
01:12:00 What will be do on this live stream? Audience questions!
01:13:00 Louis: Answering viewer questions about CRTs is harder than I thought
01:20:30 Last week Louis was on tour with comedian Jimmy Carr in 3 cities
01:27:00 The coffee drinking habits of Finnish people
Our next episode will be a live stream, sometime in the morning on Tuesday the 25th eastern time. We will be taking your questions so please tweet to us or email
podcast@cathoderayblog.com
twitter.com/zez
twitter.com/usa_retro
Please keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page
www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
anchor.fm/zezretro
For all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
How to Store Your CRT, RetroCastle MiSTer IO board - Cathode Ray Podcast #37
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode Steve and Louis catch up after weeks of "real life" getting in the way of their retro projects.
0:00 Start
06:00 Steve's trip to MicroCenter which ended in him junking his car
20:30 Other "green stuff" you can buy in DC
29:00 Japan is finally reopening and Louis HAS to go
37:00 Are you an "eBay" collector? Japan tickets + cheaper retro cost = adventure
42:30 Louis gives a tour of the new RetroCastle MiSTer IO board
51:00 Buying CRTs on eBay is "not a good idea"
57:00 Adjusting convergence via the menu on a BVM
1:01:00 What causes CRT convergence problems over time?
1:04:00 Whats the best way to turn off your CRT?
1:13:00 Should you turn off your CRT before rotating it to tate?
1:15:00 Do CRTs draw a lot of power?
1:23:00 What temperature is safe to store your CRT?
1:29:00 Steve sees price adjustments happening in the retro gaming market
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The Cautionary Creative w/ Mason Conrad - Cathode Ray Podcast #36
If you don't know Mason by name, you will definitely recognize his visual work in the retro gaming community on YouTube as Mason has worked on the image and branding for many popular gaming channels. Mason was himself a gaming YouTuber in his early teens and has now moved into graphic design and video editing.
We talk about Mason's life as a creative and how he works as a freelancer with numerous clients. The discussion centers around how a creative like a graphic designer does there work so you can better understand how to hire such a service. Many people want graphic design needs but may be unsure about what is expected of both sides in such a transaction. What things are reasonable and what are not when using a designer? How can you be a great client or at least not a bad one? How can you help your designer produce the best result.
It's a talk about creativity and how to sell that service in the big wide world.
Follow Mason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MasNConrad
His online portfolio: https://www.mconradmedia.com
0:00 Start
4:30 Mason's background as a early YouTuber
16:00 The point where Mason decided to sell his collection
17:30 Does Mason have help as a freelancer? Accountant?
29:00 How Mason keeps so busy but avoids burnout
33:30 Why does creative cost what it costs? How to price it as a creator?
37:00 Choosing a designer with an individual style (or not)
41:00 Do you need to make EVERYTHING yourself as an artist?
50:00 Examples of Mason's clients and the different work he does
55:00 How to give a designer good input.
59:00 How many times is reasonable to ask for a revision?
01:13:00 Paying for help vs doing it yourself. What is your time worth?
01:21:00 It's hard to talk about money.
01:23:00 Selling yourself can be hard
01:34:00 You need help to work out your own value. Manager, mentor is just a trusted friend
01:37:00 What is a YouTube thumbnail worth?
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Working with John Cleese, PCE-2-USB, latest RetroTink 5x updates - Cathode Ray Podcast #35
Steve has been busier than a florist in England this week, so I grabbed retro gaming Twitter celebrity 8BitEquire for a fun catch up episode.
We go through Louis' working with John Cleese this week, the PCE-2-USB by Robert Dale Smith and the recent enhancements to the RetroTink 5x.
0:00 Start
2:30 Louis organized the John Cleese live show in Tallinn
7:00 Autograph hunters are weird
16:00 Roger's controversial racial theories about British Australian settlers 200 years ago
23:30 Louis explains the origin of the Australian accent
27:00 The PC Enginer controller to USB adapter
36:00 Roger is a 2.4ghz kinda guy, not a bluetooth kinda guy
40:00 Louis' new video connecting the MiSTer up in a 1700 seat theater
47:00 Someone else has an affinity for 2.4ghz too....
