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LumaDecoder

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c0pperdragon edited this page Oct 6, 2026 · 5 revisions

External device to decode lumacode and create analog RGBS/RGsB/YPbPr. This is useful if you want to bring the signal from a lumacode-enabled computer directly to a CRT or other analog monitor.

sonic

Input ports

RCA jack to receive the lumacode signal. Micro-USB socket for power and firmware updates.

front

Output port

A DE-15 socket (same form as for VGA) to carry either RGBS, RGsB or YPbPr. You need to provide a suitable cable to go to your monitor. There are quite some ready-made options available to connect this to SCART, RCA, BNC, or DE-15 inputs.

back

Output modes

You can use the 3-way switch to chose one of the signal output options. The R/Pb, G/Y, B/Pb signals are available on pins 1, 2, 3 of the DE-15 socket. Composite sync is always available on pin 13 regardless of the mode. Pin 14 always provides 3.3V through a 100 ohm resistor and this can be used as signaling voltage when connecting to a SCART input.

Buttons

The two buttons let you cycle through the various supported lumacode types. With a long press, you open up the calibration menu for the current mode. Use short presses to move through options and long presses to start/stop modifiying the options.

Calibration

Due to manufacturing variances, you may have to tweak some of the parameters to receive the input signal without noise. These are "VOLTAGE LEVEL" and "PHASE OFFSET". When calibrating these values, you best determine where the points are where the signal starts to get noisy on either side and then set the value to the middle.

Firmware update

When a new firmware is available, you can use a PC or Mac to easily install the firmware on the LumaDecoder. The firmware is just a single file you will be able to download on this page. The LumaDecoder has a hidden push button beneath a small hole in the case. You need to use some thin object (toothpick, match, paperclip, etc.) to keep the button pressed while pluggin the USB cable into the PC/Mac. The LumaDecoder will present itself as a USB drive to the host computer. Then just drop the firmware file into the root folder and the LumaDecoder will install and directly start this firmware.

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