Build the Hardware
Gbs-control is a replacement controller and firmware for GBS8200 upscaler boards.
It runs on the popular ESP8266 microcontroller and is developed using the Arduino plattform.
GBS8200 upscalers can be bought on Ebay, at prices around $20.
Ebay also has ESP8266 microcontroller boards for about $5.
The ones called "Wemos D1" and NodeMCU work well and are recommended.
You need the GBS upscaler, an ESP8266 board, a bit of cabling and a method (wire link, jumper) for disabling the onboard processor. Power for the ESP8266 can be provided by, for example:
- using the same power supply that powers the GBS > into the MCU boards "Vin" (recommended)
- using the GBS regulated Vcc (3.3V) > into the MCU boards "3.3V" input (not recommended)
- a development PC USB port (not recommended)
Connect the ESP8266 boards ground to a convenient ground point on the GBS.
Connect the two I2C bus wires (SDA, SCL).
- Wemos D1: SDA to D14, SCL to D15
- NodeMCU: SDA to D2, SCL to D1
- Use a jumper to bridge the 2 pins below the first programming port (see pictures)
To enable automatic image position and timing adjustment, the MCU needs to know some timings. Carefully solder a wire from the pictured DebugPin to:
- Wemos D1 / NodeMCU pin D6
- Are SDA / SCL reversed? It's safe to reverse them and try again.
- The debug pin does not have to be connected for gbscontrol to work.
- Forgot to install the jumper that disables the GBS original controller?
- ~100 Ohm resistor to ground on Sync-in is installed?
- when using a sync stripper: Is the LM1881 source voltage 5V?
The Arduino IDE serial monitor shows debug information at 115200 baud.
If your ESP8266 is connected to a computer via USB, you can access this serial monitor to find out more about the issue.