49:00 Louis' 20 inch 4:3 Dell LCD
55:00 The latest RetroTink 5X PVM filter is wild!
1:01:15 Roger talks about the HDR modes in the 5x
1:11:00 Why John Cleese has not been knighted
Follow the 8-bit Esquire: https://twitter.com/8bitesquire
The USB-2-PCE https://controlleradapter.com/products/usb-2-pce
USB-2-PCE Creator Robert Dale Smith https://twitter.com/RobertDaleSmith
RetroTink 5X https://www.retrotink.com
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Justin from Console Kits - Cathode Ray Podcast #34
This week we have Justin from Console Kits (and RetroRGB contributor). Justin has a great YouTube channel where he focused on Arcade1Up units. We have a pretty casual chat about what the three of us have been up to recently.
0:00 Start
4:00 Justin and Steve recap Retro World Expo
7:00 What is LVDS and how does it compare to HDMI?
7:50 Thoughts on the Open Source CRT
13:00 Lag on Arcade1Up screens
18:00 Justin's work on and with Arcade1Up
34:00 Efforts to make a flat panel image look like a CRT
40:00 Are Shank and his smash buddies the future of CRT users?
51:00 Steve's questionable fashion choices
56:00 Justin's brother was in Slipknot
59:00 Being intimated meeting people you admire
1:09:00 Do content creators need a manager?
1:18 Modern pinball: Real or flat panel?
1:28:00 Buying a new Pinball machine in 2022
1:37:00 Justin repaired his first NES as a kid
1:41:00 Getting pirate satellite TV back in the day
1:44:00 Steve owns 100 CRTs
Follow Justin
https://deals.consolekits.com
https://twitter.com/consolekits
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Retro World Expo Recap - Cathode Ray Podcast #33
After a long break Steve & Louis are back for a few episode of the Cathode Ray Podcast!
Last weekend Steve attended the Retro World Expo in Hartford, CT. The event is one of the major retro conventions on the calendar with a who's who of creators attending including friends Shank, Displaced Gamer, My Life in Gaming, Jeremy Parish, Dan Citrus3000psi and Bob from RetroRGB.
We hear Steve tells stories from the expo: selling PVMs, pickup Melee matches with Shank and Dan in the hotel lobby, stealing power from Laser Bear's booth and thoughts on the retro sellers and how this reflects on the market. Louis & Steve finish the episode with a dissection of the CRT sales and ask the question: are classic cars a good analogy for CRT market right now?
Sorry the audio/video isn't up to our usual standard, we had loads of gremlins this week
* Louis has moved to a new place and just setup the studio
* Steve's computer kept crashing
* Riverside only recorded the video at 24fps
Retro World Expo: https://retroworldexpo.com
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Removing bullets from Starlink dishes in Ukraine w/ Oleg Kutkov - Cathode Ray Podcast #32
Today is a special episode, Louis is flying solo talking to Oleg Kutkov, a Ukrainian engineering who has a bunch of experience with the Starlink receiver dishes.
Oleg works as a network hardware engineer and was an early adopter of Starlink technology in Ukraine. Before the service was even available in his home country he had purchased a dish and was trying to reverse engineer and understand the technology. Then the war came and Elon made a "donation" of equipment. With many private citizens and military personnel using Starlink to aid the war effort in Ukraine, Oleg's knowledge has become extremely valuable and he is doing his best to help as much as he can.
Oleg popped up in my Twitter feed when Starlink was first turned on in Ukraine. I think he is a great example of the way private citizens can help the war effort. He has very specific and in-depth knowledge about these devices and he is doing his best to enable, service and repair these devices so they can continue to be used by the troops in the front line.
In the second half of the podcast Oleg shows us a Starlink dish is he attempting to repair which has two bullet holes in it. He also has the actual bullet which he retrieved from the unit.
0:00 Start
04:30 What's life like in Kiev right now?
08:30 Why did Oleg and his family chose to stay in Ukraine?
