Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Perhaps I should start by saying that the tasks to be undertaken on this page are not for those of you without electrical and soldering skills, but for the competent, the following circuit will give a quality picture and stereo sound through a television set from an Amstrad CPC6128 Plus, a CPC464 Plus and GX4000. The lead has been tested on a number of different makes of TV (with complete success), within, the age range of 1 to 4 years. I have been unable to find anyone admitting to owning a TV without AV switching so no provision has been made in the offered lead for these old obsolete televisions.

Info added April 2007:- Do note that this lead was designed some 5 years ago and many modern TV's do not have the required connections on their Scart sockets to enable this lead to work!

• PARTS AND TOOLS REQUIRED.
• Scart Plug (also known as an Euroconnector or Peritel Plug).
• 8 pin male DIN Plug.
• 6 feet of six core cable.
• 6 feet of twin screened cable.
• 15 watt Soldering Iron.
• Solder.
• Electrical tape (or cable ties).
• MultiMeter.
• Side cutters, Long nosed pliers and a small screw driver (all of which can be found in any DIY tool box).

Just in case it is not obvious, use the six core cable to connect the DIN plug video/RGB connections to the Scart plug and the twin screened cable is for the sound connections to the Scart Plug. Now that the Scart lead has been made up following the above diagram, tape the two leads together (or use cable ties). Now you will need to turn to making a suitable power supply for your CPC Plus/GX4000 machine.

The GX4000 offers a Scart socket for connection to a TV (The Pin connections are listed wrongly in it's manual!). You will need to use the power supply (if not already defective) as issued with the machine, when using a Scart lead.

POWER SUPPLY.
You will need to find a Power Supply Unit giving a 5 volt regulated DC output. The advanced 3 inch disc drive as fitted to the CPC6128+ does not require 12 volts. Both the CPC464Plus and GX4000 will work fine using the same 5 volt power supply. The + voltage should be in the centre of the 2.5mm DC power connecting plug.
An excellent option to use as a Power Supply Unit, is as supplied by Commodore for their various models of computer. Cheap to buy, with a mains on/off switch and colour matched to the CPC+ machines. 5 volts DC is available from all units so far encountered (but do check the base of the unit for specifications) with current ratings at between 2.5 and 4.3 amps.

It is well worth the effort of making up a Scart lead and power supply unit for your CPC Plus/GX4000 machines, as the quality of picture and sound far exceeds that obtained from a Black/White or colour monitor. Games are given a new meaning when played using a 32 inch wide screen Television.

NB Due to the nature of Television design there is a possibility that the lead will not work on every make and model of TV sold thoughout the world.

Return to Help index page.