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Fully automatic SCART switch with full galvanic inputs separation.
How doees it work ?
Imagine, You have many retro system in use. Amiga, Atari ST, ZX spectrum, etc... And You have only one classical TV/Monitor with one SCART INPUT. Each time, You want to switch system, You have to connect Your machine to Your monitor. Everytime, You do it - You damage scart socket inside. Those days are over. Connect up to 24 computers/consoles to HYDRA, then connect HYDRA to Your TV/Monitor and power on hydra. Since now, HYDRA will detect active scart input and forward all signals to Your monitor. Simple and efficent.
Please, remember : NEVER CONNECT TO HYDRA POWERED ON DEVICE!
(nevertheless Hydra2 has additional ESD protection that should save Your device)
BUTTONS:
Soon - more info about remote codes learnig
Hydra2 8port scart switcher, may be “easily” expanded with 2 additional HYDRA HEADS devices to offer outstanding 24inputs scart functionality.
How does it work ?
After establishing connection with flat cables between HYDRA (master unit) and HYDRA HEADS (slave unit), user forces HYDRA to work with HEADS expansion and 8 additional scart inputs it offers. BOTTOM SWITCH MUST BE SET IN 16P mode.
How about connecting another Hydra Heads to already connected one ?
Additional Hydra Heads unit may be added to previously installed one to achieve 24 inputs. BOTTOM SWITCH MUST BE SET IN 24P mode.
Q.What happens if i have two active sources the same time ?
Nothing, First applied input is a master signal. You can switch to next one by pressing buttons ( previous/next) or switching first computer off
Q: I have a PlayStation 1 have hooked up to it and it does not seem to work.I am using a very high performance scart cord from the hydra to the adapter and all of my scart cables are from retro gaming cables in the UK or retro gaming accessories from ebay.
A: You have a sync stripper installed inside scart socket and "composite sync" signal exceeds voltage level, definied by scart signal standart. Please, have a look at table below - source: http://martin.hinner.info/vga/scart.html). Instead of desired 0.7 Vpp (on 0.3V) You get 4Vpp. As Your TV may not care, Hydra may not detect Your signal.
What Can You do:
"Be aware that in the context of retro gaming, there are two types of csync signals: TTL and 75 Ohm. Most displays and processors will require 75 Ohm csync, but some can accept TTL. As a general rule, unless your setup specifically requires otherwise, your target goal is that the cables you use with your consoles will all be outputting a 75 Ohm signal and the target device will also be receiving a 75 Ohm signal."
Please, remeber and keep in mind, that HYDRA may
not lock on scanning on input with composite sync of TTL LEVEL (4Vpp),
as SCART STANDART ASSUMES 1Vpp including sync
(http://martin.hinner.info/vga/scart.html)
| Pin | Signal | Level | Impedance |
| 1 | Audio Out Right | 0.5 V rms | <1k ohm |
| 2 | Audio In Right | 0.5 V rms | >10k ohm |
| 3 | Audio Out Left + Mono | 0.5 V rms | <1k ohm |
| 4 | Ground Audio | ||
| 5 | RGB Ground Blue | ||
| 6 | Audio In Left + Mono | 0.5 V rms | >10k ohm |
| 7 | RGB Blue In | 0.7 V | 75 ohm |
| 8 | Audio/RGB switch / 16:9 | High (9.5-12V) AVmode Low (0-2V) TVmode |
>10kohm |
| 9 | RGB Ground Green | ||
| 10 | Comms Data 2 | ||
| 11 | RGB Green In | 0.7 V | 75 ohm |
| 12 | Comms Data 1 | ||
| 13 | RGB Ground Red | ||
| 14 | Ground Data | ||
| 15 | RGB Red In / Chrominance | 0.7 V (Chrom.: 0.3 V burst) | 75 ohm |
| 16 | Blanking Signal | High (1-3V) RGB Low (0-0.4V) Composite |
75 ohm |
| 17 | Ground Composite Video | ||
| 18 | Ground Blanking Signal | ||
| 19 | Composite Video Out | 1V including sync | 75 ohm |
| 20 | Composite Video In | 1V including sync | 75 ohm |
| 21 | Ground/Shield (Chassis) |
Q: Hydra1 was making "click sounds" when scanning. Does Hydra2 the same ?
A: No, HYDRA2 mutes outputs during scan
Q: Hydra acts strange. doesn`t detect inputs, sound is disturbed, video blurry...etc
A: Two words: POWER SUPPLY. Please, use decent one.
Q: Hydra gives "jumpy" picture. I have SNES and my cable is pal one.
A: HYDRA has built in signal termination - 75ohm resistors to gnd. If Your cable has this feature, picture will be darker and may be jumpy. Remove passive elements on RGB lines. please, read next one answer
Q: Hydra is very problematic with my systems.
A: No. it is not. problematic are Your cables. Please, keep in mind, that hydra has built in many features, like sync stripper for signal detection on scart, signal termination, low/high pass filters. Please, use regular and simple cables to connect Your systems. For best effects, please considering direct RGB connection, composite video connection and sound to scart socket. ONLY EXCEPTION is RGB switch - 16pin of scart input. it must be pulled high by resistor from 5V to make hydra switch into RGB MODE. How to get proper signal from You system - http://www.retrorgb.com/csync
Q. I want to send component through the whydra2 as well and I wonder if that is possible?
480p component works well through the W-Hydra2 with proper adapter ( https://www.amazon.de/Scart-Svideo-Comp-Kurzad-umschaltbar/dp/B0014HB7T6) - Thaks Jonas to for deep tests and report !!
FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE: (thanks to Frank Skilton for debugging)
 | Amiga SCART cable RGB Not yet available |
 | MIST SCART cable Our price: 55.00 PLN |
 | Extension board for Hydra / Hydra2 Our price: 349.00 PLN |
 | RGB mod for all HYDRAs Our price: 39.99 PLN |
| Mod for all HYDRAs Our price: 39.99 PLN |