14:30 How are Ukrainians using tech to resist
17:00 Oleg's first experience coding back in the 90s
26:30 He already obtained a Starlink dish before the war to reverse engineer
28:00 Enabling Starlink service in Ukraine
33:00 Setting up / explaining a Starlink dish
37:00 No ethernet on latest Starlink routers is a BIG problem for military
42:00 How Oleg became unofficial Starlink support in Ukraine
45:00 Military uses of Starlink in the front lines
47:00 Why not 4G? Is 4G still working on the front lines?
50:00 Are Russians using Starlink?
53:00 Starlink dish with bullet holes
56:00 Oleg reverse engineers the dish to repair it
01:02:00 Has Starlink enabled sat to sat comms via laser?
01:06:00 Whats in the immediate future for Oleg?
Follow Oleg's work:
https://twitter.com/olegkutkov
https://olegkutkov.me
RGB Mods & CRT Shipping Advice - Cathode Ray Podcast #31
Webhdx - Creator of the PicoBoot Gamecube mod - Cathode Ray Podcast #30
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
We are really happy to have Webhdx, creator of the Picoboot Gamcube mod chip. His real name is Maciej Kobus and he comes from Katowice in Poland.
A software guy by day, he fell in love with the GameCube hardware and has come up with some great projects. After Picoboot, we talk about his upcoming M2.Loader, which will allow an M2 SSD to be plugged in under your console. In the episode I ask Maciej "Why an M2? Just because it fits?" and his answers show he has really thought these things out.
He also has created his own aftermarket Wavebird receiver which he is almost ready to manufactuer however the global parts storage is still a roadblock.
0:00 Start
01:10 Introduction to Maciej
07:00 Big GameCube fan
17:50 How did development of the PicoBoot start?
23:33 Why does PicoBoot use a Raspberry Pi Pico?
28:33 His reaction to scammers posing at him for donations
30:45 Maciej clarifies his view on PicoBoot AliExpress sellers
36:00 Will RPi Pico W be targeted for future versions or PicoBoot?
40:00 Why not some other (insert random board here)?
42:00 PicoBoot install FAQ
45:00 Getting modders onboard for the PicoBoot's launch
49:00 Upcoming M2.Loader for GameCube
1:00:10 Is there anything you can do to make it harder for cloners?
1:01:58 Wii Mini mods
1:04:09 He wants to manufacture his new products in his home country of Poland
1:09:41 His also upcoming Wavebird receiver replacement
Follow Wehhdx: https://twitter.com/webhdx
The Picoboot, affordable modchip for the GameCube: https://github.com/webhdx/PicoBoot
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Crackhead PVM, Insurance Fraud & Market Manipulation w/ 8-bit Esquire - Cathode Ray Podcast #29
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode we speak to Twitter funny guy the 8-bit Esquire. An attorney by day and big old retro gaming fan by night, the 8-bit Esquire has a great collection and a bunch of good stories to go along with it.
This podcast starts as a casual chat between friends and gets louder the more beers that Louis drinks.
00:00 Start
01:00 The background of the 8-bit Esquire
07:00 Where did his retro collection start?
12:00 The origin of Steve's collection
18:00 Is now the right time to sell into the market?
27:00 U-Ship is the best for CRTs
31:00 Steve is manipulating the market for sure
36:00 Buying a PVM from a crackhead
50:00 Time to sue UPS?
1:00:30 Steve witnesses insurance fraud
1:12:00 Why do we need insurance salespeople in 2022??
1:20:00 Louis likes to mess with sales people
1:32:00 8-Bit Esquires arcase stick collection
1:41:00 Steve blacks out the neighbourhood
1:47:00 Louis stole computer magazines as a kid
Follow the 8-bit Esquire: https://twitter.com/8bitesquire
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Is a CRT market "price correction" coming? - Cathode Ray Podcast #28
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
There are some audio issue with this episode, I apologise for this and hope its not too bad for you to listen to
0:00 Start
1:00 Steve does Yoga with the Diamond Cutter
7:02 Steve selling fully serviced PVMs
14:10 More background on the MiSTer controller lag tester
30:00 Louis wants to lag test projectors now
34:00 Lag test a cinema projector?
