Converting S-video to RCA?

Question

So I made the adapter described here:

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/svideo2cvideo.html

using a 1000pf capacitor, as that is the smallest Radio Shack sells. The problem is that the Circuit isn't working - I get no video through it. I have checked and it's wired up right, there's no shorts. When pluged into an S-video source I measure about 2.5v DC coming all the way through to the RCA plug.

Any ideas on why it's not working? TIA

Answer 1

If the circuit design calls for a ceramic capacitor with 470 picofarads and you're using one rated at 1000, then that is very likely the problem.

At such small values, precision becomes fairly critical.

One thing you could try is taking the capacitor out and merely mixing the Y/C components together and see what happens.

If you find that you need the capacitor, you could try to order one from an online source, such as Digi-Key.

www.digikey.com

Or, you can try your luck on eBay.  I must admit, it is getting more difficult to find even off-the-shelf parts.

Answer 2

well if its ask for a 470pf and youre using 1000pf that should be a problem in a circuit like that you can use a larger one but i not think up to 1000 beside for the cost of the project you could be better buying the adapter.

http://www.rcsnet.com/www_site/category....

Answer 3

If that's all they had at the store you went to... I'm thinking it may have been sold in a multipack.  If so, try this:  You could wire a second one in series!  This will give you 500pf.  Or wire 3 in series, and that will you will give you 333.3pf!

Answer 4

I would recheck the wiring.  From reading the article, your 1000pF capacitor should work so the only other possible problem is that you haven't wired it up properly.  Make sure you have correctly identified the four pins.  They are showing you the female side connector from the equiment back panel view.

"Can I use different capacitor values ?

The circuit diagram lists the capacitor value 470 pF. Somewhat different capacitor values would also work. Practically all capacitor values form around 400 pF to around 10 nF should work somehow acceptably. "