Please, check our SMD/THT services - smd.lotharek.pl; from idea to ready devices                                                                                                                                   

Please, check our SMD/THT services - smd.lotharek.pl; from idea to ready devices                                                                                                                                   

Currency

Shop categories

Hydra2 REVISED


Hydra2 REVISED

Our price:

719.09 PLN

Change currency:

USDGBPEUR

Weight: 0.7 kg

Login or register to buy

Buy more, pay less:

  • for 2 pieces and more - 3% (697.52 PLN)
  • for 5 pieces and more - 3% (697.52 PLN)
  • for 10 pieces and more - 3% (697.52 PLN)
  • for 50 pieces and more - 3% (697.52 PLN)
Like Ask Tell

 

 

  • Since APRIL 2023 - revised version with power switch and extra fuses

 

 

 

Fully automatic SCART switch with full galvanic inputs separation

  (bold - new features comparing  to HYDRA2)

 

  • 8 scart inputs ( RGB, s-video, composite) - easily expandable to 16 or 24 inputs with HYDRA HEADS device
  • 2 scart ouput -  now, You can connect Your 2 ouput devices !!
  • "Knight rider" style active scart detection
  • full ROHS
  • expandable with 2 additional HYDRA HEADS devices to offer outstanding 24inputs scart functionality
  • AVR controller with firmware future updates
  • HQ plexi transparent ( made by me ;-) at my laser machine)
  • STEREO RCA audio output 
  • IR controlled
  • Improved signal detection histerisis / all cables shall work now/
  • 3 independant audio buffers for each audio output 
  • SYNC ON GREEN  mode for scart input 2 (SW7 - SOG SWITCH)
  • RGB ONLY / AUTO mode for scart input 8 (SW8 )
  • fully compatible with HYDRA2 firmware
  • manual/automatic mode
  • DUAL POWER INPUT :  REGULAR MICRO USB MOBILE CHARGER 5V (preffered, sugegsted, asked, etc...)  or  power supply: 
    • 2.1 / 5.1 barrel jack
    • 7.5V-9V AC/DC - 10V is MAX !! 
    • DC polarity independant
  • TTL SYNC can be switch on on both outputs the same time, even if one receiver is 75ohm capable only
  • added extra protection at SCART INPUTS to protects NCS chips
  • DIMENSIONS DRAWING - CLICK

 

DISCLAIMER:

  • if You supply 9V to barrel jack as power supply:
    • hydra power zone will get hot . IT IS NORMAL !
    • every hydra heads unit connected, power zone will become even hotter ! IT IS NORMAL !
    • Hydra has a polimer fuse - more hot it gets, quicker it will act and power off device
    • I really do suggest use micro usb 1500mA mobile phone charger; in that situation Hydra needs no step down volatge regulating and doesnt emit lost energy as a heat
    • All step down voltage is done with OLD SCHOOL low drops to avoid interefrences.
    • You cannot cheat / beat  physics !!!
    • Power consumption (one input/one output):
      • HYDRA 2 - no HHeads unit   ~ 0,55 A
      • HYDRA 2  + 1 HHeads unit   ~ 0,77 A
      • HYDRA 2  + 2 HHeads units  ~ 1A 
    • Check You setup and coressponmdnig values. Mentioned values are nominal and power supply shall supply at least 50% more  current for peace of mind 

 

  •  

 

Do not use garbage power supply – any decent micro usb mobile charger will do the work.. and please be careful with USB SOCKET 😉

 

 

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 / disconnect SCART PLUGS 

when HYDRA is ON

especially when CONSOLE/SYSTEM is ON !

 

 

 

USE SIMPLEST SCART CABLES POSSIBBLE

  • No tricky electronics inside as NOT NEEDED. Hydra has built in all necessary features
  • Hydra accepts following sync signals at pin 20 of scart:
    • composite video 
    • luma
    • composite sync  ( please, read FAQ tab above)

 

 

BUTTONS:

  • left SW3  - scan for active source to the left from active one (if active is far left, no action) /  next scart in manual mode
  • right SW1 - scan for active source to the right from active one (if active is far right, no action) / previous scart in manual mode
  • middle SW2 - HD/LOW PASS filter (led on/off) - default ON; more details HERE, page 11
  • left+right pressed - disables "knight rider led effect" 
  • middle + right - Automatic/manual mode
  • middle + left - mute audio
  • SW4/SW5 - TTL / 75Ohm switch sync ( do not use on 75Ohm receivers !). LED ON = TTL SYNC OUTPUT
    • SW4 for scart output J2 (left)
    • SW5 for scart output J3 (right)

 

SWITCHES:

  • SW7 - SYNC ON GREEN  mode for scart input 2 ; DEFAULT OFF, LED OFF
  • SW8 - RGB ONLY / AUTO mode for scart input 8 ( Amstrad Computers, ZX 128 +2/3), DEFAULT AUTO

 

 

 

 

Soon - more info about remote codes learnig

 


 

CONNECTING HYDRA HEADS TO HYDRA2

 

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.

 

 

 

 


Product gallery


 

 

FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE: Step by step (in progress...)

  • download last firmware 
  • obtain USBASP programmer (example)
  • download software for programmer (example)
  • connect usbasp (or any avr programmer) to KANDA connector of HYDRA 

 

 

if You have female connector at Your ISP6 adapter, dual angled 6 pin header will be needed.

 

 

  • run Your AVR programming software / select ATMEGA48 chip

 

 

  • load *.HEX file ( OPEN --> Hydra2_XXXXXXX.HEX)
  • flash it by WRITE ALL button/ ignore messages of wrong chip

 

 

 
 
 
  • Audio buffer mute fixed
  • scanning delay fixed

 

 

Changes:

  • audio muting in manual mode in some cases
  • locking on device is more persistent and solid
  • few minor bug fixes 

 

 

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: Hydra1 was making  "click sounds" when scanning. Does Hydra2 the same ?

A:  NEW ! Hydra2.1 shall mute completly whilst scanning... in tests

 

 

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 !!

 

480p (reported as 525p 50Hz on ossc) works
480p (reported as 525p 60Hz on ossc) works
720p (reported as 750p 50Hz on ossc) works
720p (reported as 750p 60Hz on ossc) works
1080i (reported as 1125i 50Hz on ossc) works
1080i (reported as 1125i 60Hz on ossc) works
1080p (reported as 1125p 50Hz on ossc) works
1080p (reported as 1125p 60Hz on ossc) works

 

 

 

Q: How to use my remote control with HYDRA ?

A: First, Your HYDRA must learn codes of Your remote.  PRESS AND HOLD middle button during POWER ON to enter learning procedure. Hydra will be flashing wih leds accordignly, expecting proper button being pressed to assign codes sent by remote for followng actions (below manula from MINI HYDRA, but ruless are the same..)

 

SCAN RIGHT FOR NEXT ACTIVE SOURCE

   

 

SCAN LEFT  FOR NEXT ACTIVE SOURCE

 

MANUAL SELECTION OF SCART PORT 1

 

MANUAL SELECTION OF SCART PORT 2

 

MANUAL SELECTION OF SCART PORT 3

 

MANUAL SELECTION OF SCART PORT 4

 

MANUAL SELECTION OF SCART PORT 5

 

SD/HD FILTER TOGGLE BUTTON

 

LEDS  TOGGLE BUTTON (leds on / off)

 

 

MUTE / AUDIIO OUTPUTS  ACTIVE

 

MONO/STEREO (when mono input applied, both audio out channels will equal)