43:40 Working on a Sony XBR CRT
52:00 eBay CRT "Market Watch" (with visuals!)
53:00 What does Steve look for in a cheap PVM
58:00 Is the retro market due for a correction? CRTs?
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Repairing CRTs w/ Andy King - Cathode Ray Podcast #27
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode we talk to Andy King. Andy runs https://crtdatabase.com where he documents his work to repair and service CRTs. Andy also has a lot of experience RGB modding consumer sets and his website is one of the best resourcess available for that.
Andy runs a small CRT repair service based out of Northern California. If you are interested in his services, please reach out to him at https://twitter.com/dorksince93
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Our YouTube Creation Process - The Cathode Ray Podcast #26
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode the guys focus on their differing styles of video creation and why it's working for each of them.
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Tales from the CRT workshop - Cathode Ray Podcast #25
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
00:00 Start
04:45 Tell Him He's Dreaming' recap
11:05 SECAM discussion
15:00 PAL / NTSC / SECAM
28:00 Steve's video on those big ass CRTs
34:00 Tales from the CRT workshop
53:30 We react to eBay CRT listings (dreamin'!)
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Steve's trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - Cathode Ray Podcast #24
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together they talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
The last week Steve was visiting Houston, Texas where he was running a series of workshops for the Museum of Fine Art. The purpose was to educate their curators of this museum (an several other notable museums) about CRT preservation and maintenance. Steve tells the story of his 20 hour drive to Houston, the different workshops that he gave and what he learnt about the use of CRTs in the world of visual arts. He also saw a great wrestling match.
If you missed last week's episode, go back and check out Steve's tour of prominent 20th century artists who used CRTs in their work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubbs9AHsZcY
00:00 Start
1:16 MiSTer S-Video updates
3:28 Steve's trip to Houston
7:20 First day of presentations - PVM 2030 teardown
22:10 Steve tears-down a dotronix monitor for the first time
30:45 The HDMI to S-video converters driving the exhibitions
32:40 Backstage in the museums CRT storeroom
37:50 CRT or flat panel for visual art?
41:51 The extremely cool 80's Sont CRT projector
51:00 A night at the wrestling!
1:17:30 Steve's pickups from the Electronic Parts Outlet (EPO) in Houston
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Steve's tour of CRTs in Visual Art - Cathode Ray Podcast #23
*** NOTE: The second half of his episode is very visual, Steve talks us through a bunch of slides, so you may want to watch that part on YouTube instead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubbs9AHsZcY ***
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together they talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode Steve takes us on a fascinating tour of the world of CRT art. We tend to think retro gaming is the last bastion of our beloved CRTs however, these units have been used in visual art exhibitions since their inception. Steve is doing some upcoming consulting and maintenance work for a large museum with an extensive collection of CRTs. In preparation for that work, he created this presentation looking at some of the most notable uses of CRTs in visual arts in the second half of the 20th century.
We start with a catch up on the latest news about the MiSTer S-Video cores. Mike Simone has finalised his open source dongle design and Antonio Villena has made a limited release of his own adapters from his online shop in Spain. After this we get into Steve's presentation on the history of CRTs in visual arts.
00:00 Start
04:05 MiSTer S-Video updates
13:20 The "Retro Castle" IO board with a Saturn plug
20:00 It's hard to get info on Dotronix CRTs
23:00 Steve's been working hard preparing his CRT presentations
32:00 Background on why museums are interested in CRTs
36:50 Steve's presentation on CRTs in visual art (with slides!)
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
S-Video Explanation and Breakdown - Cathode Ray Podcast #22
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together they talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode we take a deep dive into the new MiSTer S-Video cores from Mike Simone. We discuss how the cores work, what cables you would need and give an explanation for how S-Video and composite video works.
