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Assembly guide (computer)

Building options

Whithin the same board, you may choose from several building options:

  • Supported video modes:
    • Colour only (Durango·S)
    • HIRES only (Durango·R)
    • Both modes (Durango·X, recommended option)
  • Monitor output:
    • SCART (colour via RGB, recommended option)
    • Sync-on-green (v1) / Component video (v2+)
  • Composite encoding:
    • Greyscale (standard in v1)
    • Luminance (standard in v2+, recommended option)

Warning

It is known that many modern TVs are not compatible with the 240/288p signal supplied by Durango-X thru the Component Video input. In such cases, if a suitable YPbPr-to-HDMI converter is not available (we're researching on that), you may always use the composite video input, although in greyscale mode. Note that this will perform fine in HIRES mode.

Tip

If you can hook a PlayStation 2 thru Component video input and properly play a PS1 game on it, your TV is most likely compatible with Durango-X.

There are some independent options as well, you may add them as desired:

  • Second audio/video output
  • PAL encoder (for composite output, NOT recommended)
  • Piezo buzzer for audio

BOM

Before you begin soldering, please make sure you've got both the PCB and ALL of the components needed, and that they fit the footprints on the PCB. Depending on the chosen configuration, some components may vary. In some cases, values are not mandatory and might be changed to fit your stock.

Since this is a modular board which allows several configuration options, make sure you get the right components for your choice. Generally speaking:

  • Single-digit designator: common components needed for all configurations.
  • 1xx (100 to 199) designators: if colour mode is required (Durango·S and ·X).
  • 2xx (200 to 299) designators: if HIRES mode is required (Durango·R and ·X).
  • 3xx (300 to 399) designators: whenever both video modes coexist (Durango·X only, otherwise is a single-mode Durango).
  • 4xx (400 to 499) designators: for the video mode settings register (resolution, inverse, greyscale, screen-switching, Emilio's LED).
  • 5xx (500 to 599) designators: for the extra video features (readable video mode, horizontal & vertical blanking detection).
  • 6xx (600 to 699) designators: components for Component Video output (v2 only)/PAL encoder option (v1 only)
  • 7xx (700 to 799) designators: if the second video output is required (includes audio for the option above). Range not used on v1
  • 8xx (800 to 899) designators: if HIRES mode is NOT fitted (Durango·S only).
  • 9xx (900 to 999) designators: if SCART video output is required. Range not used on v1

v1 with Sync-on-green option adds J005 as well.

Tip

The standard build (SCART-equipped fully software-featured Durango·X) would use all components except designators 6xx, 7xx and 8xx.

Step by step

Warning

This is a particularly complex project so it's assumed you've got some experience soldering electronic circuits.

First of all, please read the general advice suitable for all of the boards. But before soldering, have into account this particular board's peculiarities:

  • IOx and Expansion (sidecar) connectors must be placed ABSOLUTELY FLUSH to the board, otherwise fitting peripherals may become difficult or right impossible!
  • Some video output options are compatible and may be installed simultaneously, but some others have overlapping footprints and aren't. Other than that, all the components can be fitted to the board without any problems, no matter the selected configuration.
  • If you plan to use the suggested keyboard/gamepads interface board, do NOT solder D6 and D4 yet (POWER and ERROR LEDs) as they must be set at the proper height in order to be visible over the keyboard PCB.

Bug

v2 and v2.1 PCBs have a design bug which displays the picture heavily shifted to the left of the screen (although the whole area stays visible). Check the hacks and fixes section for an easy mod to fix this. v2.2 and later are NOT affected by this bug, as wasn't v1.

Video Output Calibration

Adjustment procedure in order to get the best video output from a Durango computer

Troubleshooting

Not working? Don't panic!