AV:Extron CrossPoint

From ConsoleMods Wiki
Revision as of 17:56, 31 July 2022 by Derf (talk | contribs) (Manual)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

If you have the space for a very large device, a great option would be to get an RGBHV switch with BNC connectors. A common and excellent switch to buy is the Extron Crosspoint series of switches. Most of them include multiple matrix outputs, as well as audio ports (generally only on "HVA" models).

Manual for Extron CrossPoints.

Connectors

Unfortunately, most Extron CrossPoint switches come without audio connectors. Audio connector options include:

  • Using "captive screw to phoenix connectors", which Extron sells on their website.
  • RCA Phoenix connectors, from RCA Extron or a third party. Often times the third party ones will cover the vertical sync port of each input, which may or may not be an issue for your setup.
  • Third party "3.5mm phono AUX to Phoenix" adapters.
  • For some CrossPoint models you can also use rattboi's SCART adapters.

Before connecting your consoles, you'll need to determine a few things:

  1.  Does the switch require CSYNC or can it accept composite video and luma as sync? All CrossPoints require CSYNC!
  2. Will your switch output 75 Ohm CSYNC, TTL sync, or does it have a switch for both? Check your manual to find out!
  3. What size BNC switch are you using? Larger switches require cables that have longer BNC ends, in order to fit all the way across all the ports.

The best solution for CrossPoints is getting cables that connect directly from the console to the switch. Retro Console Accessories is now offering direct console-to-BNC cables and if you need a longer BNC end, just let them know when purchasing. Another (possibly more expensive) alternative would be using your existing RGB SCART cables with adapter cables for each console. You can even get a version with a built-in sync stripper, which might be the best solution for PS1, PS2 and possibly even N64 (depending on the mod).

For VGA cables with longer ends, try searching for "Extron SYM BNCM" cables. They come in sizes ranging from 6 inches all the way to 75 feet! Below is an example of VGA to BNC cables who's ends are too short for the larger Extron switches (left picture), as well as the SYM BNCM with the longer connectors on the right:
SYM BNCM.jpg

Provided you have the modding skills, another alternative would be to add a custom RGB output to your systems and use a VGA to BNC cable, such as the "BNCM" cable pictured above. An Xbox 360 component cable is a good candidate for this as there is enough signal lines to support RGBS and audio left/right.

Creating Labels

Extron Crosspoint Header.jpg

  1. Download the Extron CrossPoint labels pack by cosmickatamari and extract the contents.
  2. Open the extronlabels.xcf (GIMP) or extronlabels.psd (Photoshop) file.
  3. Move/add/remove the console labels around as needed.
    • If you want to add an image, the max pixel size is 59 width and 43 height. For most of the logos, resizing won’t be a problem but the longer logos (ie. PS2 and PSP) they will be significantly wider and not as tall. You will want to find transparent files, which generally are available as PNG.
  4. Print the label strip. For best results, print on cardstock or matte paper as plain paper is too thin.
  5. Use a push pin to remove the clear cover on the CrossPoint, insert the paper slip, and put the cover back on.