00:00 Start
02:00 The back story behind the new MiSTer S-Video cores
11:00 Louis' poor explanation of dot crawl
15:30 The history of broadcast video and where S-Video came from
27:00 How composite video is generated from these cores
44:14 Steve's Polaroid Goodwill pickup
53:40 Louis' Switch Sports get delivered 5 days late
1:00:00 Steve's Costco Adventures
1:12:00 Late in the podcast and the boys get reflective on life
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
CRP21 - CRT Preservation & Restoration 📺 What are the biggest challenges facing the industry?
This special episode of the Cathode Ray Podcast was originally uploaded to Steve's Retro Tech USA channel
This is a conversation about CRT Preservation and restoration within the art world. There are many challenges facing museums when it comes to using CRTs in 2022.
For more information on repairs, diagnostics and to connect with Steve, please visit: https://www.patreon.com/retrotechUSA
20th episode special! CRT sellers are dreamin', Free payphones, Stories of misspent youth - Cathode Ray Podcast
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together they talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
This is our 20th episode and we want to thank you all for your enthusiasm and interest in our podcast. For this episode we start by chatting about our projects of the week. However, we recall our very first podcast together (Zezcast #2) and we get back into crazy stories about growing up as fired up young guys living in small towns.
I have a new series *Tell him he's dreamin'* where I breakdown local CRT listings (the affordable and not so affordable). If you have some great listings from your local area (especially Europe) hit me up on Twitter @zez
00:00 Start
07:00 Tell him he's dreamin' - Whacky prices for CRTs
15:00 The BVM card Steve has been working on
25:00 Stories about Nokia back in their hey-day in Finland
34:00 Payphones are free in Australia?
40:00 Stealing street signs and doing dumb stuff as kids
1:05:00 Naked Nutter
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
What is the future of RetroRGB? w/ Bob - Zezcast #7
The Zezcast is a series of podcasts where I sit down solo with my favourite creators and members of the retro gaming community and ask them about their backstory and how they do what they do.
In this episode I talk with Bob about the past, present and future of RetroRGB. I love talking about organisations, leadership and how to grow a community. We start with what does an average day and week look like for Bob. What work does he do and how does he coordinate the community on a daily basis?
We then look back at how RetroRGB was ~2 years ago. No doubt the community has grown significantly in that time. More than just moving from New York to the 'burbs, how has his work changed?
In the final part I ask Bob about the future of RetroRGB and what vision he is trying to move toward?
RetroRGB on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroRGB
Bob on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RetroRGB
I also have a podcast with my friend Steve Nutter from Retro Tech USA called "The Cathode Ray Podcast" where we discuss CRT's and retro tech in general
https://www.youtube.com/c/ZezRetro/
Steve and I maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio for the Zezcast and The Cathode Ray Podcast on the web or your favourite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch me on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
Retro FOMO & Whacky CRTs w/ Shank Mods - Cathode Ray Podcast #19
The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together they talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.
In this episode we have the pleasure of chatting with Shank from Shank Mods. You know him from that Hot Wheels PC video, GameCube Joy-cons and creating a portable Wii, among many other great portable modding projects.
Shank Mods on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/ShankMods
Our talk is a really casual chat with Shank about the mods he does, his love and background in CRTs and more details on 4 Layer Technologies the company he co-founded to provide components to enable more people to create portable systems https://4layertech.com
00:00 Start
02:20 The impact of his videos on our fomo
08:30 Shank's trip to the Computer Reset Warehouse
13:00 More talk about CRTs
27:10 The potential in HD CRTs
34:30 Time Sleuth hijinks
47:00 Buying pro and jank monitors from eBay
55:00 Shank's love of whacky CRTs: Shrek, Disney, Hot Wheels
1:04:00 Moving from CRTs to flat panels for Melee back in the day
1:14:00 Shank's home setup
1:25:00 Shank's PVM 20M2 repairs
1:31:00 His business "4 Layer Technologies" and their portable Wii kit
Steve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"
https://www.cathoderayblog.com
You can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast app
https://anchor.fm/zezretro
Catch us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/zez
https://twitter.com/usa_retro
For all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSA