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X11 Exclusive Installation

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NTG edited this page May 30, 2026 · 8 revisions

🚧 WORK IN PROGRESS!!! 🚧

Important

This guide is for the standard x86_64 Batocera v43 image.

The HD/CRT Mode Switcher app is available on X11 Exclusive installs too. You do not need Zen3 Dual-Boot to use the Mode Switcher.

Use Dual-Boot Installation only if you need the Zen3 Wayland image for an HD monitor (e.g. Steam Deck built-in display or supported PC Monitor Combo) and you plan to use the Mode Switcher to switch between HD and CRT. Otherwise, stay on this X11 path.

Important Information (Same as v42)

You're no longer locked to the connector used during installation. The installer lets you choose the CRT output port (including ports that appear "disconnected"). You can also change the port later by rerunning the script and selecting a different output.

What this means in practice

  • You may install while using any temporary display (HDMI monitor) or SSH with no display at all.
  • During setup, simply pick the port that will drive your CRT (e.g., VGA-1, DVI-I-1, DP-1 via DAC).
  • The script writes a clean 10-monitor.conf for your chosen connector and backs up any old one.
  • Later port changes are supported: rerun the script, select another output, and the config will be updated safely.

Note

You do NOT need an LCD or temporary monitor connected to run the script. SSH installation works headless. The "set VIDEO OUTPUT to HD first" step applies only to Dual-Boot/Zen3 Wayland setups, not X11 Exclusive.

Complete the pre-installation checklist on the main installation guide before you start.

Step 1: Flash Batocera v43

  1. Flash the image using BalenaEtcher or similar

  2. Install the drive into your PC

  3. CRT safety: Keep your CRT powered off or on a different input during BIOS/post boot. The default output may send unsafe signals before Batocera initializes CRT-safe modelines.

Step 2: Install the Batocera CRT Script

Option A: Installation via SSH (Recommended)

  1. Boot Batocera and connect to your network (WiFi or Ethernet)

  2. SSH into your Batocera system:

    ssh root@batocera.local

    (Default password: linux)

  3. Install the CRT Script via SSH using either command below:

    You can install the script using either of the commands below.
    They are functionally identical — just different URLs pointing to the same script.

    • Option 1 – bit.ly (short link): copy and paste into your SSH session:

      bash <(curl -Ls https://bit.ly/batocera-crt-script | sed 's/\r$//')

    • Option 2 – Pastebin (direct link): copy and paste into your SSH session:

      bash <(curl -s https://pastebin.com/raw/iC21J0W6 | sed 's/\r$//')

    Optional: scan the QR code on your phone to open the script link:

    QR Code for Mobile Installation

    This command chain downloads the latest version, extracts its contents, moves the folder, sets script permissions, preserves backups (if any), and runs the installer.

  4. Follow the onscreen instructions for configuring your CRT output: See How to CRT Script Configuration

  5. When prompted, press Enter to reboot

Option B: Manual Installation

Use this if installing via file transfer over the network:

  1. Press the Code button on the GitHub repo and choose Download ZIP

  2. Extract Batocera-CRT-Script-main.zip into a temporary folder on your PC

  3. Access Batocera over your network: 📎 Batocera Network File Transfer Guide

  4. Drag and drop the extracted Batocera-CRT-Script folder into /userdata/system (Via SMB, you're already in /userdata)

  5. Connect via SSH: 📎 Batocera SSH Guide

  6. In SSH terminal, run:

    cd /userdata/system/Batocera-CRT-Script/Batocera_ALLINONE
chmod 755 Batocera-CRT-Script-v43.sh
./Batocera-CRT-Script-v43.sh

  7. Follow the same onscreen prompts as Option A-4

Step 3: After Reboot — Verify Settings

The script automatically configures VIDEO OUTPUT and VIDEO MODE during installation. Unlike v42, you no longer need to manually set these in Emulation Station.

After rebooting:

  1. Connect your CRT to the port you selected during installation

  2. Wait for Emulation Station to load on your CRT

  3. Press START → SYSTEM SETTINGS > HARDWARE

  4. Verify (do not manually configure unless something is wrong):

    • VIDEO OUTPUT should show your CRT port (e.g., VGA-1, DVI-I-1, or DP-1)
    • VIDEO MODE should show a Boot_ prefixed mode matching your chosen resolution (e.g., Boot_480i 1.0:0:0 15KHz 60Hz)

Note

If both settings look correct, no changes are needed. The script handled this for you.

If Settings Are Not Set

If VIDEO OUTPUT or VIDEO MODE are missing or wrong:

  1. Manually set VIDEO OUTPUT to your CRT port
  2. Manually set VIDEO MODE to the appropriate Boot profile:
    • 15kHz: Boot_480i 1.0:0:0 15KHz 60Hz (640×480) or Boot_576i 1.0:0:0 15KHz 50Hz (768×576)
    • 31kHz: Boot_480i 1.0:0:0 31KHz 60Hz (640×480)

Summary: X11 Exclusive at a Glance

  1. Flash v43 x86_64 image
  2. Boot Batocera (CRT off or on different input during BIOS)
  3. Run CRT Script via SSH or manual transfer
  4. Select CRT output port and configuration profile
  5. Reboot when script completes
  6. Connect CRT and verify VIDEO OUTPUT & VIDEO MODE are set
  7. Emulation Station should appear on your CRT

Troubleshooting

Black Screen on CRT After Install

  • Verify VIDEO OUTPUT matches the port your CRT cable is connected to
  • Rerun the script and reselect the correct port if needed
  • Check that your CRT is powered on and set to the correct input

Port Not Listed During Script

  • Press R to rescan outputs
  • Try an EDID/dummy plug on the analog output
  • For AMD R9 380 and similar: run the script once to re-enable analog outputs, reboot, then rerun (see main installation guide)

No Picture at All

  • Confirm you selected the correct analog-capable port (VGA, DVI-I, or DP with DAC)
  • HDMI and DVI-D cannot output 15 kHz analog signals directly
  • Rerun the script and try a different port selection

Return to: Batocera CRT Script Installation Guide

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